17 Best Things to Do in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Modern, creative, and a little rebellious—Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ coolest city to explore right now. These are the best things to do in Rotterdam.
Rotterdam isn’t your typical Dutch city—and that’s exactly what makes it so interesting. Forget the narrow canals and 17th-century facades; here, it’s all about futuristic architecture, experimental art, and a creative energy that feels more Berlin than Amsterdam.
It’s a city that was rebuilt from the ground up after World War II, and it shows—everything feels new, bold, and full of purpose.
I spent five days in Rotterdam recently and was completely pulled in by its mix of design, culture, and effortless cool. I biked across the Erasmus Bridge, explored striking art galleries in converted warehouses, spent hours in Museumpark, and ate my way through some of the most creative restaurants I’ve found anywhere in Europe.
What surprised me most is how easy it is to navigate—everything is walkable, connected, and just works, in that organized Dutch way.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best things to do in Rotterdam—from the major landmarks and museums to the local spots that give the city its edge.
No matter if you’re into architecture, food, or just exploring somewhere that feels genuinely forward-thinking, Rotterdam delivers in a way that’s completely its own.
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Getting to and Around Rotterdam
Rotterdam is very easy to reach—efficient, modern, and connected in that typically Dutch way where everything just works. When I visited, I arrived by train from Amsterdam, and honestly, it couldn’t have been simpler.
The high-speed Intercity Direct gets you from Amsterdam to Rotterdam in about 40 minutes, while the Eurostar runs directly from London to Rotterdam in just over three hours. Book your tickets via Omio here.
You can also fly into Rotterdam The Hague Airport, which is small but well-connected to European hubs, or land in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and hop on a quick train straight into the city center.
Eindhoven (which is the Netherlands’ low-cost airline hub) is also an option from which you can continue by train.
Once you’re in Rotterdam, getting around is a breeze. The city’s public transport system—run by RET—is one of the best in the Netherlands. There’s a clean and punctual metro, trams that glide through the city, and buses that reach pretty much everywhere.
I mostly relied on the tram and metro since everything runs on the same OV-chipkaart (a reusable travel card you can tap in and out with).
That said, Rotterdam is also one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe. Renting a bike felt like the obvious choice after a day or two—the flat roads, dedicated bike lanes, and wide bridges make it incredibly easy to get around.
17 Best Things to Do in Rotterdam
1. Admire the Views from Euromast Tower
The Euromast Tower is Rotterdam’s best-known landmark and the highest viewpoint in the city, standing at 185 meters tall. Built in the 1960s, it was originally meant to symbolize the city’s postwar optimism, and today it still delivers some of the best panoramic views around.
From the top, you can see everything—the Maas River winding through the city, the Erasmus Bridge, and the patchwork of modern architecture that defines Rotterdam’s skyline.
You take a standard elevator to the main observation deck, which already offers a fantastic perspective. But if you want the full experience, hop on the Euroscoop, a rotating glass elevator that takes you all the way to the top. It’s a bit of an adrenaline kick, but totally worth it for the 360° view.
There’s also a café and restaurant where you can sit down for coffee, lunch, or a drink with the city at your feet. Go on a clear day if you can—you can sometimes see all the way to Antwerp—and time your visit around sunset for that perfect mix of skyline, color, and city lights.
2. Eat at Markthal Rotterdam
If you love food halls, Markthal Rotterdam is one you can’t skip. It’s part market, part architectural wonder—basically a giant horseshoe-shaped building covered in glass, with a colorful mural splashed across the inside of its curved ceiling. The moment you walk in, it feels like you’ve entered a futuristic greenhouse packed with food stalls.
Inside, you’ll find everything from Dutch cheese vendors and bakeries selling fresh stroopwafels to Asian street food, tapas bars, and high-end delicatessens. It’s the kind of place where you wander around, sample a bit of this and that, and somehow end up with a tray full of snacks before you even realize it.
One of the best parts is that locals actually shop here too—it’s not just for tourists. Grab a coffee and people-watch, or pick up a few things for a picnic down by the river.
If you’re staying nearby, the apartments above the market are real homes, which makes the whole space feel like a living, breathing part of the city rather than just a tourist attraction.
3. See the Cube Houses (Kijk-Kubus)
You can’t really talk about Rotterdam without mentioning the Cube Houses—they’re one of the city’s most iconic sights. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the late 1970s, these bright yellow, cube-shaped homes are tilted 45 degrees and balanced on hexagonal pillars.
They look like something out of a sci-fi movie, and walking among them feels a bit surreal—like the ground has shifted but nobody told you.
You’ll find them right next to Blaak Station, so they’re hard to miss. Most of the houses are privately owned, but one has been turned into the Show Cube Museum, where you can peek inside to see how people actually live in such a tilted space.
Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth wandering around just to see them up close. Between the Cube Houses, Markthal, and the modern architecture surrounding Blaak, this part of Rotterdam really captures the city’s creative, forward-thinking vibe.
4. Visit Museumpark
Right in the center of the city, Museumpark is Rotterdam’s cultural heart—a green, modern space surrounded by some of the city’s most important museums.
Everything’s within walking distance, connected by leafy paths, public art, and the occasional architectural surprise (this is Rotterdam, after all). You can easily spend an afternoon hopping between world-class museums without ever leaving the park.
Here’s what not to miss:
Kunsthal Rotterdam – One of the city’s most dynamic museums, the Kunsthal doesn’t have a permanent collection, which means there’s always something new to see. Expect cutting-edge exhibitions on art, design, photography, and pop culture.
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen / Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen – The main museum is still under renovation, but you can visit its futuristic mirrored depot building right next door. It houses the entire collection—works by Van Gogh, Dalí, Rembrandt, and more—and you can actually see how art is stored and restored behind the scenes. This is the only art storage space in the world that’s open to the public.
Sonneveld House – A perfectly preserved 1930s modernist home that shows off how forward-thinking Dutch design was even back then. The furniture, layout, and details make it feel like a time capsule of the modern movement.
Chabot Museum – A small but charming museum dedicated to Dutch expressionist artist Henk Chabot, housed in a striking white villa with huge windows and clean lines. It’s calm, intimate, and beautifully designed—worth a stop even just to appreciate the architecture.
Nieuwe Instituut – Rotterdam’s hub for architecture, design, and digital culture—and one of the most forward-thinking museums in the Netherlands. The exhibitions dive into everything from urban planning to future tech, and the building itself is a modernist gem. Don’t miss the rooftop garden and café for great city views and a dose of creative inspiration between exhibits.
5. Wander through Old Harbor & the Docklands
For a city that’s all about bold modern architecture, Rotterdam’s Old Harbor (Oude Haven) is a complete contradiction. It’s one of the few parts of the city that survived World War II, so you actually get a glimpse of what old Rotterdam looked like—complete with historic boats bobbing in the water and charming brick buildings lining the quay.
This area sits right next to the Cube Houses and is one of my favorite spots to just wander around without a plan. There’s a great mix of history and new life here: vintage sailing ships are moored alongside modern bars, cafés, and restaurants that spill out onto the waterfront.
It’s especially nice in the evening when everything lights up and locals gather for drinks by the water.
Keep walking east along the river and you’ll drift into Rotterdam’s Docklands, where you can really see the city’s transformation from industrial port to creative hub. The old warehouses have been converted into galleries, restaurants, and design studios, and there’s always something interesting going on.
6. Admire Erasmus Bridge
The Erasmus Bridge isn’t just a bridge—it’s the symbol of modern Rotterdam. Locals call it “De Zwaan” (The Swan) because of its graceful, asymmetric shape that curves over the Maas River like a bird mid-flight. From a design perspective, it’s pure architectural poetry: sleek, functional, and impossibly elegant.
Completed in 1996 and designed by Ben van Berkel, the bridge connects the city center to the newer southern districts, like Kop van Zuid—an area packed with bold, contemporary buildings. The combination of the bridge’s steel pylon and its 800-meter stretch makes it both a piece of infrastructure and a statement of identity.
It’s stunning to look at from almost anywhere in the city, but the best views are from the water or from the terraces near the Wilhelminapier.
7. Dive into Rotterdam’s Design Scene
Rotterdam has a seriously cool art and design scene—experimental, a bit gritty, and never too polished. It’s the kind of city where creative spaces pop up in old warehouses, and where contemporary art feels woven into everyday life rather than locked away in a museum. If you’re into discovering what’s new and next, there’s plenty to explore.
Start at Garage Rotterdam, a contemporary art space housed in a former Volkswagen garage. The exhibitions here are always sharp, thought-provoking, and beautifully curated—often spotlighting emerging artists or tackling big social themes.
Over in the M4H district, Brutus is another must. It’s an artist-run space set in an old industrial complex that hosts large-scale installations, residencies, and events. It’s raw, bold, and feels more like an experience than a gallery visit.
For a more refined vibe, Gallery Untitled is a standout—bright, modern, and filled with contemporary works from both Dutch and international artists. And then there’s Christian Ouwens Galerie, which focuses on design-driven pieces, often blending fine art with architecture and form in a way that feels very “Rotterdam.”
If you want to go a bit deeper into the experimental side, head to RADIUS, a contemporary art center focused on ecology and sustainability, set in a former water reservoir in Delft (a short train ride away). It’s technically outside Rotterdam but close enough to be worth the trip for anyone into conceptual art and innovative design.
8. Take a Trip to Kinderdijk
If you want a break from Rotterdam’s glass-and-steel skyline, head out to Kinderdijk, about 30 minutes away, for a dose of classic Dutch scenery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to 19 traditional windmills, all lined up along the canals like something out of a painting.
You can get there easily by waterbus from the city center, which is half the fun—the ride gives you a great view of the river and Rotterdam’s industrial edges before you reach the quiet countryside.
Once you arrive, it’s all flat paths, dikes, and endless photo ops. You can walk or rent a bike to explore, and a couple of the windmills are open as museums, showing how families actually lived and worked inside them.
Kinderdijk is a peaceful, easy day trip that gives you a real taste of the Netherlands beyond the urban edge.
9. Pop into St. Lawrence Church (Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk)
Right in the heart of the city stands St. Lawrence Church (Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk)—Rotterdam’s only surviving late-Gothic building and one of the few traces left of the city before World War II. It somehow made it through the 1940 bombing, though heavily damaged, and was carefully restored in the decades that followed.
Architecturally, it’s a complete contrast to the modern skyline around it. The soaring stone columns, stained glass, and quiet interior give you a sense of what old Rotterdam once felt like.
You can also climb the tower for great panoramic views—especially striking since it looks out over all the sleek, contemporary architecture that rose from the city’s postwar rebuild.
10. Explore Delfshaven
If you’re looking for old-world Rotterdam, Delfshaven is where you’ll find it. This is one of the few neighborhoods that survived the bombings of World War II, and it still looks much like it did centuries ago—complete with canals, gabled houses, and cobbled streets.
It’s small, charming, and feels a bit like stepping back in time after exploring the rest of the city’s sharp-edged modern architecture.
Start around Voorhaven and Aelbrechtskolk, the most scenic parts of the district. The historic canal here is lined with traditional Dutch houses, moored boats, and cozy cafés—it’s the kind of scene that makes you want to grab your camera and a coffee at the same time.
The Pelikaanstraat and Pieter de Hoochstraat area is also worth wandering for its quiet lanes and pretty facades.
Delfshaven is also packed with history—it’s where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America in the 17th century, and you can still visit the Pilgrim Fathers Church to learn more. Today, the area mixes that heritage with a modern local vibe: small breweries, canal-side restaurants, and art studios tucked between centuries-old warehouses.
11. Stroll Witte de Withstraat
If there’s one street that sums up Rotterdam’s creative energy, it’s Witte de Withstraat. This is the city’s arts and nightlife hub—vibrant, a bit chaotic, and always full of life. By day, it’s lined with galleries, boutiques, and cafés; by night, it turns into one of the best places in town for dinner, drinks, and people-watching.
You’ll find some great spots here, from trendy bars, I loved Spikizi Bar, to cultural centers like Kunstinstituut Melly. It’s also one of the best areas for trying out Rotterdam’s diverse food scene—think Middle Eastern street food, cocktail bars, and cool little bistros that don’t try too hard.
12. Visit Arboretum Trompenburg
For a dose of calm after all the city architecture, head to Arboretum Trompenburg, a beautifully landscaped botanical garden just east of the center. It’s a bit of a hidden gem—quiet, green, and surprisingly large once you’re inside.
The gardens stretch across several hectares, filled with winding paths, ponds, and an incredible collection of trees, plants, and flowers that change beautifully with the seasons.
It’s the kind of place you go to slow down for a couple of hours. You can grab a coffee from the small café, wander through the rose gardens, or just sit by the pond under the shade of massive oaks.
It’s especially lovely in spring when everything starts to bloom, but even in winter, it has that peaceful, slightly secret-garden feel.
13. Bike Kralingse Bos
For one of the best free things to do in Rotterdam, grab a bike and head to Kralingse Bos, the city’s big green escape. This huge park and forest area wraps around Kralingse Plas, a scenic lake where locals come to run, sail, picnic, and generally forget they’re in a major port city.
The cycling path around the lake is about 5 kilometers long—flat, easy, and ridiculously pretty. You’ll pass through shady woodland, open meadows, and the occasional windmill, with plenty of spots to stop for a drink or to just sit by the water.
On sunny weekends, it feels like half the city is out here, but it never gets too crowded.
14. Walk through the Maastunnel
One of Rotterdam’s quirkiest little adventures is walking (or biking) through the Maastunnel, the city’s historic pedestrian and cycling tunnel under the Maas River.
Opened in 1942, it was the first of its kind in the Netherlands and still feels wonderfully old-school—with its original wooden escalators and tiled Art Deco walls.
The tunnel stretches just over a kilometer, connecting the city center to the southern bank. It’s completely free, and while it’s not exactly glamorous, it’s a cool slice of local life—commuters on bikes, the occasional jogger, and a steady hum of everyday Rotterdam.
15. Gorge at the Fenix Food Factory
If you’re hungry and wondering where to eat among all the things to do in Rotterdam, Fenix Food Factory should be at the top of your list. Set inside a converted warehouse on Katendrecht, this food hall nails that industrial-cool vibe the city does so well.
Think exposed brick, long communal tables, and food stalls serving everything from local cheeses and craft beer to fresh-baked bread and street-style tacos.
It’s the kind of place that works for every mood—you can come for a lazy weekend lunch, grab a drink by the water, or spend the evening sampling small bites from different vendors.
The space overlooks the Maas River, with a killer view of the Erasmus Bridge, and on a sunny day, everyone spills out onto the terrace with a drink in hand.
16. Walk Luchtsingel
The Luchtsingel is one of those projects that perfectly captures Rotterdam’s creative, can-do spirit. It’s a bright yellow wooden pedestrian bridge that links three parts of the city—Central Station, Schieblock, and Hofplein—areas that used to feel pretty disconnected.
What’s cool is that it was built through a crowdfunding campaign, with locals literally buying planks to help fund it (their names are still engraved on the wood).
The bridge winds above roads and train tracks, connecting rooftop gardens, bars, and workspaces along the way. It’s part public art, part urban renewal project, and part shortcut that just happens to look great in photos.
17. Go to the Beach
Yes, Rotterdam has a beach—and it’s surprisingly easy to get to. Just hop on the metro and head straight to Hoek van Holland (Hook of Holland), about 40 minutes from the city center. The line drops you off just a short walk from the sand, so you can literally go from modern city streets to North Sea waves without ever needing a car.
Once you’re there, you’ll find wide, clean beaches and plenty of cafés, surf schools, and beach clubs. One of the best spots is Elements Beach, a laid-back, boho-style beach club with hammocks, healthy food, and that “did I just end up in Bali?” kind of vibe.
It’s perfect for a beach day that still feels a little bit city-cool—grab a smoothie, rent a lounger, or stay for sunset drinks.
Best Tours & Activities in Rotterdam
Once you’ve explored the main sights, it’s worth diving a bit deeper into what makes Rotterdam tick—and the best way to do that is through a few well-chosen tours and experiences.
This is a city that loves to show off its creativity, whether that’s through its food, architecture, or river views. You can take a boat tour through the harbor, join an architecture walk that explains how the city rebuilt itself after the war, or even hop on a bike to see the highlights like a local.
Rotterdam is compact, super easy to navigate, and full of character, so guided tours tend to feel more like hanging out with someone who knows all the good stories.
Discover the best city tours below:
Where to Stay
Rotterdam’s neighborhoods each have their own personality, so where you stay really shapes your experience. If you want to be right in the middle of the action, the city center around Blaak and Witte de Withstraat is perfect—close to shops, restaurants, and most major sights.
For something a little quieter and more atmospheric, Kop van Zuid on the south bank offers great skyline views and a mix of modern architecture and riverside charm.
And if you’re after something design-forward and local, Oude Westen and the Cool District are packed with creative energy and independent spots.
Here are a few of the best hotels in Rotterdam, which I recommend checking out:
Hotel âme – A beautifully minimalist boutique stay near Museumpark, perfect for design lovers. The rooms are calm, modern, and thoughtfully styled, and there’s a lovely café downstairs for slow mornings.
New York Hotel – An iconic Rotterdam landmark housed in the former headquarters of the Holland America Line. The building oozes history, the rooms are full of character, and the riverside terrace is unbeatable for sunset drinks.
Room Mate Bruno – Set inside a former tea warehouse on Kop van Zuid, this hotel blends bold design with comfort. It’s colorful, playful, and steps away from the Fenix Food Factory and Erasmus Bridge.
Morgan & Mees Rotterdam – One of the city’s newer boutique hotels, Morgan & Mees brings together warm design, great food, and a neighborhood feel. The interiors are effortlessly stylish, and the in-house restaurant and bar are destinations on their own.
Where to Eat
Rotterdam’s food scene feels like the city itself—creative, international, and always evolving. You’ll find everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to stripped-back natural wine bars and cafés where the coffee is taken very seriously.
While I will be writing a separate food guide to Rotterdam, these are the places that define how Rotterdam eats (and drinks) right now.
Here are the standouts:
Héroine – A must for anyone who loves modern, inventive tasting menus. Set inside the Industriegebouw, Héroine serves beautifully crafted seasonal dishes in a sleek, moody space that feels like the essence of contemporary Rotterdam dining.
Fitzgerald – Rotterdam’s Michelin-starred showstopper, combining fine dining with a relaxed, modern attitude. Expect precise cooking, bold flavors, and a stellar wine list—this is where you go to celebrate or just feel like a star for the night.
Zeezout – The city’s seafood institution. Everything here revolves around what’s fresh from the North Sea that morning, from oysters and langoustines to perfectly cooked fish dishes. Upscale but never fussy.
On Cru – A cozy natural wine bar where the energy is laid-back and the plates are seasonal, simple, and always delicious. The wine list changes constantly, so you’ll never drink the same thing twice.
Putaine – Located in Katendrecht, this restaurant is bold and creative—expect a tasting menu that’s full of personality and unexpected flavor pairings. It’s modern fine dining with a rebellious streak.
Juni Rotterdam – A small, chef-driven spot that’s all about seasonal cooking, clean flavors, and natural wines. It feels like dining at your cool friend’s apartment—if your friend also happened to be an amazing chef.
Café Marseille – The go-to for anyone who loves a Parisian-style natural wine bar. Expect small plates, candlelight, and an effortlessly cool crowd.
And for your morning fix:
Harvest Café & Bakery – A bright, friendly café with some of the best coffee and baked goods in the city. Their sourdough and cinnamon buns are next-level.
Nine Bar – Tiny but mighty. This downtown espresso bar is a favorite among locals for its consistently excellent flat whites and chilled atmosphere.
Café Unfiltered – A minimalist coffee spot with serious design cred. Come for the strong brews, stay for the all-day brunch and impossibly photogenic interior.
And…
De Kaashoeve – A local cheese shop that’s heaven for dairy lovers. You’ll find an incredible selection of Dutch and international cheeses—perfect for putting together a picnic or grabbing edible souvenirs to take home.
Top Tips for Visiting Rotterdam
Rotterdam is one of those cities that rewards a bit of curiosity and a touch of planning. It’s compact, modern, and designed to be explored—so the more you get out there (preferably on two wheels), the better. Here are a few handy tips to make your trip run smoothly:
Get around by bike – Like most Dutch cities, Rotterdam is built for cycling. You’ll find wide, safe bike lanes everywhere and plenty of scenic routes along the river. You can rent bikes easily through Donkey Republic or Swapfiets (membership), or stop by Fiets & Service at Central Station for a basic rental.
Pick up a city pass – The R’DAM Welcome Card is worth grabbing if you plan to visit several museums or use public transport a lot. It gives you unlimited access to trams, buses, and the metro, plus discounts on attractions like the Euromast, Kunsthal, and Spido Harbor tours.
Plan your museums – Many of Rotterdam’s best museums (like those in Museumpark) are close together, so it’s easy to see a few in one day. If you’re an art lover traveling across the Netherlands, the Museumkaart (Dutch Museum Card) is a great investment—it gives you free entry to hundreds of museums nationwide.
Walk and explore – Rotterdam’s architecture is one of its biggest draws, and a lot of it is best appreciated on foot. Wander through Blaak, Kop van Zuid, and Delfshaven to see how the old and new parts of the city blend together.
Book restaurants ahead – The city’s best spots, like Héroine and Fitzgerald, fill up fast, especially on weekends. Make reservations in advance to avoid missing out.
Bring layers – Rotterdam weather can switch from sunny to windy to rainy all in one afternoon (classic Netherlands), so pack accordingly.
Take the water taxi – It’s fast, cheap, and offers amazing skyline views. You can hop between spots like the Euromast, Fenix Food Factory, and Hotel New York in minutes.
Which of these top things to do in Rotterdam, Netherlands will you do? Share your questions and comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
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