Travel Guide of Rotterdam in Netherlands by Influencers and Travelers

Rotterdam is a city and municipality in the Netherlands. It is in the province of South Holland, at the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas channel leading into the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta at the North Sea.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Rotterdam

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Witte Huis

The Witte Huis or White House is a building and National Heritage Site in Rotterdam, Netherlands, built in 1898 in the Art Nouveau style. The building is 43 m tall, with 10 floors. It was also the first hoogbouw in Europe. The building is listed as a Rijksmonument.

Learn more Book this experience

2 - Erasmusbrug

Erasmusbrug is a combined cable-stayed and bascule bridge completed in 1996 crossing the Nieuwe Maas in the centre of Rotterdam, connecting the north and south parts of this city, second largest in the Netherlands.

Learn more Book this experience

3 - Tours & Sightseeing | Rotterdam Cruises

Interested in the major seaports of Rotterdam? Then this special Port Tour is a must-do! Step aboard for a 1.15-hour cruise where a live guide will tell you all the ins and outs about the container ships, the transhipment ports, the history and the present. The cruise starts in the Parkhaven under the Euromast. Pass the Sint Jobshaven, the Waalhaven, the Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij including the Submarine Wharf, the Maashaven with the famous cruise ship S.S. Rotterdam, the Rijnhaven with Hotel New York where the Holland America Line used to be housed and a short walk along the skyline. This cruise is a must-see during your stay in Rotterdam!

Book this experience

4 - Kop van Zuid

Kop van Zuid is a neighborhood of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, located on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas opposite the center of town.

Learn more

5 - Katendrecht

Katendrecht is a former village in the Dutch province of South Holland. It is now a neighbourhood of Rotterdam, on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas. Nowadays it is the name of the peninsula which lies between the Rijnhaven and the Maashaven. Katendrecht was a separate municipality between 1817 and 1874, when it merged with Charlois. The neighbourhood covers an area of 1,18 km² with 4,760 inhabitants.

Learn more

6 - Sightseeing | Rotterdam

Explore the charming city of Rotterdam at your own pace, in your own language. Visit the highlights and discover hidden gems. Enjoy the captivating stories and anecdotes this city has to tell.

Book this experience

7 - Willemsbrug

The Willemsbrug is a bridge next to the Erasmusbrug in the centre of Rotterdam, spanning the Nieuwe Maas. It links the northern part of the city with the Noordereiland and the district of Feijenoord. The bridge was completed in 1891, designed by C.

Learn more Book this experience

8 - Zuidplein

Zuidplein is an above-ground metro station in the south of the city of Rotterdam, Netherlands. It is part of Rotterdam Metro lines D and E.

Learn more

9 - Wereldmuseum

The Wereldmuseum Rotterdam is an ethnographic museum, situated Willemskade in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The museum was founded in 1883 and shows more than 1800 ethnographic objects from various cultures in Asia, Oceania, Africa, the Americas and the Islamic heritage.

Learn more Book this experience

10 - Markthal

The Markthal is a residential and office building with a market hall underneath, located in Rotterdam. The building was opened on October 1, 2014, by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

Learn more Book this experience

11 - Erasmus Bridge

Erasmusbrug is a combined cable-stayed and bascule bridge, construction began in 1986 and was completed in 1996. It crosses the Nieuwe Maas in the centre of Rotterdam, connecting the north and south parts of this city, second largest in the Netherlands.

Learn more Book this experience

12 - Pathé Schouwburgplein

Theatre Square is a plaza situated in the heart of the city of Rotterdam, and is flanked by the municipal theatre, concert hall, restaurants, and cafes.

Learn more Book this experience

13 - The Hague

   20 km away

The Hague is a city on the western coast of the Netherlands on the North Sea and the capital of the province of South Holland. It is also the seat of government of the Netherlands and hosts the International Court of Justice, one of the most important courts in the world.

Learn more

14 - The Hague Center

   20 km away

The City Center of The Hague is the oldest and, with a population of 104,658 inhabitants, the second largest of The Hague's eight districts, consisting of nine neighbourhoods.

Learn more

15 - Binnenhof

   22 km away

The Binnenhof is a complex of buildings in the city centre of The Hague, Netherlands, next to the Hofvijver. It houses the meeting place of both houses of the States General of the Netherlands, as well as the Ministry of General Affairs and the office of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

Learn more Book this experience

16 - Gemeentemuseum Den Haag

   24 km away

The Kunstmuseum Den Haag is an art museum in The Hague in the Netherlands, founded in 1866 as the 'Museum voor Moderne Kunst'. Later, until 1998, it was known as 'Haags Gemeentemuseum', and until the end of September 2019 as 'Gemeentemuseum Den Haag'.

View on Google Maps Book this experience

17 - Leiden

   26 km away

Leiden is a city and municipality in the province of South Holland, Netherlands. The municipality of Leiden has a population of 119,713, but the city forms one densely connected agglomeration with its suburbs Oegstgeest, Leiderdorp, Voorschoten and Zoeterwoude with 206,647 inhabitants.

Learn more

18 - Maasvlakte

   29 km away
Learn more

19 - Maasvlakte Rotterdam

   31 km away

Rotterdam is the 2nd largest city and municipality in the Netherlands. It is in the province of South Holland, at the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas channel leading into the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta at the North Sea.

Learn more

20 - Vinkeveen

   44 km away

Vinkeveen is a town in the Dutch province of Utrecht. It is a part of the municipality of De Ronde Venen, and lies about 18 km south of Amsterdam.

Learn more

21 - Breda

   44 km away

Breda is a city and municipality in the southern part of the Netherlands, located in the province of North Brabant. The name derived from brede Aa and refers to the confluence of the rivers Mark and Aa.

Learn more

22 - Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen

   47 km away
Learn more






Disover the best Instagram Spots around Rotterdam here

   Book Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

Pictures and Stories of Rotterdam from Influencers

20 pictures of Rotterdam from Alexandre Perotto, Rik van der Kroon, Gerrit Vermeulen and other travelers

Plan your trip in Rotterdam with AI 🤖 🗺

Roadtrips.ai is a AI powered trip planner that you can use to generate a customized trip itinerary for any destination in Netherlands in just one click

Just write your activities preferences, budget and number of days travelling and our artificial intelligence will do the rest for you

👉 Use the AI Trip Planner

Why should you visit Rotterdam ?

Travel to Rotterdam if you like:

  🌲 Forest     🌆 Skyline     🗼 Landmark     🌉 Bridge     🏘️ Town     🌉 Suspension bridge  

How to visit Rotterdam ?

Why travel to Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is a vibrant, multicultural city in the Netherlands known for its modern architecture, rich maritime history, and lively arts and culture scene. The city offers a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary design, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and history buffs.

How to get there?

Rotterdam is easily accessible by air, train, bus, or car. The Rotterdam The Hague Airport is just 20 minutes away from the city center, with direct flights from several European cities. Alternatively, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is an hour away by train. Rotterdam Centraal Station connects the city to major Dutch and European cities. Flixbus and Eurolines offer bus services to Rotterdam from various European destinations. If you prefer to drive, Rotterdam is well-connected to the Dutch highway network.

What to book in advance?

To make the most of your time in Rotterdam, you may want to book tickets in advance for popular attractions such as the Euromast, Kunsthal, and the Maritime Museum. If you plan to visit several museums and attractions, consider purchasing a Rotterdam Welcome Card for discounted admission and public transportation.

What are the costs?

Rotterdam is generally more affordable than other Dutch cities like Amsterdam. Accommodation costs range from €50 for budget hotels to over €150 for luxury stays. Expect to pay around €15-30 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant. Public transportation is efficient and reasonably-priced; a one-day ticket costs €8.50. The Rotterdam Welcome Card, starting at €22, offers significant savings on transportation and attractions.

What are the best things to do?

1. Explore the iconic Cube Houses and marvel at their unique design.
2. Visit the Markthal, an impressive indoor market and architectural masterpiece.
3. Discover the city's maritime history at the Maritime Museum.
4. Admire contemporary art at the Kunsthal and Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.
5. Enjoy panoramic views of Rotterdam from the Euromast.
6. Stroll along the historic Delfshaven area and its picturesque canals.

Where to eat?

1. Restaurant De Jong – A modern eatery offering seasonal, locally-sourced dishes.
2. FG Food Labs – A Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative cuisine.
3. Warung Mini – Authentic Surinamese cuisine at affordable prices.

Where to stay?

1. CitizenM Rotterdam – A stylish, modern hotel located near the Oude Haven.
2. Room Mate Bruno – A unique, design-focused hotel in the heart of the city.
3. Hostel ROOM – A budget-friendly option with a charming atmosphere.

Off the beaten path:

For an unusual travel experience, head to the Kralingse Bos, a large city park that features a stunning lake, lush greenery, and opportunities for various outdoor activities such as sailing, hiking, or picnicking. The park is home to the unique Arboretum Trompenburg, a beautifully maintained botanical garden that showcases diverse plant species and tranquil pathways. This hidden gem is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature.

Learn More about Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and the eighth largest in the world.

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in Holland after the capital.

Holland was heavily bombed and Rotterdam was not spared during the Second World War. The city has been completely rebuilt to restore the image of this iconic place
Only two and a half hours from Paris by Thalys, you should not miss this city with its unsuspected charm. Multicultural Rotterdam has many attractions: exhibitions, design architecture, a vast seaport, infinite canals, and an almost magical ambiance. Come visit Europe's largest port!

Europe's first port city is hard to get used to.

The city is an architectural melting pot, mixing old monuments and ultramodern buildings, the urban forest reaching up to the sky in bold shapes.
Like New York, Rotterdam also includes a district where typical houses line the banks of the Maas River.
This is where most of the restaurants, bars, and coffee shops are concentrated, mainly squatted by tourists.

At nightfall, the European Manhattan reveals all its charms.

The light projections tint the buildings with bright colors that are reflected in the water. This is the perfect time to board a river shuttle, whether for a short walk or a visit to the gigantic container port.

During your stay, take the opportunity to leave the motor vehicles behind. You can take a water taxi for a ride on the water. Rotterdammers are also very fond of cycling. Do as they do, it's still the best way to get to know the city.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Rotterdam

Why visit Rotterdam?

Only 2h30 from Paris by Thalys, you should not miss this city with its unsuspected charm.

Cosmopolitan, Rotterdam has many things to offer; museums, design architecture, a large port, endless canals, and an almost mystical atmosphere. So if you want to visit Europe's largest port, start by reading our short guide to Rotterdam.

Where to stay in Rotterdam?

Whether you prefer hotels, Airbnb or hostels, you're bound to find places to stay in Rotterdam. But perhaps the most important thing is to know which neighborhood you'll be staying in. This may depend on your tourist preferences and also on your budget.

• The first district is the historical center of the city. Here, you will find the most important places in the city. The advantage is that you can do everything on foot, from sightseeing during the day to going out to restaurants and bars in the evening.

• Another interesting district in Rotterdam is Delfshaven. A little further away, but even more lively than the historic center, you will find a more traditional atmosphere and architecture.

• And finally, the Westelijk Handelsterrein is ideal for couples and families.

   Where to Stay in Rotterdam

Discover the best hotels around Rotterdam, Netherlands and book your stay today with our booking partner booking.com

    Find Hotels

Booking.com

   More Travel spots to explore around Rotterdam

Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions

Discover more travel spots to explore around Rotterdam

  🗼 Landmark spots     🏘️ Town spots     🏞️ Waterway spots     🌆 Skyline spots     🌉 Bridge spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     Cable-stayed bridge spots     🌉 Suspension bridge spots     🌲 Forest spots     🌲 Nature reserve spots     🚴 Cycling spots     Longboarding spots     🏞️ Watercourse spots     Panorama spots  

  Travel map of Rotterdam

Explore popular touristic places around Rotterdam

   Book Flights to Rotterdam, Netherlands

• Share This Travel Guide