Things to Do in Rotterdam: 23 Top Highlights & Our Tips

Rotterdam Attractions on the Map

We’ll introduce you to all 23 Rotterdam highlights in just a moment. To help you get your bearings quickly, we’ve marked our favorite sights on the map below.

Our Top 23 Highlights in Rotterdam

Euromast

The absolute highlight of our city trip was the Euromast — and it’s easily one of the best things to do in Rotterdam. The Euromast is an observation tower, and what a tower it is!

Unlike most observation towers where you’re stuck behind glass panels, at the Euromast you’re actually standing outside in the open air. That alone makes it special.

And as if that weren’t enough, they later added an 84-meter-high spire on top of the 101-meter tower. A rotating gondola takes you up and delivers an even more spectacular panorama.

On one side, we could see ships out on the North Sea; on the other, we could actually see all the way to Utrecht and Amsterdam.

If you’re afraid of heights, the Euromast is a bit of a challenge. But it’s seriously worth it! You can also see our visit in our Rotterdam video.

Our tip: If you want the Euromast all to yourself, you can actually spend the night up there. The observation deck has two hotel suites.

You can buy tickets for the Euromast online in advance and skip the line at the ticket counter on-site.

Buy Euromast tickets online

Cube Houses

The bright yellow Cube Houses stand out sharply among Rotterdam’s modern skyscrapers and enormous harbor — they’re absolutely among the top things to do in Rotterdam.

The cubes don’t stand upright; each one is balanced on a corner. Inside, the walls aren’t vertical, which makes for a pretty unique living experience.

The cubes were designed in the 1970s by Dutch architect Piet Blom as an innovative housing concept to make optimal use of space. First challenge: finding furniture that actually fits inside a tilted cube.

Want to know what other quirks come with cube life? Tour the Kijk-Kubus show house and find out.

Laurenskerk

The Laurenskerk is one of the very few old buildings you’ll find in Rotterdam — in fact, it’s the only surviving medieval structure, heavily damaged in the 1940 bombings but still standing.

It’s also commonly called the Grote Kerk, which translates to “big church” — and that’s exactly what it is.

Inside, there are several standouts: the dollhouses, the carillon, and four enormous organs. You can also climb the church tower for a great view over the city.

Hotel New York

Sure, a hotel doesn’t normally make the list of city attractions — but we’re happy to make an exception here.

Until the early 1970s, this building on Wilhelminapier served as the headquarters of the Holland America Line. Tens of thousands of emigrants boarded ships here on their way to America.

Today, much of the original architecture has been preserved, and you can soak up that history-laden atmosphere over a delicious dinner at the restaurant or by spending a night at the hotel.

Hotel New York is also a great base for exploring the city, with easy access to the Erasmus Bridge and the photography museum.

Book a stay at Hotel New York

Port of Rotterdam

With an annual throughput of 450 million tons, the Port of Rotterdam is one of the largest in the world and by far the biggest in Europe. The best way to experience it is on a boat tour — definitely one of the top tourist highlights in Rotterdam.

We took a just-under-two-hour tour with the operator Spido, cruising past container terminals and docks and getting up close to massive container ships. Fascinating stuff.

Tickets for a harbor tour

Alternatively, renting a bike and exploring the harbor on a leisurely cycling tour is also well worth your time.

De Kuip: Feyenoord Stadium

The Feyenoord Stadium is impressive even if you’re not a hardcore soccer fan. With 51,117 seats, it’s the second-largest soccer stadium in the Netherlands, after the Ajax Arena in Amsterdam.

It may not be the biggest, but it’s widely considered the most legendary and most beautiful in Holland. The stadium is also called De Kuip — Dutch for “tub” — and once you’ve seen it from outside, the nickname needs no explanation.

A 90-minute stadium tour is highly recommended. You’ll learn everything about Feyenoord and its iconic home ground. Tickets are available online for €15.

Book a tour of De Kuip stadium

Luchtsingel Bridge

Yellow seems to be a theme in Rotterdam. Because in addition to the Cube Houses, the city has had another bold landmark since 2015: the Luchtsingel Bridge.

The bridge was built to connect the city center and Rotterdam Noord, which had previously been cut off by a railway line — part of an effort to revitalize the neighborhood around the main train station.

The three wooden arms stretch over 390 meters and look like the tentacles of an octopus from above. It’s worth a small detour on a stroll through the city center — just don’t expect a major showstopper.

Rotterdam Market Hall

The Markthal Rotterdam is a genuine highlight — and there are two reasons to visit. First, the hall’s massive horseshoe shape gives it a totally unique design. Second, the food stalls are lined up one after another.

Over 100 stalls, 15 gourmet shops, and eight restaurants leave nothing to be desired.

From fresh fish to locally grown vegetables to irresistible sweets — it’s all here. If you’re a real foodie, you can work your way through row after row of deliciousness.

Fenix Food Factory

In terms of architecture and size, the Fenix Food Factory can’t compete with the Market Hall. But what it offers instead is a genuinely cozy atmosphere and equally delicious food.

Situated right on the waterfront with a view of Hotel New York, it’s a wonderful spot to eat, drink, and soak it all in.

The stalls focus on regional products. Highly recommended: a really great craft beer from the local brewery Kaapse Brouwers.

The SS Rotterdam

You’ll see plenty of ships in Rotterdam. But the SS Rotterdam is in a league of its own — it’s the largest passenger ship ever built in Holland. After many years of service with the Holland America Line, it was retired in 2000.

Today, it’s one of Rotterdam’s classic must-sees. You can join guided tours through the bow, enjoy a sunset dinner at the ship’s restaurant, or even book a stay in one of the cabins.

Whether you’re a ship enthusiast or not, stepping inside this gigantic vessel is fascinating either way. You can find the restaurant’s opening hours on the website.

Book a stay in a cabin

Buy an online ticket with audio guide

Nederlands Fotomuseum

As passionate photography lovers, we obviously had to include the Nederlands Fotomuseum on this list.

More than a century of Dutch photo history is on display here — from glass negatives to autochrome plates — alongside rotating exhibitions featuring both well-known and lesser-known artists.

A particular highlight is the darkroom in the basement, where you can get an up-close look at the photography process from earlier eras. Really fascinating.

Chabot Museum

Rotterdam is home not only to some truly wild architecture, but also to works by celebrated artists like Henk Chabot.

The painter and sculptor is one of the most significant Expressionists in the Netherlands and spent much of his life in Rotterdam. Today, his works are displayed in the “white villa” in the Museumpark.

From landscape paintings to portraits, the art here is wonderfully diverse — accessible even to those who don’t usually consider themselves art lovers.

Kunsthal Rotterdam

The Kunsthal Rotterdam is already a work of art in itself. The building is an architectural masterpiece by Rem Koolhaas, who incorporated innovative materials and bold design elements throughout.

The museum has no permanent collection, so it hosts rotating exhibitions — and it’s best to let the themes surprise you. From photography and sculpture to fashion and film, virtually anything goes.

The Kunsthal sits right next to the Museumpark, so you can easily combine your visit with other nearby sights or simply relax in the park on a sunny day.

Maritiem Museum

Beyond the SS Rotterdam, there’s also the Maritiem Museum, where you can learn a lot about life at sea.

It’s especially well-suited for rainy days or trips with kids — the museum’s concept is built around hands-on participation, and there’s a dedicated children’s exhibition for younger visitors.

If you’re traveling to Holland with kids, you should also check out Amsterdam with kids — there are some really great children’s museums there too, plus lots of other fun activities.

And if that’s still not enough, you can explore ships, loading cranes, and a lighthouse from the museum’s collection in the adjacent harbor.

Buy Maritiem Museum tickets online

Sonneveld Huis

“Light, air, and space” — no, that’s not a new advertising slogan, but rather the motto of the Dutch architectural movement known as Nieuwe Bouwen.

Similar to the Bauhaus movement, whose masterworks can be admired in Dessau and Weimar, the idea was to design buildings based on pure functionality.

A beautifully preserved example of this Dutch functionalism is the Sonneveld Huis, designed in 1933 by architect Leen van der Vlugt.

Inside, you’ll find futuristic furniture — like a couch that doubles as a bookshelf, cabinet, and sound system all at once.

You can tour the Sonneveld Huis with an audio guide. Who knows — you might even find some inspiration for your own home.

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen

The Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is an absolute top pick for fans of modern art. It’s one of the most renowned museums in the Netherlands and really shouldn’t be skipped on a visit to Rotterdam.

The main building is currently under renovation, but don’t worry — the entire collection is on display in the Depot right next door. And this is no ordinary depot; it’s the world’s first publicly accessible art depot. You can not only admire works of art, but also watch how they’re restored. It’s a genuinely fascinating behind-the-scenes experience.

Visit the museum’s website

Witte de Withstraat

Witte de Withstraat is the heart of the Witte de Withkwartier neighborhood — the place to stroll, go out, and enjoy some culture.

Packed side by side, you’ll find all kinds of cafés and bars alongside theaters and museums. Night owls will have plenty to keep them happy here too.

For a great burger, Ter Marsch & Co. comes highly recommended. For an evening beer, definitely stop by Café de Witte Aap, which was even named the best bar in the world by Lonely Planet in 2009.

Our tip: Walk down the side streets too. There’s some wonderful street art tucked away there.

Oude Haven

The Oude Haven, or “old harbor,” is the complete opposite of the vast modern port. Located in the historic center of the city, you’ll mainly find older ships here and a much more relaxed atmosphere.

Over the years, the area has developed into a popular spot for an evening out. Along the docks, you’ll find various small cafés and bars that are perfect for a casual drink.

Delfshaven

The historic Delfshaven neighborhood in the western part of the city has a wonderfully relaxed feel.

Unlike most of Rotterdam, Delfshaven was largely spared from the 1940 bombings. So if you’re curious about what the city originally looked like, this is the place to come.

The neighborhood is perfect for a leisurely stroll through its alleyways and a laid-back afternoon.

Our tip: Be sure to stop by the brewery De Pelgrim. Their beer isn’t called “liquid gold of Rotterdam” for nothing.

Wilhelminapier

For modern Rotterdam, the Wilhelminapier is the place to be. You’ll find yourself right in the middle of a skyline that’s quite reminiscent of Manhattan’s skyscrapers.

This is where “De Rotterdam” stands — the largest building in the Netherlands. It’s 150 meters tall, and its three towers cover a footprint of 160,000 square meters.

The Wilhelminapier sits on the south bank of the Maas, putting you right in front of the spectacular Erasmus Bridge. The cable-stayed bridge stretches 808 meters and is Rotterdam’s true landmark — when it’s lit up at night, it makes for an incredible photo.

Het Park

Het Park is essentially Rotterdam’s Central Park. Surrounded by greenery, quacking ducks, and small ponds, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic and a great place to soak up the sun in summer. Grab a cold drink from one of the many food stands.

The park sits right next to the Euromast, so it’s easy to reach — and you’ll catch a great glimpse of Rotterdam’s skyline above the treetops.

Kinderdijk

The quintessential postcard-Holland experience can be found in the town of Kinderdijk, about 15 kilometers away. Here stand 19 enchanting windmills, which are among the most popular points of interest in the Netherlands.

It’s no wonder Kinderdijk is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mills were originally built in the 18th century to prevent flooding.

After a short introductory film, you can explore the windmills on your own with an audio guide. But one thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss is a boat ride through the surrounding waterways.

Opening hours vary by season — you can find them on the website. The most convenient option is simply to book a day trip so you don’t have to worry about transportation or tickets.

Buy a ticket for the Kinderdijk windmill village including boat ride

Arboretum Trompenburg

A true oasis of calm awaits at Rotterdam’s botanical garden, the Arboretum Trompenburg. Plant lovers will be in their element here — but so will anyone who simply wants a relaxing escape into the greenery.

Trompenburg is genuinely versatile: gardens representing nearly every vegetation zone have been created here. A visit is especially worthwhile with kids, as there’s a dedicated discovery trail for younger guests.

It’s also worth checking the events calendar before you go, as interesting workshops and guided walks are offered regularly.

Hotel Tips for Rotterdam

Also check out our additional hotel tips for Rotterdam!

Food & Drink

Rotterdam’s food scene has become heavily influenced by international cuisine. That said, you’ll still find classic Dutch specialties at many stalls and restaurants.

Bitterballen — small deep-fried meat snacks — are definitely among those Dutch treats. And never without a cone of fries. Probably no other country consumes as many fries as Holland, and they simply know how to make them perfectly crispy.

Still room for something sweet? Treat yourself to a Stroopwafel — two thin waffles with a layer of caramel in between. Sounds delicious, and it absolutely is.

Even if you just want to eat your way through the city without a plan, Rotterdam is ideal. A different weekly market takes place almost every day, and the various market halls cover every culinary base imaginable.

Our Restaurant & Café Tips for Rotterdam

We definitely didn’t spend enough time in Rotterdam to try every amazing restaurant. But we did manage a few, and we’re happy to pass them along:

Eetcafe Opa — Opa is located right on Witte de Withstraat and is a great mix of bar, café, and restaurant. There are tasty appetizers and main courses, and the best part: if you can’t decide, go for the mixed plates with a little bit of everything. More info on the Eetcafe Opa website.

Spirit — Spirit at Mariniersweg 9 is a vegetarian/vegan buffet. Pile your plate high and pay by weight at the end. Even as non-vegetarians, we really enjoyed it and can warmly recommend it. The desserts in particular are top-notch and also suitable for those who are lactose intolerant. Jenny definitely ate all the chocolate cake. Spirit serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find more information on their website.

Lof der Zoetheid — “Praise of Sweetness” is the translation of this excellent and truly sweet café’s name. It’s located at Noordplein 1 and we went there for breakfast once. Very delicious!

Practical Tips for Your City Trip to Rotterdam

To wrap things up, here are a few practical pointers for you.

Getting to Rotterdam

There are several ways to get to Rotterdam. Depending on where you’re starting from, arriving by train or by plane may work better.

By Plane

Rotterdam has two airports; for intra-European flights, you’ll arrive at Rotterdam The Hague Airport. It’s fairly close to the city and well connected. To get to the city center, you can either take the RET Bus line 33 (about 25 minutes) or a taxi (15 minutes).

Keep in mind that direct connections to Rotterdam can be limited depending on where you’re flying from, so you may need to transfer. Arriving by train is often the more relaxed option.

By Train

We traveled to Rotterdam by train. The Dutch rail system is truly excellent — frequent service and very punctual trains. This applies not only to getting to Rotterdam, but also to continuing on to other Dutch cities.

From Rotterdam, for example, you can reach Amsterdam or Utrecht in about 45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the many ticket machines available at every station.

If you don’t mind a longer journey, arriving by bus is also an option. It’s significantly cheaper, but it does take longer.

Getting Around Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a relatively manageable city, and you can definitely explore it well on foot. The small side streets around Witte de Withstraat in particular are great for a stroll. Beyond that, you have a few other options.

Bicycle

As in most Dutch cities, the bicycle is the preferred mode of transportation in Rotterdam. Bike rentals are available on virtually every corner, and many hotels even offer their own rental service.

Heads up: Be sure to bring a bike lock, as theft is common in the city center.

The bike paths are excellent throughout, and cycling through the city is a genuinely pleasant experience.

Public Transportation

Rotterdam does have its share of rainy days — no worries, that’s what public transit is for (RET). Rotterdam’s network consists of the metro, buses, and trams.

If you’re only in Rotterdam for a short city trip, it’s best to buy individual tickets rather than a chip card. A day pass is usually the best value, available for one day (€7.50), two days (€12.50), or three days (€16.50).

Rotterdam City Card

The Rotterdam City Card is also well worth considering. It gets you discounts on several attractions and on local public transit.

To use the City Card, you register for free on the Rotterdam Tourist Information website. After registering, an activation link will be sent to you by email. You use it to load the card directly onto your smartphone — into Apple Wallet on iPhone or Wallet Passes on Android.

For discounts, you use codes or vouchers that you redeem in the so-called CityCardShop. You can also purchase discounted tickets directly and access them in your wallet. Once activated, the Rotterdam City Card is valid for one year.

Tours and City Walks

As mentioned, you can easily explore Rotterdam on your own on foot. That said, a guided tour can still be a great choice. A local guide knows interesting facts you won’t find in any book, and it’s simply a fun experience.

We’d recommend these three tours — whether you prefer to explore on foot, by bike, or on the water:

Bike tour through Rotterdam

Private guided tour through Rotterdam’s city center

1-hour river boat ride with audio guide

Booking Tickets Online in Advance

For some of Rotterdam’s attractions, you can purchase tickets online ahead of time. You’ll find an overview in the table below:

When Is the Best Time to Visit Rotterdam?

In our opinion, the best time to visit Rotterdam is in summer, between June and August.

With temperatures up to 22°C (72°F), you can stroll through the city without worrying about heatstroke, and still enjoy the evening hours outside along the Maas.

The shoulder months in spring and fall are also very pleasant, when the crowds haven’t yet hit full stride. That said, expect the occasional rainy day.

In general, Rotterdam’s climate is fairly mild. Either way, it’s always a good idea to pack comfortable shoes and a weatherproof jacket.

Money & Travel Costs

The Netherlands is part of the eurozone, so there are no exchange rates to worry about. And honestly, it wouldn’t matter much anyway — card payments are completely standard in Rotterdam.

That applies even to very small amounts. In Rotterdam, you can pay for a bottle of water by card. In fact, some restaurants and shops no longer accept cash at all.

Pricewise, Rotterdam is broadly comparable to other Western European cities. One thing that’s particularly affordable is Dutch coffee — so if you’re in the mood for a great cup, you’ve come to the right place!