Comparison · Rotterdam vs The Hague · Netherlands
Rotterdam vs The Hague
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Choose Rotterdam for Modern architecture and Erasmus Bridge; choose The Hague for Mauritshuis, Girl with a Pearl Earring and free sights. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 20 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 20 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Rotterdam
- May–September
- Best time for The Hague
- May–September
Side by side
| Rotterdam | The Hague | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Netherlands | Netherlands |
| Known for | Modern architecture, Erasmus Bridge and Markthal | Mauritshuis, Girl with a Pearl Earring and Peace Palace |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $170–$300 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 23°C (73°F) | July, 22°C (72°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 6°C (43°F) | January, 6°C (43°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 6 | 9 |
| Day trips in our guide | 8 | 7 |
| Beaches | Hoek van Holland | Scheveningen |
| Airports | RTM, AMS, EIN | AMS, RTM |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Rotterdam for…
Modern architecture and Erasmus Bridge. Rotterdam's centre was largely destroyed by bombing in May 1940, and the city chose to rebuild in a modern way rather than recreate what was lost. The result is a skyline of towers along the Nieuwe Maas, the Erasmus Bridge, the Cube Houses, the Markthal and…
Choose The Hague for…
Mauritshuis, Girl with a Pearl Earring and free sights. The Hague is the Dutch seat of government and royal city, home to the King's working palace, international courts in the Peace Palace and dozens of embassies, while Amsterdam remains the capital. Its compact centre around the Hofvijver pond holds the…
Top sights compared
| # | Rotterdam | The Hague |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Markthal | Mauritshuis |
| 2 | Cube Houses and Oude Haven | Hofvijver and Binnenhof |
| 3 | Erasmus Bridge | Kunstmuseum Den Haag |
| 4 | Euromast | Escher in Het Paleis |
| 5 | Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen | Peace Palace |
Food compared
| Rotterdam | The Hague |
|---|---|
| Kibbeling | Raw herring |
| Raw herring | Kibbeling |
| Kapsalon | Rijsttafel |
| Bitterballen | Saté |
Which is cheaper?
Rotterdam and The Hague cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $170–$300 in Rotterdam and $170–$300 in The Hague (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Rotterdam on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Rotterdam and The Hague are about 20 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Rotterdam and 3 in The Hague.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Rotterdam or The Hague cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $170–$300 in Rotterdam and $170–$300 in The Hague (estimates).
+Is Rotterdam or The Hague better for a first trip?
Pick Rotterdam for Modern architecture and Erasmus Bridge, or The Hague for Mauritshuis, Girl with a Pearl Earring and free sights.
+How far is Rotterdam from The Hague?
About 20 km in a straight line.