Meet Rotterdam
A Unique Travel Guide
Rotterdam stands out in the Netherlands. This modern port city offers sights to see and things to do that you won’t find in The Hague or Amsterdam. Discover the best of a contemporary city break with a sprinkling of Dutch charm. Museums. Art. Food. Design. Find out all about it in our Rotterdam travel guide.
Modern Metropolis
After being largely destroyed during WWII, Rotterdam has since transformed into a metropolis shaped by modern high rises, futuristic architecture and innovative design. Think the Euromast and swan-like Erasmusbrug, which shape the city's iconic skyline. There are still a few historic landmarks left in the city which are definitely worth a visit too. Find modern gems and historic sports in our Rotterdam city guide.
Unique Museums & Urban Art
Rotterdam is a museum hotspot. Famous museums and art galleries are paired with hidden gems. Discover world-first art offerings or explore the city off the beaten path on a street art tour. Natural history, art, design and architecture, even pinball - there are no shortages of unique museums to visit on a trip to Rotterdam.
Food. Food. Food.
No visit to Rotterdam would be complete without exploring the city’s culinary delights. Try international cuisines in one of the city’s food halls or sample some authentic local produce in the Markthal. Traditional Dutch food, like the tasty Bitterballen, isn’t hard to find either. Prepare to discover trendy restaurants and taste great food when you visit Rotterdam.
Our top slow travel picks
Things to do in Rotterdam
Get Artsy Fartsy
Cool arty spots in Rotterdam
Sip & Dine through Rotterdam
Take a break in the city
Discover nearby cities
To further explore
Meet Rotterdam
Why go?
Experience a totally different side to the Netherlands. This quirky architectural city is constantly evolving and providing visitors with unique urban experiences. This modern metropolis serves up the best of a contemporary city break. Rotterdam’s famous skyline, impressive port, trendy restaurants, and many museums are just some of the reasons why you should plan a trip to the city.
It may not be full of windmills and quaint canals, but Rotterdam comes into its own with its cool architecture and design. The Hague, Delft and Schiedam’s windmills aren’t far, so historic Dutch culture is just around the corner.
When to go?
People visit Rotterdam for a city break, so tourism is fairly steady all year round. The summer months will be best for exploring the city and its surroundings. But with plenty of museums, Rotterdam’s got lots of great bad weather and rainy day options too.
What you need to know about Rotterdam
Museum Central
Somewhere that has a park dedicated to museums is going to be a great destination for museum lovers. Museumpark has 6 museums in and around the area where you can discover all sorts of things, from natural history to modern art. It doesn’t stop there though.
Rotterdam really has got an incredible variety of museums to choose from. How about the Netherlands Photo Museum, the Dutch Pinball Museum, or the Maritime Museum? There is even a Tax & Customs Museum. Yes, tax and customs. Everyone’s favourite topic. We’re sure it's not your first choice, but the museum is interactive and surprisingly interesting. When we say there is a museum for everyone in Rotterdam, we really mean it!
Awesome Architecture
Come to Rotterdam to see its amazing architecture and design. After being largely destroyed during the bombardment of WWII, the city has sprung back to life as a tribute to urban creativity and impressive engineering. Marvel at the famous Erasmusbrug, Centraal Station, the Markthal, the Cube Houses, Depot Boijmans and more.
There are still some surviving signs of Rotterdam's past dotted around though. See the gothic Laurenskerk, 19th century emigration HQ Hotel New York and Oudhaven, where you can see the Witte Huis - Europe’s first skyscraper. Rotterdam is more of a modern metropolis than other Dutch cities and is a must-see for anyone into all-things design and architecture.
Perfect for fun-lovers and foodies
Rotterdam is a vibrant, international city! Come here for a weekend trip to fill up with food and fun. You won’t regret it. You might’ve already heard of the city’s famous nightlife spot, Witte de Withstraat. This popular street is lined with hip bars, restaurants, cafés and coffee shops. You’ll find the terraces full on sunny days and the bustling street come alive in the evenings.
Foodies will love the authentic and alternative food options in the city. Rotterdam hosts the Netherland’s largest indoor market daily in the Markthal and there are culinary hotspots just outside the city centre too, like Fenix Food Factory and the Foodhallen. Pop over to these if you’re looking for a bit of variety or an international food fix.
Transport
Getting There
As one of the Netherlands’ main cities, getting to Rotterdam is a piece of cake.
Fly into Rotterdam The Hague Airport which is just 8km from the city centre. Catch bus 33 from the airport, it’ll take you to Rotterdam Central Station in about 20 mins. Or, from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, there are regular trains to Rotterdam Central Station. The journey is around 30 mins.
You can get regular intercity trains and coaches to Rotterdam from most surrounding European cities.
Getting Around
Cycling is a great way to get around the city - no surprises there! There are plenty of bike paths and travelling between Rotterdam’s north and south is easy with the renovated pedestrian and cyclist section of the Maastunnel.
If you’re using public transport, opt for the metro or trams, there isn’t much need to use busses in Rotterdam. Taxis will be expensive but Rotterdam’s Waterbus - aka water taxis - on the other hand can be a cost-effective and scenic way to get around.
Essential Info
Tourist Information Centre
Address: Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam, Netherlands
Web: rotterdam.info
Tel: +31107900185
Opening Times: 9:30 to 18:00
Share this find!
