The Best Things to Do in Rotterdam

Rotterdam stands as the Netherlands’ bold architectural playground, where innovation meets Dutch practicality. Unlike its more famous sibling Amsterdam, Rotterdam was almost entirely rebuilt after WWII, resulting in a striking modern cityscape that continues to evolve. From the iconic yellow cube houses to the impressive Markthal, this vibrant port city offers a refreshingly different Dutch experience. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Amsterdam or a dedicated city break, this guide covers all the essential things to do in Rotterdam to make your visit truly memorable.

The Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) are perhaps Rotterdam’s most photographed architectural wonder. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the 1970s, these bright yellow cubes sit tilted at a 45-degree angle atop hexagonal pylons. The entire complex is meant to represent an abstract forest, with each house being a “tree.”

Living in these geometric homes requires custom furniture to adapt to the sloping walls. While most are private residences, you can peek inside at the Kijk-Kubus (Show-Cube) museum for just €3, offering a fascinating glimpse into daily life in these unusual spaces.

Markthal Rotterdam is a food lover’s paradise and an architectural masterpiece. This horseshoe-shaped building features a spectacular arched ceiling adorned with the “Horn of Plenty,” a massive artwork by Arno Coenen depicting colorful fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The market hall houses over 100 food stalls, restaurants, and shops offering everything from Dutch specialties to international cuisine.

Beyond being a food destination, the Markthal is also a residential building with apartments built into its sides. The glass façade at both ends creates a stunning visual effect, making this a must-visit even if you’re not hungry.

Nicknamed “The Swan” due to its elegant asymmetrical design, the Erasmus Bridge has become a symbol of modern Rotterdam. Stretching 802 meters across the Nieuwe Maas river, this cable-stayed bridge connects the northern and southern parts of the city.

Walking across the bridge offers spectacular views of Rotterdam’s skyline and harbor. For the best experience, visit at sunset when the bridge begins to illuminate, or take an evening stroll to see it fully lit against the night sky. The bridge is especially beautiful when viewed from the waterfront restaurants at Wilhelminapier or during a harbor cruise.

Standing 185 meters tall, the Euromast observation tower provides the most spectacular panoramic views of Rotterdam. Built in 1960, this iconic landmark offers two observation platforms. The first deck at 100 meters gives you sweeping views of the city, port, and beyond. For the truly adventurous, the rotating glass elevator called the “Euroscoop” takes you to the very top at 185 meters.

The Euromast is more than just a viewing platform. It houses a high-end restaurant where you can dine with a view, and even offers two unique hotel suites for an unforgettable overnight stay above the city. For thrill-seekers, the tower offers abseiling and zip-lining experiences during summer months.

Rotterdam boasts an impressive collection of museums that cater to all interests. The crown jewel is the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility. This mirror-clad bowl-shaped building allows visitors to see the entire collection of 151,000 artworks, even those not currently on display in exhibitions.

Art enthusiasts should also visit the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen itself (currently under renovation until 2026), which houses masterpieces by Dutch and European artists. For photography lovers, the Nederlands Fotomuseum showcases the best of Dutch photography with over 5 million images in its collection.

The Maritime Museum tells the story of Rotterdam’s rich shipping history, while the Kunsthal offers a rotating program of temporary exhibitions spanning art, design, photography, and fashion.

Oude Haven (Old Harbor) is one of the few areas that survived the WWII bombings, offering a glimpse into Rotterdam’s pre-war charm. This picturesque maritime quarter features historic ships, waterfront restaurants, and bars with outdoor terraces that come alive in the evenings.

The area is anchored by the iconic cube houses on one side and features some of Rotterdam’s oldest buildings, including the White House (Witte Huis), once Europe’s tallest office building when completed in 1898. The harbor itself is filled with beautifully maintained vintage ships that create a postcard-perfect scene.

Oude Haven is the perfect place to enjoy a drink while watching boats come and go, especially during summer evenings when the terraces are buzzing with locals and visitors alike.

Witte de Withstraat has transformed from a rough neighborhood into Rotterdam’s cultural and nightlife epicenter. This vibrant street is lined with contemporary art galleries, trendy boutiques, cozy cafés, and some of the city’s best bars and restaurants.

During the day, explore independent shops and art spaces like TENT and Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art. As evening falls, the street comes alive with locals enjoying drinks on outdoor terraces and diners filling the diverse restaurants offering everything from Dutch cuisine to international fare.

The street is also known for its impressive street art, including interactive murals that make for perfect photo opportunities. Don’t miss the side streets and alleyways, which often hide some of the area’s best-kept secrets.

Housed in a former warehouse on the Katendrecht peninsula, Fenix Food Factory has become a foodie destination that showcases the best of Rotterdam’s culinary scene. This collective of small food entrepreneurs offers everything from artisanal cheese and bread to locally brewed craft beer.

The industrial-chic space features communal seating both indoors and on a waterfront terrace with views of the Nieuwe Maas river and Rotterdam’s skyline. It’s the perfect place to assemble your own picnic lunch from various vendors or enjoy a local beer from Kaapse Brouwers, the on-site brewery.

Beyond food, Fenix Food Factory regularly hosts cultural events, markets, and live music, making it a hub for Rotterdam’s creative community. The relaxed atmosphere and focus on quality local products make this a must-visit for any food enthusiast.

While most of Rotterdam was destroyed during WWII, the charming Delfshaven district survived largely intact, offering a glimpse into the Netherlands’ Golden Age. This historic harbor area features traditional Dutch architecture, quaint canals, and cobblestone streets that feel worlds away from Rotterdam’s modern center.

Delfshaven is historically significant as the departure point of the Pilgrim Fathers, who set sail for America in 1620. Visit the Pilgrim Fathers Church (Oude Kerk) where they held their last service before departure. The area is also home to De Pelgrim, Rotterdam’s first craft brewery housed in a former church, where you can enjoy local beers in a historic setting.

Take your time wandering the narrow streets, browsing antique shops, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this well-preserved neighborhood. For the best experience, find a seat at one of the waterside cafés and watch boats navigate the canal while soaking in the historic ambiance.

The bright yellow Luchtsingel is the world’s first crowdfunded public infrastructure project. This 400-meter wooden pedestrian bridge connects Rotterdam Central Station with the developing North district, spanning over busy roads and railway tracks that previously divided these neighborhoods.

What makes the Luchtsingel special is not just its innovative funding model, but also its design. The bridge is constructed from wooden planks, many of which bear the names of the 8,000+ people who contributed to its creation. As you walk across, take time to read these inscriptions that tell the story of community involvement.

The Luchtsingel is part of a larger urban renewal project that includes the DakPark (Roof Park) and Pompenburg Park. At one end of the bridge, you’ll find the Schieblock, a creative hub with cafés, workspaces, and a rooftop urban farm worth exploring.

Rotterdam Centraal Station is far more than just a transportation hub—it’s an architectural marvel that serves as a fitting gateway to the city. Reopened in 2014 after extensive renovation, the station features a dramatic pointed metal roof that points toward the city center, symbolically connecting travelers to Rotterdam.

The station’s sleek design incorporates sustainable elements like solar panels on the roof and a natural ventilation system. Inside, the spacious concourse is flooded with natural light through its glass façade, creating an airy, welcoming atmosphere for the 110,000+ passengers who pass through daily.

Even if you’re not catching a train, the station is worth visiting for its architecture alone. The plaza in front of the station features public art and offers a good orientation point for exploring the city. Don’t miss the massive underground bicycle parking facility, which can accommodate 7,500 bikes—a truly Dutch solution to urban mobility!

Located just 15 km east of Rotterdam, the windmills of Kinderdijk offer the quintessential Dutch landscape that visitors dream of seeing. This UNESCO World Heritage site features 19 perfectly preserved windmills dating from the 18th century, built to manage water levels and prevent flooding in this below-sea-level region.

The windmills aren’t just pretty photo opportunities—they tell the story of the Netherlands’ ongoing battle with water and the ingenious solutions developed over centuries. Several windmills are open to visitors, allowing you to step inside and see how the millers and their families lived and worked.

The best way to reach Kinderdijk from Rotterdam is by waterbus, which takes about 30 minutes from the Erasmus Bridge. Once there, you can explore on foot or rent a bicycle to cover more ground. For the full experience, take a guided tour to learn about the complex water management system that keeps the Netherlands dry.

Rotterdam has embraced street art as part of its urban identity, with impressive murals and installations throughout the city. The Rewriters Rotterdam collective has been instrumental in transforming blank walls into canvases for local and international artists, creating an open-air gallery that changes the cityscape.

Some must-see works include the massive “Squid” by Super A on Boomgaardstraat, the surreal “Confused Rooster” by Tymon de Laat near Witte de Withstraat, and the playful interactive murals along Witte de Withstraat itself. The Rotterdam Street Art Route app can guide you to over 40 significant works throughout the city.

For concentrated street art viewing, head to the Crooswijk and Oude Noorden neighborhoods, where the Hip Hop House has sponsored numerous murals. The ever-changing nature of street art means there’s always something new to discover, making each visit to Rotterdam unique.

Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp) is one of Europe’s most beautiful zoological gardens, focusing on conservation and creating naturalistic habitats. Spanning 26 hectares, the zoo is home to over 180 species including rare and endangered animals like Sumatran tigers, Asian elephants, and red pandas.

The Oceanium is a highlight, featuring a walk-through tunnel where sharks and sea turtles swim overhead. Other impressive areas include the African savanna, the tropical butterfly paradise, and the Amazonica section with its free-flying birds and tropical rainforest environment.

The zoo is well-designed for a full day visit, with plenty of restaurants, picnic areas, and play spaces for children. Conservation and education are central to the zoo’s mission, with informative displays explaining breeding programs and conservation efforts around the world.

For a uniquely Rotterdam experience, hop on one of the city’s famous yellow water taxis. These speedy boats zip across the Nieuwe Maas river, offering both a practical transportation option and an exhilarating ride with spectacular views of the city skyline.

With over 50 landing stages throughout Rotterdam, water taxis can take you to most major attractions along the river, including Hotel New York, the SS Rotterdam, Euromast, and Erasmus Bridge. The journey itself becomes an attraction as the skilled captains navigate the busy harbor waters at impressive speeds.

Water taxis operate on demand rather than fixed schedules. You can book one by phone, through their app, or at designated boarding points along the waterfront. While slightly more expensive than public transport, the experience and views make it well worth the extra cost.

Once the flagship of the Holland America Line, the SS Rotterdam is now permanently docked in Katendrecht as a living museum, hotel, and entertainment venue. This magnificent ocean liner, launched in 1958, sailed the world’s oceans for nearly 40 years before finding its final berth in its namesake city.

Take a guided tour to explore the engine rooms, bridge, and elegant public spaces that have been meticulously preserved. The tours offer fascinating insights into the golden age of transatlantic travel and the ship’s storied history. For a unique dining experience, enjoy a meal at one of the ship’s restaurants with their authentic 1950s ambiance.

For the full experience, book a night in one of the ship’s 254 hotel rooms and suites, which combine original features with modern comforts. The top deck offers panoramic views of Rotterdam’s skyline and harbor, particularly beautiful at sunset.

Rotterdam offers a refreshingly different Dutch experience compared to more traditional cities like Amsterdam or Delft. Its bold architecture, cultural innovations, and maritime heritage create a dynamic urban environment that continues to evolve and surprise visitors.

Whether you come for a day trip or a longer stay, Rotterdam rewards explorers with unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere in the Netherlands. From architectural marvels to culinary adventures, from historic ships to cutting-edge museums, Rotterdam proudly showcases its resilience and creativity.

As you plan your visit to the Netherlands, give Rotterdam the time it deserves. This forward-looking city might just become the unexpected highlight of your Dutch adventure.