rotterdam travel guide

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Rotterdam Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 9, 2023

Often overshadowed by Amsterdam , Rotterdam is a funky little port town that prides itself on its unique architecture, cool art, amazing food, and massive harbor. The city is one of the most multicultural in the country and hosts an array of festivals and concerts throughout the year.

I really enjoy Rotterdam. It is a laid-back contrast to the wild, canal-lined streets of Amsterdam. Plus, the parks here are plentiful and the city comes to life in the summer with festivals, concerts, and other free events. (But, even while busy, it’s a far cry from the packed streets of Amsterdam.) Over the last few years, Rotterdam has really developed into a bustling up with a growing art and vibrant new restaurant scene.

This Rotterdam travel guide can help you plan your trip to this often overlooked destination.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Rotterdam

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Rotterdam

1. See the Erasmus Bridge

This bridge (nicknamed “The Swan”) resembles a harp and towers over Europe’s largest harbor. Connecting the north and south of Rotterdam over the Nieuwe Maas river, this is a cable-stayed bridge as well as a bascule bridge (aka a drawbridge; the bascule part can be raised to allow large ships to pass under it). From the bridge, you can spot the iconic Cube Houses (more on them below) as well as the Art Nouveau-style Witte Huis. Walk a little further and you can explore the charming Delfshaven neighborhood.

2. Walk the harbor

Rotterdam has the largest and busiest harbor in all of Europe and it stretches out over 40 kilometers (25 miles). Head to Futureland (free admission) to learn more about Maasvlakte 2, the most recent part of the port that opened in 2013. If you’re short on time, just wander around and watch all the boats coming and going or take a stroll through the piers and check out luxurious yachts owned by the world’s elite. I enjoyed eating lunch at the cafes and watching the world go by wondering “where is that ship going?”

3. Go up the Euromast tower

This tower has a rotating elevator that takes you 185 meters (606 feet) in the air. There’s also a restaurant at the top (but it’s a bit expensive). Thanks to the flat landscape of the country, the picturesque views stretch on for miles. If you like adventure, you can actually abseil down from the top! Admission to the viewing platforms is 11.50 EUR but if you want to go all the way to the top, it’s 15.50 EUR. Abseiling (May to September only) is 62.50 EUR.

4. Visit the Cube Houses

Rotterdam is known for its modern, cutting-edge architecture. A great example of this is the quirky Cube Houses, a row of 38 bright yellow, small, cube-shaped houses. The cubes are elevated and supported on hexagonal pylons, freeing space on the ground. Also known as Blaak Forest, they were designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom and built in the 1980s. Most of the houses are private residences but one is open to the public for 3 EUR.

5. Relax in the park

Located right by the river near the Euromast, Het Park is a gigantic park perfect for strolls, picnics, and sports. (Don’t tell the people in Amsterdam, but I enjoyed it more than Amsterdam’s famed Vondelpark.) I highly recommend spending some time here. It was designed in the 1850s to look and feel like a traditional English garden. There are park houses, a mini-golf course (7.50 EUR per round), benches, and a BBQ area. Pack a lunch, bring a book, and lounge the day away.

Other Things to See and Do in Rotterdam

1. attend the rotterdam summer carnival.

Rotterdam has a thriving community of local artists. Their contributions are best reflected in the many festivals that take place in the port city, especially in the summer. The annual Rotterdam Summer Carnival, held the last weekend of July, includes a full lineup of dancing, parties, and colorful parades. It’s the largest street party in the Netherlands with over 2,500 dancers, 25 carnival groups, and 30 floats on display. If possible, try to see the Battle of the Drums at the beginning of the carnival — the streets become filled with Caribbean brass bands all competing for the “Golden Drum” award.

2. Visit the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen

This museum, founded in 1849, houses a rich collection of masterpieces such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s The “Little” Tower of Babel (1563). In addition to a large permanent collection of works by Dutch masters, there’s a broad collection of surrealism, featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. While under renovation (expected to be completed in 2029), many items are accessible at other Rotterdam museums.

3. See City Hall

Built in 1914, the Rotterdam City Hall is one of the few buildings that survived the destruction of World War II (the Netherlands was officially neutral, however, the Nazis carpet-bombed Rotterdam and invaded the country anyway). There are several large statues outside the building, including the touching Memorial to the Fallen featuring four bronze figures meant to commemorate the victims of the war (900 people were killed and 85,000 were left homeless after just one day of bombing). Most of the notable architecture and monuments are on the exterior, but if you’d like a tour inside, you can book one from the local tourist office.

4. Peek in the Oude Kerk

This is another one of the few buildings that survived the World War II destruction. The Old Church, also called the Pilgrim Fathers Church, is one of the major sights in the Delfshaven neighborhood. Although the neighborhood is surrounded by the Red Light District, it’s nevertheless quite peaceful and quiet. The church dates to 1306 and is home to several artifacts, including a huge organ and the tombs of several noteworthy individuals, including Rembrandt’s wife. The church is said to be the site where the Pilgrims last prayed prior to leaving for the Americas. It’s 12 EUR to visit.

5. Do a harbor tour

If you enjoyed wandering the harbor and want to learn more about it, do a harbor tour. The harbor in Rotterdam is one of the largest and busiest in the entire world. Dutch history is inherently intertwined with the sea, so hopping on a boat tour is a great way to view some of the action. You’ll get to soak in the view of the city’s skyline while also viewing the shipyards, docks, and many giant shipping containers. Tours cost 15.75 EUR and last 75 minutes.

6. Visit the Kunsthal Rotterdam

For fans of contemporary art, the Kunsthal Rotterdam museum hosts temporary art exhibitions. While there is no permanent collection at the gallery, the space regularly attracts well-known artists. There is also a nice restaurant and a small garden and grounds to explore. Admission is 16.50 EUR and the museum is open daily when exhibitions are on. Check the website to see what’s on during your visit.

7. Grab a bite to eat at the Markthal

The Markthal is a large indoor market hall. Its impressive exterior is shaped like a horseshoe while the interior boasts over 100 different food stalls and restaurants. There’s also a supermarket and even a free historical exhibition space showcasing archaeological finds discovered during its construction. There’s a large mural of food, flowers, and insects covering the vaulted interior too. It’s a great place to snack and people-watch.

8. Explore the Het Nieuwe Instituut

The Museum for Architecture, Design, and Digital Culture offers a unique take on modern society. With exhibitions focusing on the three themes of design, architecture, and culture, it’s an insightful place to learn more about Rotterdam’s contemporary architecture. The Sonneveld House nearby, built in the modernist Dutch Functionalist style, is part of the museum’s collection and can be visited with the same admission ticket of 14 EUR (free on Thursday evenings).

9. Wander the Rotterdam Zoo

Rotterdam Zoo is one of the Netherlands’ oldest zoos and is considered one of the best zoos in Europe (it opened in 1857). Spanning over 60 acres, visitors can take a tour “around the world” through the various animal exhibitions and see giraffes, polar bears, elephants, and more. There’s also a relaxing botanical garden and an aquarium here as well. Admission is 23.50 EUR.

10. See Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk

This medieval Protestant church is the only remaining late Gothic building in Rotterdam, which was originally a medieval city. During World War II, the church was bombed, leaving only the walls intact. It was one of the few buildings in the city to be restored rather than replaced. There’s a tower that you can climb in spring/summer and three huge organs — including the largest organ in the Netherlands. Admission is 3 EUR and it costs another 7.50 EUR to climb the tower.

11. Tour the Maritime Museum

This museum is the oldest and largest museum in the Netherlands. It’s an immersive experience that covers six centuries of maritime history via its functional historic vessels and cranes. Some of the interactive exhibits include a trip offshore as well as learning about the drug trade (much of the world’s drugs are trafficked by ship). Tickets cost 16 EUR.

12. Explore the SS Rotterdam

The former flagship of the Holland America Line is now not only an attraction offering tours but you can actually sleep on board as well. Between 1959 and 1971, the ship ran transatlantic journeys between Europe and America. After flights put transatlantic boat trips out of business, it transitioned into a five-star cruise liner. It is now moored at the quayside in Rotterdam. There are three tours that you can take (two are guided while one is an audio tour). They last 1-2.5 hours and cost 12.95-16.50 EUR. Staying overnight costs from 80 EUR depending on the time of year.

  For more information on other cities in The Netherlands, check out these guides:

• Amsterdam Travel Guide
• The Hague Travel Guide
• Utrecht Travel Guide

Rotterdam Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostels start at 27 EUR per night for 12-14-bed dorms and 35 EUR for 4-6-bed dorms. A basic private room with a shared bathroom starts at 65 EUR. Prices don’t change much between peak and off-peak seasons but some hostels close in the off-season.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city. A basic plot for one person without electricity costs around 12.50 EUR.

Budget hotel prices – Centrally located two-star hotels begin at 70 EUR per night for a double with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. Off-season, prices start at 55 EUR per night for the same type of room. For somewhere really unique, check out Culture Campsite. It features tiny houses using upcycled materials, including calf igloos, beach huts, and old trucks. Prices start at 65 EUR in low season and 75 EUR in high season.

Rotterdam has lots of Airbnb options, although it has become more tightly regulated in recent years. A private room can be as low as 45 EUR per night with a shared bathroom, even in peak season, but they average closer to 70-90 EUR. An entire apartment averages about 140 EUR per night, with off-season prices costing around 100 EUR per night.

Food – Dutch cuisine typically involves lots of vegetables, bread, and cheeses (gouda originated here). Meat, while historically not as prominent, is a staple of dinner meals. Breakfast and lunch usually involve open-faced sandwiches, often with cheeses and cold cuts. Dinners are very much a “meat and potatoes” meal, with meat stews and smoked sausage being two popular choices. For those with a sweet tooth, the stroopwafel (a waffle cookie with a syrup filling) is the go-to choice, though apple tarts/pies are also local favorites.

If you’re on a budget, falafel and shawarma shops are your best bet for cheap food. Meals here cost around 5-10 EUR. Cheap fast food (think fries and burgers) cost around 9 EUR.

Restaurant meals average around 15 EUR for a main dish of more traditional Dutch cuisine. In a mid-range restaurant, a three-course menu with a drink costs at least 30-40 EUR.

Pizza costs around 10-15 EUR while Chinese food is also around 10-15 EUR for a main dish. Beer is 4 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 3 EUR. Bottled water is 2.40 EUR.

If you cook your meals, expect to pay 60-70 EUR per week for groceries that include pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.

Backpacking Rotterdam Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Rotterdam, expect to spend about 65 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, limiting your drinking, taking public transit to get around, cooking your meals, and sticking to mostly free activities like walking tours and exploring the market. If you plan on drinking, add 10-20 EUR more per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of about 145 EUR per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, enjoy a drink or two, eat out a little bit, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like a harbor tour and visiting some museums.

On a “luxury” budget of 280 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, take more taxis and rent a bike to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Rotterdam Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

The Netherlands is not a cheap destination — and the city of Rotterdam is no exception to that rule. However, there are plenty of ways to save money if you look for them. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Rent a bicycle – The easiest and cheapest way to get around the city (besides walking) is to rent a bike. Donkey Republic is an app that has locations all over the city. You can get a bike with them for around 3.30 EUR per hour or 10-13 EUR per day.
• Eat cheap – Rotterdam has a lot of cheap snack and falafel shops that cost 5-10 EUR. Additionally, buying food at the market is a great way to stock up on groceries for the week. It’s not glamorous, but it’s cheap.
• Get the Welcome Card – If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, get this city tourist card. It offers discounts on most attractions (and some are free) as well as three days’ worth of travel on the train and bus system. It’s a bargain if you are going to stay in the city for a while and see a lot. The 24-hour pass is just 13.50 EUR.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. You’ll get to connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice, making this an amazing platform to use to get travel tips. Just be sure to send your requests early as there are not many hosts here.
• Get the Museumkaart (Museum Card) – Good for one month for non-residents, this card gets you into museums in the Netherlands for only 64.90 EUR. With the Museum Card, you get access to more than 400 museums throughout the Netherlands (the temporary card available to tourists can only be used at a maximum of 5 different museums, however). Depending on your trip, though, it can save you money if you choose your museums wisely.
• Buy the Rotterdam Pass – The Rotterdam Pass is valid for a year so if you’re planning to spend a long time in Rotterdam, or you’re going to be making multiple visits there, then it definitely makes sense to pick one up. It provides free admission or discounts at around 500 attractions in and around Rotterdam including 20 museums and some food outlets so if you’re planning to eat out and see lots of attractions then it’s worth it. It costs 60 EUR.
• Take a free walking tour – If you want an overview of the city, take a free walking tour with Free Walking Tour Rotterdam . They offer insightful tours that can help you learn about the city on a budget. Just be sure to tip!
• Save money on rideshares – Uber is cheaper than taxis here and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Rotterdam

Rotterdam doesn’t have many hostel options but there are still a handful of budget-friendly accommodations to choose from. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Rotterdam:

• Stayokay Rotterdam
• King Kong Hostel Rotterdam
• CityHub Rotterdam
• HostelRoom Rotterdam
• Sparks Hostel

How to Get Around Rotterdam

Public transportation – Rotterdam has an extensive public transport system of buses, trams, and a metro run by RET. A single journey up to 2 hours is 4.50 EUR so it’s a lot cheaper to buy a day pass for 9.50 EUR if you’re moving around a lot. If you need a 2- or 3-day pass, it’s cheaper to buy the multi-day Rotterdam Welcome Card.

Note: Cash is not accepted on public transportation. You need to purchase an OV chip card to ride. They come in reloadable and non-reloadable versions.

Bicycle – Like other cities in the Netherlands, cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around. Donkey Republic has stations all over the city with prices starting at 3.30 EUR per hour and 10-13 EUR per day.

Taxi – It’s probably not necessary to take taxis to get around Rotterdam as bikes, walking, and public transport can get you anywhere you need to go. However, if you do need a ride, prices start at 4 EUR and go up 2 EUR per kilometer. Skip them if you can as those prices add up fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Rotterdam but, again, public transportation goes everywhere so skip them if you can.

When to Go to Rotterdam

Rotterdam’s peak season is July-August. This is when the city is liveliest and when you’ll find most of the festivals and events. It’s also when the city is busiest so be sure to book your accommodation early since there are not a ton of hostels here. The average daily summer temperature in Rotterdam is around 22°C (72°F), but it can get a lot hotter than that during July and August.

The weather is mild during the off-season (late spring and early fall) and prices are a little cheaper. If you’re on a tight budget, this is a good time to visit.

The average daily temperature in the winter is 7°C (45°F) so dress warmly if you visit during that time. Generally, I would say avoid visiting in the winter unless you come around Christmas as the city lights up with holiday markets and festivities.

How to Stay Safe in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel. Violent crime is very rare here. Pick-pocketing, while uncommon, can still occur though so keep an eye on your belongings when on crowded public transit.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

There are a few common scams to be aware of here, such as people trying to sell you public transit tickets that actually have already been used. Also, be wary of purchasing a really cheap bike from someone off the street as it has likely been stolen. Overall, scams here are rare but you can read about common travel scams to avoid .

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Rotterdam Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Rotterdam Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

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13 top things to do in Rotterdam: Architecture, culture and plenty of gin

Nov 26, 2021 • 9 min read

Rotterdam's locals have perfected the art of outdoor dining, here overlooking Europe's first high-rise building Witte Huis © Jan Bijl / Rotterdam Partners

Few European cities are as exhilarating as Rotterdam . Almost completely destroyed during WWII, its urban reconstruction has been a triumphant exercise in embracing innovation – the resulting architecture and urban planning have endowed its streets and neighbourhoods with a personality and energy that make it a great place to visit.

It’s also a must-see destination for those interested in cutting-edge design. Though compact, the city offers an extraordinary varied array of sights and experiences to keep the visitor busy, not to mention a wealth of trendy spots to grab a drink or something to eat.

Here are the best things to do in Rotterdam.

Grab a global snack at the Markthal

The visual heart of this city is as surprising as it is beloved. Opened in 2014, the Markthal in Centrum is a unique contemporary take on the traditional Dutch market hall. Designed by local architectural firm MVRDV, the building is in the form of a slightly bulbous arch framed on each end by floor-to-ceiling walls of glass. 

Inside, a massive ceiling mural by artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam arcs over the hall’s produce stalls, fast-food stands and eateries. Its subject matter – a colourful cornucopia of food, flowers and insects – references 17th-century Dutch still-life paintings. Head here at lunchtime, when the fast-food stands that cram the ground floor serve a huge array of global cuisine.

Admire the Overblaak Development

East of the Markthal, across the paved plaza, is the Overblaak Development , a vibrantly hued, crazily tilting residential creation featuring a pencil-shaped tower and a forest of 38-cube-shaped apartments on hexagonal pylons. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom and built between 1978 and 1984, it’s perhaps the most distinctive building in a city where architectural distinction is the rule rather than the exception. 

Go behind the scenes at Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen

When Rotterdam’s pre-eminent art gallery, the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen , closed for major renovations in 2019, the question of what to do with its 151,000 artworks during the closure arose. Should they be put into a storage depot? Or perhaps loaned out to other institutions in travelling exhibitions? 

Both are tried and true solutions, but here in Rotterdam, another possibility was raised – a new state-of-the-art storage depot next to the museum, publicly accessible so that its treasures could continue to delight visitors while the museum itself was closed.

In November 2021, the new Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen opened to the public. Housed in an extraordinary building designed by acclaimed local firm MVRDV of Markthal fame, the depot takes the form of a bowl-shaped building clad in mirrored glass. It has seven levels, a central 115ft-high (35m) atrium, a roof garden planted with trees and an upper-floor restaurant.

Feast on Tante Nel’s famous friet

Ask any Rotterdammer what their favourite fast food is and the answer will almost inevitably be Tante Nel’s friet . Serving the local version of French fries from its hybrid snack shack and bar in Centrum, Aunt Nel serves friet that are hand-cut and expertly fried, best eaten with met (mayonnaise) or doused in stoofviees (a rich meat stew). The bitterballen (Dutch meatballs) are pretty good, too. 

Order your snack and a drink inside and then enjoy your choice on one of the tables on the front terrace. It’s particularly busy late at night, as eating friet here is a popular pastime after drinking sessions at nearby Bokaal , one of the city’s most popular bars.

Marvel at the modernist Van Nelle Fabriek

One of only 11 World Heritage–listed cultural sights in the Netherlands, this concrete, steel and glass factory on the banks of a canal northwest of Centrum is a modernist masterpiece. Conceived by architects Johannes Brinkman and Leendert van der Vlugt as an ‘ideal factory,’ where interior working spaces evolved according to need and where daylight was maximised to provide healthy and enjoyable working conditions, it became a powerful symbol of European modernity when it opened in 1931. 

Today it houses event spaces and creative industries. Local company Urban Guides conducts one-hour group or customised tours of the factory and other architectural wonders throughout the city on weekends – check its website for details.

Enjoy a tipple at a local microbrewery

When it comes to beer, Rotterdammers clearly believe that small producers are best. Microbreweries are scattered throughout the city, with concentrations in avant-garde Noord, the neighbourhood northeast of Centraal Station. Here, popular venues such as Brouwerij Noordt and Eurotrash United offer patrons both standard and seasonal brews. 

Heading west, drinkers sit amidst burnished copper vats and are seduced by the heady aroma of hops and the delicious flavours of the signature Mayflower Tripel at Stadsbrouwerij De Pelgrim , an atmospheric brewhouse in historic Delfshaven. South of Centrum, in the former red-light district of Katendrecht, the popular Fenix Food Factory overlooking the Maas River is home to artisanal food and drink stalls including the taproom of Kaapse Brouwers , a hipster outfit producing more than 20 craft beers.

Learn about the wartime experience at Museum Rotterdam 1940-1945 NU

Few cities were as disastrously impacted by WWII as Rotterdam. In a bunker-like building tucked under a bridge on Coolhaven, this small but excellent museum documents life in the city during the war years. The centerpiece is an immersive multimedia experience outlining the terror and destruction that was caused on 14 May 1940, when 54 German aircraft dropped 1300 bombs on the city over a 13-minute period, killing more than 900 people, destroying buildings and setting off a firestorm that levelled the medieval city centre and many other neighborhoods. 

Other exhibits highlight the Nazis' unconscionable treatment of Rotterdam’s Jewish community under the occupation, the valiant contribution of local resistance fighters and the joyous liberation of the city by Canadian troops on 8 May 1945.

Stroll the historic streets of Delfshaven

Be sure to wander along the pretty-as-a-picture streets and canals in historic Delfshaven, one of the few neighbourhoods in Rotterdam to be spared in the 1940 bombings. While here, pop in for a drink at one of the neighbourhood’s famous bruin cafés (traditional Dutch pubs).

Embrace third-wave coffee culture

This is a city that takes its coffee seriously. A craze kick-started with the opening of local coffee roaster Man Met Bril in 2012, cafes across town now serve coffee made with fair-trade, single-origin beans that are freshly roasted by local suppliers. Be it espresso, AeroPress, drip, French press or cold brew, you’ll have no trouble sourcing a cup to your liking and enjoying it in casual but stylish surrounds. 

Our favourite cafes include the aforementioned Man Met Bril, located in a repurposed railway viaduct in the Noord neighbourhood; Hopper on Schiedamse Vest near Witte de Withstraat; and Urban Espresso Bar on the bustling Nieuwe Binnenwag strip. The latter two serve great food, too (don’t miss the house-baked pastries at Hopper).

Enjoy a gin in historic Schiedam

Back in Holland’s Golden Age, the town of Schiedam was known for its jenever, a spirit combining distilled malt wine and juniper berries that's considered the forerunner of gin. Popularised around the globe courtesy of the crews of Dutch East India Company ships, who were fervent admirers of its fortifying qualities, it was also popular with the Dutch soldiers who fought alongside English and Scottish troops in 17th-century wars and whose jenever-fuelled fortitude under fire came to be called ‘Dutch courage’ by their allies. 

These days, the history of picturesque Schiedam and its jenever industry is explained at the Nationaal Jenevermuseum located in the center of the town’s historic distillery district. After visiting, you can sample the stuff itself at one of the bars on picturesque Grote Markt in the historic centre. It’s easy to get to Schiedam, just take the metro (Line A or B) from Rotterdam Centraal to Schiedam Centrum.

Admire the majestic De Rotterdam building

In a city replete with architectural masterworks, the interconnected stack of glass and steel boxes forming the De Rotterdam complex stands out for its size, audacity and sheer virtuosity. Designed by local firm OMA, which is headed by star architect Rem Koolhaas, this vertical city is the visual lynchpin of Kop van Zuid, the revitalised former port area south of the Nieuwe Maas shipping channel. 

Though Kop van Zuid can be accessed via tram and metro (Wilhelminaplein station), the best way to get here is by walking or cycling across the Erasmusbrug , a stunning pylon bridge fondly dubbed ‘the Swan’ by locals. At sunset, when De Rotterdam’s lights are first turned on, the building’s colossal exterior seems almost transparent and is a truly wonderful sight. But many would argue that the view from the nhow Hotel’s seventh-floor cocktail bar , which offers a panoramic sweep of the Erasmusbrug and city skyline, is even better.

Join the party on Witt de Withstraat

If there’s one art the locals have perfected, it’s outdoor eating and drinking. In fine weather the cafes, bars and eateries along Witt de Withstraat unfurl the street umbrellas over their street furniture, crank up their sound systems and welcome boisterous groups of Rotterdammers young and old. 

If you join them, you’ll probably find yourself cheek-by-jowl with backpackers from nearby hostels, staff from the cultural institutions in Museumpark, office and retail workers from Centrum and those from other neighborhoods who know that this is where the best party in town takes place – every night into the wee hours. Our favourite watering holes include De Witt Aap at number 78 and Wunderbar , which is located just around the corner at Boomgaardsstraat 71.

Take a day trip to Kinderdijk

There’s so much to see and do in Rotterdam that it seems almost reprehensible to recommend a day trip out of the city. But Kinderdijk , an almost impossibly picturesque World Heritage-listed landscape of marshes, canals and historic traditional windmills located approximately 9.5 miles (15km) southeast of the city center, is worth making an exception for. 

This quintessentially Dutch landscape is best explored by bicycle – hire one in Rotterdam (your accommodation should be able to help you with this) and then take it and yourself onto the number 202 waterbus ferry from the Erasmusbrug ferry terminal. 

After a 30-minute journey, you can hop onto your bike and follow the dual pedestrian and cycle path between the canals, stopping to visit the two 17th-century windmills operating as museums as well as the visitor centre in the 19th-century pumping station. In summer, tall reeds line the canals, lily pads float on the water and birdcalls break the silence – it’s a truly magical experience.  

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A local’s guide to Rotterdam: secrets of the Netherlands’ second city

From the best kimchi to buzzing galleries and gardens, restaurateur Manuela Gonçalves Tavares shares his insider tips

Dutch food was once all meat, veg and potatoes, but in the 1950s migrants from all over the world started arriving and created the food culture we now have. A popular tourist market is Markthal with about 100 vendors, including Natamania , which sells delicious Portuguese past éis de nata .

But my favourites are the Korean places in the Hoogkwartier area, home also to my restaurant, Coco , which serves food from the Caribbean, Suriname and Cape Verde. Bapboss serves the best spicy kimchi in town: I love its rice – cooking rice is an art – and the excellent galbi ( marinated Korean beef rib) is sliced thin for the barbecue. Another must is Ox , a new Malaysian-Chinese pop-up: it’s small, stylish and hidden away (you’re given instructions on how to find it when you book). The menu changes regularly, but I’d eat everything there as the level of cooking – and the cocktails – is very high.

Inspiration

Het Nieuwe Instituut is the Netherlands’ national museum for design and culture, with interactive exhibitions on architecture, dance culture, music and fashion. I also like Mama , a gallery and creative space founded in 1997 on Witte De Withstraat, a buzzy street many tourists enjoy visiting. Mama aims to connect young people to art: it hosts performances, exhibitions and events.

Neighbourhood

I grew up in multicultural West Kruiskade . My parents came over in the 1950s from Cape Verde: back then they put all the migrants in the same neighbourhood. It might have been poor and ugly, but the people that live here have made it rich with their culture, whether from the Dutch colonies or Iran.

I especially love the tokos , the little bodegas where you can buy food from the Caribbean, sweet jam, plantain, fake hair, skin creams and shampoos. When I began studying French cuisine it was these tokos that gave me the inspiration to cook differently.

Rotterdam’s Chinatown is here, too – my top restaurant tip is Tai Wu , which has been open for 25 years – but there’s so much good food, from Spanish to Turkish. And Wijkpark, the local park, has art and a petting farm.

Green space

I live in Kralingen now, a more affluent but also studenty area. Its botanic Trompenburg Gardens are known for their biodiversity, with unique trees, shrubs and flowers. A highlight is the desert greenhouse, filled with cacti and succulents. It’s stunning. And, as the gardens are off the beaten track, they’re not often overcrowded, even when the sun is out.

I normally go to Baroeg , one of the oldest clubs in Rotterdam, which specialises in metal, punk and rock. Poing has retro arcade games and karaoke, and my favourite cocktail bar is Spikizi , where I always order a Moscow mule. The gay bars here cater mostly for men, but cool queer-friendly clubs include Worm , Tech Noir and Now & Wow in Maassilo , a renovated grain silo built in 1910. Look out for one-off LGBTQ+ events celebrating black ballroom culture. Drag queens and kings perform in many restaurants and other venues across the city.

Where to stay

Mainport (doubles from €115 room-only) is a design hotel on the banks of the River Maas. There is a terrace with views of the Erasmus Bridge and the old harbour, and on another floor there is a swimming pool overlooking the whole city skyline.

The historic Hotel New York (doubles from €122 room-only) is in the former headquarters of the Holland-America Line, and has a good fish restaurant. I also recommend Bazaar (doubles from €85 B&B) on Witte de Withstraat: its characterful bedrooms are inspired by Asia and Africa.

Manuela Gonçalves Tavares is the chef-owner of Coco , which specialises in Caribbean, Surinamese and Cape Verdean cuisine (temporarily closed but reopening soon), and the plant-based Het Nieuwe Café

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13 Best Things To Do in Rotterdam

Rotterdam – a creative city in the Netherlands featuring world-famous architecture & museums, trendy cafes, the largest port in Europe, and many entrepreneurs. This young and energetic city is often overshadowed by Amsterdam when, in reality, it’s very different. During the II World War, the old city center disappeared due to air bombings, but Rotterdam came back stronger with daring and eye-catching architecture, like the Cube Houses and Markthal.

13 Things To Do in Rotterdam

As the intro might suggest, Rotterdam is awesome! Hannah and I spent most of our teenage years at school there, and it has become one of our favorite places on earth. Besides shopping at the Koopgoot, find out about the popular Things To Do in Rotterdam.

1. Markthal

Opened in 2014, the Markthal of Rotterdam has become a landmark for the city. Inside this 40-meter-high horseshoe-shaped market hall are plenty of food stalls and restaurants. The enormous glass facade on both sides keeps the cold out and, therefore, is also possible to visit in winter. Fruits, vegetables, and flowers sold at the market are displayed as artwork on the Markthal’s ceiling. You can join a tour exploring this landmark while tasting all the delicious food.

Here are all your hotel options in Rotterdam.

The outer ring is all apartments with a window looking down into the Markthal (how cool!). During the evening or sunset time, the Markthal’s inside will light up and make it incredibly picturesque from the outside square. If you like to capture it without people, visit before opening time at 10 AM.

Tip: Visit the nearby Laurens church, one of the few remaining buildings in this area.

These are the best city trips in Europe

2. Depot – A Giant Mirror

Depot is a new building part of the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. It is the first depot in the world that offers access to 151,000 art objects! The building itself is a 40-meter-high building covered in mirrors that reflect the skyline of the city. An absolute must-see in Rotterdam!

3. Vintage Shopping

If you love vintage shopping, this should be your thing to do in Rotterdam. Throughout the entire city are small and large vintage shops that sell everything from clothing and accessories to shoes and even furniture items. This way of sustainable shopping is very popular, plus it is usually much more affordable. A few favorites are:

• Sweet Rebels 
• Betje Krul Vintage
• Margootje Vintage
• Cheap Fashion

4. Walk the Street Art Route

Rotterdam and street art go hand-in-hand. This new ‘Capital of Cool’ has many hidden murals around the city that you can find by following the locations on Google Maps . you can do this by walking, renting a bicycle, or using Felix, the electric scooter. 

Discover the Street Art Map

5. Cube Houses – A Must-Do in Rotterdam

Houses that lean against each other at a 45-degree angle, hovering above the street in the city center. This strange appearance, named the Yellow Cube Houses (Kubeswoningen), is the oldest (1977) and, therefore, the most iconic thing to do in Rotterdam. 

Almost all houses are inhabited apart from one that is open to the public from 11 AM to 5 PM. Alternatively, you can also spend the night there at the Stayokay Hotel .

Luckily, the street is always accessible, so appreciating its exterior can be done at any hour of the day. Follow the street that goes under the houses and find patterns or new perspectives.

6. Chill at the parks or beaches

Inside the city are a couple of great parks like ‘Het Park’ or ‘Kralingsebos’ where you can spend an afternoon relaxing in the grass. Inside ‘Het Park’ at the Euromast is a great-looking little cafe named Parqiet with outdoor seating. 

Weelde city beach

A holiday feeling in the middle of the city, Rotterdam’s Weelde city beach is the spot to visit when the sun’s out! Weelde is a collective of smaller businesses with a restaurant, bar, relaxing garden, a city beach, and soon a skatepark. Getting there: Take the metro or tram to Marconiplein.

Beaches near Rotterdam

For some beach time, take the metro line to Hoek van Holland, Ouddorp, or the Brouwersdam. The Brouwserdam and Ouddorp take longer to get to with public transport but are much quieter beaches.

Read about: Ouddorp and Brouwersdam Beaches

7. Old and New at Kop van Zuid

Cross the Erasmus bridge towards Kop van Zuid, where the contrast of Rotterdam’s old and new architecture is most visible. 

De Rotterdam The first building you will notice is ‘De Rotterdam’, a 149-meter-high tower completed in 2013. The shifted towers enhance wind stability and also its design. Nhow Hotel is situated inside, which is a great place to stay in Rotterdam. 

Hotel New York Possibly the most charming building of Rotterdam is this former office building of the ‘Holland-Amerika Lijn’ which was a shipping and passenger line between America and The Netherlands.

Later on, the building transformed into Hotel New York and a restaurant, with a terrace that overlooks the river.

Pakhuismeesteren Products like nuts and tea were imported from Indonesia and stored into this former VOC warehouse. On its exterior, you can see names like Borneo and Java written on the building. Nowadays, there are food halls located inside.

Tip: Spending New Years in Rotterdam? The Erasmus Bridge is home to the great annual fireworks show.

8. Grote Markt at Blaak Rotterdam (The big market)

Twice a week, on Tuesday and Saturday, the local market is organized at the big square in front of the Markthal. Before the Markthal was built, this was the main market. You find over 250 stalls selling everything from cheese, nuts, fruits, and veggies to clothing, second-hand items, and gadgets. The market in Rotterdam is one of the biggest in the Netherlands .

Visiting in April or May? Don’t miss the Tulips in the Netherlands !

9. The Story of ‘Witte Huis’

One of the most underestimated things to do in Rotterdam is to see ‘Witte Huis’ (White House) along with the ‘Spanjaardsburg’ and the ‘Oudehaven’. The story behind the white house is truly remarkable, as it was constructed in 1897 and was Europe’s first skyscraper at just 43 meters! 

During the Second World War, the picturesque Spanjaardsburg (bridge) and Witte Huis were the only remains around the old harbor. See this photo from 1940 , where you see Laurenschurch and Witte Huis after the bombing. Walk around the old harbor (Oudehaven) and have a delicious lunch at LOT&DAAN.

Did you know:  Rotterdam is just 2.5 hours away from Paris? Read the full Paris City Trip Guide .

10. Walk the Luchtsingel

Located in the center of the city is a rather remarkable site. The ‘Luchtsingel’ is a bright-yellow elevated pedestrian bridge that connects Central Station to Rotterdam North.

The 390-meter-long wooden structure was a project entirely funded by the community. Individuals were asked to buy a wooden plank for 25 EUR, and, in return, a person or company could have their name placed on the piece. The Luchtsingel is accessible 24/7 via multiple stairways located here.

Another option is booking a boat tour or bike tour to see Rotterdam.

11. The Windmills at Kinderdijk 

Marked as one of the few UNESCO World Heritage sights in the Netherlands, the windmills of Kinderdijk are a truly beautiful sight. A calm river bank is flanked by 19 windmills on both riversides, which are all inhabited to preserve this unique way of living. The landscape is being prevented from flooding with the help of these windmills.

Read everything about the windmills at Kinderdijk 

Entrance fee Kinderdijk Kinderdijk itself is free to visit. Additionally, you can buy a ticket to have a look inside and learn about its history. (10 AM – 4 PM) Purchase an additional ticket for the riverboat tour.

How to get to Kinderdijk The most fun way to visit Kinderdijk is by using the waterbus. Take a rented bike, too, so you can bike around at Kinderdijk. Another option would be taking the metro and switching to bus 489 at station Kralingse Zoom.

Waterbus tickets can be bought inside the bus. Check out the timetable here .

12. Delfshaven – Favorite Thing To Do in Rotterdam

Delfshaven in Rotterdam is a picturesque and historic area that has been pretty much untouched by the II World War bombs. If you’ve visited Amsterdam , you can probably recognize this building style in Delfshaven and get an idea of what all of Rotterdam used to look like.

Wander along the harbor surrounded by historical and crooked buildings which takes about 20 – 30 minutes. The best part about this thing to do in Rotterdam is that it’s fairly unknown. Arrive before 11 AM and you will barely see any other visitors.

Also read: Things to do in Amsterdam (City Trip Guide)

13. Visit one of the many museums

If you’re into museums, this is your place. Rotterdam features many well-known museums like Boijmans Van Beuningen and the Kunsthal. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover the Maritime Museum to learn about the history of the largest port in Europe ( book tickets here ).

Ticket prices range from 10 – 20 EUR.

Best spots to eat in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a very multi-cultural and international city and, therefore, a real paradise for food lovers. There are great restaurants, at any price or category, spread over the city, and some of them are very well decorated. These are our favorites, which are all in the middle price range (10 – 20 EUR):

• Backyard (Plant-based)
• Little V (Vietnamese)
• Sajoer (Juicebar)
• Speck (Pizza)
• LOT&DAAN (Lunch)
• Bazar (Middle Eastern)
• Umami (Sushi)

Where to Stay

Although the city is very walkable, it is useful to have a hotel in Rotterdam near public transport or in the city center. The best areas to stay in Rotterdam are North, Central, Delfshaven, and Kop van Zuid.

Hotels in Rotterdam 😴

Getting to Rotterdam

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam Central, and even Paris are all very well connected to Rotterdam. A direct, 30-minute high-speed train from the international airport takes you to Rotterdam Central, or you can take a 2.5-hour train ride from Paris! The only downside is that train tickets in the Netherlands are expensive at the moment, so do factor this in.

We recommend to rent a car in Netherlands through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Transport in Rotterdam

Getting from A to B in Rotterdam is even easier than getting there. Renting a bike is a fun option since the city is designed around biking lanes. Other than that, use the water taxi, tram, metro or bus. Route planning plus live departure times are available via Google Maps. 

Tip: A very affordable way is to buy a day pass that allows you to visit all the places within this Rotterdam city trip guide. ( Find out more )

Is Rotterdam Expensive?

In comparison to Amsterdam, Rotterdam is a much more affordable city. The prices of restaurants, accommodation, museums, and attractions are noticeably lower.

Costs of Traveling in Rotterdam

Travel on a budget in Rotterdam, from $390 − $670 USD weekly per person, mid-range $940 − $1970 USD, and high-end from $1880 − $2720 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $60 − $200 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $20 − $60 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $10 − $30 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $50 − $100 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $10 − $50 USD
• Activities: $10 − $30 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

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9 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam

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Excellent post! Your blog about Rotterdam and the helpful City Trip guide have nudged me to apply for a Visa for Netherlands. I heard that most of the EU countries are relaxing travel restrictions and if tourists adhere to certain guidelines then they can easily enter the beautiful country in a hassle-free manner. I will be going through your post once I get my visa so that I can prepare a fun-filled Netherlands travel itinerary.

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Rotterdam Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Rotterdam

The Dutch city of Rotterdam was such a pleasant surprise. I barely knew anything about the destination beforehand, but I left feeling really quite impressed with Rotterdam. It’s the city of cool and is well worth a weekend away, or even just a day trip from Amsterdam .

From futuristic architecture, to the old historical district of Delfshaven, Rotterdam has an awful lot to offer. Some even describe the city as can ‘open-air museum of modern and contemporary design’ and a brief walk along its charismatic streets, it’s easy to see why.

The city was largely destroyed following World War 2, but has since been largely re-built. The city has certainly emerged to be an interesting and multi-cultural destination. In fact, its urban developments are particularly cool and contemporary, with some very quirky design. Rotterdam offers excellent shopping, endless unusual cafes and bars, pumping nightlife and an eclectic arts scene, I already can’t wait for a return trip!

Read on for my Rotterdam Travel guide featuring all the main districts in the city. I’ve also included attraction recommendations and a few foodie suggestions too. If you’d like a more detailed overview of some of the best cafes in Rotterdam, check my guide here .

Districts of Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a compact city, with some very cool and unexpected districts. The best way to get around Rotterdam is on foot, or of course, bicycle.

Another option is to join a tour, and I’ve picked out a couple below that would be great:

• Rotterdam Harbour Tour
• Architecture Walking Tour in Rotterdam
• Cube Houses, Markthal and Water Taxi tour in Rotterdam

Central Rotterdam

The famous yellow cube houses.

Known in Dutch as Kubuswoningen, these are Rotterdam’s famous Cube Houses , built by Piet Blom in 1984. These are genuine homes and truly like nothing else in the world – a real 20th century icon. Apparently, the architect wanted to create a mini village within the city and you really get a sense of that. Each of the cube houses is tipped facing downwards. So three sides face the ground and the other three face skywards. You can even go inside a ‘Show Cube’ to see what it’s like to live here!

A giant indoor food market, shaped in a giant inverted U-shaped design and lined with glass walled apartments on the upper levels, Markthal is a completely unique destination. Remember, arrive earlyish and it isn’t open too late into the evening!

Rotterdam Centraal

The city’s central station is one of the most iconic architectural sites in Rotterdam. Not only is it striking and a wonder to walk around, but its it runs largely off the energy generated from the solar panels on the roof. Some of the original features from the previous station, such as the clock above the front facade and the letters spelling ‘Centraal Station’.

Witte de Withkwartier

This lively district is home to the heart of Rotterdam’s art and culture. At the centre of it all is the famous Witte de Withstraat, an eclectic street showcasing the best of Rotterdam’s multiculturalism and artistic nature. The street is lined with buzzing galleries, independent fashion boutiques, hip restaurants and bars. And of course, the most creative and colourful street art around.

Restaurants to try here include:

• Bazaar – North African and Middle Eastern dishes served us in a colourful mishmash of fun and lively music
• Warung Mini – This popular Surinamese restaurant is  the  place to try the cuisine typical of Suriname
• Supermercado – Serving up the best Latin American food, it’s very Instagrammable too!
• De Witte Aap – Nominated as Lonely Planet’s best bar in the world, this pub is a Rotterdam institution and at the absolute heart and soul of the city. All day sessions keep this place pumping year-round.

Located in the west of the city, around a 30 minute walk away, or a short tram ride, lies the picturesque district of Delfshaven . One of the few parts of Rotterdam city that survived the World War 2 bombings, this beautiful area is worth a visit to see how the city used to look. The area came to be in the 16th century as a rich harbour town, and has continued to be historically important for Rotterdam, as it was even the departure point for the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed to America. The historical canal houses are similar to Amsterdam, but the vibe is very different. Now home to a couple of riverside cafes and pubs, and a handful of antique stores, it’s a delightful place for a wander.

Museum Park

Rotterdam has plenty of open green spaces – always a big tick for me in any city. Museum Park is a vast and pleasant location and a delightful place to wile away a summer’s day. The park is also home to Rotterdam’s iconic Euromast observation tower which was constructed in 1960. Visitors can go 185m above the city to the observation deck and restaurant. Visit the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen , one of the Netherland’s oldest museums, featuring art from the likes of Van Gogh, Dali and Rembrandt!

Buy your tickets to the Euromast observation deck here.

Erasmusbrug and Katendrecht

Rotterdam’s iconic bridge, the Erasmusbrug spans the Nieuwe Maas River, linking the two sides of Rotterdam. I enjoyed glorious cycles across this bridge plenty of times and would recommend crossing by bike or by foot to explore the Katendrecht area. Built in 1996, it finally connected the South to the Centre of Rotterdam and opened up development to an area once known as the red light district.

Another famous Rotterdam landmark is the Hotel New York which must be one of the most beautiful historic buildings in the city. It used to be the headquarters of the Holland-America Cruise Line but is now an elegant hotel and restaurant, offering fantastic views across the water.

The view from this nhow hotel ‘s sky-high bar is rather stunning. Located 30m above ground level and also home to a restaurant and rooftop terrace, the nhow bar is the perfect place for a craft cocktail overlooking the Erasmusburg bridge and city.

Located on Katendrecht, the ss Rotterdam is the former flagship cruise liner of the Holland-America Line. The ship was built in 1959, but stopped sailing several decades later. Since 2008, has been docked in Rotterdam at the tip of the Katendrecht peninsula. Now, it has been re-purposed as as permanent hotel and events venue. You can wander on-board for free to explore but you’ll see and learn more if you join a guided tour. Also, make sure to head to the terrace for a different perspective of Rotterdam!

Where to Stay in Rotterdam

I enjoyed the most fantastic stay at the Citizen M Hotel , located near the Markthal and the Cube Houses.

I’m a huge fan of Citizen M Hotels, and love everything they stand for. The rooms are unbelievably well-thought out and practical, which is a total dream for an organisation geek like me!

Check rates for the excellent Citizen M Hotel here.

But of course, a Rotterdam Travel Guide wouldn’t be complete without some other suggestions for places to stay in the city. I’ve covered several price ranges with my accommodation choices below:

• Rotterdam Marriott
• Hotel New York
• The James Rotterdam
• nhow Rotterdam
• King Kong Hostel

Rotterdam Travel Guide

If you’re heading to Rotterdam in The Netherlands soon, I do hope this post on the city’s districts is helpful. I’ve also written a detailed foodie guide to Rotterdam here too. I really found Rotterdam to be a wonderful and surprising destination, with a lot to offer. I couldn’t recommend a long weekend here enough. Although, as you’ll most likely still arrive in Amsterdam, then why not check out this guide to one day in Amsterdam here!

Feel free to drop me a line if you would like any advice or further recommendations for planning your trip to Rotterdam. If you’ve enjoyed this Rotterdam Travel Guide, then please do share using the below links!

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: This visit to Rotterdam was entirely paid for by myself. There was no involvement from the tourism board or a hotel. This is an independent guide.

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Great article! I have been a few times and enjoyed the walk along the River watching the boats come in and out of the port.

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• 1 Districts
• 2.1 History
• 2.2 Demographics
• 2.3 Atmosphere
• 2.4 Climate
• 2.5 Tourist information
• 3.1.1 Services
• 3.1.2 How to reach
• 3.1.3 Other close airports
• 3.2.1 International connections
• 3.2.2 National connections
• 3.4.1 Ferries from England (UK)
• 3.4.2 Waterbus
• 3.5 By metro
• 3.7 By bike
• 4.1 Tickets
• 4.2 By metro
• 4.3 By tram
• 4.5 By water taxi
• 4.6 By taxi
• 4.7 By tuk-tuk
• 4.8.1 Rent a bike
• 4.8.2 Guarded bicycle parking stations
• 5.1 Landmarks
• 5.2 Historic churches
• 5.3.1.1 Chinatown
• 5.4 Windmills
• 5.5.1 Museumpark area
• 5.5.2 Maritime museums
• 5.5.3 Other museums
• 6.4 Other attractions
• 6.5 With children
• 6.6 Football
• 6.7 Water sports and yachting
• 7.1 Department stores
• 7.2.1 Street food markets
• 7.2.2 Sustainable shopping
• 7.3 Things to buy
• 8.2 Mid-range
• 8.3 Splurge
• 9.1 Coffeeshops
• 9.2 Music venues
• 10.1.1 Camping
• 10.1.2 Hostel
• 10.1.3 Bed and Breakfast
• 10.1.4 Hotel
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 12 Stay safe
• 13.1 Nearby
• 13.2 Day trips

Rotterdam is a very large city in the province of South Holland in the west of the Netherlands . The city is the second largest in the country with a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants in the municipality (2020) and about 2.2 million inhabitants in the shared metropolitan area of The Hague and Rotterdam MRDH . Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city; it is known for its university (Erasmus), cutting-edge architecture, lively cultural life, industrial riverside setting, its maritime heritage and colourful summer events. The municipality stretches all the way to the North Sea with gigantic areas like Europoort and Maasvlakte 1&2 . All belong to the Port of Rotterdam .

Starting as a dam constructed in 1270 on the Rotte River, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. The port of Rotterdam is Europe's busiest port by cargo tonnage, and was the world's busiest from 1962 until it was surpassed by Shanghai in 2004. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), a channel in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region, which is why Rotterdam is often called the "Gateway to Europe".

Many relatively high buildings (by Dutch standards) have been emerging throughout and around the city centre. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in Rotterdam becoming a city of modern architecture and the only city in the Netherlands with a modern skyline. Due to this, the city is especially interesting for Dutch people to visit.

Districts [ edit ]

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

Settlement at the lower end of the fen stream Rotte dates from at least 900. Around 1150, large floods in the area ended development, leading to the construction of protective dikes and dams. A dam on the Rotte or 'Rotterdam' was built in the 1260s and was at the present-day Hoogstraat ('High Street').

Although Rotterdam did well after the Middle Ages and in the 'Golden Century' - roughly between 1650 and 1750 - it was not before the second part of the nineteenth century that the city started to develop itself rapidly. Helped by the digging of a new seaway (the Nieuwe Waterweg) Rotterdam was rid of access problems caused by the silting of the river and started receiving ever bigger ships with cargo for/from the booming Ruhrgebiet in Germany. Port related trade and industry skyrocketed, and the city started to draw lots of migrants from the then poor Brabant province, for whom the southern part of the city was constructed. At the turn of the twentieth century Rotterdam was well under way to become the largest economic centre in the Netherlands. It was between then and the second world war that large prestigious construction works were undertaken, in part to show off the new found economic pride.

The German army invaded the Netherlands on 10 May 1940. Germany had planned to conquer the country in one day, but after meeting unexpectedly fierce resistance, it finally forced the Dutch army to capitulate on 14 May 1940 by bombing Rotterdam and threatening to bomb other cities. The heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the German Luftwaffe, and 800 people were killed, while about 80,000 others were made homeless. During the war, Rotterdam was bombed several times during allied raids that were aimed at the harbour area but sometimes also hit the city. The City Hall survived the bombing. Unlike most other European cities however, the City Council did not aim at rebuilding what was lost, but on taking the opportunity to create a 'new' and better city. Damaged but not destroyed old buildings were torn down in the process.

From the 1950s through the 1970s, the city was rebuilt. It remained quite windy and open until the city councils from the 1980s on began developing an active architectural policy. Daring and new styles of apartments, office buildings and recreation facilities resulted in a more 'livable' city center with a new skyline. In the 1990s, the Kop van Zuid was built on the south bank of the river as a new business center.

Demographics [ edit ]

In the Netherlands, Rotterdam has the highest percentage of foreigners from non-industrialised nations. Nearly 50% of the population are not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent born outside the country. Muslims comprise close to 25% of the city's population. The city is also home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the world, as well as the largest Dutch Antillean community.

Atmosphere [ edit ]

Rotterdam's culture is distinct from other cities in the Netherlands. The mentality of the people is described as 'can do'. From the waiters you meet to the businessmen and recent immigrants, everybody breathes a dream of getting forward with life. The modern design of the city, the bustle and the spree of buildings all add to this impression. That said, you might also find that people are sometimes too straight with you. And yes, the city is not the cosiest, or the most picturesque of towns, especially on drab winter days. But get acquainted with this small metropolis, easiest done on one of the festival days with nice weather. You will come to love it.

Climate [ edit ]

Rotterdam gains a lot of charm when the sun is shining. Visiting in spring or summer may be more enjoyable than during the dark rainy winter. Sunshine runs from 05:30 until 22:00 in the summer, and only between 08:45 and 16:30 in the winter.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• 51.91886 4.481239 1 Rotterdam Tourist Information Coolsingel ( VVV ), Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam ( Metro   A     D    : Beurs, at the garden of the Schielandshuis ), ☏ +31 10 790 01 85 , [email protected] . 09:30-18:00 . This well equipped and modern tourist office can provide loads of information like city maps, small guide books, souvenirs and the like, and offers tips and information on what to see and do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam.info also sells Rotterdam Welcome Cards, concert tickets, gift certificate, souvenirs, public transport tickets and parking vouchers. Check the website for upcoming events. ( updated Oct 2021 )
• 51.9241 4.4703 2 Rotterdam Tourist Information Central Station ( VVV ), Stationsplein 21, 3013 AJ Rotterdam ( main entrance, in the central hall of the central station ), ☏ +31107900185 . 09:30-18:00 . With help from the service desk, a wide range of tourist information folders and the employees, you can find out what part of the city you would like to visit. ( updated Jul 2019 )
• Rotterdam Welcome Card . The card allows for unlimited use of all public transport by RET in the city and region, and offers at least 25% discounts on more than 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants. Available at Rotterdam Info (VVV) points and other locations. Without public transport, the card costs €6.00. 1 day (€13.50), 2 days (€19.50), or 3 days (€24.50) . ( updated Jul 2022 )

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Services [ edit ]

• VVV Rotterdam-The Hague Airport information point , Rotterdam Airportplein 60 ( at the arrivals hall ). 07:30-23:45 . Come here if you have questions about Rotterdam. The place to hear history. The gift shop is open 09:30-18:00. ( updated Oct 2021 )

How to reach [ edit ]

To plan an trip (for all public transport in the Netherlands) see 9292.nl [dead link]

Depending on the amount of travel with public transit in The Netherlands it can be advisible to buy an so called OV-Chipkaart , see for more information under Get Around.

• Bus 33 . This service runs directly to the Rotterdam Centraal station; the journey takes 25 minutes. Also it connects the airport with the Meijersplein metro station , from where you can take the metro line   E   into direction of Slinge (via Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam city center, see for more information the By Metro section under Get Around ). ( updated Oct 2021 )
• Rotterdam Airport Taxi , ☏ +31 10 262 04 06 . Recommended by the airport web site. ( updated Jun 2016 )

Other close airports [ edit ]

• Amsterdam Schiphol Airport ( AMS  IATA ) is 58 km north of Rotterdam and has much more flights than the Rotterdam airport. NS (Dutch Railways) operates Intercity Direct high-speed rail service, every 30 minutes to Rotterdam. The journey takes 27 minutes. You have to pay an addition for the journey from Schiphol to Rotterdam, so regular intercities in direction Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak are cheaper (but slower) (these intercities also call at Schiphol).
• Eindhoven Airport ( EIN  IATA ) is 106 km southeast of Rotterdam. Ryanair and Wizzair operate flights to this airport. Take a bus to Eindhoven Centraal (approximately 20 minutes, the intercity train to Rotterdam Centraal takes about 63 minutes.
• Brussels Airport ( BRU  IATA ) is 140 km south of Rotterdam. Many international carriers operate flights to this airport. The train from Brussels takes about 120 minutes and costs €35. Buses are also available, although less frequent.

By train [ edit ]

International connections [ edit ].

• Thalys operates high-speed trains from Antwerp (Antwerpen-Centraal, 35 min), Brussels (Brussel-Zuid/Midi, 1 hr 12 min), Paris (Gare du Nord, 2 hr 37 min) and Lille (Lille-Europe, 1 hr 55 min). Book well in advance to secure the best ticket deals. A cheaper but slower alternative to Thalys is the Intercity Brussels service between Amsterdam and Brussels.
• Coming from Germany, Rotterdam Centraal can only be reached by changing trains in the Netherlands. When travelling on the German high-speed train ICE [dead link] from Cologne , Düsseldorf and Oberhausen , the exchange will be in Utrecht Centraal station, and coming from Berlin , Hanover , Osnabrück (with the DB-intercity [dead link] ) it is advisable to change at Amersfoort . Intercity-trains to Rotterdam depart from both Utrecht and Amersfoort.
• Eurostar runs a daily high speed service from London St Pancras International to Rotterdam Centraal. Prices start at £35 one way. The journey time is about 3 hr 30 min, but you must arrive at the station at least 90 minutes before departure in order to clear the extra border controls caused by COVID restrictions and Brexit.

National connections [ edit ]

The Dutch railway company NS runs high-speed Intercity Direct trains between Amsterdam , Schiphol , Rotterdam and Breda . The train stops only at those four stations and shaves 25-30 minutes in journey time between Amsterdam and Schiphol and Rotterdam versus the regular Intercity and Sprinter trains that stop in between.

Beware that you have to pay a supplement (€2.60 during peak hours, €1.56 outside peak hours) to use the Intercity direct line to travel to Rotterdam if your journey involves Schiphol, (i.e. Amsterdam-Rotterdam journeys are subject to this supplement). You can purchase this supplement by tapping an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart on a designated red pole found on the platform. Those without an anonymous or personal OV-chipkaart can use the ticketing machines or the NS website to purchase the supplement, however the discount may not be applicable to supplements purchased this way. Most unlimited day tickets including the Holland Travel Ticket can be used to travel on the Intercity Direct but a supplement purchase is still required.

Thalys also offers seats for passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The journey is less than 40 minutes, slightly faster than the Intercity Direct. However, reservations/advance bookings are required and most unlimited day tickets recognised by NS cannot be used on Thalys.

Rotterdam is also well served by NS from other parts of the Netherlands , with direct connections to Delft , Amsterdam , Eindhoven , Gouda , Leiden , The Hague , Utrecht and Vlissingen . Some intercities and sprinters also stop at Rotterdam Blaak station which is in the middle of the city center. This station is also frequented by trams and metro. See also the Netherlands#Get in Netherlands page for further information on national rail.

Alternatively, Rotterdam's Metro line   E   provides a connection for passengers coming from The Hague at Den Haag Centraal. The journey from Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal costs €4.43 with an anonymous or personalised OV-chipkaart, which is marginally cheaper than an NS journey (€4.90) between the same points but takes about five minutes longer to complete the journey.

By bus [ edit ]

• Flixbus , (bus stop) Rotterdam Centraal @ Conradstraat 52 ( International bus stop platform 'GG' at Rotterdam Centraal. ). Serving both domestic and international routes. They also have an extra stop at Rotterdam Zuidplein @ Gooilandsingel ( updated Jul 2017 )

By boat [ edit ]

Ferries from england (uk) [ edit ].

You can also get to Rotterdam by ferry from the United Kingdom . No ferries arrive in the center.

• P&O Ferries has a daily overnight sailing from Kingston Upon Hull to Rotterdam Europoort. From Rotterdam Europoort P&O Ferries operates a shuttle bus service that takes you to the city center of Rotterdam. Please book this shuttle service while you book your sailing.
• StenaLine has a daily day and a daily overnight sailing from Harwich to Hook of Holland . Next to the port is Hoek van Holland Haven metro station. Line B brings you to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes.
• DFDS Seaways has a daily overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam. You can drive to Rotterdam in approx. 50 minutes.

Waterbus [ edit ]

The WaterBus services provide connections between Rotterdam and the Drechtsteden ( Dordrecht and surrounding cities, including UNESCO-site - the world-famous windmills - Kinderdijk ).

By metro [ edit ]

Coming from The Hague or somewhere in between it can be advisable to use metroline   E   , see for more information the page about the whole region .

By car [ edit ]

Rotterdam is easily reached by car. From Amsterdam take the A4 South to Rotterdam Haven. From Utrecht take the A12 and change to the A20 just after Gouda on knooppunt Gouwe. Traffic congestion on highways is common during peak hours (morning and evening commutes).

You can pay for on-street parking with debit and credit card. Remember your license plate number. Parking regulations are enforced regularly.

Parking garages can be easily found by following the sign-marked P-route. The easiest way to pay is by credit card, just insert your card on the way in, and insert it again on the way out, and the total time is automatically deducted. You can also pay with cash or debit card.

Park & Ride (P&R) facilities outside the center of Rotterdam offer free or cheap parking with public transport connections into the city center. For some locations (Slinge A15, Kralingse Zoom A16/E19 and Alexander A20/E25), you can park for free if you have a valid check-out on your public transport card (OV-chipkaart).

By bike [ edit ]

As a Dutch city Rotterdam is well connected to extense (inter)national bicycle networks which use all kinds of infrastructural facilities.

Most attractive for tourist to cycle over longer distances are the so called LF-routes . So the city center is croshed by LF2 Stedenroute (City Route) from Amsterdam to Brussels and LF12 Maas- en Vestingroute follows the flow of river Maas all the way from The East. See for more information Bicycle Route Planner [dead link] : sellect more options and LF-Routes.

Get around [ edit ]

RET operates the buses, trams, and metro within the city. You could find a journey planner and some network maps there. Alternatively you'd use the pan-Netherlands journey planner – 9292.nl [dead link] . Transport generally arrives every 10 minutes during the day.

Free Wi-Fi is available in some trams, buses and metro lines, and on the busier metro stations, you just need to accept the terms of use.

Tickets [ edit ]

As anywhere else in the country OV-chipkaart is to be used to pay all kinds of public transport. Traveling with this card will be cheapest and fastest, but bear in mind that the card itself costs €7.50 and you'd need to keep a positive balance there for at least €4. Alternatively, you can use your contactless bank card to pay for any public transport that also accepts the OV-chipkaart. As of August 2023, bank card support is relatively new, and you may find that your card gets rejected at some terminals. After a certain number of rejections, your card may be banned from public transport use, in which case you will need to purchase an OV-chipkaart or use one of the alternatives below.

For using buses and trams checking in and out has to be done in the vehicle, while for train and metro travellers in Rotterdam use the gates at the entrance of the stations.

Alternatively one of the city's transport travel cards could be used:

• RET travel cards . To travel by bus, tram and metro with RET. Use the RET Barcode app to purchase tickets. 2-hour cards are available on buses and trams (Maestro/VISA/Mastercard only, no cash), the other types of cards can be purchased at ticket machines in metro stations and RET Sales and Information points. For children under 12 and age 65 and up there is a reduced price. Note that the 1-day ticket is not a 24-hour ticket. This means it is only valid on the day of the first check-in, up til 4 AM of the early morning the next day. 2 hours - €4; 1 (calendar) day - €9 . ( updated Jun 2022 )
• Tourist Day Ticket: Rotterdam & The Hague region . Unlimited travel on local transport (bus, tram, metro and waterbus. Note: trains excluded) in the Rotterdam and the Hague region. Available from ticket machines and service counters of RET and at tourist information. Ticket is valid for travel with RET, HTM, HTMbuzz, Arriva, Connexxion, EBS, QBuzz and Waterbus in South Holland. €14.50 for one day . ( updated Jul 2019 )
• Rotterdam Welcome Card also allows for unlimited use of public transport with RET in the city and region.

There are 5 metro lines in the city.

Lines   A   ,   B   and   C   , share tracks between Schiedam Centrum and Capelsebrug and offer an east-west connection.

Lines   D   and   E   share tracks between Rotterdam Centraal and Slinge and offer a north-south connection. Interchange between all lines is possible on Beurs station in the city center.

Lines   A   ,   B   and   C   operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which allows 3-4 minute intervals on the main section between Schiedam Centrum and Capelsebrug . Lines   D   and   E   operate every 10 minutes on working days and Saturday, which give shorter intervals between Rotterdam Centraal and Slinge . In the evening, on Saturday morning and Sunday the service is reduced to a 15-minute interval.

The Rotterdam Metro operates from 05:30 until midnight. On weekends the opening time is not until 07:00 Saturday, and 08:15 on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday nights the service is extended for a bit longer past midnight, but not on some parts of line B and E. See the Weekend metro page for an overview.

For tourists the most important metro stations are:

Line A, B and C (East-West branch)

• Blaak : train station, interchange with trams and busses, cube houses, Markthal, ports
• Beurs : city center, shops, interchange with metro   D   and   E  
• Eendrachtsplein : museumpark
• Coolhaven : Euromast
• Delfshaven : historic port

Line D and E (North-South branch)

• Meijerplein : bus service to Rotterdam The Hague Airport (only line   E   )
• Blijdorp: Rotterdam Zoo (only line   E   )
• Rotterdam Centraal : northern edge of the city centre, interchange with trams and buses, train station
• Beurs : city centre, shops, interchange with metro   A   ,   B   and   C  
• Leuvehaven : ports, museums, Erasmus Bridge, Waterbus
• Wilhelminaplein: Erasmus Bridge, Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, hotel New York
• Rijnhaven: Katendrecht, bus service to SS Rotterdam

By tram [ edit ]

There are 9 tram lines in the city. Each tram has a conductor. Tram stops provide a detailed map of the public transport system. Most lines operate every 10 minutes on workdays with more frequent service during rush hours on some lines.

All trams except   2   will stop at the Rotterdam Centraal .

• line   2   is the only one that stays entirely on the south bank of the river, running through the districts farther away from it - it is thus of little use to tourists
• lines   20   ,   23   and   25   go over the Erasmus bridge to Kop van Zuid and then further down the south side
• lines   21   and   24   go to Schiedam
• line   4   goes from the suburbs in the northeast through Station Noord and Rotterdam Centraal to Marconiplein
• line   7   has a picturesque terminal at the foot of Erasmus Bridge, then follows Werstersingel to Rotterdam Centraal , and then further east to Kralingen , where you can alight for Kralingse Plas (the lake with leisure activities) and Excelsior Stadium
• line   8   is perhaps the most useful for the tourists, as it goes from Rotterdam Centraal south through Westersingel, Coolsingel, Schiedamsedijk and then west, stopping by the Euromast and in Delftshaven, terminating by the Sparta Stadium
• line   12   is a special line running between Rotteraam Centraal and the Feijenoord Stadion when there is a match there

RET operates bus services across the city.

It also provides a few night bus services:

• BOB-bus ( Night bus ). F and Sa nights . RET operates a night bus service on Friday night and Saturday night. Lines depart from Rotterdam Centraal station. Ticket price is a fixed price of €6 and can be bought in the RET Barcode App or from the driver (no cash). Pay less with an OV-Chipkaart. €5.60 with OV-Chipkaart, or €6 if purchased from the driver or with RET Barcode App . ( updated Jun 2022 )

Buses operated by Arriva and Connexxion connect the city with suburbs.

Use the front door when boarding a bus.

By water taxi [ edit ]

• Watertaxi Rotterdam , ☏ +31 10 403 03 03 . Rotterdam was built on a number of islands and if you want to travel from shore to shore, the nicest way to go is to take a Water Taxi . Fixed fares for rides between 50 docks in Rotterdam and Schiedam, with 3 fares zones, starting at €4.50 per person in the central zone. You can give them a call, or use the online tool to see availability and book a ride. It is advised to book in advance, especially on days with large events in the city. € . ( updated Jul 2022 )

By taxi [ edit ]

If you do need a taxi you will have to find yourself a taxi rank or call a taxi company. There is a minimum taxi fare of €2.30 (first it was €7.50 which included the first two kilometers). Additionally, each subsequent kilometre is charged €2.20.

• Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale RTC N.V. , ☏ +31 10 462 60 60 .  
• Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming St. Job u.a. , ☏ +31 10 425 70 00 .  
• Citytaxi Rotterdam [dead link] + 31103145788
• Stadstaxi Rotterdam , ☏ +31 10 818 28 23 .  
• Botlektaxi Rotterdam , ☏ +31 10 666 66 06 . ( updated Jan 2022 )
• Taxi Rotterdam 010 , ☏ +31 10 261 31 88 .  
• Rotterdamse Taxi , ☏ +31 10 261 31 22 .  

By tuk-tuk [ edit ]

• Tuk Tuk Company , ☏ +31 9009933399 . A Thai-influenced transportation service using three-wheeled, open-air (but covered) motorized vehicles called Tuk Tuk offers a more economical and fast way to get around the city centre when compared to taxis. Tuk-tuk pricing is based on a zone system. Within a zone, a ride is €3.50 per person, €5 for 2 persons and €6.50 for 3. If you go to another zone, €3.50 is added (irrespective of number of persons). This service is handy if it is past the regular tram/bus/metro service hours (approximately half past midnight). ( updated May 2019 )

By bicycle [ edit ]

Like any city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam is very, very bicycle-friendly. Getting around by bike is probably the fastest way of travel within the city. There are separate bike lanes on most major streets and there are separate traffic lights for bicyclists. Avoid getting your tire in the tram rails: always cross tram rails at an angle. Of course it is also strongly advisable to watch out for other traffic at all time. On the other hand bicyclists can rely on the fact that motorists and pedestrians are aware of bikes.

Always lock your bike securely when leaving it (preferably chained to a fixed object) or go to a guarded bicycle parking station.

Rent a bike [ edit ]

At Rotterdam Centraal, you can rent bicycles at the shop in the underground bicycle parking, below the Station square. Leave the station at the front, exit 'Stationsplein'. The entrance of the bicycle parking ('fietsenstalling', with the glass roof) is at your right, in front of grand cafe Engels. Use-it, rents out nice Kronan bikes (Schaatsbaan 41-45, leave Central Station towards the center. Turn right at restaurant Engels and take the 2nd right).

Bikes can be rented by several other private companies. Holland-Cycling.com provides a list of addresses . Another list you will find at Rotterdam.nl .

If you have a personal (rather than an anonymous) OV-chipkaart , bicycles can be rented at many train and metro stations and other central locations by the OV-fiets system .

Guarded bicycle parking stations [ edit ]

• Many intercity train stations have their own bicycle parking station. Many time the service is not free.
• Rotterdam municipality has also some locations .

See [ edit ]

Landmarks [ edit ].

Rotterdam has national notoriety for its architecture, and the city therefore is dotted with landmarks of all sorts. Most of them you will find in the city centre , but Feijenoord is also quite dense with them.

Rotterdam is known for some bridges, not in the last place the Erasmusbrug , spanning the Nieuwe Maas between the city centre and Feijenoord. Also of historical importance is the former railway lifting bridge De Hef , slightly upstream from the Erasmusbrug.

Historical landmarks are somewhat rare to come across in Rotterdam's city centre, but the city itself isn't completely devoid of them. In the city centre, the 1920 City hall and the Great or Saint-Laurence church , both survivors of the 1940 bombardment. Rotterdam is also home to the country's oldest known bronze statue, depicting Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and dating from 1622. It is found opposite the Saint-Laurence church. Feijenoord, despite being home to many modern redevelopments, does house some historical landmarks such as the former headquarters of the Holland-Amerikalijn . Also worth visiting are the Oude Haven ( Old Harbour ) and the nearby Witte Huis ( White House ) and Schielandshuis .

Industrial landmarks are plenty in a city that mostly thrives off of harbour activities. Besides the many industrial sites found in the Port of Rotterdam , the Van Nellefabriek in the north of the city is a listed UNESCO site.

The skyline of Rotterdam can, of course, be observed from one of the many skyscrapers in the city - though you should probably book a hotel located in a skyscraper or find one with a publicly accessible roof, as trespass isn't welcomed. Another great site for views over the city though, is the Euromast on the border between the city centre and Delfshaven , twice in its history the highest building of the Netherlands. For a relatively small entry fee, you can climb the tower or for a larger sum, you can dine inside of it. For those less comfortable with great heights though, a birds-eye overview of the city can also be obtained at Miniworld Rotterdam , near the central station.

The city is also well-known for its experimental and out-of-the-ordinary architecture, often being a testing ground for new concepts. A prime example of this are the Kubuswoningen ( Cube Houses ) at Blaak . Also striking are the Markthal , harbour-crane inspired sculptures at the Schouwburgplein and the Koopgoot , all found in the city centre.

Historic churches [ edit ]

In the Netherlands churches are generally closed to visitors on Sundays.

Other sites [ edit ]

Other sites, in the centre [ edit ]

• 51.919427 4.491987 3 Oude Haven ( Blaak    A     B     C     21     24   ). The Old Harbour is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. ( updated Jun 2016 )

• 51.9189 4.4819 5 Het Schielandshuis , Korte Hoogstraat 31 ( Beurs    A     B     C     D     E     8     12     20     21     23     24   ). This is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city center of Rotterdam. It was once the place where French emperor Napoleon stayed, visiting his troops when they occupied the Netherlands. The former historical museum of Rotterdam which is now moved to another building.  

• 51.90769 4.448454 6 Delfshaven ( Delfshaven    A     B     C     4     8   ). It is one of very few locations in the city which survived WWII bombings. Easily accessible by metro (station of the same name), historic Delfshaven is a very scenic walk. It consists of an 17th-century area around two canals with a lot of charm. By day visit little shops in this neighbourhood, by night attractive pubs and restaurants make the visit worthwhile. ( updated Oct 2021 )

Chinatown [ edit ]

• 51.920188 4.471285 7 Chinatown , West-Kruiskade ( Kruisplein    21     23     24   ). A massive Chinatown, full of Chinese restaurants but also Indonesian and other Asian restaurants. See Rotterdam#Eat for more information. ( updated Jun 2016 )

Windmills [ edit ]

Rotterdam has only seven windmills left. Of these, only De Ster and De Lelie are open to visitors on a regular basis. Other windmills are open to visitors when the mill is turning (easy enough to see), but there are some exceptions to this rule of thumb. A blue flag also indicates that the mill is open to visitors.

• 51.9316 4.5212 8 Windmills De Ster and De Lelie , Plaszoom ( 10-15 minute walk from Voorschoterlaan    A     B     C     7   , follow Oudedijk → Kortekade → Plaszoom ). open every 2nd Sat of the month: 10:00-16:00; and whenever the mills are in use . These two windmills (Star and Lily) date from 1777 and 1829. They are very handsomely situated on the side of the Kralingse Plas lake. The mills do still do their original job which is grinding ingredients for spices and snuff tobacco. Adjacent is a small shop where these products are sold.  
• 51.95117 4.50067 9 De Prinsenmolen , Prinsenmolenpad 72 ( Bergse Dorpstraat    4   , follow Freericksplaats → Weissenbruchlaan → Strekkade → Prinsenmolenpad, about 20 minutes on foot ). closed to visitors . De Prinsenmolen dates back to 1648 and worked until 1966 to keep the adjacent polder dry. It's a house now, but the mill is still in working order. It's a nice walk alongside the Bergse Voorplas lake.  
• 51.95361 4.51519 10 De Vier Winden , Terbregse Rechter Rottekade 91 ( Prinses Irenebrug   33   , about a ten minute walk upstream along the Rotte from the Prinsenmolen ). closed to visitors . De Vier Winden was built in 1776. Until 1964 it was used to grind wheat. Although the mill is not open to visitors, it has a small shop with old fashioned mill-products.  
• 51.93856 4.44397 11 De Speelman , Overschiese Kleiweg 775 ( Ten minutes east from Ruggeweg   32     33     40   , follow Weerlanerstraat ). Open when turning . De Speelman was built in 1712. Heavily damaged during World War II, it was restored and moved to its present location.  
• 51.88342 4.46743 12 De Zandweg , Kromme Zandweg ( Kromme Zandweg    2   ). Open when turning . De Zandweg dates from 1723. It's at the southern part of town called Charlois. When walking a litlle bit further you can also see the nice Oliphant country mansion.  

Museums [ edit ]

Museumkaart is accepted at the city's museums.

Museumpark area [ edit ]

• 51.9143 4.4728 13 Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen , Museumpark 18-20 ( Eendrachtsplein    A     B     C   ), ☏ +31 10 441 94 00 , fax : +31 10 436 05 00 . Tu-Su 11:00-18:00; M closed . The main building of Museum Boijmans van Beuningen is closed for a major renovation until 2029. The Depot has been open for the public since Nov 2021. Some of the masterpieces are being shown on other locations in the city or abroad. The museum, founded in 1849, houses a rich, broad collection that can be generally grouped into four wings: Old Art, with masterpieces such as Pieter Brueghel the Elder's The "little" Tower of Babel (1563). The collection of Prints and Drawings and the collection of Applied Arts and Design with their international allure. And the Modern Art wing has an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. Entry by e-ticket only purchased online in advance. Adult €20; student card €10, child under 19 free entry . ( updated Jun 2022 )
• 51.91485 4.474472 14 Sylvette , Westersingel ( Eendrachtsplein    A     B     C   ). This large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look.  
• 51.9108 4.4734 15 Kunsthal , Westzeedijk 341 ( Eendrachtsplein    A     B     C   ), ☏ +31 10 440 03 00 , fax : +31 10 43 67 152 , [email protected] . Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 11:00-17:00 . An exhibition hall that houses some 25 expositions annually. The Kunsthal often experiments with themes that have never been used for an exhibition before. This approach produces a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. In total, the Kunsthal has 3,300 m² of exhibition space in a striking building, designed by OMA (Rem Koolhaas and Fuminori Hoshino) and is a true work of art all on its own. Adult €12; child 6-18 €2; child under 6 free entry .  

• 51.914686 4.471092 16 Museum voor Architectuur, Design en Digitale cultuur ( Museum for Architecture, Design and Digital culture ), Museumpark 25 ( Eendrachtsplein    A     B     C   ), ☏ +31 10-4401200 , [email protected] . Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 11:00-17:00 . A part of the Het Nieuwe Instituut . €10 (under 18s free); tickets include a visit to the Sonneveld House . ( updated Jun 2016 )
• 51.915614 4.472366 17 Huis Sonneveld ( Sonneveld House ), Jongkindstraat 12 ( Eendrachtsplein    A     B     C   ). Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 11:00-17:00 . A building in the Bauhaus style built in 1932-1933 by Leendert van der Vlugt . It is now a part of the Het Nieuwe Instituut museum. €10 . ( updated Jun 2016 )
• 51.9147 4.4723 18 Chabot Museum , Museumpark 11 ( Eendrachtsplein    A     B     C   ). M-F 11:00-16:30; Sa 11:00-17:00; Su 12:00-17:00 . This neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. A very recommendable if short visit for art lovers. Adult: €6.50; child under 12: free entry .  
• 51.9109 4.4724 19 Natuurhistorisch Museum , Westzeedijk 345 ( Next to the Kunsthal, Eendrachtsplein    A     B     C   ). Tu-Su 10:00-17:00 . The "Natural History Museum" is in the Museumpark, near Boijmans, the NAi and the Kunsthal. It has changing expositions and a fixes collection of mammals, plants and fossils. The current director Kees Moeiliker became famous in 2003 for winning a scientific prize on his study and book about the strange behavior of a duck in the garden of the museum. His predecessor did a lot for the whales and left his collection at the museum. Adult €4; child 4-15 €2; child under 4 free entry . ( updated Dec 2022 )

Maritime museums [ edit ]

• 51.9176 4.4822 20 Maritiem Museum ( Maritime Museum ), Leuvehaven 1 ( Beurs    A     B     C     D     E   ), ☏ +31 10 413 26 80 , fax : +31 10 413 73 42 . Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 11:00-17:00; M 10:00-17:00 in July, August and school holidays in Rotterdam . A variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history. The museum also has an outdoor part of which the Museumschip De Buffel is the absolute highlight. This 19th-century gunboat is restored in all its glory and a must-see for naval enthusiasts. Adult €10, group + 15 people €8.50, child 4-15 €6.00, child under 4 free entry .  
• 51.9187 4.4916 21 Mariniersmuseum , Wijnhaven 7-13 ( Blaak    D     E   ). Tu-F 10:00-17:00, Sa Su 11:00-17:00 . The museum of the Marine Corps is situated in a historic building in the Oude Haven. It shows the history of the 340 year-old corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. In the nearby White House you can still notice the bulletholes in the stone wall.  

Other museums [ edit ]

• 51.922064 4.481309 22 Museum Rotterdam , Rodezand 26 ( behind the city hall at the Timmerhuis, Stadhuis    D     E     12     21     23     24   ), ☏ +31 10 217 67 50 . Tu-Su 11:00-17:00 . Opened in 2016 the museum is dedicated to the modern day Rotterdam and its history. €7.50 . ( updated Jun 2016 )
• 51.9053 4.4868 23 Nederlands Fotomuseum , Las Palmas building, Wilhelminakade 332 ( Wilhelminaplein    D     E     12     20     23     25   ), ☏ +31 10 213 20 11 , fax : +31 10 203 04 06 , [email protected] . Tu-F 10:00-17:00; Sa Su 11:00-17:00 . The Nederlands Fotomuseum focuses on photography in the broadest sense of the word. By doing so, the museum wants to show the diversity of forms of photography. Not only as an artistic form of expression, but also and especially as a medium of social expression and commentary. Adult €6; child under 12 free entry .  
• 51.9195 4.4894 25 Museum of Chess-Pieces ( Schaakstukkenmuseum ), Overblaak 94 ( Blaak    A     B     C     21     24   ). W Sa Su 14:00 - 17:00 . This little museum can be found among the famous Cube houses and houses a diverse collection of chess games. From ancient Chinese to all sorts of cartoon characters. Adult €2; child €1; .  
• 51.9079 4.4805 26 Wereldmuseum , Willemskade 25 ( Leuvehaven    A     B     C     8     12     20     21     24   ), ☏ +31 10 270 71 72 , fax : +31 10 270 71 82 , [email protected] . Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 11:00-17:00 . The Wereldmuseum (World Arts Museum) focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration. Adult €15; child under 13, Rotterdampas, Museumkaart free entry .  

• 51.9153 4.476 27 Witte de With , Witte de Withstraat 50 ( Eendrachtsplein    A     B     C   ), ☏ +31 10 4110144 , fax : +31 10 4117924 , [email protected] . Tu-Su 11:00-18:00 . Witte de With (Centre for Contemporary Arts) exhibits, lectures, multimedia for contemporary arts. Adult €4 Witte de With; €2 discount under 18, students, CJP, seniors, groups (min. 10); free under 12, CKV, Rotterdampas, MJK is valid .  
• 51.9437 4.5042 28 SSN Museumstoomdepot , Rolf Hartkoornweg 50 ( Kerkhoflaan   38   from where it's a 20-minute walk to the northeast ). W 10:00-15:00, S 10:00-17:00 . Old steam locomotives and trains can be admired at the 'Steam Depot Museum'. Besides a small museum it's very much a workshop too where you can see the actual work of restoration in progress. Check the website for rides, that actually use the normal railway lines.  

Do [ edit ]

Upcoming events and performances are listed on the VVV and Use-it websites. The larger events are well documented on the VVV site, for smaller venues check Use-it (under Calendar) for a very attractive and well updated listing of music, expositions, movies and parties that need checking out.

Twice a month the nl10 magazine is distributed around the city. You can take your free copy at a lot of locations (like bars, supermarkets, municipal offices). Besides some articles about interesting things going on in town it also has a large listing of upcoming gigs (in Dutch). Their website [dead link] can also be handy.

• 51.92131 4.48932 1 Uitburo , Hoogstraat 110, inside the Centrale Bibliotheek ( Blaak    A     B     C     21     24   ), ☏ +31 10 240-0166 . M 13:00-18:00, Tu-F 10:00-18:00, Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 13:00-17:00 . The Uitburo office inside the Central Library provides information on theatre and music performances. It also sells tickets and offers an overview of performances that can be visited for free ( gratis ).  

Events [ edit ]

Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name:

• The Six Days cycling competition in January
• IFFR . The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February.  
• Art Rotterdam . In February, you can see (and buy) masterpieces of modern art.  
• World tennis Tournament . In February.  
• On the Rotterdam Museum Night [dead link] in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events.
• Motel Mozaique . Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April)  
• Poetry International . Festival in June.  
• Metropolis Festival (music) on the first Sunday in July.
• The sublime North Sea Jazz festival in July with loads of worldfamous artists.
• Summer Carnival . A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre.  
• Heerlijk Rotterdam . Three day event where you can sample dishes from Michelin-star restaurants for a reduced price (dates vary, summer edition usually late August)  
• The World Port Days [dead link] a weekend full of activities centred around the large harbour of Rotterdam (early September)
• The classical music Gergjev festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev.
• The Rotterdam Harvest Festival in September.
• Bazar Curieux (music) in December

For full listings of events check Rotterdam.info and Use-it [dead link] .

Tours [ edit ]

• 51.9098 4.48264 2 Hop on Hop off Tourist tram Citytour ( lijn 10 ). April-October. July & August daily except Monday. See the website or leaflet for operating days since events or track works may disrupt operation. . The tourist tram line 10 will bring you along modern architecture, the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam using classic trams. Total trip time 65 minutes. First depart from Willemsplein (near Spido) is at 11:00 but you can get on and off at any stop along the route as it operates every 30 minutes. Last depart from Willemsplein 16:30. Be sure to raise your hand to the driver if you would like to board at an intermediate tramstop. Adults €9, children 4-11 and 65+ €7. Tickets available on the tram and valid for whole day. Pay with cash or . ( updated Jul 2019 )
• 51.91058 4.48258 3 Spido harbour trip , Willemsplein 85 ( Metro: Leuvehaven. Tram 7: Willemsplein ), ☏ +31 10 275 99 88 , fax : +31 10 412 47 88 , [email protected] . You only see the first 8 km of the harbour starting at the Erasmus bridge (the trip doesn't go all the way to the north sea, and skips some of the more interesting harbors) But Rotterdam is REALLY big, so even in those first 8 km there's plenty to see. ( updated Jul 2019 )
• 51.90461 4.46586 4 De pannenkoekenboot , Parkhaven 13, 3016 GM Rotterdam ( Departs from near the foot of the Euromast, Tram   8   , stop Euromast. ). Eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise. ( updated Oct 2021 )

Cinema [ edit ]

There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam. The one in the city centre is called Pathé Schouwburgplein (at the Schouwburgplein), the other one is on the southside of the city. It's called Pathé De Kuip (next to the Feyenoord stadium De Kuip). In these cinemas you can see Hollywood movies and occasionally an arthouse movie. To get to De Kuip, take tram   12   to stop Stadion Feijenoord.

If you're more into alternative cinema go to Lantaren/Venster Cinema (Otto Reuchlinweg 996 (Wilhelminapier)). Here you'll get European, Asian and Latin American cinema in a nice atmosphere. It has a nice bar too. The other option is Cinerama (Westblaak 18) which shows a combination of art/house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the IFFR (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at much more locations throughout the city.

In August, an open air cinema at the Lloydkwartier shows both blockbusters and independent films. Entrance is free, and you can either bring your own chair or rent one onsite. To get there, take   A   to Coolhaven and walk for about 10–15 minutes towards the river in the south.

Other attractions [ edit ]

When you want to combine a unique experience with a great view over the city of Rotterdam, you can make a (tandem) skydive at Skydive Rotterdam . At Skydive Rotterdam (also called the Flying Dutchman) you can book a tandem skydive or do a complete skydiving course and jump from a height of 3 or 4 kilometers. It's the only skydiving school in the "Randstad" area and the only place in the Netherlands where you can jump over a major city like Rotterdam. When the weather's good you will have a spectacular view over the Rotterdam skyline and other parts of the Randstad area, all the way to the coastline.

An airplane can be rented at reasonable rates at Rotterdam Airport at Happy Wing . Nice tours above the city, its ports or the coastline are on offer.

On summer Sundays, it is possible to lower yourself down from the Euromast . On last Sundays of summer months you can glide down in 15 seconds on a wire (tokkelen). Both: Not for the faint of heart! Check the website of Heightspecialists .

With children [ edit ]

• 51.9272 4.4489 5 Diergaarde Blijdorp ( Rotterdam Zoo ), Blijdorplaan 8 ( Take RET city bus 33 from Rotterdam Centraal towards Rotterdam Airport and get off at Diergaarde Blijdorp (for the old entrance) or Blijdorpplein (for the new entrance). Alternatively, it's a 10-15 minute walk from Rotterdam Centraal, or a few minutes less from metro station Blijdorp (line   E   RandstadRail) ), ☏ +31 10 443 14 95 . Daily 09:00-17:00 . Diergaarde Blijdorp, established in 1857, is one of the most popular day trips in the Netherlands. Walk through different parts of the world, seeing interesting animals that feel right at home in an approximation of their natural habitats. An interesting feature of Rotterdam Zoo is the Oceanium. Feast your eyes on your journey through this enchanting world of water, filled with ocean and coastal dwellers, including exotic fish and puffins. 7,50 euro/a person .  
• 51.9228 4.4651 6 Miniworld Rotterdam , Weena 745 ( Go left to the buses, then you are there! ). W Th 12:00-17:00, F-Su 10:00-17:00 . It's the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands.  

Football [ edit ]

Rotterdam has three professional football teams:

• Feyenoord play in the Eredivisie, the country's top tier. Their home ground is Stadion Feijenoord (capacity 51,000), better known as "De Kuip"; it's often also used for rock concerts and similar events. It's south of the river with its own railway station Rotterdam Stadion.
• Sparta Rotterdam also play in Eredivisie. Their home ground is Het Kasteel ("The Castle", capacity 12,000), 3 km west of the centre.
• SBV Excelsior were promoted in 2022 back into Eredivisie. They play at Stadion Woudestein (capacity 4500), now called Van Donge & De Roo Stadion. It's 2 km east of city centre on the north bank of the river.

Water sports and yachting [ edit ]

Being a major harbour and having lots of waterways and lakes, Rotterdam has a lot to offer for water-enthousiasts. Boating: There are four major lakes in Rotterdam. The Kralingse Plas, The double Bergse Plas, the Rottemeren and the Zevenhuizer Plas. All of them have active yachting communities and sometimes sailing races can be seen. The Zevenhuizer plas is mainly populated by Windsurf enthousiasts. Sailing boats can be rented at the Kralingse Plas at the Van Gent sailing school , Plaszoom, a 10-minute walk from Metro Voorschoterlaan (walk through the Julianalaan until you reach Plaszoom). Rowing- and sailing boats can be rented at the windmill at the very end of the eastern Rottekade at Van Vliet's (Rottemeren, go by car or bike, a very nice ride). Yachting: When visiting Rotterdam with your own yacht you will find that most yachting harbours are on the inland waterways, were there are a lot of them. On the river Maas you will only find the City Marina , behind a bascule bridge on the southern bank, and the Veerhaven , right in the city center on the northern bank. Unless you need the better shelter of the characterless City Marina, go for the admittedly a little choppy Veerhaven marina, very central and scenic.

Beach [ edit ]

The closest good beach is about 30 km away at Hook of Holland . Here you will find a very fine sand beach with good swimming and enough entertainment. To get there, take line   B   to Hoek van Holland Strand, its end point.

For a more urban-party beach experience head to Scheveningen where you can find everything beach-party addicts dream about; Endless rows of beachside bars, restaurants and discothèques and a boulevard along a splendid fine-sand beach. It can get very crowded here. Take the train to Den Haag Centraal Station and tram   9   subsequently. Also at the same coast is Kijkduin, which is very recommended for children. To get there, get   E   to its northern end point, then take bus 24 to Kijkduin. If you want to go to the beach but want to stay in the city, consider taking   B   to its end point, Nesselande and walk across the Corsicalaan from there. You are at the Strand Nesselande.

Buy [ edit ]

The main shopping areas in the center are the 51.919993 4.477304 1 Lijnbaan and the 51.920675 4.484503 2 Hoogstraat . Both are pedestrianised. The Lijnbaan , which runs straight south from the Weena (close to Rotterdam Centraal ) was the first pedestrianised shopping street in the world when it was built in 1953. Now it is more of an average shopping street with average shops. In weekends it's very crowded. Linking the Lijnbaan with the Hoogstraat is the 51.920066 4.480523 3 Beurstraverse , dubbed Koopgoot (Buying-gutter). A subterrainean passage, also connecting to Beurs metro station. It's all rather big and somewhat strange for a Dutch city, but it fits perfectly into the Rotterdam aspiration of being different. If you're looking for it, ask for the Koopgoot , as the official name is little known.

Department stores [ edit ]

The Beurstraverse gives direct access to the city's main department stores:

• 51.92039 4.47865 4 De Bijenkorf ( Metro   A   , Beurs. ). This upmarket store offers a lot in terms of clothing, accessories, jewellery, perfumes and the like. The store offers quality, but it comes at a price.  
• 51.92007 4.48186 5 HEMA , Beursplein 2, 3011 AA Rotterdam ( metro   D   to Beurs ). This star of Dutch budget shopping has a limited range of clothing, food and hardware. HEMA has a reputation of delivering quality goods at very competitive prices. A lot of what it sells is of a fresh and bright design. ( updated Jul 2019 )

Markets [ edit ]

There are about 12 larger and smaller markets dotted around Rotterdam. Most of them are enjoyable places to walk through.

• 51.92115 4.48748 6 Centrummarkt ( at the eastern end of the Hoogstraat on the Binnenrotte, Metro   A   : Blaak ). Oct-Mar: Tu Sa 08:00-17:00; Apr-Sep: Tu Sa 08:00-17:00, Su 12:00-17:00 . It is a huge (~450 stalls) open air food and hardware market — a nice place to visit. In Summer also there is a smaller version (~50 stalls). ( updated Jul 2016 )
• 51.9011 4.5014 7 Afrikaanderplein Markt ( south of the river, Metro   D   : Maashaven ). W Sa 08:00-16:30 . This market (~300 stalls) is geared very much towards Rotterdam inhabitants of Antillian, South American or African descent (a lot of whom happen to live nearby). It’s more exotic and colourful than the other one. ( updated Jul 2016 )

Street food markets [ edit ]

51.920126 4.486789 8 Markthal , Ds. Jan Scharpstraat 298 ( Binnenrotte, Metro   B   : Blaak ). Market stands: M-Sa 10:00-20:00, Su 12:00-18:00; Albert Heijn: M-Sa 08:00-21:00, Su 10:00-20:00; Bars and restaurants: 10:00-00:00 . Opened in 2014 by a Dutch princess (who else!), It is a quite remarkable building which is worth a visit per se . It's more like a hybrid between a market and a shopping centre. Besides the large market hall, there are also residential, office sections, retail sections. Last but not least the Markthal houses a wide variety of bars, food stalls, and restaurants. Enjoy meals or bites from Mediterranean or Asian cultures or try the famous Rotterdam fries of Bram Ladage. ( updated Sep 2017 )

• Fenix Food Factory , Veerlaan 19D, 3072 AN Rotterdam . Closed on Monday . Offers food/bites and beers on a unique venue. The building itself is an old warehouse which did not lose much of its original character. Get a food platter and pass along all the shops for breakfast, brunch or snacks. ( updated Jul 2019 )

Try one or many more of the Kaapse Brouwers beers: there is a whole wall of taps to choose from. This is a popular place so waiting lines can be long.

Sustainable shopping [ edit ]

• 51.92377 4.48843 9 De Groene Passage , Mariniersweg 1 – 33 ( near Blaak train- and metrostation ). A collection of sustainable shops including a grocery store, restaurant, bookstore and butchery.  

Things to buy [ edit ]

Dutch cheese is very famous, you can get some at grocery stores or wider variety at the marketplace. Other typical Dutch things are stroopwafels , hagelslag and drop (liquorice).

Eat [ edit ]

The area around metrostation Blaak , called Oude haven (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine.

Budget [ edit ]

• 51.9175 4.4743 1 Café Restaurant Sijf , Oude Binnenweg 115 . In weekend open till 02:00 . Very nice old-looking bar. They also serve food for a reasonable price and most of the food is home made. Try the grilled beef with Spanish pepper and garlic! Or have one of their great sandwiches or salads. Wanna have a nice Belgium beer that gets you all fuzzy? They have an awesome Belgian beer called “la Chouffe” (the midget) on draft. Very tasty! A good start for the evening. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 51.917 4.4717 2 Rotown , Nieuwe Binnenweg 19 , ☏ +31 10 4362669 . This is 'the' place in town for creative people. Or it used to be, because lots of people now go to the next-door café's Stalles and Parket. Rotown has a restaurant with decent food for a decent price. The daily changing menu (meat, fish and vegetarian) usually gets you something nice. After eating you can go watch a band or have your drink in the café. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 51.9171 4.4723 3 Stalles , Nieuwe Binnenweg 9 , ☏ +31 10 4361655 . This café at the has pizzas offers on Mondays and Tuesdays. The atmosphere in the restaurant is relaxed and friendly. The menu furthermore features salads, sandwiches, and tapas. The owner also owns Club Vibes, around the corner. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 51.922833 4.498469 4 Rottiedam Roti Rotterdam , Oostzeedijk 356-a . Roti dishes. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 51.923436 4.495544 5 De Kip Gallery , Hoogstraat 6a . Portuguese. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 51.921082 4.470883 6 Bram Ladage Kruisplein , Kruisplein 157 . Fast food. ( updated Aug 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 51.92 4.4912 7 (Cocktail)Bar-Restaurant Stockholm , Spaansekade 12 (Old Harbour) ( walking distance (5min) from train/tram/bus station Blaak ), ☏ +31 10-4147295 . M-Th 15:00-01:00, F Sa 15:00-03:00, Su 15:00-01:00, closed on Monday . Two of the best things in gastronomy come together at Bar-Restaurant Stockholm: A high standard yet fair priced French-inspired menu & the exquisite cocktails. Together with the trendy interior and city centre location Stockholm has been a well-earned success for years. €20-30 . ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 51.92 4.4907 8 Café-Restaurant Kade 4 , Spaansekade 4 in Oude Haven (Old Harbour) ( 5 minute walk from train/tram/bus station Blaak ), ☏ +31 10 270 9001 . Su-Th 10:00-01:00, F Sa 10:00-02:00, closed on Monday . A cafe in an authentic part of the city centre: in the Old Harbour. Open all year round for lunch, dinner or just coffee and delicious cake. One of the most popular terraces during summer. Fair prices, spontaneous staff, basic French-inspired cuisine. €20-30 . ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 51.9161 4.4675 9 Bierhandel De Pijp , Gaffelstraat 90 ( Take Tram 4 to the Bloemkwekerstraat stop on the Nieuwe Binnenweg ), ☏ +31 10 4366896 . M-Sa 12:00-14:00 and 17:30-00:00, closed on Su and festive days and Sat afternoon . Prepare yourself for something special when visiting this famous eatery. The outside is absolutely rundown (so is the interior) and you must convince yourself to really push open the dark door. Once inside you will be welcomed by waiters in white and you will be allocated directly next to other visitors on benches. Good food is served (traditional Dutch and French fare), cooked in the same space that you're sitting. The place is frequented by Rotterdam businessmen and students and guests should fit in in terms of behaviour and appearance. (Mick Jagger was famously denied access here for not being a gentleman.) €30-40 . ( updated Aug 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 51.9225 4.4834 10 Restaurant Amarone , Meent 72 ( near the City Hall (Stadhuis) ), ☏ +31 10 4148487 . A culinary gem in the very heart of the city, this stylish restaurant needs to be booked well in advance. Very rewarding French cuisine. Valet parking. €100+ . ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 51.9177 4.4634 11 Restaurant Lux , 's-Gravendijkwal 133B , ☏ +31 10 476 22 06 , fax : +31 10 476 00 69 . M-Sa 18:00-23:00; Su 17:30-23:00 . Nicely decorated Italian restaurant where you don't just drop by for a simple pizza. As a matter of fact, they don't even serve pizza. With the fine use of herbs, garlic and more interesting stuff that the Italian kitchen has to offer, it is almost impossible to not like this food. The personal is professional and for what you get the prices are actually not too bad. In summer you can eat outside (there is a small terrace at the back). A nice feature of this restaurant is that the kitchen is open until 23:00, something that is not very common in Rotterdam. Around €70 . ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 51.9039 4.4716 12 Restaurant Parkheuvel , Heuvellaan 21 ( Metro Dijkzigt + a short walk through the 'Park' ), ☏ +31 10 4360530 . This sublime Michelin 2 star is the best place in town. Very nice views and service to match. €100+ . ( updated Aug 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

Nightlife in Rotterdam is extremely varied, every subculture has its own area in the city. The Oude Haven (close to the Kubuswoningen ) and the main market square Blaak are the hang out spot for business, economic and law students. The cafés and restaurants in the Oude Haven (Old Harbour) are around a picturesque little harbour. Scenery of water, city lights, boats and Het Witte Huis , the first skyscraper of Europe (1897). The atmosphere is really great and it is best to go when the sun sets, very romantic! Great place for a night out.

Close to the Oude Haven area, the streets around the Pannenkoekstraat have emerged as a new center for shopping and going out. Amidst small boutiques, selling clothes and interior design by young, upcoming designers, you can find cocktailbars such as Level or Soho, which both attract large crowds. Especially in the summer this is a great place for a mojito.

The most lively bar area in town is Eendrachtsplein / Nieuwe Binnenweg . Alternative, easy going and full of friendly, open-minded people. The cafés you should be looking for are Stalles, Parket and Rotown. This is the place to be for the more creative orientated people, musicians, designers and artschool students. Walk down de Nieuwe Binnenweg and arrive at Café Ari ( Nieuwe Binnenweg / Mathenesserlaan ) and Westerpaviljoen (grand café with the best terrace in the city). This is a good place to start the evening. Walk a little bit (3 minutes) down the Binnenweg again and go left at ' s-Gravendijkwal (you'll see the flashy neon lights of sexclub OQ). Across the street you'll find Jazz Cafe Dizzy. A great place for a quality beer and some live jazz music. You can also eat at almost all places mentioned.

Now walk back the Binnenweg up eastbound. Cross Eendrachtsplein and go to the right towards the Westersingel . Walk 3 minutes and on your left there is the Witte de Withstraat . Some nice café's like De Witte Aap, Mondriaan, Bar P, and De Schouw are found here, along with some good restaurants as well. This is also the most arty street of Rotterdam. Here you'll find Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art , MAMA, showroom for media and moving art and many more. Drinking in style!

If you're into loud music, your best option would be to go to De Baroeg at the "Spinozaweg" in Rotterdam-Lombardijen. Loads of heavy metal acts play here each year. Should you not feel like making your way all the way into sub-urbia, you could also try your luck at the Rhythm on Oude Binnenweg . A popular hang out of alternative types.

The clubscene in Rotterdam is well-renowned. For example, it gave birth to the gabber-housescene in the early 1990s and was home to the Now&Wow, one of the world's trendiest clubs. The Now&Wow is now defunct, but in its last location, an old grain silo near metro station Maashaven , there are still numerous dance parties. Just as with the bar scene, there are clubs that cater for different groups of people. Moreover, Rotterdam nightlife is very dynamic: places come and go, move around, change ownership, etc. It is mostly centered around:

• Kruiskade : clubs as Off Corso (housed in an old cinema) and Thalia Lounge have good parties over the weekends and mostly attract 20-somethings.
• Stadhuisplein : number of bars and disco's that are more directed towards the working class. The nearby Baja Beach Club (at the Schouwburgplein) attracts a similar crowd. Stadhuisplein is better to be avoided in the weekends due to a lot of aggression! During week days it's mostly students going out, with De Après Skihut full of people every day of the week.
• Delftsestraat : the Hollywood is a large disco that fills up quickly in weekends with an overall somewhat younger crowd. The Apres Ski Hut recreates the atmosphere of Tirol in the same colourless street.
• Club Vie , near the old harbour area, is a more stylish, trendy club, which also offers nice views over the Maas river.

Some listings that can be found around these places:

• Stalles , Nieuwe Binnenweg 11a . A small bar next to Parket. They serve a large variety of single malt whiskys. It's pretty small, but very cosy.  
• Grand café Westerpaviljoen , Nieuwe Binnenweg 136 . Open till 02:00 in the weekend . Rotterdammers like to read their newspaper here. For a solid breakfast (Dutch “wentelteefjes”), good lunch, or a fast meeting Westerpaviljoen is a perfect place. Hang out on their huge and fantastic terrace, drink a nice glass of Amstel or Hoegaarden White beer.  
• Café De Witte Aap , Witte de Withstraat 78 ( Metro: Eendrachtsplein ). This classic Rotterdam pub (The White Monkey) draws a very varied and often too large crowd for its premises. It's a cool place to have a few drinks before dinner or before exploring the rest of this very lively neighborhood.  
• Pol Bar , Meent 46-48 . In weekends open till 02:00 . Nice looking bar with modern solid patio. Crowd can be sort of posh sometimes, but don't let that scare you too much. Right next to the market (Tuesday and Thursday), and they won some prices with their sandwiches.  
• Paddy Murphy's . This Irish pub is really Irish. Green and wooden colors and a bar crew who only speaks English. Live music every night! On Monday there's pub bingo. In the weekends the entrance fee is €2.50. ( updated Mar 2017 )
• 51.92305 4.50027 2 De Pui , Oostzeedijk Beneden 221 ( Metro: Oostplein ). Very nice bar in a corner building in the heart of Kralingen. Recognizable by the distinguished red awnings. There are students there, but it is not a student pub. There are musicians there, but it is not a musicians cafe. There are businessmen there, but that makes it no business cafe. It is the mixture of people and taste, that makes it so enjoyable. ( updated Oct 2021 )
• Tiki's , Hartmansstraat 16/A ( between Witte de Withstraat and Westblaak ). Don't let the cheesy Hawaiian interior put you off. Frequented by an alternative arty crowd, with rockabilly and ska (and occasionally Ethiopian jazz) on the loudspeakers. Cocktails and small dinner menu.  

Coffeeshops [ edit ]

As everywhere in the Netherlands, the possession (of small quantities) and use of cannabis (hash and weed) is tolerated in Rotterdam. Since Amsterdam draws more coffee-shop tourism prices are lower in Rotterdam. Some renowned places:

• Coffeeshop "De lachende paus" ("The laughing pope", Nieuwe Binnenweg): A shop where you can buy over 40 kinds of pre-rolled joints ( voorgedraaide in Dutch). The prices can be high, but it's worth a visit.
• Coffeeshop "Pluto" (Nieuwe Binnenweg 139a): Actually a headshop. They also sell loads of paraphernalia like pipes, and bongs.
• Coffeeshop "Greenhouse" (Nieuwe Binnenweg) Ditto.
• Coffeeshop "The Reefer" (De Meent, City center)
• Coffeeshop "The Pool" (Westersingel, 5 m from Central Station): A nice Coffeeshop on the 1st floor where you can sit and relax by a table or bar. Or play some pool on the 2nd and 3rd floor.
• Coffeeshop the "Act" / Cafe "De Nieuwe Wet" (Westerwagenstraat): Since the mid-1990s the sale of alcohol and cannabis in the same place has been made illegal. The natural solution? Split your coffeeshop and pub into two separate entities, with only one door.
• Coffeeshop "Nemo" (Nieuwe Binnenweg): Unlike many coffeeshops this place is bright, open and airy with large windows and comfortable seats; the walls are covered in a (Disney) Nimo-esque montage and the music is more relaxed than many coffeeshops. A good place for someone wanting something softer than many other coffeeshops.

Possessing large quantities of hasheesh or cannabis is a crime in the Netherlands: do not take stuff with you when leaving the Netherlands (you can be punished severely in neighbouring countries). It's also unwise to buy for someone else, especially if it's a foreigner as you can be punished in his or her country of origin (it has happened).

Smoking tobacco is banned inside food and drink establishments — even coffeeshops! But tobacco smoking appears to be tolerated in coffee shops, and their pre-rolled joints are often mixed with tobacco.

Music venues [ edit ]

• Rotown where smaller international and national indie artists perform.
• WORM, venue focused on underground and avant garde music
• Roodkapje, a gallery that also host various parties
• Poortgebouw, a venue run by the squatters that live in the building.

Sleep [ edit ]

Camping [ edit ]

• 51.93053 4.44503 1 Stadscamping Rotterdam , Kanaalweg 84 ( Bus 33 (Airport) or 40 (Delft) from Rotterdam Centraal Station, metro stop Blijdorp or busstop Blijdorpplein ), ☏ +31 10 4159772 , fax : +31 10 4373215 , [email protected] . Northwest of the center. For camping near the city it's the only option. There are a lot of trees to give shelter from sun or wind. Basic facilities. Little chalets (2/4 persons) can be rented too. Tent €5, person €6 .  

Hostel [ edit ]

• 51.90935 4.4788 2 Hostel ROOM Rotterdam , Van Vollenhovenstraat 62 , ☏ +31 10 282 72 77 , fax : +31 10 240 07 40 , [email protected] . Check-in: 24/7 , check-out: 24/7 . In the city center in the popular district named Scheepvaartkwartier enclosed by the river Maas, the Erasmus bridge, the Westzeedijk and the park at the Euromast. In a 1920s Art Deco building they offer 16 theme rooms (like the Port room, Festival room, Dutch Delight), a lively bar, guest kitchen, common room, etc. From the hostel everything in Rotterdam is just a doorstep away. Prices start at 15€ .  
• 51.92929 4.47697 3 Hostel De Mafkees , Vijverhofstraat 47, 3032 SB Rotterdam , ☏ +31 10 2409158 , [email protected] . Originating from a summertime-only location near the Central Station, they have moved in 2013 to a new, all-year location in Zomerhofkwartier, bordering the city centre in the north. Prices start at €12.50 for an overnight stay in a dormitory, breakfast included . ( updated Jul 2019 )
• 51.92007 4.49059 4 Stayokay Rotterdam ( Cubic Houses ), Overblaak 85-87 ( Metro: Blaak ), ☏ +31 10 436 57 63 , [email protected] . Clean, safe and easy to find. Since they are in the world-famous Cubic Houses, all the rooms are different shapes and nothing is 'square'. Surrounded by bars and concrete, party noises are amplified and bounced into your room. Not a problem if you plan on staying out late...  
• 51.915123 4.476316 5 King Kong Hostel , Witte de Withstraat 74, 3012BS Rotterdam , ☏ +3110-8188778 , [email protected] . Lively hostel on the even livelier Witte de Withstraat. Clean & friendly, good place to be in the middle of the action and to get to know people. Possibly not best place for quiet sleep though. Bed in dorm from €18.50, Private rooms €80 upwards . ( updated Jul 2017 )

Bed and Breakfast [ edit ]

There are numerous bed and breakfast houses in Rotterdam and they generally offer a good possibility of getting a "local" experience.

Hotel [ edit ]

• 51.91748 4.48875 6 ibis Rotterdam City Centre , Wijnhaven 12 . Opened in August 2014. Features a waterfront location on an island in Wijnhaven.  
• 51.91738 4.47693 7 easyHotel Rotterdam City Centre . A budget hotel group created by the founders of airline easyJet and according to the same principles - the basic accommodation is cheap, but everything else costs extra. ( updated Oct 2021 )
• 51.92443 4.476 8 Holiday Inn Express Rotterdam - Central Station , Weena 121 . In a converted office building close to Rotterdam Centraal. As in every other hotels in this chain, rooms are basic but adequate, while breakfast and Wi-Fi are included in room rates.  
• 51.91514 4.48068 9 Eurohotel Centrum , Baan 14-20 , ☏ +31 10 214 1922 , fax : +31 10 214 0187 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 11:00 . A double room starts at €55 per night, breakfast included . ( updated Jul 2019 )
• 51.92288 4.47684 10 Grand Hotel Central , Kruiskade 12 , ☏ +31 10 414 07 44 , fax : +31 10 412 53 25 , [email protected] . A double room starts at €75 per night, breakfast included .  
• 51.91596 4.47904 11 Hotel Bazar , Witte de Withstraat 16 ( Metro: Beurs or Churchillplein ), ☏ +31 10-2065151 , fax : +31 10-2065159 , [email protected] . Get in touch with real Rotterdam multiculturalism in this splendidly decorated place. Do not forget to dine here too. Ideally situated in the lively Witte de Withstraat. Doubles from €75, breakfast included .  
• 51.90942 4.48232 12 Maritime Hotel , Willemskade 13 ( Metro: Leuvehaven from where it's a short walk to the riverside ). This no-nonsense 3-star has an excellent location directly on the riverquay in the interesting Scheepvaartkwartier neighbourhood. Doubles from €75 per night, breakfast included .  

• 51.90414 4.48458 13 Hotel New York , Koninginnenhoofd 1 , ☏ +31 10 439 05 00 , fax : +31 10 484 27 01 , [email protected] . The former headquarters of the Holland Amerika Lijn, was done up in 1993 and is now a hip and lively place. From €105 per night .  
• 51.92102 4.47874 14 NH Atlanta Rotterdam , Aert van Nesstraat 4 , ☏ +31 10 206 78 00 , fax : +31 10 413 53 20 , [email protected] . Combines a historic 1930s building with a newer one adjoining De Bijenkorf department store. While the common areas entice with art deco charm, some of the cheaper rooms have fallen behind the times and are now badly worn. On balance, the Atlanta is in the very centre and offers brilliant views from its rooftop breakfast room and terrace, as well as from selected rooms.  
• 51.92868 4.47371 15 Hotel Rotterdam , Schiekade 658 ( Tram 25 to Schiekade stop ), ☏ +31 10 466 33 44 , [email protected] . This hotel is a little bit out of the city center on the (very) busy Schiekade street. Doubles from €120 .  
• 51.90964 4.48246 16 Tulip Inn Rotterdam-Centre , Willemsplein 1 , ☏ +31 10 413 41 39 , fax : +31 10 413 32 22 , [email protected] . A splendid location, in front of the tram stop at the start of the Erasmus Bridge with brilliant views thereof, as well as the Kop van Zuid across the Maas. From €125 for a double .  
• 51.92243 4.49177 17 Hampshire Hotel - Savoy Hotel Rotterdam , Hoogstraat 81 , ☏ +31 10 413 92 80 , fax : +31 10 404 57 12 , [email protected] .  

• 51.9194 4.49012 18 citizenM Rotterdam , Geldersestraat 50 . One of the first hotels of this chain with an innovative concept - offering ample, four-star level amenities, including designerish common spaces, combined with ultra-small cabin-sized rooms, all at a reasonable price vs. regular upscale hotels.  
• 51.91555 4.47324 19 Bilderberg Parkhotel Rotterdam , Westersingel 70 ( Metro: Eendrachtsplein ), ☏ +31 10 436 36 11 , fax : +31 10 436 42 12 , [email protected] . The somewhat stately Parkhotel has a reputation of offering real value. Its location is very practical too, just off the lively Witte de Withstraat and close to the major museums.  
• 51.92345 4.47734 20 Hilton Hotel Rotterdam , Weena 10 , ☏ +31 10 710 80 00 , fax : +31 10 710 80 80 .  
• 51.92257 4.47154 21 Marriott Hotel ( formerly Manhattan Hotel Rotterdam ), Weena 686 ( Rotterdam Centraal Station ), ☏ +31 10 430 20 00 , fax : +31 10 430 20 01 . This towering high rise is just across Rotterdam Centraal. Luxurious rooms that are sometimes to be had for as little as €100. Check the site (walk-ins pay far more) ( updated Jul 2017 )
• 51.913 4.48256 22 Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre , Schiedamsedijk 140 ( Metro (D,E): Leuvehaven ). A design hotel with modern, simplistic appointments. It occupies a striking waterfront building at the foot of the Erasmus bridge.  
• 51.91357 4.48246 23 Mainport Design Hotel , Leuvehaven 77 . A luxury offshot of Inntel Hotels along the same waterfront, Guests can enjoy rich interior decorations, a spa, sauna, hamam, spa, a restaurant and a bar, all with views of Leuvehaven.  
• 51.90666 4.48819 24 nhow Rotterdam , Wilhelminakade . An upscale hotel concept of NH Hoteles, with features, rooms and common spaces inspired by art, music, fashion and such. nhow Rotterdam, housed in the new striking waterfront highrise on Wilhelminakade (across the Erasmus Bridge), tops it up with great views from the pricier rooms.  
• 51.90199 4.48825 25 Bed, Bites & Business hotel Rotterdam ( Bed, Bites & Business ), Nico Koomanskade 94 ( on the quay of the Rijnhaven ), ☏ +31 1030 46063 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Bed, Bites & Business has a spectacular view of Wilhelminaplein, the head from south to the Euromast, inside the building "San Francisco", which in 1930 was the former headquarters of the largest transhipment warehouse in the world. 120 . ( updated Feb 2022 )

Connect [ edit ]

The telephone country code for the Netherlands is 31, and Rotterdam's city code is 010. In case of an Emergency , dial 1-1-2 (free of charge). When staying for a longer time, buy a prepaid sim card for your mobile phone.

Stay safe [ edit ]

You should take normal precautions against pickpockets and baggage theft, especially in the main shopping streets, at markets, in trams and trains, at stations, and anywhere where tourists congregate. It is not wise to hang around Stadhuisplein when nightlife ends. Fights often occur in this area after midnight. Rotterdam also has a reputation of mass venues getting out of hand, though you shouldn't worry too much about it. If violence breaks out at football festivities (not so unlikely) or at the end of sun soaked festive days, like Kings Day (even less unlikely, especially at the Stadhuisplein), just get out of the way and you're unlikely to be affected. It's advisable not to wear a football jersey of Ajax Amsterdam or any other stuff promoting Ajax or Amsterdam. In terms of general safety, at daylight most areas in the city are safe. But at night, some areas such as Spangen, Charlois and Hillesluis are wise to avoid.

As of the end of 2022/beginning of 2023, many explosions at the front doors of houses occurred across the entire city. These were related to drug crime and targeted at people involved in drug trafficking, or their family. Explosions mostly happened at night.

When you drive a car with a foreign numberplate (especially if it's a French or Belgian one) you might or will be approached by so-called drugsrunners . This can occur on the motorways surrounding the city and in the city proper. These guys try to lure people to places where drugs are dealt. Do not respond to their signals and do not follow them.

Go next [ edit ]

If you do not have a car, the hub for leaving the city will probably be Rotterdam Centraal , from where trains leave in all directions at short intervals (you can generally drop in and catch the next train to your destination). Most regional and longer distance buses leave here too, with the exception of most buses to southerly destinations and the province of Zeeland that leave from metro station Zuidplein . In contrast with the trains, bus departure times should be checked in advance as they can be far and between.

For trains to the North and the South travellers can also choose to depart from Rotterdam Blaak .

The Hague can also be reached easily and rather quickly by metro line E.

Nearby destinations like Schiedam or even Delft can also be reached by bike if you fancy a somewhat longer ride. Bike routes and directions are well marked and available in abundance. A good idea for a sunny day! Schiedam can be reached by train or by metro (in 15 minutes) too. MRDH is the area of the region Rotterdam-Schiedam-Delft-The Hague, see this page for more information on travel and cycling.

Nearby [ edit ]

• Kinderdijk — a UNESCO World Heritage site. 19 old windmills are still helping to control the water level there. Windmill #2 is open to the public (€3), allowing you to see its inner workings. In season there is a direct waterbus service from an embankment at the Erasmus bridge (travel time ~1/2 hour). Alternatively, Arriva bus 90 from bus and metro station Zuidplein will get you there in 50 minutes.
• Schiedam — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the world's six tallest windmills. Also you can find there the Stedelijk Museum , an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from Rotterdam Centraal to Schiedam Centrum ), metro A, B or C line to Schiedam Centrum station, or tram lines 21 or 24 ( Broersvest or Koemarkt stop).
• Hoek van Holland is a part of the Rotterdam municipality and it's 30 km from Rotterdam. On hot summer days it serves as Rotterdam's beach town, overlooking large ships leaving the port of Rotterdam, including the ferries to the United Kingdom.

Day trips [ edit ]

• Delft — this famous town is a 15-minute train ride from Rotterdam Centraal . Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy.
• Dordrecht — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a waterbus [dead link] .
• Gouda — visit this small picturesque postcard-like town and see the magnificent stained glass windows in the Sint Janskerk . Also 20 min by train.
• Delta Works — a series of construction projects protecting the Southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterschelde storm surge barrier is the most impressive, and next to it is Neeltje Jans , a water theme park dedicated to the Delta Works.
• Brielle — a mediaeval fortified town. The centre is a nice ensemble of old houses and churches, enclosed by the original earthen defensive walls. There are some museums and the Roman Catholic shrine of the Martyrs of Gorcum. Walking around town and fortifications is a treat. You can easily spend a full day in Brielle. Take bus 103 at the Spijkenisse Centrum metro station. A journey takes about 70 min.
• Schoonhoven — a nice small town with many well preserved medieval buildings on the Lek river in a halfway to Utrecht. From Station Capelsebrug, Rotterdam, take a bus 195 (direction Utrecht). A journey takes about 1 hour.
• Go to the other cities of the Randstad , e.g. The Hague is 1/2 hour by train or metro, Utrecht is around 45 min by train, Amsterdam about an hour.

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One Day in Rotterdam Itinerary: The Best Travel Guide

Posted on Published: April 25, 2024  - Last updated: April 26, 2024

Categories Blog , City Guides , Europe , Netherlands , Travel Guides

On our trip to the Netherlands, we took a day trip to Rotterdam from The Hague and really enjoyed our brief visit to the city. With only one day in Rotterdam, we were only able to experience so much, but Rotterdam definitely left us wanting more.

This one day in Rotterdam itinerary showcases both highlights and hidden gems of the second-largest city in the country. It includes our initial travel plans, as well as the places we stumbled upon when in Rotterdam.

Posts may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link.

You may choose to base yourself in Rotterdam when visiting other cities and small towns in the Netherlands. In our case, we based ourselves in The Hague (Den Haag) and ventured out to Rotterdam for the day.

Regardless, even if you only see Rotterdam in a day, you can cover quite a bit of ground. We’ll show you how.

Table of Contents

Getting There

Rotterdam is easily accessible by car, train and taxi/Uber from many other destinations. The Netherlands isn’t that big of a country, and it’s really easy to get from place to place. We love traveling by train in the Netherlands.

From Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal, it’s about a 30 minute train journey. There are many direct trains between the two cities, although we had to transfer in Gouda when we visited. It was an easy transfer that lined up rather perfectly.

You can use your tickets any time of the day. I suggest getting them ahead of time on the Dutch Railways website . Download their mobile app so you can easily bring up your tickets to show the staff when they come around to check them.

There are also trains between Amsterdam and Rotterdam with a travel time between 45 minutes and 1 hour. You can also rent a car in the Netherlands to get from point A to point B. I always recommend comparing car rental prices online to find the best rates. We always book with Discover Cars as we’re always able to find reputable car rentals at the best prices.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

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One Day in Rotterdam: Nieuwe Delftse Poort

When Justin and I walked from Rotterdam Centraal towards Rotterdam City Centre, we stumbled upon this massive art piece called Nieuwe Delftse Poort . Mind you, it was pouring rain when we visited, so it says something that we still took the time to stop and check this one out.

This modern gate represents one that used to stand in this same spot back in 1545 as part of Rotterdam’s fortification walls. As time went on, Rotterdam didn’t require the Noorderpoort and its protection, though it remained as part of the city’s history.

The original gate was rebuilt on three occasions and the last incarnation of it, the Delftsche Poort, became the most famous monument in Rotterdam. As the city expanded and became more developed, the municipality decided to move the gate to another location.

This never ended up happening. Amidst WWII, the gate was badly damaged in 1940 and completely removed. Long after the war, artist Cor Kraat constructed a modern art piece in the place of the original gates. Built using orange beams, this gate is merely a skeleton of what was once there, demonstrating that Rotterdam is in a constant state of rebuilding.

One Day in Rotterdam: Markthal (Market Hall)

Our first main stop in Rotterdam was Markthal , or Market Hall, located inside an iconic horseshoe-shaped structure. This indoor covered market boasts nearly 100 fresh food stalls featuring authentic flavors from all over the world. There’s also a supermarket and several restaurants.

There’s a beautiful, massive mural splashed across the walls and ceiling inside this circular building. The artwork by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam is called “Horn of Plenty” or “Cornucopia”.

It details large imagery of flowers, fruits, vegetables, seeds and insects with a nod to Dutch still-life paintings from the 17th century. This art is a sharp contrast to the building’s gray exterior. It’s also been called “the largest artwork in the world” and “the Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam”.

I suggest walking around and sampling dishes from several stalls. There’s something for every taste. As for the vegan options at Markthal, try Tofu Heaven (delicious tofu snacks and dishes!), Umi Sushi Ramen & Pokebowl for veggie sushi and ramen, or 55 Bombay Street (samosas, pakora, chickpea paratha, chana dhal and more).

Please be advised that there aren’t any vegan stroopwafels at Markthal. Trust me, I looked, I asked, and no one had vegan versions of this famous Dutch cookie. You’ll need to go to Didi’s Stroopwafels in town to find vegan stroopwafels (more on this in a bit!).

Let me tell you, on a rainy Saturday in Rotterdam, this place was packed! We made the mistake of visiting around lunchtime as well, so it was very crowded. There were long waits for food from most booths. Not only do you need to pay to use the toilet, but there will be a lengthy line as well.

To avoid this situation, I suggest visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. The crowds did let up quite a bit as we were leaving, so I think we should have timed this one out better.

One Day in Rotterdam: Cube Houses

The Cube Houses of Rotterdam, also known as Kubuswoningen, are great to visit after your time at the Market Hall. After all, the Cube Houses are directly across the way with a walking distance of only a minute or two.

If you love interesting architecture or quirky places to visit, the Cube Houses are a worthy addition to your one day in Rotterdam itinerary. Architect Piet Blom designed this collection of unique homes that you won’t see anywhere else in the world.

After World War II, Rotterdam needed to be completely rebuilt. City officials thought that it would be a good opportunity to modernize everything. The concept behind the yellow Cube Houses was to not only add bright and cheery modern buildings to the city, but to also optimize the space inside the homes.

These striking Cube Houses are a village themselves within the city. Each house has three floors and grow much wider towards the top, resembling trees. Together, these “tree” homes form a forest and gained the nickname, “Blaak Forest”.

As you can imagine, this little neighborhood is quite popular and draws quite a crowd. It’s important to be respectful as these are actual homes where people live. It’s also the home of the Stayokay Hostel Rotterdam – yes, you can stay the night in the Cube Houses!

At the same time, you can take a tour inside one of the homes if you’re interested. We saw quite a few people advertising this tour, and there are also signs pointing you towards the Kijk-Kubus (Show-Cube). It’s open seven days a week from 11:00 to 17:00 and costs a small fee to go inside.

One Day in Rotterdam: Lijnbaan

Lijnbaan is the main shopping street in Rotterdam. After you visit the Cube Houses, go for a stroll down the Lijnbaan as you make your way towards Delfshaven, the historic area of the city. This is the main shopping promenade with many popular retail outlets.

There’s an intriguing history behind Lijnbaan, too. After Rotterdam was entirely flattened after the Second World War, the city planners set out to create a modern and meaningful street design. Built in 1953, the Lijnbaan became the first dedicated pedestrian-free street in Europe, closed off completely to cars.

This was a foreign concept at the time. Business owners felt that their shops would only be visited if people could drive up in their cars. However, it proved to be the opposite. From its beginnings, Lijnbaan became a place where residents could go for a wander, meet with their friends, and gaze into shop windows.

Didi’s Stroopwafels

While located south of the Lijnbaan, I’m including this notable stroopwafel shop in this one day in Rotterdam itinerary because they sell vegan stroopwafels. This was the only vegan-friendly stroopwafel shop I could find in Rotterdam. Please add others in the comments section below, if you know of any!

While the fresh stroopwafels that the staff members make before your eyes are not free of animal products, there are packages of vegan stroopwafels on the shelves. Make sure you ask a member of staff or purchase a package marked with a “V” in black marker on the bottom of the package.

One Day in Rotterdam: Dutch Pinball Museum

The Dutch Pinball Museum is unlike any museum we’ve ever visited. It’s dedicated entirely to pinball machines from their inception through to present day. Best of all, there are more than 100 playable pinball machines to play an unlimited amount of times with your ticket.

First, I highly recommend purchasing a ticket to the Dutch Pinball Museum ahead of time. This is a very popular place to visit in Rotterdam and tickets often sell out. Your ticket covers a two hour time slot.

Upon arrival, the first room you’ll visit is filled with the most old, antique and rare pinball machines. These are the only ones that you won’t be able to play, and they date back to 1853. This room functions as a true museum where you will see the evolution of pinball machines over time.

Then, the rest of the museum is yours to explore. Wander through the various rooms on a couple of different levels to play different themed pinball machines. There are pinball machines for bands and musicians, movies and more. Not only that, but there’s also movie and music memorabilia to match the pinball cabinets.

Our favorite room was the Big Lebowski room. This smaller room is full of Big Lebowski memorabilia, art, and of course, a pinball machine dedicated to the movie.

My favorite pinball machine is Funhouse as I have memories of playing this one when I was younger. While there are a considerable amount of guests entering the museum at the same time, there are always machines free to play. You might have to wait to play your favorite one, but it won’t be for too long.

Two hours is the perfect amount of time to play pinball to your heart’s content. The Dutch Pinball Museum is located in the middle of Delfshaven, the most historic area of Rotterdam. Once you’re finished, it’s time to go for a wander around Delfshaven.

One Day in Rotterdam: Delfshaven

This one day in Rotterdam itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Delfshaven. This is one of the few areas of Rotterdam that wasn’t bombed during World War II. Dating back to 1389, this area used to be its own municipality (“Port of Delft”) before becoming part of Rotterdam in 1886.

Justin and I went for a walk along the cobblestone streets lining the old marina. There’s a reconstructed 18th century flour windmill that’s one of the largest in the Netherlands. It is possible to take a tour here and purchase products made of flour.

Furthermore, I suggest stopping by Stadsbrouwerij De Pelgrim, a brewery that makes traditionally brewed Pilgrim beer with pure Rotterdam water. This is one of three breweries in Rotterdam.

There’s a history of pilgrims in Delfshaven. The old church (Oude Kerk) in Delfshaven is called the Pelgrimskerk (Pilgrim Fathers Church). It was named as such after Pilgrims left Delfshaven in 1620 to travel to America.

One Day in Rotterdam: Witte de Withstraat

On your way back towards the city center, go for a walk on Witte de Withstraat. This is a trendy area of town with colorful murals and street art covering the walls and alleyways. There are cool bars and restaurants, hip art galleries, and all around good vibes.

Check out a patio, go people watching, and sample artisanal food and drink. Pop into a speakeasy cocktail bar or check out the nightlife if you plan to stay in Rotterdam well into the evening. If you have time in your schedule, this is a must visit spot to add to your Rotterdam travel plans.

Vegan Junk Food Bar

Just at the edge of Witte de Withstraat is one of the best restaurants, Vegan Junk Food Bar. Their first location is in Amsterdam, and I’ve wanted to visit for ages now. I was so happy to learn of their second location in Rotterdam!

This is the place to be for vegan comfort food, whether you follow a vegan diet or not. I think that everyone will agree that this food is absolutely delicious. We ordered locally brewed beer, burgers, wings and dipping sauces. Everything was so tasty and overall, the place had impeccable vibes.

It was the perfect end to our day in Rotterdam before walking back to the train station to head back to The Hague. Despite the rainy weather (to be expected in the Netherlands in the spring), Justin and I had a really wonderful day exploring Rotterdam.

There are quite a few other places we could visit in Rotterdam on our next trip, including the Euromast Tower, Fenix Food Factory, several museums and galleries, and some of Rotterdam’s beautiful parks. Feel free to add any of these to your Rotterdam itinerary if they pique your interest.

Where to Stay in Rotterdam

While we only spent one day in Rotterdam, it was a toss-up for us whether to base ourselves in Rotterdam or The Hague. In the end, we chose The Hague, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t spend the night (or nights) in Rotterdam.

Please use the map above to find the best hotels, vacation rentals and accommodations. Enter your travel dates for more precise info, and click on each property to learn more and book it.

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Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

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Here’s The Best Travel Guide to Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a beautiful city that is filled with fantastic architecture, a refreshing port area, a lot of art, and a modern city center.

There are a lot of things to do in the city and places to see, from the museums, churches, harbor, and many more. Before you dive deep into these beautiful attractions, here’s an informative Rotterdam travel guide you can use to make your stay convenient and comfortable. 

When is the Best Time to Go in Rotterdam?

Take in the beautiful views of the city during the summer months, which are from late June to early September. The city is a year-round destination, which means whether you’re going here in the summer or winter, you can make the most out of it. 

How Much Will You Typically Spend in Rotterdam? 

If you’re staying in the city, there are a lot of accommodations you can choose from—from hotels , hostels , bed, and breakfasts, holiday homes, etc. The price of your accommodation will mainly depend on the number of nights you will stay in the city and the type of accommodation. For an average hotel room in the city, expect to pay from €110.

 There are budget hotel prices as well that you can get like at a two-star hotel where prices start at €55 per night. If you will be backpacking around the city and you’re okay with staying at a hostel, expect to pay between €20 and €40 per night.

For Airbnb, such as holiday homes, you can get an entire apartment at around €40 to €70 per night. For the food, meal prices in the city vary but the average cost of food here per day is at €33, in which dining out at an average meal should cost around €13 per person.

Breakfast prices are often cheaper than lunch or dinner here. As for local transportation, expect to spend around €17 per day on average. As for the tours, they greatly vary depending on the areas you will go to. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways you can save money in Rotterdam: 

• Hop on a bike: Get around the city by renting a bike. You can get one at around €10 per day. 
• Go on a free walking tour: If you want to see the city, you can go on a free walking tour where you will be able to learn about the city without the need to spend money. 
• Cook food: If your accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen, it’s cheaper to cook your own food than to eat out. Head to the grocery and get some ingredients to cook. 
• Use Uber pool: If you need to take an Uber, opt for rideshare. This is an effective way to save more money to get around Rotterdam. 
• Get the welcome card: Get the tourist card that contains a lot of discounts, especially if you will stay in the city for a while. 

How to Get Around Rotterdam

You can take public transportation to get around the city. The RET has buses, trams, water buses, and trains. It’s best to have an OV-chipkaart, which costs around €7. You can replenish your funds on the card as needed. Taxi is another mode of transportation in the city with a meter drop of around €2.50 and around €3 per mile. That said, only take a taxi when necessary because this isn’t cheap! 

If you want to have more convenience and freedom to get around the city, you can always rent a car. The average rate per day is around €15, which is cheaper than a taxi fare. You can rent a bike as well, which is around €6 per day. However, this will depend on the size and type of bike you rent. Another great way to get around the city is to ride water-based transportation, such as water taxis and water buses.

The water taxi shuttles between Hotel New York and the Leuvenhaven subway station, and the Veerhaven. The cost per ride is around €2. You can also ride the Aqualiner or the Waterbus ferry. The ferry lets passengers bring their bikes with them, which is free of charge. The time and price vary based on several factors, therefore, check with the line before you board. 

Are you looking for a car to rent in Rotterdam? 

How to Stay Safe in the City

Generally, Rotterdam is a safe city. However, a big concern here is pick-pocketing. Therefore, be mindful of your belongings when you’re out in public. You also need to be cautious of some scams here, such as people selling public transit tickets that have already been used.

Make sure you only buy from official ticket places in the city. Additionally, don’t purchase a really cheap bike from someone from the street because it’s likely it’s a stolen one. 

What Should I Pack for Rotterdam?

Packing for Rotterdam depends on what type of traveler you are and how long you will be staying in the city. Of course, the weather is also a factor. A good rule of thumb is to pack comfortable clothes, such as: 

• A pair of jeans
• Long-sleeved shirts
• A pair of sneakers
• Pairs of socks
• Several jackets and heavy jackets if you’re going in winter
• Bathing suits

If it’s your first time in the city, or even if it’s your second or third, it’s important to be in comfortable clothes, especially if you plan to do a lot of tours, walking, and whatnot. Hopefully, our Rotterdam travel guide will help you enjoy the city even more!

Read more about Rotterdam and other cities in the Netherlands here at Ask The Dutch Guy. Browse our other topics today! 

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Best Things To Do in Rotterdam For Three Days

One day in Rotterdam: The Best Things To See & Do

How To Enjoy Your 2 Days in Rotterdam

The Top 8 Hidden Gems In Rotterdam

Rotterdam Sightseeing Spots: Explore the Best Activities and Attractions in the City

Rotterdam Guide: The Gateway To The World

Rotterdam travel guide

Rotterdam tourism | rotterdam guide, you're going to love rotterdam.

One of Europe's largest ports, Rotterdam is an outward-looking cultural hotspot with a flair for design, architecture, and art that few cities of its size can match.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Rotterdam

1. tour the museums.

Rotterdam has plenty of world-class museums. Visit the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen for art, and the Wereldmuseum for excellent ethnography collections.

2. Music Festivals

With the North Sea Jazz Festival attracting thousands of acts in July and top house DJs at the Kroon Festival in April, music lovers have plenty of reasons to head to Rotterdam.

3. Superb Architecture

From the innovative Cube Houses to the swan-like Erasmusbrug, the city is full of modern architectural masterpieces.

4. Food and Drink

Head to the Fenix Food Factory for all of the gouda, cakes, and Dutch beer you can handle, or check out the World Food Festival, which attracts chefs from all over the globe.

5. Explore Rotterdam's Maritime Heritage

Don't miss the Maritime Museum to get a sense of how the city's port has developed, and take a boat cruise in the harbor to see the sights.

What to do in Rotterdam

1. euromast: cityscape and beyond.

Euromast, an observation tower and the tallest building in Rotterdam, was originally built for the 1960 Floriade, an international exhibition held every 10 years in the Netherlands. It was designed by Hugh Masskant in 1958. The tower, which features a crow's nest observation platform and a restaurant rising 315 feet in the air, is constructed in concrete with a diameter of 30 feet. Euromast has even held BASE jumping events. This impressive tower affords sweeping views of the city, as well as Antwerp, Moerdijk and The Hague in the distance, and is open to visitors for guided tours.

2. Erasmusbrug: Travel North to South

The Erasmus Bridge or Erasmusbrug, a combination cable and bascule bridge in downtown Rotterdam, is the second-largest in the country and connects the northern and southern areas of the city. Built in honor of Desiderius Erasmus, the renowned Renaissance humanist, it was completed in 1996. Stretching 2,631 feet across the New Meuse, the bridge was designed by Ben van Berkel and is nicknamed The Swan. After discovering that the bridge swung during heavy winds, shock dampers were added.

3. Kijk Kubus: Life in a Cube

Designed by Piet Blom in 1978 and completed in 1984, the Kijk-Kubus or the Cube Houses are part of the Blaakse Bos housing development along the Waterfront. The homes are tilted 45 degrees and rest on a hexagonal pylon. A museum designed to replicate the experience of living in a Cube House, the installation features models, screens and photo displays, which provide information about the development. The area includes small shops, a school and a playground and is open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m every day.

4. Rotterdam Zoo: Animal Planet

Diergaarde Blijdorp, the Foundation Royal Zoo of Rotterdam, celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2007. One of the oldest zoos in the country, the original reserve was bombed during World War II, and was reconstructed at a new location by architect Sybold van Ravesteyn. The zoo includes the Oceanium aquarium, which features herring, sharks, puffins and king penguins, a lush botanical garden, and 70 breeding programs, which rear red pandas, Asian elephants, red-crowned and Siberian cranes, Komodo dragons, Visayan warty pigs, and Egyptian tortoises.

5. Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk: Last Church Standing

Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, the St. Lawrence Church, is the city's last medieval building. Built from 1449 and 1525, it was the first stone structure in Rotterdam. During the Rotterdam Blitz of 1940, the church was severely damaged, though Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands refused to demolish the church. The restoration began in 1952 and was completed in 1968. The church hosts guided tours, concerts, exhibitions and lectures, as well as a permanent exhibition. It also has a patio café with a tasting room, de Swarte Leeuw or the Black Lion.

Activities & attractions in Rotterdam

Where to Eat in Rotterdam

Oude Haven is a good area to head for a meal, where great options include Restaurant Soit, which offers Dutch cuisine, as well as excellent Italian eateries like Restaurant Amarone. Meals should cost between EUR12 and EUR25 at mid-range places.

When to visit Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a year-round destination. Sightseeing is a little bit more pleasant in the summer, from late June to early September, but the art, food, and architecture can be enjoyed whenever you feel like visiting.

How to Get to Rotterdam

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) is just 4 miles north of the town center. From there, catch Bus 50 or 33 into town (EUR0.89 with an OV-chipkaart). Taxis will cost around EUR20.

Rotterdam Centraal has rail links to Amsterdam, France, and Belgium, and is right at the heart of the city.

To drive from Amsterdam, take the A4 straight to Rotterdam, and from Brussels, take the E19, then the A16 when you cross the Dutch border.

Intercity buses run from most northern European cities and are run by Eurolines and Megabus.

Airports near Rotterdam

Airlines serving rotterdam, where to stay in rotterdam.

Popular upscale hotels in the center of town include the Hilton Rotterdam, the Bilderberg Parkhotel, and Hotel New York in the docklands area.

Popular Neighborhoods in Rotterdam

Centrum - where most of Rotterdam's attractions are based, Centrum is home to the Boijmans Museum and a huge array of eateries and bars.

Dijkzigt - Dijkzigt is home to the Kunsthal, Rotterdam's other major gallery as well as the Natural History Museum, and it's a good place to base yourself.

Kop van Zuid - Kop van Zuid is a regenerated docklands neighborhood with soaring towers and upmarket hotels (as well as fantastic harbor views).

Where to stay in popular areas of Rotterdam

Most booked hotels in rotterdam, how to get around rotterdam, public transportation.

RET provides buses, trams, water buses, and trains. It's a good idea to pick up an OV-chipkaart, which can be recharged as required (the card costs EUR7.50).

Taxis in Rotterdam charge a meter drop of EUR2.50, then around EUR3 per mile, so they aren't the cheapest way to get around.

You can rent a car of your own from branches of Europcar or Hertz, and rates tend to be around EUR15 per day, so it's a cost-effective alternative to taxis.

The Cost of Living in Rotterdam

Shopping streets.

Shopping fans should head to Hoogstraat and Lijnbaan - two pedestrianized zones featuring hundreds of stores.

Groceries and Other

Rotterdam hosts supermarkets like Aldi, SPAR, and Jumbo, where prices aren't too high. Expect a gallon of milk to cost around EUR3.50.

A weekend in Rotterdam: travel guide, things to do, food and drink

Everything you need to know for a city break in ‘Manhattan on the Maas’

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Why you should visit Rotterdam

Often overshadowed by its “bigger sibling” Amsterdam, Rotterdam has suffered from the “PR problem” known as “second city syndrome”, said Lilit Marcus in Vogue . Amsterdam lite? Hardly. Each city has “distinctly positive attributes”, not to mention “a totally different vibe”. Heavily bombed during the Second World War, Rotterdam has had an opportunity to rebuild as a “strikingly modern” city full of “cutting-edge design”. Simply put, Rotterdam is a European “capital of cool”.

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It’s long been Europe’s biggest industrial port, but these days Rotterdam is a hub of “avant-garde architecture”, said Seth Sherwood in The New York Times . Filled with excellent art institutions, it has become an “essential European cultural stop” and after a few days here you’ll agree that what it lacks in historical buildings, it “more than makes up for with contemporary urban cool”.

Rotterdam is “not for nostalgia seekers”, said Mike MacEacheran in The Times . The “prime reward” for visitors is “eye-popping” design, including cube houses, a “vertical city of Tetris towers”, and industrial monuments. What “strikes you most” is how Rotterdam “goes out of its way to be different to Amsterdam”.

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Top attractions and things to do

To get your bearings, go up the Euromast , a 185m-tall tower that has superb 360-degree views of the city and harbour. Attractions include the Euroscoop panorama elevator with glass floor and a stylish restaurant. The park “down below” at the base of the Euromast, said Foder’s , is where “many Rotterdammers spend time when the weather is good”.

Cube houses

Constructed by architect Piet Blom in the 1980s, Rotterdam’s cube houses are a “curious and magnificent architectural wonder”, said All That’s Interesting . Part of the city’s design heritage, said Uniq Hotels , the unique structure on Overblaak Street was built above the Blaak metro station and a pedestrian bridge. The “innovative” cube buildings are angled at 45-degrees, “giving them the iconic looks that made them so famous”.

Erasmus Bridge

Nicknamed “The Swan”, the 800m-long Erasmus Bridge resembles a harp and “towers over Europe’s largest harbour”, said Nomadic Matt . From the bridge, you can spot the iconic cube houses as well as the Art Nouveau-style Witte Huis. Walk “a little further” and you can explore the “charming” Delfshaven neighbourhood. Linking the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam, the Erasmus Bridge was named by USA Today as one of the world’s “most spectacular new bridges”.

Museums and galleries

Rotterdam’s chief “starchitect” is Rem Koolhaas, and it was the Kunsthal that made his name. Part of a culture-fringed green space called Museumpark, this terrific gallery slowly spirals upwards via a series of long ramps. Its ever-changing exhibitions are as likely to focus on hyperrealist body sculpture as primitive cave art.

Discovering “awesome” cultural experiences in Rotterdam is “rarely difficult”, said Tom Coggins on Culture Trip . Highlights include Kijk-Kubus , known as the “show cube”, and Nederlands Fotomuseum , which is dedicated to the “preservation of every aspect of Dutch and international photography”. The modern Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, a “monstrous” art gallery, is being “completely reinvented for 2026”, said MacEacheran in The Times. “In the meantime”, there’s The Depot next door, the world’s first public art storage facility and a “plant pot-shaped vault” home to the museum’s 151,000 works.

Oude Haven and Maritime District

Rotterdam’s Old Harbor ( Oude Haven ) is part of the city’s “revitalised” Maritime District, said Bryan Dearsley on PlanetWare . The boat basin is filled with “restored historic boats”, including houseboats lived in by locals. Nearby attractions include the Maritime Museum .

Take a Watertaxi

Order a Watertaxi – they work like Ubers – to see Rotterdam’s floating farms and harp-like bridges while bouncing across the Maas River.

Shopping and markets

Pannekoekstraat is a small street filled with “cute boutiques, nice little restaurants and unique shops”, said Inside Rotterdam . Shopping hotspots in “Rotterdam’s SoHo” include “lovely little boutique” Louen, which sells a collection that’s “a bit Danish and also a bit Dutch”, and Pantoufle, which sells items that are “made with care to last”.

Located in historic Laurenskwartier in the heart of the city, the multicoloured horseshoe-shaped Markthal opened in 2014. It is the largest covered market in Europe and home to a permanent market, around 100 fresh food stalls, 15 food shops, a variety of restaurants and 228 apartments. When entering this “magnificent” building, said Travel and Home , you understand why everyone advises you to go there. “It is a jaw-dropping moment.” Other markets in Rotterdam worth checking out include Market Binnenrotte, Market Afrikaanderplein, Biological Market and Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt.

Eating and drinking: best restaurants and bars

The city is “awash” with experimental restaurants, said Sherwood in The New York Times, including Fermin , which “gets clever with fermented, pickled and wood-fired dishes”, and In de Keuken van Floris , where you feel as though you’re dining in an “enchanted forest”.

In the Michelin Guide , three restaurants in Rotterdam have been awarded two stars, 15 have one star, 17 have a Bib Gourmand, and two have a green star. Situated in arches below a disused railway line, Francois Geurds’s FG Restaurant boasts two Michelin stars and next door’s one-star FG Food Labs is the chef’s experimental kitchen.

Though the pulsating Witte de Withstraat is Rotterdam’s nightlife nexus, treasures await further afield. If the sun’s out, head south to the hipster haunt Fenix Food Factory and gaze across the Maas from salvaged-wood deckchairs.

Places to stay: best hotels and accommodation

Dubbed “the Manhattan on the Maas”, there are plenty of places to stay in “ultra-modern” Rotterdam, said The Telegraph , and two hotels – Room Mate Bruno and nhow Rotterdam – get a 9/10 rating by the paper’s experts. With its “edgy” design and “explosive” use of colour, the second Room Mate outpost “makes a bold statement” as does the nhow with its “striking architecture, minimalist rooms and a sense of fun”.

A city landmark and one of Rotterdam’s “grand dames”, the Hotel New York occupies a historic building in a “peerless, riverfront location”, said The Hotel Guru . For “canal-side cool”, head to the boutique Suite Hotel Pincoffs , a “laid back spot right on Rotterdam’s trendy left bank”.

You can even stay overnight in the Euromast tower in one of two special suites, “Heaven” and “Stars”. But “be warned”, said Foder’s , the prices are “as high as the experience”. An overnight stay for two people, including breakfast and a bottle of champagne starts from €395 (excluding 6.5% city tax).

Transport: how to get to Rotterdam

Rotterdam The Hague Airport has direct UK flights from London City (British Airways) and Edinburgh (Transavia). If you prefer to travel by sea, you can take a daily ferry to Rotterdam from Hull in East Yorkshire. The journey with P&O Ferries takes around 11 hours.

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Home Europe's largest port, Rotterdam is a no-nonsense working-class city lying at the heart of a maze of rivers and artificial waterways that together form the outlet of the rivers Rijn (Rhine) and Maas (Meuse). After devastating damage during World War II, Rotterdam has grown into a vibrant, forceful city dotted with first-division cultural attractions. Redevelopment hasn’t obliterated its earthy character though: its tough grittiness is part of its appeal, as are its boisterous bars and clubs.

The North Sea Jazz Festival

Spido cruises.

In terms of sights, Rotterdam’s attractions are enticing, most notably the Kunsthal , exhibiting contemporary art, and the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen , which has an outstanding art collection including representative works from almost all the most important Dutch painters: both are in the city’s designated culture zone, the Museumpark . Other city highlights include Oude Haven , the city’s oldest harbour, ravaged during World War II but sympathetically redeveloped, and Delfshaven , an antique harbour that managed to survive the bombs pretty much intact. Rotterdam also boasts a string of first-rate festivals , including the much-lauded North Sea Jazz Festival and the colourful Summer Carnival .

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Explore the path of the World War II Liberation Route through Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Visit important landmarks and museums on the way with this self drive itinerary, with enough time to explore cities such as Brussels and Rotterdam on the way.

The North Sea Jazz Festival ( w northseajazz.nl ), held every year in mid-July, is the country’s most prestigious jazz event, attracting international media coverage and the world’s most famous jazz musicians. For many years, the festival was held in Scheveningen near Den Haag, but in 2006 it transferred to Rotterdam’s Ahoy’ centre, about 4km south of the city centre at Ahoy’-weg 10. To get there by metro, take the Erasmuslijn and get off at Zuidplein. Details of performances are available online and from the VVV, which will also reserve accommodation – virtually impossible to find after the festival has begun. Various tickets can be purchased; a dagkaart , for example, valid for an entire day, costs €89.

The shape and feel of the Leuvehaven, Rotterdam’s first artificial harbour, has been transformed by the Boompjes freeway, which scoots along the top of the old enclosing sea dyke. Beside the Boompjes, at the south end of the Leuvehaven, is the departure point for Spido cruises ( t 010 275 9988, w spido.nl ). They have several different tours of the surrounding waterways and port facilities, heading off past the wharves, landings, docks and silos of Europe’s largest port, but the standard harbour tour costs just €10.50 (April–Oct 5–11 daily; Nov–March Mon–Wed 1 daily, Thurs–Sun 4 daily; 1hr 15min). In July and August, there are also longer trips to several destinations, most notably the series of colossal dams that make up the Delta Project along the seaboard southwest of Rotterdam (July & Aug 1 weekly on Wed; 7hr; €55).

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Why You Will Love Visiting Rotterdam

17 min read by Ariana  •  Time Visited: September 2018

I visited nine amazing European cities in three weeks, and to my surprise, Rotterdam was my favorite. I enjoy traveling to learn and explore but rarely do I find somewhere I could see myself living. Here’s why you will love visiting Rotterdam: it’s the perfect size of a city filled with fun neighborhoods within walking distance, beautiful towns easily accessed by train, countless local restaurants, bars, and boutiques, and most of all, NOT overcrowded with tourists. If you think it’s too good to be true, keep reading for the full breakdown of all my favorite spots in this Rotterdam Travel Guide!

In This Guide

Why I Chose Rotterdam

Where we stayed, getting around rotterdam, when we went, what to pack, where we ate.

• Markets & Food Halls

Where We Drank

Where we shopped, what we did, other places to consider.

One of our top reasons for taking a trip to Europe was to visit our friend PJ who had recently moved to Rotterdam from New York City . Fun fact: She’s the one who introduced us — my boyfriend and I! Although fairly new to the area, she raved about the city and the surrounding towns. I always had an interest in visiting The Netherlands, especially Amsterdam, but was most excited for the day trips to less touristy, local spots.

To most people, Rotterdam is best known for having one of the largest ports in the world. It’s also the second largest city is The Netherlands. To me, it was so much more. From the modern architecture that’s very cool and sometimes puzzling how the structure even supports itself, to the sophisticated shopping and hip dining scene. As a born-and-raised Palm Beach girl, I also appreciated how much water there was in the canals all around. There’s no feeing quite like being by the water! With constant innovation and new openings, I genuinely believe big things are to come to Rotterdam. Go now before everyone else does!

The Netherlands uses the Euro as a form of currency, which is more affordable than the British Pound but more expensive than the U.S. Dollar. For more information on European travel as it compares to the U.S., read my post, 19 Things To Know Before Traveling To Europe .

We were incredibly fortunate to be able to stay at our friend PJ’s apartment during our visit. Not only was this the ideal way to spend the maximum amount of time together, but we also were able to save on accommodations — a huge bonus! We stayed for a total of 7 nights, which allowed us the perfect balance between relaxing and exploring The Netherlands. Her apartment was conveniently located in the Cool District – yes, that’s what it is called! It was a wonderfully central location as visitors, allowing us to walk almost everywhere mentioned below (or quickly hopping on to the metro when needed).

While Rotterdam certainly is a very walkable city, you can’t help but notice how many cyclists there are at every turn. The city is more accommodating to cyclists than anywhere I’ve ever seen before, with exclusive wide bike lanes, friendly cyclist-to-cyclist manners, and even bike turning lanes. Many residents own their bikes, but for those who don’t (such as visitors), there are plenty of bike share programs around the city that can be easily accessed via an app on your phone.

If we didn’t walk, we used their very clean and efficient metro system. As soon as we arrived at Rotterdam Centraal Train Station from London, we purchased Netherlands Rail Cards . What’s great about these is that they can be used for underground metro rides, above ground trams, and train rides within the country. You can easily refill them at most stations as needed. Similar to London, you have to swipe in AND out from any station – something that takes getting used to after living in New York City where you only ever swipe in.

We were based in Rotterdam and exploring The Netherlands from September 16th to September 24th. The weather was a mix of mild, sunny days, and cold, rainy days. On average, I would say it was around 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. We soon learned that The Netherlands is known for quickly varying in temperature without notice during the day. It can be warm and sunny one minute, and turn cloudy with a cold breeze the next.

Due to the unpredictable weather, my top packing recommendation would be a packable windbreaker/rain jacket. Any time we left the apartment without a jacket, we always regretted it, as annoying as it can be to carry it around when it’s not needed. If you like to shop when you travel, I would also bring a collapsible duffle bag in your suitcase – they have the best stores here (more on that below)! The locals are dressed stylish but never fancy or glam, rather a chic street-style wardrobe that I happen to love. To see every single item I packed and how I packed it, check out my Packing for 3 Weeks in Europe with a Carry-On post!

Bagels & Beans

We discovered this popular Netherlands bagel joint because of its highly-rated reviews and large menu, but we didn’t realize it was a chain until we soon saw them all over! We ordered the smoked salmon bagel (with all the fixings, of course), as well as a coffee for him and a tea latte for me. I was surprised to learn that Bagels & Beans grow their own coffee on a small-scale, family run plantation in Panama, making it apparently delicious and high quality. It’s worth checking out if you want a quick and satisfying breakfast on-the-go or to casually dine-in.

Lilith Coffee

This rustic, urban cafe and coffee shop is filled with plants and couches inside, and a welcoming patio on the street corner outside. Lilith is known for their mini pancake stacks, pictured in the “blini” smoked salmon option. It’s one of many instances where we admired the European way of portion control, as opposed to the massive pancakes typically served here in the States! I ordered the Eggs Royale (also pictured) on a brioche bun but wish I had ordered the pancakes. We found the service to be very friendly here and enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere for brunch.

While I liked the prior two breakfast spots, Bertmans was my favorite! Their focus is on serving pure, healthy, and seasonal ingredients that takes familiar comfort foods and prepares them in a creative, nutritious way. They were extremely accommodating to both dietary concerns (GF, DF, etc.) and restrictions (Vegetarian, Vegan, etc.). I loved every part of the Brunch Platter, which included a buckwheat pancake with banana slices and blueberries (to look like a monkey! adorable), coconut yogurt with chia seeds and nuts, avocado toast with a poached egg, and a crisp seed cracker with hummus and herbs. More places should offer something like it, I think! My friends who ordered something else from the brunch menu were also very pleased.

If you’ve never been to a Spanish pintxos bar, add it to your bucket list! A pinxto (pronounced  peen-cho ) translates to a pinch of food that is pierced together by a toothpick. Hailing from the Basque region of Spain, the pintxo is essentially a smaller version of a tapa. At Pix , you are given a plate to fill with as many cold pintxos as you’d like from the pintxos bar. Hot pintxos are ordered through your server. Once you are done, they collect your picks to calculate the bill. Different color sticks are equivalent to different prices, so it’s not hard to keep track of yourself. Two or three pintxos are enough for an appetizer, and five or six will fill you up like an entree. It’s a fun concept that allows you to try a lot of different things – my favorite way to eat out! We were pleasantly surprised by how delicious all of our chosen pintxos were, and also enjoyed the atmosphere.

Restaurant Nul 10

Conveniently located between the Euromast and and the Erasmus Bridge is this modern European restaurant serving upgraded classics. We sat outside on the street-side tables, offering a lively, city atmosphere that I love – or maybe that’s because an entire Dutch soccer team showed up! I ordered the seasonal tempura vegetables and beef carpaccio starter with truffle, which were tasty but not outstanding. We chose Nul10 because of it’s very close proximity to the Dr. speakeasy we had reservations for (details below), but I honestly wouldn’t go out of your way for it. For being such a populated area in town, I was surprised by the seemingly lack of appealing restaurants compared to the rest of the city.

Supermercado

Located within close walking distance from our friend’s apartment is this funky Latin American street food restaurant on Witte de Withstraat. It’s located on a busy street corner with a large, breezy outdoor seating area and refreshing cocktail list that practically transports you to the tropics. We ordered the fresh tuna ceviche with watermelon and simple tuna quesadillas, but the cocktails and the atmosphere are what would bring me back. I think it’s a fun spot for a group, a casual celebration, or to stop at on a Witte de Withstraat hop. However, I do have to wonder what it’s like in the winter (for having such a summer vibe).

Located near Rotterdam Centraal Station on the main road, Kruisplein, Ayla is a Mediterranean-inspired small plates restaurant offering an international vibe, romantic ambiance, and great cocktails. Some of the food lacked a little zest, but I loved my rose gin drink and admired the food presentation.

Restaurant Bazar

This loud, colorful restaurant in Hotel Bazar serves North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s huge inside yet still somehow crowded. The lights, the music, and the enormous, flavorful dishes will transport you to a busy market in a far away place. We ordered the Bizar Bazar meat special for two, which could have easily served at least four people. It was so delicious that we happily took it home as leftovers. Go early or make reservations!

Bram Ladage

On my must-try list were the gourmet frites everyone who travels to Europe comes back raving about, as simple as they are. On a rainy shopping day in the Cool District, we stumbled upon a Bram Ladage food stand and couldn’t resist. We stuck with the classic frites with frietsaus (“fries sauce”), which is similar to mayonnaise but sweeter, and they were honestly really, really good. I may never go back to ketchup or be able to eat fries without reminiscing about these! It’s worth noting, since I was initially confused about this, that Bram Ladage owns Bram’s Gourmet Frites (also in Rotterdam and around The Netherlands). Either one is great!

De IJsmaker

Translating to “the ice maker,” this yummy ice cream shop served perfectly creamy (almost gelato-like), homemade flavors you can mix and match. I appreciated for people who prefer a cup versus a cone like me that they put a piece of waffle cone in your cup! It’s the little things… Nowadays, it’s hard to find many good local ice cream shops so I was pleased to see one on my favorite street in Rotterdam — I’m talking Witte de Withstraat, of course. I loved the coconut macaroon and chocolate flavors together, a classic combination in my book. My friends oreo and pistachio ice creams were also delicious! It’s never too cold outside for ice cream, right?

If you are only in Rotterdam for a short time, my top food recommendations would be Bertmans, Pix, and Restaurant Bazar. If you’ve never had classic Belgian/Dutch-style frites, Bram’s is a must too!

Markets & Food Halls

Markthal was the first covered market floor in The Netherlands where you can shop, taste, eat, and drink. Enjoyable year-round, what’s not to love? The building itself is quite impressive (I’ll let my photo speak for itself – the number of bikes OMG), and the surrounding square feels inviting with a ferris wheel, awesome architecture, and even the longest street market in Europe on Blaak! We went here twice — once to walk around, only to feel completely overwhelmed, and a second time to decide on a place to eat. We chose Andalus Fish for some authentic local herring. It’s something I grew up eating on occasion with my Grandpa who was Norwegian and Swedish! Andalus Fish also has a terrace to sit at upstairs.

Fenix Food Factory

Located in an old port warehouse, this market meets food hall is great for shopping for artisan products to bring home or to dine-in. Whether you’re craving a beer, coffee, BBQ, cheeses, or stoopwafels, you can find it here. We ordered incredible stroopwafels from Stroop (get the lavender!), coffee from Stielman Koffiebranders and kombucha. Such a fun, casual spot!

New to Rotterdam in 2018 is this popular industrial-style food hall also located in Amsterdam. Foodhallen houses a variety of unique food stands such as burgers and bitterballen, Vietnamese, tacos, smoothies, pizza, tapas, and more. It’s great for groups, given there is plenty of seating and food options to choose from to match each individual’s craving. There is also a full bar and live music some nights. It’s important to note that most vendors are cash only, however you can expect to spend less here than you would dining at a restaurant. In comparison to the above markets/food halls, I would say that Foodhallen has the best selection and variety of food to eat-in, whereas Fenix Food Factory has the best atmosphere, and Markthal has the best food-centric shops to take out.

Hotel New York

On a warm, sunny day, the Terrace Restaurant at Hotel New York located at the end of Wilhelmina Pier is the perfect setting for a cheap beer and some bitterballen to munch on. Built in 1901, the eye-catching hotel was once home to the offices of the Holland America Line — a cruise line now based in Seattle, WA. With so much traffic, it opened as a hotel in the 1990s. In addition to the Terrace is an indoor restaurant and charming basement bar. We didn’t have a chance to return to check it out, but looked like a cozy nightcap spot. We enjoyed walking around the pier towards the nearby Erasmus Bridge on our walk home. The skyline, the water, the breeze, oh my!

Prachtig is a modern restaurant/bar under the Erasmus Bridge – somewhere I’d recommend to anyone, for any occasion! It’s fun for a group outing, a date, grabbing drinks with your girlfriends, or going with your parents. The outside atmosphere, like the terrace at Hotel New York, simply cannot be beat.

Proeflokaal Reijngoud

Although I honestly can’t attempt to pronounce it, Proeflokaal Reijngoud is a welcoming and casual bar offering 24 beers on tap and over 200 craft beer bottles. We enjoyed the young crowd, large sunny terrace, and friendly bartenders. Plus, if you know me, I love trying new and interesting beers! It’s conveniently located on the corner at Witte de Withstraat, our favorite street.

This quirky bar on Witte de Withstraat is admittedly strange, serving unusual drinks with silly touches everywhere you look. I had fun trying some weird craft beers, like this Mongozo Coconut Beer brewed with quinoa, watching servers go from the bar inside to the outside tables via a small window, and of course, people watching! The bathrooms reminded me of the Insta-famous “pods” at Sketch in London, in a much less fancy way. I was also fascinated and overly excited by the steering wheels on the back of the indoor wooden booths that allow you to easily move them together and apart! Genius, really.

King Kong Lobby

While I can’t speak to the highly-rated hostel itself, we found the lobby bar’s street-front seating to be the ideal casual hangout. We simply stumbled upon it after seeing it’s artsy outdoor picnic tables, and were pleasantly surprised by the beer menu. Its central location on Witte de Withstraat and young atmosphere allows for prime people watching any time of day.

This British gastropub docked in the old City Harbor is on a bright red boat – you can’t miss it! It can be booked for special occasions, but if you’re a regular visitor like I was, it’s just as fun. They have a full kitchen serving everything from a Full English Breakfast to Sunday Roast to modern twists on other British classics, all made from local and sustainable produce. They also make their own V11 beers, which they have available on draft, in addition to a variety of craft beers. You can sit on their sun-drenched outdoor decks or inside the “pub.” On most nights, they have live music in the basement. We saw a heavy metal band setting up when we were there, but other nights they have DJs and dancing.

This lively cafe and bar is popular for good reason. For one, it’s located in a beautiful square in one of my favorite areas of the city (that is NOT Witte de Withstraat, shocking I know) with a large tree-covered, shaded patio. Bokaal also appeals to anyone, serving a variety of specialty craft beers, nice wines, good coffee, small bites to share, and individual entrees. The music is good, and the interior decor is both modern and rustic. We only had a drink here, but the food I saw go by looked absolutely delicious! If you come at a prime hour, or during the summer when the patio can best be enjoyed, expect it to be busy. They do not take reservations, but luckily there are other places nearby that we loved including Pix above and Backyard below.

This plant-based health food restaurant has an urban environment with a cute, backyard look and feel. They call themselves “ Rotterdam’s backyard ,” the quintessential place to pop in to meet a friend, grab a quick bite, or even for a date. I only had a drink here, but the food on the menu sounded really good! I remember saying how I thought it would be a great place to work on my laptop for its homely vibe. Next time, Backyard.

Kaapse Brouwers

Located within Fenix Food Factory is this popular local brewery, Kaapse . In fact, they were the FIRST to introduce craft beer to Rotterdam, and Rotterdam to the world. They brew non-conformist beers with bold recipes and interesting flavors to keep their practices contemporary. We ordered the tasting flight of six beers to share, and were so impressed by how large of a flight it was for only 13 euro! If you’re looking for food, look no further than the Fenix Food Factory itself. It’s filled with a collection of culinary entrepreneurs with a passion for craft and fair products such as coffee, cheese, beer, and more that is produced and sold locally.  The Kaapse kitchen serves affordable dishes from different Rotterdam chefs that vary weekly that you can bring into the brewpub.

Dr. Speakeasy

Hidden away in a townhouse is this cocktail speakeasy bar that follows strict rules to ensure the guests all enjoy the doctor theme. If you seek any “treatment,” experienced mixologists will prepare a special “medicine” for you, in the form of super creative, thoughtful, and well-made cocktails. The menu changes regularly, but always offers an amazing variety – it was SO hard to choose! They can also make something from scratch for you. Reservations are required.

A few other places we went for drinks include Loos , a grand cafe located near the Euromast with a nice wraparound porch at a busy street corner, and Cafe LaBru , located on a side street from Witte de Withstraat. While both were fine, our experiences didn’t stand out in comparison to the above.

Funkie House

Funkie House is a streetwear style shop selling a mixture of authentic brands and new promising labels ranging from contemporary men’s and women’s fashion, sneakers, boots and all sorts of accessories including backpacks. It reminds me of what Urban Outfitters used to be (when it was better, in my opinion). I was very close to buying a few things but resisted because of my Carry-On only travel lifestyle. It’s also worth noting that they have a second store location in The Hague (more on that soon)!

Dille & Kamille

Across from Funkie House is a dreamy home, garden, and kitchen store with 30 more locations around The Netherlands and Belgium. Dille & Kamille (which funny enough automatically translates on Google Chrome to Dill & Chamomile) takes the quality of Williams Sonoma or Pottery Barn, but the simplicity and price point of Target, with a twist of Dutch style, and a lot of plants too!

Collectiv by Swan

Collectiv by Swan is a boutique with a carefully curated selection of fashion, jewelry, bags, prints, art, vintage, plants, pillows, stationary, and more located on Witte de Withstraat. In other words, so many cute things!!

Sweet Rebels

Sweet Rebels is a small vintage boutique next to Supermercado (mentioned above) where I bought a fun pair of bright blue earrings (easy to travel with as they don’t take up much room). Like most vintage shops, they sell a random, or “curated,” variety of unique designer items that happened to resonate with my style more than most vintage shops I’ve been to.

This Netherlands-based chain focuses their branding on Dutch roots and a global attitude. They sell mostly fashion, accessories and home items. It reminds me of a slightly edgier and younger Anthropologie! We went into two different locations in Rotterdam and both were large, open floor plan stores with enticing displays. Again, I resisted buying anything because of the space issue, but my friend who lives there loves it!

Unconventional Wardrobe

What started as a pop-up shop by two girl bosses is now a permanent boutique selling more than 60 clothing and jewelry brands, with new inventory every week. I especially loved the beautiful displays of dainty jewelry at Unconventional Wardrobe , as well as some of their home items.

Walk Over The Erasmus Bridge

I’m no bridge enthusiast, but the Erasmus Bridge is pretty cool! We liked walking over the bridge to go to Fenix Food Factory and Hotel New York. It’s very pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, but make sure you don’t forget that windbreaker I mentioned above with what to pack! The best view, in my opinion (also where the photo to the left was shot), is from the pier where Hotel New York is located! For a closer up view, Prachtig is another great spot.

The Euromast is the highest observation tower in The Netherlands with a brasserie restaurant and viewing deck offering 360 degree views over Rotterdam and its surroundings. There are various ticket options to choose from upon arrival. While there was a line to get in , I did find it to move pretty fast. The view is cool and makes you realize how much water there really is in Rotterdam, also giving you a good look at the famous port. Compared to other viewpoints I’ve been to like Top of the Rock in NYC, I found this one pretty unexciting, so I wouldn’t rank it high on your must-do list unless you want to dine at the restaurant or specifically get a rare aerial photograph of the city. If you do go, make sure to walk through Het Park afterwards!

With any trip, it’s nearly impossible to make it to everywhere on your list. Based on my research, I wanted to include some other places to consider for your trip. If you go, I’d love to know what you thought…for next time!

• Spido Bout Tours – It takes you to the port and around the Rotterdam harbour for about 13 Euro. It runs almost every hour, and you can buy tickets at the box office at Willemsplein.
• Kralingse Plas – to walk, run, bike, or dine along the largest lake in the city
• Bagel Bakery – unlike Bagels & Beans, this is a local bagel cafe
• Ter Marsh & Co. – very highly-rated burgers
• Bier Boutique – an elegant craft beer bar on Witte de Withstraat
• Rotterdam Biergarten – near Rotterdam Centraal station and has a good happy hour
• Spikizy – speakeasy cocktail bar off of Witte de Withstraat

I hope you found this Rotterdam travel guide useful for planning your upcoming trip! Please let me know what you learned from this guide or found most helpful in the comments below.

In This Adventure

Cafes and coffee shops.

A cafe specializing in breakfast items throughout most of the day and a small dinner menu.

A cafe and sandwich spot specializing in bagels and coffee that is grown on a small-scale, family run plantation in Panama.

An all-day plant-based, vegan friendly restaurant with a homely feel in the urban 'backyard' of Rotterdam. 

Set in the historic Holland Amerika Lijn building on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas river, this chic, maritime-inspired hotel offers city views, a nautical bar, basement restaurant, riverfront terrace, and more.

A popular bar and restaurant with an expansive sun-drenched terrace under the iconic Rotterdam Erasmus Bridge.

The downstairs lobby bar in a popular, highly-rated hostel on Witte de Withstraat in the Cool District of Rotterdam.

The first craft beer brewers in Rotterdam with a brewpub located in Fenix Food Factory.

A cocktail speakeasy bar hidden away in a townhouse serving a broad range of tasty medications .

A lively city café and beer bar located in a beautiful square in Rotterdam.

Admittedly the strangest bar on Witte de Withstraat serving unusual beverages.

A British gastropub docked in the old City Harbor of Rotterdam.

A no-nonsense beer café with a giant, sunny corner terrace, 24 beers on tap and more than 200 craft beer bottles available.

Food Trucks

Fresh frites carefully cut and cooked to perfection, sourced from local farmers that are handpicked.

Restaurants

A diverse Mediterranean-inspired restaurant specializing in aromatic tapas.

The lively, colorful restaurant serves dishes originating in North Africa and the Middle East in a monumental building on Witte de Withstraat in central Rotterdam.

A pintxos bar serving a little piece of San Sebastián in Rotterdam!

A modern European restaurant serving comfort food in season with an upgrade.

A funky Latin American street food restaurant located at a popular corner in the Witte de Withstraat neighborhood.

A health-conscious restaurant focusing on nutritious preparations of familiar favorites using pure, seasonal ingredients.

Bakeries and Sweets

A homemade ice cream shop located on the popular Witte de Withstraat.

An industrial food hall with a full bar serving a variety of cuisines at unique stands.

The first covered market floor in the Netherlands where you can shop, taste, eat, and drink.

A place to go shopping, dine, learn how products are made, and experience craftmanship in an old port warehouse in Rotterdam.

A streetwear style shop selling a mixture of authentic brands and new promising labels ranging from contemporary men's and women's fashion, sneakers, boots and all sorts of accessories including backpacks.

A home, garden, and kitchen store with 31 locations around The Netherlands and Belgium.

What started as a pop-up shop by two girl bosses is now a boutique selling more than 60 clothing and jewelry brands, with new inventory every week.

A vintage boutique selling a selection of carefully curated, unique designer items. 

A brand with Dutch roots and a global attitude that includes mostly fashion, accessories, and home interior items.

Attractions

The highest observation tower in The Netherlands with a brasserie restaurant and viewing deck offering 360 degree views over Rotterdam and its surroundings.

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Netherlands Tourism

Rotterdam is besides one of the largest ports in the world also the second largest city in the Netherlands and has a lot to offer to visiting tourists. Rotterdam, a city with a rich history, has a population over 600 thousand and is densely inhabited. Whether you’re interested in shopping , architecture, art or an adventurous nightlife, Rotterdam has it all. Rotterdam is located in the province of South Holland .

Tip: Be sure to check out my section on things to do in Rotterdam!

History of Rotterdam

The History of Rotterdam is a fascinating story of war and commerce. Now a center for world trade it had its beginnings as a humble fishing village. Although the area had had some settlers since, at least 900AD, it really only took of in terms of population and fishing in 1283, when the Count that held sway over the area insisted that all the local landowners, who had their own dams and defenses against the sea, on the delta that made up the area, linked them all together to make one large sea defense that kept the area much safer and allowed for more building and trade. Then the name Rotterdam was first used ( as in dam for the river Rote ), and it was given its charter ash a city. Trade was further increased, in 1340 when a new canal was dug to give better access to the Dutch hinterlands.

The New City

The city, although the city walls had been built in 1358, was still subject to being overrun, by the army of the “Cods” when Rotterdam had backed the losing Hook army. The city found itself being occupied again in the “Eighty Years war”, in 1572  when their Spanish overlords invaded, despite being temporarily beaten back by the rebel army, after the Dutch had taken to a reform version of Christianity. The Spanish left again, before too long, to fight more enemies elsewhere, and Rotterdam reverted back to the rebels and in doing so captured a lot more of the trade until Amsterdam chose the side of the rebels and again garnered the majority of trading activity.

The admiralty was established in the city in 1586 and the Dutch East Indies company in 1604. This led to the city once more acquiring some status in the worlds of politics and commerce. The city was occupied next by the French in and around the turn of the 19th century, which brought about a downturn in trade and wealthy for the city. After the French left, Rotterdam grew rapidly and so became a center for world trade in the European, American and African markets.

The Modern Era

Rotterdam suffered in both the first world war and The Great Depression of 1929,but was nearly laid waste in the Second World War by the invading German occupiers and also by badly targeted Allied bombing that almost destroyed the center of the city.

However after the war a plan was set out to rebuild Rotterdam as a modern European city with wide roads and separate areas for different uses such as, banking, housing and shopping. This expanded with more housing being built to accommodate the rising population, to make the city as it stands today.

Transportation in Rotterdam Netherlands

Rotterdam is a hub for world trade and transport and as such it is only fitting that it should have a world class transport system. There are very good transport links for both resident and tourist alike. All transport in Rotterdam whether it is the metro, bus, tram or train is usually clean, efficient and on time.

Transport and Fares

The main transport provider in the Rotterdam are is the RET, or the Rotterdam Transport company, who run the RET buses, trams and metros. Fares are usually pre-paid on to and OV chip card. Probably the best thing if you are visiting Rotterdam and intending to do much traveling in the city is to take the unlimited travel option.

You can get all of your travel for one day for 7 euros, for 2 days for 10.50 euros and 3 days for14 euros. If your journey will not take too long , it might be cheaper to get the travel pass for 1 hour for 3 euros, for 2 hours for 3.50 euros and for 2×1 hour rides for 6 euros.

The single use chipcard is probably the best card for the tourist to get, they are available for sale all over the city from shops, post offices, top up machines and the tourist information service. A good way to save some money is to get the Rotterdam Welcome Card, which will also give you an OV chip card and also save you money when you go to restaurants, theaters, museums and a range of other attractions around the city.

Although the normal transport services cease running at around midnight, on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays you are able to travel by RET BOB buses. They depart from the areas around nightclubs and other attractions and cost 5.50 euros for a single ticket.

Taxis In Rotterdam

Taxis in Rotterdam, or for that matter throughout the Netherlands are clean, efficient and well regulated. They charge set fares that are the same everywhere in the country. You can find taxis at the many taxi stands around the city, or you can phone and arrange to be picked up or you are also able to flag them down in the street.

If you are driving to Rotterdam, but do not want to drive in and around the city, it can get very congested, then there are free park and ride schemes on the main roads coming in to the city. The city is accessible by a number of motorways. If you prefer renting your own vehicle while staying in Rotterdam there are rental cars available in the city center, and parking is available at various locations.

If the open air is more your style then consider seeing the city on the seat of a bike. There is a network of well maintained bike paths throughout the city and during fair weather it can be an enjoyable way to get around.

The cost of renting a bicycle is extremely economical and can be had started at €6.50 per day, depending on the size and type of bicycle you are seeking. Get some fresh air and exercise while you pedal your way around this beautiful city.

Water Based Transportation

If you are looking for a way another great way to get around the city, consider using one of the various water taxis or water buses. There are a number of different options available depending on your destination and starting point.

The water taxi, operated by HNY, shuttles between the Hotel New York and the Leuvenhaven subway station, and the Veerhaven. This service is offered 7 days a week from 9am till midnight, with costs starting at €2.90 for an adult.

There is also the ferry called the Aqualiner that offers quick service to various points around the city, or the Waterbus ferry. The Waterbus ferry also allows passengers to bring along their bicycle free of charge. The service times and prices vary depending on a number of factors, so be sure to check with the line before boarding.

Rotterdam Tourism

Rotterdam is not, perhaps, the first place that you think of when planning a holiday in the Netherlands. But despite being a hub of world trade and commerce, this modern city has much to offer the tourist. Since its humble origins as a fishing port when the dam of the Rotter was first built in the 13th century it has been a center for trade and a hub of the shipping industry. But, although its history would point to this, Rotterdam has very little in the way of traditional market, housing , and commerce areas. These areas were largely destroyed by invasion and bombing during the Second World War, and thereafter the city was rebuilt to a new street plan with wide roads and now soaring modern architectural gems.

Although a city built on trade it still has a good amount of interesting parks and spaces, for those wishing to gain some peace and quiet. The city also has a good selection of museums and art galleries for those looking for culture. including the fascinating Maritime Museum and the Wereldmuseum that houses an interesting and eclectic collection of art from all over the world.

Architecture and Attractions

For those with a head for heights the Euromast provides a great panoramic view of the city and more especially some of the fine and striking architecture on the Wilhelminapier. The first viewing platform takes you to 100 meters, then you can go a further 85 meters if you have the courage. For a change of scene Rotterdam zoo , which has been voted the best zoo in the Netherlands, makes for a good day out. It has a large aquarium, many different displays of animals and birds and some wonderful shows, such as the seal show, and the bird show. There is a great theme and amusement park at Plaswijk Park where there are activities such as, go carting, swan boating a patting zoo, a large new play area and many other attractions it has enough to do for a whole day out.

Shopping and Nightlife

Rotterdam has great nightlife as you would expect in such a modern city. Near to the center you will find Stadhuisplein has many bars and clubs located nearby and the “student area” where you can get a great night out without breaking the bank.

One of the best shopping areas in Rotterdam is the Alexandrium, it is a little way from the center of the city but well worth a view, as it has a great selection of shops and also bars and restaurants for a good lunch. If markets are more your thing, you would do well to visit the Blaak Markt which has excellent street food and clothing and wonderful displays and selections of flowers.

You might have to look a little harder to see the attractions in Rotterdam than in some of the more obvious tourist hotspots, but if you take the time you will be well rewarded with  wonderful features and attractions.

Parks in Rotterdam Netherlands

Rotterdam is a very green city, and a great place to visit as a tourist. In contrast to the way that many think of Rotterdam, as an international port concerned with the movement of goods and people, it has many open spaces and parks and caters well to those looking for some peace and quiet with nature and away from the busyness of the city.

The Museum Park is a small park with museums around it and is ideal for those taking in some of the culture that the museums have to offer. Walking around it you will find the Chabot museum , the Art Hall, The Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum and the The Netherlands Architectural Institute . The park has many fine sculptures in it and is near to the Open Air Cinema.

Kralingse Wood

To say that this is just a wood is to fall short of what is actually on offer to nature lovers here. Kralingse Wood covers a huge area and is much larger than any of the other parks and also is thought by many to be the most beautiful. It is greatly enhanced by the large lake,(Kralingse Lake) that is within it’s boundaries. Being a wood there is, of course, a huge amount of trees to wander around and picnic by. But if fancy a little more stylish cuisine then there are some fine restaurants around the edge of the lake.

Zuiderpark is a large garden and park with many facilities such as sports clubs and outdoor swimming pools, as well as ponds, fields and some wonderful walks with which to while away an afternoon. Built around the Ahoy’ buildings it is a large park that caters mainly to residents of Zuid and the surrounding areas.

The Park is possibly not the most inspiringly named park, but it does, at least leave you in no doubt as to what to expect. The Park is in fact a very beautiful and well laid out garden that also encompasses many ponds, tree’s and some interesting buildings, such as the Heerenhuy’s and the Norwegian sailors church. There is also a very fine cafe in the gardens for those that require some extra energy for the walks around The Park.

There are many fine parks in Rotterdam and it is well worth taking some time to explore them as they will certainly enhance any visit to the city.

Rotterdam Pictures (pictures by Roy Kersbergen )

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Rotterdam Travel Guide

Rotterdam in The Netherlands is one of the country’s most important and largest cities, second only the capital city of Amsterdam. This city in northwestern Europe is also home to the largest port on the continent and one of the busiest ones in the world. With its skyscrapers and clearly futuristic architecture, the city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands seems to be a symbol of vision & modernity. Read on for my complete Rotterdam travel guide .

History 

Don’t let its ultra-modern structures deceive you into thinking it’s a new city. Its history’s been long & eventful and will take you back to the 13th century, at least. That was when a dam was built across the Rotte River, north of here. The year was 1270, to be precise. That paved the way to a city taking shape where the Rotte was dammed and soon there was Rotterdam. However, it was only in the 14th century that Rotterdam got its ‘city status.’

In the latter half of the 19th century, Rotterdam had some of its river-related issues taken care of and was able to have larger vessels come into its harbor, and it grew exponentially. Then, during World War II, the Germans bombed the city and Rotterdam was left with big losses in terms of property and people. 

However, it got down to rebuilding itself and in due course, the city had a big & bustling port, in fact, the biggest of them all. 

What to see and do

This leader in the port trade has quite a list of attractions for a visitor to check out! The ports of Rotterdam are places you must see. While the old port can be seen from the city itself, it’s recommended that you take a boat tour out on the Nieuwe Maas to the newer stretches of the port to see all of the hustle and bustle. 

Also impossible to ignore are the iconic buildings of Rotterdam . Some of the must-see structures are the 600-odd feet tall observation tower called Euromast & the Market Hall, a modernistic glass and stone structure that is an innovative coming together of commercial & residential spaces and art. 

Rotterdam’s Cube Houses are also some other residences that are quite out of the ordinary. If you get there before the end of business hours, you might even be able to see the inside one of the cubes!

Some of the buildings that still wear the look of old Rotterdam are The Witte House, the New York Hotel, The City Hall, a part of the Natural History Museum, St. Lawrence Church & De Hef.

Yet other landmarks to see in Rotterdam are the bridges of Erasmusbrug, Willemsbrug & Luchtsingel. Het Park, Museum Park & Historische Tuin Schoonoord are the places to go for some greenery. You could even check out the floating trees of Rotterdam’s Bobbing Forest. 

To experience the art and culture of Rotterdam, you can visit its many museums and the musical performances taking place around the city. Another major part of the culture of Rotterdam is the food found in the markets in the city. 

For more things to do than are included in this Rotterdam travel guide, check out my post: Top 10 Things to do in Rotterdam .

Markthal & Fenix Food Market are great places to pick up local specialties, especially local Dutch ones like the Stroopwafel and deep-fried food like Kibbeling (the local Fish n’ Chips), Bitterballen, Kroket & Fries in cones. 

However, if you look at Rotterdam’s restaurants, you will see that the city has all kinds of food from French to American,  Mediterranean, Caribbean & Indonesian to name a few.

For specific places to go out to eat that are not included in this Rotterdam travel guide, check out my post: Best Restaurants in Rotterdam .

Rotterdam has several shopping areas selling well-known brands, especially for clothing. Kruiskade, Lijnbaan, van Oldenbarneveltstraat & Coolsingel are some of the streets you can go to shop. You can also go to Meent & Witte de Withstraat.

As for souvenirs, you can look for the smaller stores that sell things — like apparel, bags & crafts — made in Rotterdam . The Rotterdam Tourist Information Center will also have some local gifts you can take back.

The land in these parts of the Netherlands is pretty flat and it’s the rivers & canals here that define the geography of the area. Rotterdam came about when the Rotte river was dammed following a series of floods. The city is built on either side of the Nieuwe Maas, a distributary of the Rhine that empties itself in the Het Scheur, the water of which ultimately flows into the North Sea. 

The network of waterways that lead to Rotterdam allow the city to have a large inland port making it a historical Gateway to Europe . 

Accommodation

Whether you are traveling on business, with family, or solo, Rotterdam has the perfect accommodation for you in its upscale & budget hotels. Many of them come with great views, some of them with that of the iconic structures of the city and yet others with views of the river. It also has rooms in unique places, too.

There’s the SS Rotterdam, a retired cruise ship that has now been turned into a hotel. Other interesting options in this city include staying in guest rooms set up in barges & boats, and the famous observation tower called the Euromast. There’s also the historical New York Hotel, which was once the office of the original travel agency that facilitated travel from this part of the world to the United States of America.

If you want to camp in the city, the place to do so is Stadscamping Rotterdam, a campground just north of Rotterdam Zoo and a less than 10-minutes’ drive from Centraal Station. 

Transportation

How to get around is an important part of this Rotterdam travel guide. Since we are talking about the place that’s home to one of the largest & busiest ports, the waterway is a popular way to get to Rotterdam. There are cruises & ferries that can get you into Rotterdam.

If you’re taking a flight to Rotterdam, the closest airport will be Rotterdam The Hague Airport or else, the busier Schiphol Airport further north. From the airport, you can take a bus or the metro to get to the center of the city. 

You could also take the train to Rotterdam. If you’re going into the city from a city in France, Belgium or Brussels look for trains to Centraal Station. 

To get around Rotterdam you can rent a bike, take the local buses or water buses. 

Best time to visit

Rotterdam is blessed with pleasant weather throughout the year. It gets a bit of rain through much of the year, too. 

Summer is when this port city in South Holland gets most visitors. July & August is peak time, when it’s warmest, with temperatures ranging in the 60s & 70s Fahrenheit. 

If you want to avoid the crowds you could look at April & May or September. April & May are the months to choose if you’d like to go when Rotterdam is at its driest.

Nearby destinations

While you’re in Rotterdam , if you find that you have time for a short trip outside the city, you could go see the windmills of Kinderdijk or the pottery town of Delft. Other destinations you might want to consider including with your visit to Rotterdam are Amsterdam, Hague & Utrecht. If you’re there in spring, you might want to check if the tulips are in bloom and if yes, make a day trip to Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse.

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