visit rotterdam

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Rotterdam. This city on the river Meuse with its impressive skyline is perhaps the most dynamic city in the Netherlands. Flattened by bombs during World War II, today it is one of the most modern, innovative and unique cities in the Netherlands.

Boat tour around the harbour

Rotterdam is a young, dynamic city known for its modern architecture and impressive harbour. Although only a fraction smaller than Amsterdam, it has a completely different look and feel than the capital. The city is characterised by an imposing skyline of skyscrapers and modern design, but also by icons such as the Erasmus Bridge , Rotterdam Central Station and of course the Euromast observation tower, which offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas.

Home to Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam was a prime target of the Germans during World War II and was almost completely destroyed by the Luftwaffe. Rising from the ashes of war, the current iconic skyline clearly reflects the modern character of the city. In recent decades, the city on the Meuse has grown into a dynamic metropolis that is internationally known for its innovative developments and architecture , but also for its port.

The port of Rotterdam

The port of Rotterdam is a major international hub and a symbol of trade, innovation and maritime history. As one of the largest ports in the world, a boat tour around the harbour or a visit to the Maritime Museum Rotterdam is definitely recommended. Water plays a major role in the city, as evidenced by the water taxi or the Wikkelboats – tiny houseboats in which you can spend the night. Located in the middle of the Maritime District, the Port Pavilion is the ideal starting point to really discover the port for yourself.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Rotterdam offers so much to see and do. The Witte de Withstraat has traditionally been the most popular and well-known place to go out, but it now has some stiff competition from the Nieuwe Binnenweg with its trendy shops, cafés and restaurants. Also highly recommended is the Fenix Food Factory on Katendrecht, a food hall with a craft brewery and stalls for meat, vegetables and dairy products.

You will also find numerous cultural attractions here, such as the Melly contemporary art galler y and Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen , where visitors can enjoy the impressive art collection of the temporarily closed Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. Sports enthusiasts should of course stop by De Kuip, the large stadium of Feyenoord football club.

Flora and fauna in Rotterdam

Despite its modernity, Rotterdam is a very sustainable city where lovers of nature, biodiversity and flora and fauna can marvel at the city’s innovative, new ways of using greenery. Take, for example, the Floating Farm , a unique, circular farm on the water, or The Dakakker , the largest 'open-air roof farm in the Netherlands' in the heart of Rotterdam. Also not to be missed is Blue City , a true international icon in the field of circular economy. Top tip: Amsterdam , Utrecht, The Hague and Eindhoven offer direct train connections to Rotterdam. Why not enjoy a multi-city holiday?

The flavour of Rotterdam

10x local food in Rotterdam

An ever-increasing number of restaurants and bars are trying to use local, fresh produce as much as possible. This overview contains a list of authentic Rotterdam establishments that add even more prestige to the concept of 'local dining'.

Timeless terraces

Come rain or shine, having a drink on a charming restaurant or pub terrace is one of those things you have to do at least once when in Rotterdam. Find a free table on a terrace with stunning views of iconic A-listers such as the river Meuse and the Erasmus Bridge.

Pubs and bars: the ultimate list

From trendy clubs to welcoming bars and unique events, there is always something going on in Rotterdam. There’s a vibrant, energetic vibe that attracts a truly diverse crowd.

Jackie Chan once ate at this iconic Chinese-Cantonese restaurant when he was in Rotterdam for the International Film Festival Rotterdam. With its beautiful red facade, round tables and an extensive menu of classic Chinese dishes, Tai Wu is an absolute must during a visit to Rotterdam.

Restaurant Rotonde

Restaurant Rotonde aims to be a progressive kitchen by constantly addressing issues such as sustainability, the origin of ingredients and waste management. The result is a stylish and sustainable establishment with delicious, honest food.

The city on the Meuse is greener than you think

Home to the largest port in Europe, this modern metropolis is also one of the greenest and most sustainable cities in the Netherlands. One of the most striking initiatives in this regard is the Dakpark , an elegant roof park established on a former railway line in the west of the city. The park offers panoramic views and is a green urban oasis, with various plants, trees and flowers. It’s also a model of sustainability, with rainwater collection, solar panels and even a bee hotel. For those wanting to learn more about sustainability and nature conservation, the nearby Educational Garden offers a wealth of information.

Another green hotspot in Rotterdam is the Kralingse Bos , a vast city park with forests, water features and walking paths. The park not only offers a beautiful environment for relaxing, but also has numerous sustainable initiatives, such as a water playground with sustainable water filtration and an organic farm. Keen runners will enjoy the parkrun that takes place there every Saturday morning.

Largest city park in the Netherlands

We can’t talk about sustainability without mentioning Zuiderpark in South Rotterdam. It’s the largest city park in the Netherlands and ideal for a nice walk or picnic . Or stop by the Park at the Euromast and visit the 'secret garden' Schoonoord . Finally, why not hop on the metro and head towards Hoek van Holland? Hollandse Duinen National Park is a beautiful coastal nature reserve and a great place for cycling or walking.

Green tips in the port city

Trompenburg Gardens and Arboretum

A beautiful botanical garden with a large collection of trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs and tubers. It is seen as an invaluable 'living museum' in the field of biodiversity and natural history.

The Kralingse Plas

With more than 3.5 million visitors per year, the Kralingse Plas is an important recreational area in the city, for locals and visitors alike. With a lake perfect for water sports, it’s a beautiful bit of nature in a busy city.

Harvest Market

This welcoming, atmospheric market is held every Saturday on the Noordplein. Along with Het Zwaanshals, a street full of small boutiques and restaurants, it’s a nice place to visit at the weekend.

Parqiet in het Park

Coffee, tea or drinks and nibbles in a nice park with a view of the Euromast. Who could say no to that? You’ll find it all at Parqiet. Afterwards, go for a nice walk in the park.

Rotterdamse Munt

Green, greener, greenest. De Rotterdamse Munt is a green oasis in the heart of Rotterdam full of edible plants and flowers. Stroll around and pick, smell and taste the beauty that nature has to offer.

Unconventional Rotterdam

Having escaped the bombing by the Luftwaffe during the war, Delfshaven is one of Rotterdam’s undisputed gems. Located just next to the bustling city centre with historic Delfshaven as its highlight, this district in the western part of Rotterdam is a melting pot of diverse cultures and nationalities. It’s home to authentic Rotterdam cafes and small shops, but also trendy, new shops.

The old Rotterdam

The Middelland district in Delfshaven also has a rich architectural history with beautiful buildings from the 1920s and 1930s, many of which are still in their original state – a rare sight in Rotterdam. The area has not yet been ‘discovered’ and that’s why it is so special. It’s the perfect place to experience modern city life with an authentic Rotterdam vibe. There is a reason why the late politician Pim Fortuyn lived in this special environment, which is now home to about 80,000 Rotterdammers.

Delfshaven is also home to another highlight: the monumental Justus van Effen complex, a former block of workers' houses now serving as a living and working space for artists and other creatives. Definitely worth a visit.

Hidden gems

Historic Delfshaven

One of the few parts of the old city that survived the bombing of Rotterdam in 1940. Nowadays the historic canal houses are home to cosy shops selling trinkets, jenever (Dutch gin) cafés, breweries, no-nonsense eateries and even the Dutch Pinball Museum.

Unconventional art

Rotterdam reserves a lot of space for experimental artworks that often stand out due to their size, shape or subject. Don't miss out. This is art that deserves to be admired.

With trendy restaurants such as Old Scuola and Kula and terraces with a view of the river Schie, this district has a Greenwich Village in miniature vibe.

Fenix Food Factory

The Fenix Food Factory is considered the traditional fresh food market of Rotterdam. From Tuesday to Sunday, you can smell, taste and buy the most special fresh produce from various entrepreneurs who are all passionate about their products.

Discover the Rotterdam rooftops

Visit the unique Rotterdam rooftops. The remarkable cube-shaped roofs on the Blaak are well-known, but there is much more to discover than that. It´s art in itself.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Van Nelle factory

A beautiful building that was built as a coffee, tea and tobacco factory and has had a great influence on the development of modern architecture. Architect Leendert van der Vlugt created a building where light, air and space were central. The result is the beautiful Van Nelle factory, located in the Spaanse Polder district of the bustling city on the Meuse.

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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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10 x must see sights and activities in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a must-see city with lots of attractions, monuments and architectural highlights to look out for. There’s always something new to see or do in the city. In the realm of architecture , Rotterdam is a feast for the eyes. Find out where to go and what to do and discover the highlights in this top 10 list of things to do and see. Prefer to explore on your own? Get inspired by our City Map. It is freely available at most hotels and attractions, as well as all our Rotterdam Tourist Information service points (or download the map here ). Or maximize your Rotterdam adventure with the Rotterdam City Card .

1. Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen

Why shouldn’t a depot building have multiple functions other than storing art? The first publicly accessible art storage facility – ‘the bowl’ – is as self-evident as it is groundbreaking. After all, the viewing starts outside, searching for your reflection in the mirrored exterior. Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen – with an ultra-sustainable energy system and its own heat and cold storage – has been packed with visitors since its opening in 2021. You can browse art (the building houses up to 151,000 works), visit the green roof or eat at Restaurant Renilde .

Book your tickets here

Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen - Iris van den Broek

2. Rotterdam Centraal

Rotterdam Central Station is one of the most iconic architectural sites in Rotterdam. The roof over the tracks is covered in solar panels and the striking hall roof points towards the city centre. A number of historic elements from the former station building (1957) by Sybold van Ravesteyn have been re-used, like the original clock in the front façade and the letters spelling out ‘Centraal Station’. In the main hall you can find several shops, information about public transport and the Rotterdam Tourist Information . When you walk out of the station don’t forget to have a look at the impressive statue Moments Contained (2023).

Rotterdam Centraal and Moments Contained - Iris van den Broek

3. Euromast

The Euromast observation tower was constructed to mark the Floriade gardening extravaganza in 1960. The tower, made from reinforced concrete, has an inner diameter of 9 metres with walls that are 30 cm thick. Its floor hangs 96 metres above the ground. The Euromast lift takes just 30 seconds to whisk visitors to a height of 100 metres, where there is an observation deck and brasserie restaurant. The Euroscope revolving lift takes people up to 185 metres. Euromast is Europe’s only attraction from which you can abseil to the ground. Of course, this only takes place under the guidance of a professional.

Get your tickets here

Euromast - Iris van den Broek

4. Markthal

You’ll find an indoor market hall in various world-class cities, but the combination with luxury housing makes Rotterdam’s Markthal  the first of its kind. The apartments are arched over the food market in a horseshoe configuration. The main hall houses the market itself, as well as shops and various restaurants, with a supermarket and a four-storey car park situated below. As you wander amongst the market stands, look up to enjoy the massive artwork sprawled across the ceiling: the ‘Horn of Plenty’ by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam. Sign up for an Open Tour on the weekend via De Rotterdam Tours : a one-hour tour of the Markthal. Don’t forget to visit one of the country’s biggest outdoor markets which is held on the large square (Binnenrotte) in front of the Markthal (Tuesday and Saturday). Did you know that you will soon be able to surf in the Steigersgracht next to the Markthal? In the spring of 2024, RiF010 , a watersports oasis for everyone, will open.

Markthal - Ossip van Duivenbode

5. ss Rotterdam

The ss Rotterdam (1959) is the former flagship of the Holland-America Line and boasts a wealth of history. The steamship was built in Rotterdam, returning to its home port in 2008 after many voyages and nautical miles. Since then, it has been moored at the tip of the Katendrecht peninsula. It’s used as a hotel , restaurant and events venue. The terrace on deck, including a small pool, offers a unique view of the city. The general areas on the ship, including the restaurants, are open to the public. The ss Rotterdam also offers various tours of the decks, corridors, staterooms and platforms, some lasting only an hour and others as long as two; the tours include an audiophone and additional explanations by the ship hosts. The tours show the amazing interior of a large luxury cruise liner and let visitors explore what life used to be like on board. The Rotterdam Complete Tour also includes a peek inside the engine room.

Book a tour here

ss Rotterdam - Iris van den Broek

6. Historisch Delfshaven

This picturesque yacht marina is one of the few parts of the old city that survived the 1940 bombardment of Rotterdam. It has a remarkable history, Delfshaven locals once earned their living by fishing for herring and distilling gin. The historic canal houses now hold cosy shops selling antiques and bric-a-brac, the Dutch Pinball Museum , as well as lovely cafés and restaurants like brewery De Pelgrim and café De Oude Sluis (with waterside patio dining). The Historical Tram Line 10 takes you to Delfshaven in the summer season, offering a ‘hop on hop off’ service. Once there, you can also explore Historic Delfshaven by water with iKapitein .

Historisch Delfshaven

As a port city, Rotterdam has unbreakable ties to the Nieuwe Maas River. There are all sorts of ways to explore and experience the river and the port. Go on a tour with Spido, one of Rotterdam’s biggest attractions. The Port of Rotterdam tour (75 minutes) sails year-round and gives you a short but powerful impression of Rotterdam’s container ports. The route also passes sights like the Hotel New York, the Euromast, and the ss Rotterdam.

Spido - Iris van den Broek

8. Cube Houses

The Cube Houses (Piet Blom, 1978-1984) are part of the Blaakse Bos (Blaakse Wood) development which borders on the Laurenskwartier district and the Waterfront area. The architect wanted to design a kind of village within the city and saw the houses as trees and the whole area as a wood. The Cube Houses are tipped to one side as it were, making three sides face the ground and three face the sky. Don’t forget to visit the Kijk-Kubus (Show-Cube) to experience what life is like in a Cube House.

Cube Houses - Iris van den Broek

9. Erasmusbrug

The 800-metre long Erasmus Bridge (Ben van Berkel, 1996) spans the Nieuwe Maas River and links the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam. The bridge is part of the redevelopment of an old port area and was specifically designed to be an iconic structure to give the area a strong presence. The suspension bridge has a 139-metre high steel pylon which is secured with 40 cables. The shape of the pylon gave the bridge its nickname: The Swan.

Erasmusbrug - Iris van den Broek

10. Museumpark

The ultimate arts and culture street in Rotterdam, de Witte de Withstraat, is known for its artistic, multicultural and lively character. Referred to as the city’s ‘Axis of Art’, it runs from the Maritime Museum to the Museumpark and is lined with galleries, avantgarde fashion boutiques, restaurants and (art) cafés. Fan of street art? Discover impressive wall paintings from local artists with the Rotterdam Street Art Route . More art & culture…

More highlights to discover

Fenix food factory, trompenburg, floating farm, walking in rotterdam.

Rotterdam is a lovely city to explore on foot. You can take in an abundance of sights on a short stroll or long city walk. The options are endless, and if you want, you can use an app like Rotterdam Routes , or a map or join an official guide who will show you all the highlights. There are plenty of interesting sights to discover.

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