Things to do in Rotterdam
Modern architecture meets maritime history
Often bypassed for Amsterdam by travelers, the Netherlands’ “second city” of Rotterdam feels like it’s a world away from the more traditional, laid-back capital. Rotterdam is an urban powerhouse with a skyscraper-lined skyline, buzzing nightlife, and dynamic cultural scene. Almost completely reconstructed post-World War II, it’s Europe’s biggest harbor and a hub of innovation that’s famous for its ever-changing architecture and urban redevelopments. If quieter pastimes appeal, take a break from the hubbub with a stroll along the picturesque canals or a pause at one of the city’s many cafés.
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Top 15 attractions in Rotterdam
#1
Markthal (Market Hall)
Rotterdam’s brand new market hall is more than just a place to shop for produce and grab a bite; it’s an attraction in its own right. It features over 100 food stalls, eight restaurants and 15 shops, all located underneath an imposing horseshoe-shaped structure with glass facades consisting of 4,000 small windows hanged by steel cables – it is, in fact, the largest glass-window cable structure in Europe, and as such, is considered an architectural masterpiece by many experts.Additionally, the inside of the market is covered by more than 4,000 colorful tiles that give the horseshoe-shaped arch a boost of color, making it the largest artwork in the Netherlands. A 10th-century farm was uncovered seven meters underground during construction of the market, and several foundations and artifacts are now on exhibit throughout the market hall in homage to Rotterdam’s agricultural past.More
#2
Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)
Even in a city with lots of out-of-the-ordinary architecture, Rotterdam’s Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen manage to stand out from the crowd. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom and built in the early 1980s, these yellow-and-gray cubic houses are perched at a 45-degree-angle, creating unusual lines and strangely shaped interiors.More
#3
Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge)
Linking north and south Rotterdam across the River New Meuse, the Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug is one of the city’s most notable landmarks. Opened in 1996, it’s striking for its single, angled pylon, which lends it the nickname “The Swan” (De Zwaan and makes it a must-see for visitors.More
#4
Church of St. Lawrence (Sint Laurenskerk)
The Church of St. Lawrence (Sint Laurenskerk) is the primary landmark of Rotterdam, and the only remaining building of medieval times in the city. The late-Gothic structure was built between 1449 and 1525, originally consecrated as a Catholic cathedral before being converted to a Protestant place of worship following the Reformation in 1572. Much of the ornate decoration from the interior was removed at this time.For a time, from 1619 to 1642, the church was topped with a wooden spire designed by architect Hendrick de Keyser, but this was demolished due to rot. The next idea was to top the tower with a stone pinnacle, but this caused the tower to tilt, requiring new piles to be added under the foundation. Much of the remaining interior decoration was removed during the Batavian Revolution of 1795.Sint Laurenskerk was heavily damaged in the German bombing of May 14, 1940, the images of which still symbolize the hardship the city endured during this period. After the bombing, there was controversy over whether to keep or demolish the church, and in the end, a restoration was agreed upon.One of the main attractions of the Sint Laurenskerk is the Carillon of bells, which were originally installed in 1661 as a set of 36 designed by F. Hemony. More were later added during the post-war renovation, and there are now 49.More
#5
Euromast
Rotterdam’s Euromast observation tower—which was built in 1960—rises to 607 feet (185 meters, making it the Netherlands’ tallest building. Extended to its current height in 1970, the observation tower offers restaurants, hotel suites, abseiling experiences, a viewing platform, and a rotating Euroscoop glass elevator with panoramic views.More
#6
Rotterdam Central Station (Rotterdam Centraal)
As the main railway station of the city of Rotterdam and one of the most important transportation hubs in all of the Netherlands with over 110,000 daily passengers in 2007 (as many as Amsterdam Schipol airport), Rotterdam Centraal was just recently renovated and reopened in March 2014. Because it isnow connected to several high-speed networks in Europe and because of its proximity to Schipol airport, it is expected that the numbers of daily passengers will increase to 323,000 by the year 2025.In terms of architecture, the station has already received the acclaim of the industry thanks to its bold yet efficient design – a nod to the city’s architectural heritage, which is famous for being edgy and resolutely non-traditional. One of the main changes from the recent renovations works is the differencebetween the north and south entrances; one faces the residential Provenierswijk neighborhood and the other, a futuristic, skyscraper-ridden commercial district. The station was designed so that commuters feel the gradual evolution from a more modest northern entrance with plenty of natural light and greenspaces merging into a metropolitan, dramatic allure to the south as the stations opens up onto a large and lively public square and a 5000-bike parking.More
#7
Rotterdam Old Harbor (Oude Haven)
The Old Harbor, or Oude Haven, of Rotterdam is the city’s first port, dating back to 1350. Today, the Old Harbor is an entertainment center of Rotterdam, with a unique mix of old and new structures and a collection of terraces and restaurants to enjoy some time to relax in the bustling city.Rotterdam’s Old Harbor is home to a number of old sailing ships that harken back to the heyday of the city as a trading port. Alongside the harbor stands Het Witte Huis (The White House), recognized as the first skyscraper of Europe. Standing 45 meters, the White House was built in 1898, and was not only the first, but also the highest skyscraper in Europe.The ten-story, art nouveau-style building was designed by Dutch architect Willem Molenbroek, and stands on 1,000 piles that keep it from sinking into the soft soil. It is one of the few buildings in Rotterdam to have survived the German bombing campaign of May 14, 1940.The Old Harbor used to be the home of the Plan C business complex, built in 1880. This complex combined shops, offices and homes around central arcades, allowing shoppers to remain dry even during the rain. This complex was, in fact, one of the first shopping malls similar to the malls of today. Unfortunately, most of Plan C was destroyed in the bombing, and only the railing and some underpasses of the complex remain today.Taking its place around the Old Harbor are the restaurants and modern apartments that the Old Harbor is known for today. Chief among these are Rotterdam’s Cube Houses, built in 1984. These houses, designed by Piet Blom, look like giant yellow blocks, tilted on their side and raised up on poles. The cube house complex is known as the Blaakse Bos, or Blaakse Forest, as each of the houses can be seen to look like a tree. One of the cube houses is open to the public, or you can spend the night at the Stayokay hostel, which is located within one of the cubes.The area around the harbor has now been transformed into a center for dining and nightlife in Rotterdam. There are thirteen restaurant and cafes that surround the harbor, along with a CitizenM hotel.More
#8
Windmills of Kinderdijk
The Netherlands is famous for its windmills, and the most charming place to admire the traditional Dutch landmarks is at Kinderdijk. Just outside of Rotterdam, Kinderdijk’s 19 windmills date back to the 17th century and are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.More
#9
Rotterdam City Hall (Stadhuis)
Rotterdam is famous around the world for its modern architecture, but this quirky feature came about by obligation rather than by imagination. The vast majority of the city was turned to ashes during the destructive Rotterdam Blitz by the German Air Force of 14 May 1940, but one building miraculously survived: the City Hall. Built between 1914 and 1940 as per Queen Wilhelmina’s request, it has a symmetrical design and a sober Renaissance style that is not without resemblance to other Dutch city halls. It features and four wings and a small interior courtyard, as well as two statues on either side of the main entrance: the ‘Portier’ (doorman) and the ‘Fiscus’ (tax collector); there are ten other statues scattered around the city hall’s gardens, each representing Rotterdam’s values and virtues. The most striking part of the building, however, is the 70-meter high tower featuring a clock, a bell, and an angel of peace. During the holiday season, Rotterdam's biggest Christmas tree is set up in front of the City Hall.More
#10
Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp)
Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp) is known for its successful conservation and breeding programs. Visit the zoo for the chance to see creatures from all around the globe, from African pygmy hippos to Asiatic lions, North American polar bears to Australian swamp wallabies. There’s even an on-site aquarium and butterfly garden.More
#11
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
Please note: The Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is temporarily closed.
Rotterdam’s premier art museum began with bequests from two wealthy Dutch art lovers: Frans Jacob Otto Boijmans donated his collection to the city in 1847, and Daniel George van Deuningenfollowed suit in 1955. From 16th-century paintings to contemporary glassware, the museum’s displays of western works are constantly changing; it has featured 20th-century bodies of work by German Expressionist Max Beckmann and French surrealist Yves Tanguy, as well as pieces from hundreds of years earlier.Highlights of this expansive 140,000-work collection include Pieter Bruegel’s peerless Old Testament offering The Tower of Babel (1553), which warrants close inspection for all its detailed activity; scores of delicate drawings by Renaissance artist Fra Bartolommeo; Rembrandt’s winsome Titus at his Desk; and a collection of Gerrit Rietveld’s distinct colored wooden furniture. The many other artists represented here include Rubens, Dalí, Da Vinci, Monet, Picasso, Van Eyck, and Man Ray. All works are housed in a stylish red-brick building designed by Adrianus Van der Steur, now updated with airy glass galleries and surrounded by a sculpture park and fountains. Free temporary exhibitions are on display in the Willem van der Vorm gallery and Serra Hall just inside the main entrance.More
#12
Maritime Museum Rotterdam
The Maritime Museum Rotterdam is one of the world’s oldest and largest museums dedicated to naval history and displays more than three quarters of a million objects from the 15th century to modern times, including photos, models, blueprints, videos and actual ship objects and uniforms.One of the core displays is the collection of ship models, which formed the core of the museum when it was founded by Prince Henry of the Netherlands in 1874. In addition, the site also contains some actual ships; its open-air Harbour Museum of Rotterdam features historic ships, as well as relics from the old port Leuvehaven, such as cranes, a lighthouse, a tugboat, a locomotor, and a steam-powered grain elevator.Another important permanent exhibit is Mainport Live, an interactive, multimedia model of the Port of Rotterdam. Here you can not only learn about the history of the port, but also experience the world’s largest and port in miniature. A display of video, lights, sounds and actions brings the bustle of the port to you, while standing in the middle of the old port of yesteryear.For kids ages 4 through 10, the Professor Splash playground is a fun educational experience. Children can carry out a series of port-related actions that help Professor Splash and his friends prepare for their adventures, while learning about the museum’s collection in the process.More
#13
Delfshaven
One of Rotterdam’s oldest areas—having escaped bombing during World War II—Delfshaven fringes the River New Meuse on the city’s western edges. Originally a harbor for the nearby city of Delft and the 1620 leaving point for the Pilgrim Fathers, its gabled houses, historical ships, and quayside shops and eateries are magnets for visitors.More
#14
Kop van Zuid
What was once an abandoned port area has now been redeveloped into an urban, metropolitan neighborhood. Many of the disused buildings in Kop van Zuid – shipyards, headquarters, and plants – have remained and were recently given a second life, not without thanks to the completion of the now-iconic Erasmus Bridge that finally united the north and the south sides of the mighty Nieuwe Maas River. Along with new infrastructure and award-winning architecture (throughout their modernization, most buildings kept a lot of their original features to keep history alive), this duality and eclectic feel have helped Kop van Zuid reached an international reputation, and its business model has since been copied several times in other naval cities facing similar issues. If Kop van Zuid used to be exclusively for dockworkers and sailors, it is now filled with fashionable youngsters and local families wanting to experience a new side of their city. Visitors will now find a contemporary and inviting entertainment district that features hotels, cafés, restaurants, a theater, and many businesses – even an international cruise ship port, the Wilhelmina Pier.More
#15
Kunsthal Rotterdam (Art Hall Rotterdam)
A visit to Kunsthal Rotterdam, one of the city’s most prestigious museums, offers the opportunity to appreciate both art and architecture. The dynamic institution is known for its ever-changing and intriguing exhibition program displayed in an architecturally inspired multifloored building, designed by famed Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas.More
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When to visit
Summertime is the most popular time to visit Rotterdam and the Netherlands, with average temperatures that stay in the low-70s°F (low-20s°C) and the highest chance of sunny skies. Annual summer events like the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Rotterdam Unlimited Festival, with its colorful Summer Carnival, pull in the crowds, while the International Film Festival Rotterdam is a winter favorite.
Getting around
Many of Rotterdam’s central sights can be reached on foot. Better yet, rent a bike and explore the city on your own or as part of a guided tour. This bike-friendly city has more than 370 miles (600 kilometers) of bike paths. For longer distances, there are also buses, trams, and metros, as well as water taxis and ferries that zip across the River Maas.
Traveler tips
Do not be fooled by the sunny weather. There’s always a chance of rain in Rotterdam, so pack an umbrella even in summer. Rain or shine, there’s wildlife to be spotted in the city. Hop aboard the fast ferry from Hoek van Holland, and keep a close lookout for seals lounging on the beach as at the Landtong ferry stop.
People Also Ask
Is Rotterdam worth visiting?
Yes. Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ second-largest city and the largest port in Europe. It has a completely different vibe to Amsterdam. Rotterdam is renowned for its maritime history and modern architecture, such as the Market Hall, Erasmus Bridge, and Cube Houses. The city also brims with museums, restaurants, and cultural sites.
...MoreHow do you spend a day in Rotterdam?
With just one day in Rotterdam, focus on the highlights. Marvel at architectural landmarks, such as Rotterdam Central Station, the Cube Houses, and Erasmus Bridge; admire the views from the Euromast Tower; and visit the Maritime Museum. For dining options head to the Market Hall, and enjoy drinks in the riverside Delfshaven district.
...MoreIs Rotterdam nicer than Amsterdam?
It depends on your interests! Both Rotterdam and Amsterdam are worth visiting, but the two cities offer completely different experiences. While the capital is known for its pretty canals, historic buildings, and laid-back café culture, Rotterdam is known for its striking modern landmarks, soaring skyscrapers, and innovative foodie scene.
...MoreWhat is Rotterdam most known for?
Rotterdam is famous for its port, the largest in Europe, and its rich maritime history as the “Gateway to Europe.” Rebuilt after World War II, the city also is renowned for its modern skyscrapers and architectural landmarks, including the Cube Houses, the Market Hall, and Erasmus Bridge.
...MoreIs Rotterdam a walkable city?
Yes. It’s easy to get around Rotterdam’s central sights on foot. The city offers wide sidewalks, scenic riverside walkways, and pedestrianized shopping boulevards. If you need a break, you can always hop on the tram or board a passenger ferry or water taxi that will zip you across the River Maas.
...MoreIs one day enough for Rotterdam?
Not entirely. One day is enough to take in Rotterdam’s highlights, such as the Maritime Museum, Cube Houses, and Market Hall. But, this is the Netherlands second-largest city, and you’ll probably wish you had more time to discover its many museums, scenic bike paths, foodie scene, and nightlife.
...MoreRotterdam information
Number of Attractions | 19 |
|---|---|
Number of Tours | 141 |
Number of Reviews | 847 |
Currency | EUR |
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