by Rotterdam is one of the most attractive cities to visit in the Netherlands. We highly recommend visiting it! You’ll find that most things to do in Rotterdam are related to architecture. After the bombing it suffered on May 14, 1940, most of its buildings were destroyed. The reconstruction did not maintain the original canal structure typical in the country. Instead, modern and progressive buildings were designed, making Rotterdam a city where architecture is very important. Here are 25 things to do in Rotterdam to experience both its traditional and groundbreaking sides.
1. Have a drink at Markthal, one of the best things to do in Rotterdam
One of the most beautiful and modern buildings in Rotterdam is this market. Its semi-circular facade resembles a horseshoe, with small square windows surrounding the entire building. It’s not only special from the outside; inside, the structure is decorated with colorful drawings of fruits, flowers, and insects by Dutch artist Arno Coenen. Underneath this impressive dome, there are numerous shops, stalls, and bars where you can eat or drink. But the market isn’t the only space in the Markthal; it’s also surrounded by modern offices with city views.
2. Be amazed by Rotterdam Central Station
The train station is a must-visit in Rotterdam. It’s another example of the importance of modern architecture in the city. Although it opened in 2014, it has already become an iconic building thanks to its peculiar triangular shape. Despite its modernity, it retains a couple of elements from the old station as a nod to the past: the entrance letters and the central clock.
3. Cross the Erasmusbrug, the main attraction in Rotterdam
When architectural innovation meets modern engineering, the result is an impressive bridge like this. The Erasmus Bridge is 802 meters long and connects the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam. The most impressive feature is the over 100-meter mast that resembles a swan’s neck, which is why the bridge was nicknamed “The Swan” when it opened in 1996. If the construction itself wasn’t incredible enough, it has a bascule section that opens for larger ships to pass. Crossing it on foot is one of the most representative things to do in Rotterdam.
4. Climb the Euromast Tower for an unbeatable view
Many say that Rotterdam is the Dutch Manhattan, and this tower confirms it. It’s the tallest building in the city, standing at 185 meters. To be honest, it’s a bit of a cheat because 85 meters were added after its inauguration with an antenna. It was built in 1960 as an observation tower and still serves that function today. The entrance costs €15, and you can book it online. It includes access to the platform at 100 meters high, as well as the Euroscoop elevator, which goes to the top of the antenna. If you’re adventurous, you can even rappel or zip-line, although it costs extra and must be booked in advance. In addition to having great views of the city, there’s a restaurant, a conference room, and a suite at the Euromast Hotel. If you want to sleep with the best views of Rotterdam, you’ll need to book a few months in advance.
5. Taste artisanal products at Fenix Food Factory
A must-visit in Rotterdam for food lovers. It’s a former warehouse converted into a market with tasting areas. They promote healthy eating through workshops, tastings, and sales of fresh, locally sourced products. They don’t sell processed products; all are made the traditional way. Don’t miss the cheeses and breads, they’re delicious!
6. Discover the inside of a Cube House, one of the most curious things to do in Rotterdam
A very surprising visit in Rotterdam are the Cube Houses. Although they seem more decorative than practical, people actually live in them. The 82 houses were designed by architect Piet Blom to better utilize the interior space by tilting the cubes 45 degrees. The interior space is the same as in any other building, with the peculiarity that the walls and windows form rather strange angles. Due to visitors’ curiosity, one of the owners opened his house as a museum. The entrance has a symbolic price of €3.
7. Dining on Witte de Withstraat
After a day of sightseeing in Rotterdam, head to this lively street for a drink or a bite to eat. It’s filled with bars and restaurants to suit all budgets, offering international cuisine. In the summer, the terraces start filling up in the afternoon and stay busy well into the night. The street’s decorative lights create a very cozy atmosphere. Besides dining establishments, you’ll also find some interesting art galleries.
8. Visiting the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum
This museum is a must-visit for art lovers in Rotterdam. It features works by great Dutch masters such as Van Gogh, Rubens, and Van Dyck, as well as other major international artists. The collection spans European art from the 14th century to contemporary art. Additionally, there are interesting temporary exhibitions dedicated to specific artists or periods. Beyond its fantastic selection of works, the building is very well organized, making the visit highly enjoyable.
The entrance fee is €20. It might seem expensive, but it’s worth it!
9. Visiting the Miniworld Rotterdam Miniature City – A Great Thing to Do in Rotterdam with Kids
If you don’t have time to explore Rotterdam in depth, you can see every corner of the city in this museum. It’s a model with all the details. There are buttons to interact with the models, making the trains move or lighting up certain elements.
Every 24 minutes it turns to night, and all the buildings light up, creating a very different panorama from the daytime. Everything is thought out in detail. It reminded us of the wonderful Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg. It’s a great visit to make in Rotterdam with kids, though adults enjoy it a lot too!
The entrance fee is €12.95 for adults and €9.25 for children up to 11 years old.
10. Entering the Historic Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk Church
Don’t think that Rotterdam only has modern architecture; it also preserves this medieval gem. The Protestant Church of St. Lawrence was built in 1449, although it underwent modifications over the years.
It has witnessed important events in the city, and despite being damaged after the aerial attack on Rotterdam in 1940, its interior was restored while maintaining its original charm. Don’t miss its vaulted ceilings, stone arches, and rather austere decoration.
The entrance to the temple costs €2. However, you can complete your visit by climbing its tower to enjoy the views. In this case, the entrance fee is €7.50.
11. Discovering the Witte Huis, a Very Curious Building to See in Rotterdam
Another architectural marvel in Rotterdam that you can’t miss is its unique “White House.” It has nothing to do with the one in Washington but is a modernist building constructed in 1898.
It has only 10 floors and 43 meters in height but is considered the first skyscraper in Europe. Fortunately, its white facade with ornate turrets was one of the few that survived the war attacks.
12. Exploring the Two Ports of Rotterdam
Very close to Witte Huis is the city’s old port, where Rotterdam’s great commercial life began in the 16th century. Now you can see some historic boats, and the area has become a very popular meeting place. There are several bars and terraces with a lively atmosphere.
But the old port is history now. The activity is concentrated in Europort, one of the busiest ports in the world. There you can see the former headquarters of Holland America Line, from where many Dutch people left in search of the American dream. It has now been converted into the Hotel New York, but it still has a charming facade that respects the building’s past.
13. Walking Among Windmills in Kinderdijk, a Must-Do Excursion from Rotterdam
Every typical postcard of the Netherlands features a windmill. Very close to Rotterdam is the village of Kinderdijk, where you can see 19 traditional windmills surrounding the canals. They were built around 1740 to prevent flooding in the area. After many years, they have been restored and have become one of the most charming landscapes in the country. The entrance to Kinderdijk costs €16.
14. Visiting the Kunsthal Rotterdam
Another very curious building to see in Rotterdam is this museum of design, architecture, and other forms of modern art. It is a 1992 construction intersected by two roads. Beyond the curious exterior, inside there are works by great names in contemporary art. We recommend also checking its program of temporary exhibitions.
The entrance fee is €16.50.
15. See the Port and the City from the Water
It’s no secret that the port of Rotterdam is vital to the city’s economy. To see it from a different perspective, you can embark on a tour of its surroundings. You’ll get a close-up view of the enormous containers, cranes, and ships passing through. You’ll also pass by the Erasmus Bridge, providing excellent photo opportunities of the city’s skyline.
One of the historic companies offering these tours is Spido, which started as a transportation service and transitioned to tourist cruises after World War II.
A one-hour and fifteen-minute trip costs €15.75.
16. Have Fun at Westelijk Handelsterrein
When night falls, this former industrial area becomes the liveliest spot in Rotterdam. What used to be port warehouses have been converted into bars and nightclubs that stay open until the early hours. The best part is that bad weather won’t ruin your night because the area is covered by a large glass dome.
17. Learn About Navigation at the Maritime Museum of Rotterdam
Rotterdam is home to one of the most important maritime museums in the world, which makes sense given that its port is one of the largest globally. You can see many items related to navigation, including replicas of merchant and war ships, navy uniforms, and an extensive collection of maps.
It’s a very interesting visit to make in Rotterdam to learn about an important part of the city’s history. The entrance fee is €16.
18. Visit the Rotterdam City Hall, Another Interesting Building to See in Rotterdam
Another architectural visit to make in Rotterdam is its city hall. It was built in 1913 due to the city’s significant commercial growth and population increase. A new building was needed to represent the city, and the mayor decided to launch a competition to find an architect. The Neo-Renaissance design with some sculptures on the facade won everyone over. Fortunately, the building survived the 1940 bombing.
You cannot visit on your own, but you can go to the city’s tourism office to book a guided tour of some parts of the building. The square where it is located, Stadhuisplein, is very lively, especially at night. There is also a monument there in memory of the war victims, which destroyed much of Rotterdam.
19. Stroll Through Delfshaven
Wrapping up this list of things to do in Rotterdam, we can’t forget about this neighborhood. It’s on the outskirts and was actually an independent city until 1886, but it is one of the most cherished areas by the people of Rotterdam.
It is one of the areas that best withstood the war attacks. Another historical event was the gathering of all the pilgrims who crossed the Atlantic to America in 1620. This happened at the Pilgrim Fathers Church (Pelgrimvaderskerk), which you can still visit.
20. Stay on the SS Rotterdam Ship
A unique thing to do in Rotterdam is to stay on a historic ship. You can sleep in a room inside the SS Rotterdam, an ocean liner that belonged to the Holland America Line. After 40 years of service, it was restored for use as a hotel, and now you can relax after long days of sightseeing in Rotterdam inside it.
21. Discover the Inner Workings of the Modern Port of Rotterdam
In 2010, Rotterdam realized it needed to expand its commercial port by 20%. To do this, new land was required, and you can see how they created it at the visitor center. You’ll also get a close look at the cranes and macro containers. In fact, it is considered the most modern port in Europe, so take advantage of the experience. You can reach it by boat from the city center.
22. Explore Museumpark, the Most Central Park in Rotterdam
Museumpark is right next to the Boijmans Museum, hence its name. It’s a green space in the heart of the city, ideal for a walk. Besides being a regular park with a pond designed to prevent flooding during heavy rain, it’s also a major activity center. There is a paved area used for public events.
23. Discover Other Famous Bridges in the City
There’s more to life than the Erasmus Bridge. Rotterdam is notable for its surprising architecture, and its bridges are no exception. We recommend also visiting Willemsbrug, the red bridge next to the Erasmus Bridge. Another iconic structure is De Hef, a lift bridge that was used for trains. Although it is no longer in use, it remains as a historical monument of Rotterdam.
24. Stroll Through Het Park
A relaxing activity in Rotterdam is to visit Het Park, one of the city’s most tranquil parks. It’s near the Euromast tower, so you can combine your visit with a walk through this beautiful park. Designed in 1852, it was intended to mimic English gardens and fields.
It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists looking for a place to relax or exercise. Be careful, as many bikes also pass through the park.
25. Visit The Hague
If you’ve explored all the activities in Rotterdam, don’t worry. You can spend a very enjoyable day taking a trip to The Hague. It’s about half an hour from Rotterdam’s center by metro and is well worth a visit.
Both cities have strong ties to art, Rotterdam with its modern architecture and The Hague for housing some of the most important paintings in history. Additionally, The Hague is the administrative capital of the Netherlands.
Rotterdam is a city brimming with diverse attractions, from its modern architecture and bustling ports to tranquil parks and rich art scenes. Whether you’re dining on Witte de Withstraat, exploring world-class museums, or taking a relaxing stroll through Het Park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the chance to see the city’s impressive skyline from the water or dive into its vibrant nightlife at Westelijk Handelsterrein. And if you have extra time, a short trip to The Hague offers even more cultural and historical treasures.
Embrace the unique charm and dynamic spirit of Rotterdam, and you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of this remarkable Dutch city.
