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The good news for Americans visiting Europe is they no longer need a travel permit to visit…for now.
Bad news is much of Europe can be pricey hence the fact many Americans only get to visit Europe sparingly in their lifetime.
But if you’re dead set on crossing the pond, there’s one surprising city that’s been named one of the most affordable destinations in Europe this spring.
Lined with vibrant neighborhoods, blooming wildflowers, and ample canals winding through the cityscape, this underrated Dutch city is well worth visiting, especially since it’s so wallet-friendly.
Rotterdam: One Of Amsterdam’s Best Alternatives
Amsterdam is one of those cities travelers can’t wrap their minds around. “Am I welcome or am I not?” is what travelers nowadays find themselves asking. The Netherlands’ most popular city has made it known globally that it is no longer the life of the party.
Asked to steer clear of any shenanigans while visiting, travelers wonder why locals can partake but not those who forked over hundreds of dollars on airfare just to get here.
That’s a fair question, right? Well, Amsterdam’s well-documented ‘Stay Away’ campaigns haven’t changed to ‘Welcome Back’ in 2025, which is why more canal-laden Dutch cities, such as Rotterdam, have been creeping into the spotlight.
Only a half-hour train ride from Amsterdam, Rotterdam is super easy to reach. Take a deuce to Amsterdam and say hello to one of Europe’s most underrated (and affordable) cities.
And trust me — you won’t be missing Amsterdam once you visit!
The canals are just as pretty and perhaps even more enjoyable, with fewer crowds, for a bike ride, boat ride, or nice stroll through the city’s picturesque waterways.
So Affordable, Even Solo Travelers Will Love Rotterdam
Another reason travelers should venture down to Rotterdam rather than deal with Amsterdam’s Karen-esque attitude is ample travel savings.
Amsterdam is notoriously pricey, but that baton was not handed off to Rotterdam.
Here, you can score great deals on numerous captivating museums, especially in the field of art and fashion like popular Boijmans Van Beuringen and Kunsthal museums.
One of the best deals you can find is Rotterdam’s Tourist Day Ticket for $17.75 and good to explore even in the outskirts and into another underrated Dutch city, The Hague.
It’s undoubtedly the best way to hop around the city to cover the most ground. Visitors rave about Rotterdam’s buzzing markets and immaculate food scene, home to 17 Michelin-rated eateries!
Accommodations are where you’ll find the most savings, especially for solo travelers.
As GoBankingRates points out, single private rooms can be booked for as low as $13 per night at a&o Rotterdam.
Even 4-star familiar names like DoubleTree by Hilton Rotterdam Centre barely crack triple digits at $105 in March, followed by local favorites The Usual Rotterdam sticking to double digits at $92 per night.
Rotterdam’s Newfound Hype For 2025
GoBankingRates isn’t the only notable publication to highlight Rotterdam as your next go-to in Europe.
Earlier this year, we reported the travel experts at TimeOut went as far as pushing aside the household names, crowning Rotterdam the best city in Europe for 2025!
Bold words.
This was largely in part due to Rotterdam being the true heartbeat of The Netherlands with a rich culture and modern attractions, including the new FENIX Museum opening doors in May, which offers a one-of-a-kind storytelling experience showcasing migration through art.
Can You Fly To Rotterdam?
Rotterdam does have its own airport (RTM). After all, it’s a big city of 664,000 inhabitants.
Unless you’re on an epic Euro trip, the chances of booking a feasible trip directly into Rotterdam are slim to none.
Yes, there are popular hubs to find connections like Barcelona, London, and Lisbon, for example, but it’s actually a lot easier to book a nonstop flight to Amsterdam and hop aboard a quick train.
There are multiple carriers to choose from. I’d recommend using one of my favorite travel tools, Rome2Rio, to find the best schedule for your itinerary.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
