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And after all, let’s not overlook Rotterdam’s well-known harbor – one of many busiest in Europe.
Rotterdam is a metropolis full of historical past, tradition, and loads of nightlife. It’s additionally one of the vital walkable cities in Europe.
What is Rotterdam Known For?
Rotterdam is understood for its cutting-edge structure, its vibrant nightlife scene, and its scrumptious meals. It’s additionally a serious maritime metropolis, and it’s dwelling to quite a few wonderful artwork galleries. So, whether or not you’re on the lookout for a cultural expertise or only a good time, Rotterdam is unquestionably the place to be.
Best Things to do in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Whether you’re a historical past buff, nature lover, artwork aficionado, or shopaholic, you’ll discover loads to maintain you entertained in Rotterdam. So with out additional ado, listed below are the very best issues to do in Rotterdam, Netherlands!
1. Visit the Cube Houses
The cube houses in Rotterdam are one of the vital iconic items of structure in all of Europe and for good cause! These unusual flats are formed likes cubes and tilted at an astonishing 45-degree angle.
Their vibrant yellow colours make them stand out amongst a sea of recent gray buildings within the space. They are a enjoyable go to, and for a small payment, you may tour inside certainly one of these house buildings and gawk at this contemporary marvel!
The dice homes had been designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom within the Nineteen Seventies. Stand in the course of these flats and also you’ll really feel surrounded by their pointed roofs. This was accomplished on objective since Blom wished to design the flats to provide the identical impression as a treetop rain forest!
The dice homes additionally kind a pedestrian bridge, so you may safely stroll throughout them, take footage, and revel in marveling at these enjoyable homes.
Want to really feel much more immersed within the dice homes?
You even have the choice of spending an evening in certainly one of these dice homes as a hostel visitor! Free breakfast and wi-fi included after all.
See Related: Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands
2. Walk on the Erasmus Bridge
The Erasmus Bridge, also referred to as the Erasmusburg, spans a whopping 802 meters, connecting each the North and South elements of Rotterdam and serving as one of many most important landmarks within the metropolis!
The cable-style bridge is breathtaking, with a single 456-foot tall pylon that provides it the charming nickname the swan bridge.
This bridge could be cycled over and comes outfitted with 2 cycle lanes and a pair of sidewalks. This makes it the proper bridge for you and a beloved one to take pleasure in.
It’s one of the vital iconic cable bridges in Europe, and you’ll stand right here and watch the ships journey backwards and forwards carrying passengers and cargo! Use the bridge to achieve your vacation spot and explore different areas of Rotterdam.
For much more enjoyable, hold a watch out for occasions which can be all the time going down in and across the bridge. Take out your digicam and snap pics with this engineering masterpiece!
See Related: Best Rotterdam Tours: Bike, Boat or Walk
3. Visit Historic Delfshaven
Once you’ve crossed the Erasmus Bridge, you may cease by historic Delfshaven and take within the lovely, rustic sights and sounds of this a part of town. Delfshaven is without doubt one of the final remaining untouched districts in Rotterdam.
Sadly, a lot of Rotterdam was destroyed in the course of the Forties throughout World War II. Bombings devastated town, however one district remained freed from the turmoil – Delfshaven.
You can make a journey down this sleepy harbor metropolis in the course of the day, and even on an evening out in town!
Visit town brewery at De Pelgrim, which is the one brewery in Rotterdam the place you may take pleasure in genuine, craft native beer. Delfshaven can be dwelling to a lot of historic buildings and picturesque windmills; don’t overlook your digicam!
If you’re on a date with a beloved one, this is without doubt one of the greatest locations to tour throughout your honeymoon, as its romantic harbor and rustic buildings create the proper backdrop for any date evening.
See Related: Best Day Trips from Amsterdam, Netherlands
4. Take a Day Trip to Kinderdijk
Can’t get sufficient of historic websites like Delfshaven?
You’ll be amazed on the sights and sounds of Kinderdijk! This web site was labeled as a UNESCO world heritage web site in 1997 and for good cause.
It is dwelling to waterways and still-standing windmills (19 of them to be actual) that showcase the attractive engineering and management of the waters by the Dutch.
The windmills face one another and sit atop canals, surrounded by dikes and waterways. You can discover Kinderdijk by means of boat rides by means of the water, and uncover how the Dutch have used the sort of windmill expertise to maintain their toes dry for nearly 700 years.
This is without doubt one of the most photographed areas in all the Netherlands and is without doubt one of the most vital to know simply how vital water administration and the consequences of local weather change are.
Two windmills are open on daily basis for excursions, as is the De Fabriek Auxillary Pumping Station. You can view movies about Kinderdijk and its historical past right here, in addition to take a guided audio tour! There’s all the time one thing new to be taught and discover right here at Kinderdijk.
Among the excursions you may take part visiting the windmill are the Kinderjjk small group tour, a private day trip, and a scenic bike tour.
See Related: Visiting Kinderdijk Windmills: What You NEED to Know
5. Explore the Oude Haven within the Maritime District
The Oude Haven (Old Harbor) within the Maritime District is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to Rotterdam to actually perceive its nautical historical past. While you discover the world, you’ll get an opportunity to gaze on the restored historic boats that make up the Old Harbor.
The maritime district is dwelling to such landmarks because the Maritime Museum Rotterdam, which is without doubt one of the largest naval museums in Europe.
You can work together with and discover a big array of nautical objects, from exhibitions and occasions to naval ships and cranes, the Maritime Museum is only one a part of the Maritime District!
You may also discover the Destroyed City monument close by, which commemorates Rotterdam and the energy of her individuals throughout World War II. It is a mesmerizing and sobering sight to behold simply behind the Maritime Museum.
Hungry?
Grab a chew at one of many many sidewalk cafes and eateries on the Old Harbor (Oude Haven), and sit again whereas taking within the sights and sounds of town’s most historic nautical districts.
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6. Go to the highest of the Euromast
For actually spectacular and world-class views of Rotterdam, ebook a go to to the highest of the Euromast!
Finished in 1960 and designed by Hugh Maaskant, the Euromast provides guests beautiful 360-degree views of Rotterdam. The platform sits 96 meters above floor, so guests can take footage, have a look at the sights, and likewise dine on the Euromast restaurant.
You may even book a stay at the Euromast hotel, providing you with one of the vital spectacular and unforgettable views for you and a beloved one.
The Euromast can be accessible by means of an elevator, so that you don’t have to fret in regards to the journey all the best way to the highest.
However, when you’re on the lookout for heart-pounding journey, the Euromast additionally hosts sporting occasions comparable to BASE leaping, and even abseiling! If that’s your cup of a crew ensure to ebook your reservations forward of time as there are restricted spots for daredevils.
If you’re you may ebook the tour of RotterdamHarbor Cruise with Euromast Entry Ticket.
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7. Visit the Markthal Rotterdam
The Markthal Rotterdam is also referred to as Market Hall. One of the very best issues to do in Rotterdam is to go to its many markets and eating places whereas additionally taking within the websites of this architectural marvel.
The market is superbly designed with colourful flowers alongside its inside wall, generally known as the Horn of Plenty by artist Arno Coenen.
Completed in 2014, it’s 11,000 sq. meters of markets promoting recent produce, meats, seafood, and a lot extra. From coffee to ice cream, private care gadgets, churros, dumplings, and extra, there’s one thing for everybody’s style right here at Market Hall!
History buffs can even be delighted to see the De Tijdtrap beneath the stairwell of the Market Hall, which shows a few of the most fascinating and distinctive archeological finds in the course of the building of the Market Hall! This is a very tremendous place to unwind and uncover the very best of Rotterdam.
8. Take a Trip to Rotterdam Zoo
Looking for some issues to do in Rotterdam with youngsters?
No family vacation is ever full with out one thing for the little ones to do!
Rotterdam Zoo is the proper place in your kids to discover the sights and sounds of the jungle and animals from around the globe, all from the consolation of a superbly designed zoo. The Rotterdam Zoo is dwelling to lots of of animals, occasions and actions, and day by day excursions.
The Rotterdam Zoo was voted the very best zoo in Benelux from 2015 to 2018, and one go to right here will present you why.
From day by day feedings of the ocean lions to rays, to shark feeding and even feeding polar bears, that is one zoo the place kids and adults alike will go away fascinated by the wonders of wildlife.
What are you ready for? Get your admission tickets now.
See Related: Famous Buildings in Amsterdam to Visit
9. Visit the Depot Boijmans-van Beuningen
Art buffs can rejoice whereas touring the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen in Rotterdam. This is the world’s first publicly accessible artwork storage facility, and it boasts over 150,000 collected items of artwork and different objects.
It is a notable attraction to see on an Art and Architecture Highlights Walking Tour. The distinctive, steel-like structure of the constructing is certain to seize the creativeness, as are the numerous completely different storage compartments situated throughout the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen.
There are even completely different climates situated all through the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen to maintain the artwork secure and intact.
If you’ve all the time been curious as to how this valuable artwork is saved, maintained, and preserved, the Depot Boijmans-van Beuningen has all preservation actions in open view so you may fulfill your curiosity!
This is actually among the best artwork collections on this planet and one of the vital vital cultural landmarks in Rotterdam.
10. Take a Boat Tour of the Europort
Whether you wish to take a water taxi or ebook a small boat tour by means of Europort, there are many choices to discover certainly one of Europe’s busiest ports.
A ship tour provides you a singular perspective of the port and allows you to gaze on the awesomeness of the port. Take within the sights and sounds of the port and be taught in regards to the completely different industries right here.
You may also request a ship tour and search for excursions with snacks and drinks on board! All this whereas letting the captain take you on a cruise by means of the attractive waterways of Rotterdam.
11. Sample a few of Rotterdam’s well-known Culinary Delights
Rotterdam is understood for its scrumptious meals, so remember to pattern a few of the native cuisines! There are loads of nice eating places to select from, or you would go to one of many metropolis’s many markets to search out recent produce and different goodies.
Dutch seafood is king right here. Try the herring. Do it.
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12. Spend a day at certainly one of Rotterdam’s lovely Parks or Gardens
If you want a break from all of the hustle and bustle of town, head to certainly one of Rotterdam’s parks or gardens. The Vroesenpark is a good choice, because it’s one of many largest parks within the metropolis.
Or, when you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit extra subdued, try the Keukenhof Gardens which is extra suited to a day journey away from town. You may need heard of it – it’s solely the biggest flower garden in Europe!
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13. Go to a Performance at De Doelen Concert House
De Doelen Concert House is a well-liked venue for classical music, jazz, and opera. This historic constructing is situated within the heart of Rotterdam and hosts a few of the greatest acts in music at present.
De Doelen has been round since 1881 when it opened as an opera home. Over time it expanded to incorporate each live performance halls and theatres, however its old-world grandeur nonetheless shines by means of with its marble staircases and excessive ceilings—an architectural delight that you just received’t wish to miss!
14. Wander Rotterdam’s Street Art on Witte de Withstraat
When you’re in Rotterdam, you’ll wish to discover Witte de Withstraat. This avenue is understood for its abundance of avenue artwork that features works by a few of the most well-known avenue artists and muralists on this planet at present.
Street artwork is a type of public artwork that always takes over deserted buildings and different areas not sometimes seen as canvases. It usually has political undertones, however may also be lovely and provoking. Either manner, it’s extremely standard within the Benelux nook of the world.
See Related: Best Things to do in Alkmaar, Netherlands
15. Eat your manner by means of the Food Hallen
If your tummy is rumbling and grumbling, your first cease ought to be the Food Hallen (Food Hall). Located within the heart of Rotterdam, this assortment of meals stalls, eating places, and bars is open on daily basis of the yr, with a couple of exceptions for holidays.
You’ll discover it within the Blaak space—simply in your left when you’re coming from Rotterdam Central Station. The Food Hallen has turn into well-known as certainly one of Europe’s greatest locations to get avenue meals since its inception in 2014.
Its choices vary from sushi to Thai meals to falafel sandwiches and far more; whereas some stalls supply conventional European gadgets like Belgian waffles or French crepes, others are extra inventive—like Indian ice cream rolls or Peruvian ceviche served with potatoes as a substitute of tortilla chips.
There are additionally loads of locations the place you may seize drinks: for instance, coffees at Coffee Collective or craft beers at De Hopduvel (which occurs to be certainly one of solely two official beer gardens left on the town). This is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Rotterdam with associates earlier than spending an evening out in town.
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16. Visit the SS Rotterdam
The SS Rotterdam is a ship. It’s additionally a resort, museum, and restaurant. But principally it’s a ship—and one of the vital lovely ships you’ll ever see (to not point out one of many largest luxurious cruise liners ever constructed).
Built-in 1957 for Holland America Line, it was retired from service in 2008 after being bought by Carnival Corporation for use as their personal showpiece for his or her new cruise line known as Holland America Line Private Collection.
In 2015, it was bought to KTS Capital Partners and have become The Floating Hotel Rotterdam; the world’s first completely moored floating resort! The museum provides an exploration-guided tour that you shouldn’t miss.
17. Find some Peace and Quiet on the Arboretum Trompenburg
Arboretum Trompenburg is a good place to get some peace and quiet. With over 150 acres of grounds, it’s excellent for a leisurely stroll with your pals or household. You’ll love taking footage right here due to the attractive surroundings.
Arboretum Trompenburg is full of completely different sorts of vegetation, so that you’re certain to search out one thing you want. Whether you’re a plant lover or simply on the lookout for a peaceable place to flee the hustle and bustle of town, Arboretum Trompenburg is unquestionably value a go to.
See Related: Best Things to do in Leiden, Netherlands
18. Go for Brunch at Dapur Indonesia on Sundays
Dapur Indonesia is a well-liked Indonesian restaurant in Rotterdam. They have a menu of genuine Indonesian dishes and a terrific brunch menu, which is accessible from 11 am to three pm on Sundays.
The brunch menu contains Indonesian dishes comparable to nasi goreng and mie goreng, but it surely additionally comprises extra westernized gadgets like pancakes, French toast, and eggs benedict.
The meals at Dapur Indonesia is tasty, however what makes this place so excellent for brunch is the environment. It’s situated in a phenomenal previous constructing that was as soon as a part of an industrial advanced that features the Het Scheepvaartmuseum (The Maritime Museum).
When you’re there on a Sunday morning with your pals or relations (particularly if it’s sunny exterior), you’ll really feel such as you’ve stepped into some type of shabby-chic dreamland!
With its cute tables set with fairly plates & glasses and partitions adorned with artwork items from around the globe, it’s actually a one-of-a-kind expertise that can hold you coming again even when just for their superb meals.
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19. Get Your Art Fix at Rotterdam’s Art Museums
Rotterdam is dwelling to quite a few wonderful artwork museums, together with the Rotterdam Kunsthalle (Rotterdam Art Hall), Chabot Museum, and Netherlands Foto Museum (Netherlands Photo Museum).
The Rotterdam Kunsthalle is a contemporary however purposeful instance of structure, and likewise a contemporary artwork gallery. This fashionable gallery opened in 1992 and provides a wide selection of visible artists and cultures.
The Chabot Museum is one other nice choice for artwork lovers, exhibiting the work of Dutch portray artist and sculptor Henk Chabot. The museum has been housed in a splendid white constructing since 1938.
And lastly, guests eager about images ought to remember to try The Netherlands Foto Museum (Nelsefotomuseum).
This museum options an expansive set of historic pictures from quite a few Dutch photographers. So no matter your pursuits, Rotterdam’s artwork museums are positive to have one thing for you.
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20. Admire the structure of Hotel New York
Rotterdam is understood for its cutting-edge structure, so it’s positively value taking a while to admire the buildings within the metropolis – however some buildings that harken again to Rotterdam’s glory days stay.
Hotel New York is a phenomenal constructing situated within the coronary heart of Rotterdam that epitomizes this attribute historic structure. The resort was in-built 1901 and designed by J.J. Stankard.
The resort has been by means of so much over time, together with getting used as a storage facility for artwork throughout World War II and serving as a squatters residence within the Nineteen Eighties after falling into disuse.
Nowadays, it’s a luxurious resort that’s standard with each vacationers and business travelers. Even when you’re not staying there, it’s value admiring from the surface. The constructing is actually a murals, and its location on the waterfront makes it much more particular.
21. Check out the historic Van Nelle Fabriek Factory
Van Nelle Fabriek is an previous manufacturing unit that has been transformed right into a museum and occasion area. The Van Nelle Factory was as soon as an efficient plant that produced tea, tobacco, coffee, chewing gum, and rice. The vintage industrial designs have survived and this has made it a gorgeous manufacturing unit of the previous.
The constructing is taken into account a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical past and its vintage look.
If you’re an industrial structure fanatic, Van Nelle Fabriek is unquestionably value a go to. You’ll be capable of be taught all in regards to the manufacturing unit’s historical past and see a few of the unimaginable vintage designs up shut.
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22. Catch a efficiency on the Schouwburgplein Square
Schouwburgplein sq. is the proper place to expertise the very best of Rotterdam’s vibrant cultural scene.
Throughout the summer season, the sq. performs host a wide range of performances, starting from music concert events to theater productions. It’s an effective way to spend a night, and it’s additionally an effective way to expertise town’s vibrant cultural scene.
So whether or not you’re on the lookout for an evening of leisure or an opportunity to be taught extra in regards to the metropolis’s wealthy historical past and tradition, Schouwburgplein sq. is unquestionably the place to be.
23. Check out the Witte Huis
The Witte Huis is situated close to the Old Harbor so you may’t miss it. The artwork nouveau structure is without doubt one of the most fascinating issues about this white home. The Witte Huis was in-built 1898 and is without doubt one of the oldest high-rise buildings in Europe.
The Witte Huis is presently getting used as an workplace constructing, but it surely’s positively value admiring from the surface. The lovely structure is actually a sight to behold.
It’s declared a National Heritage Site within the Netherlands and makes for a wonderful distinction of previous with the backdrop of recent, iconic buildings within the background.
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Coming from Amsterdam? Take a Free Tour of Rotterdam with I Amsterdam City Card!
The I Amsterdam City Card is your ticket to an unforgettable go to to Rotterdam! This card provides you free entrance to over 100 museums, in addition to free public transport and reductions on meals, drinks, and extra.
To use the cardboard you have to pre-book a time slot in your tour after you buy the I Amsterdam Card, which could be accomplished as much as one month earlier than your go to.
On the tour itself, you’ll get a headset so to hearken to an audio information in 5 completely different languages (English, French, German, Spanish and Dutch).
The tour lasts 60 minutes and is accessible on daily basis from 9 am till 5 pm from April by means of October; from November by means of March it runs from 10 am till 4 pm.
Final Thoughts
Rotterdam is a metropolis that has one thing to supply everybody. From the historic canals and winding streets to the trendy structure of its neighborhoods and buildings, there’s all the time one thing new to find.
Whether it’s procuring at certainly one of its many indoor markets, having fun with a meal at certainly one of its eating places or bars (or each!), exploring its museums or artwork galleries—and even simply taking in some recent air on certainly one of its many rooftop gardens—there are many methods so that you can spend time right here!
So what are you ready for? Pack your baggage and prepare for an journey in Rotterdam!
FAQs
Is Rotterdam value visiting?
Yes, with its lovely oceanside breeze, and bustling metropolis life, Rotterdam is value visiting with one thing for everybody. It’s an excellent metropolis for a day journey or a weekend getaway because it provides a singular mix of historical past and trendy structure.
There are additionally loads of issues to do, starting from visiting museums to taking a ship cruise by means of central Rotterdam.
What is the very best time of yr to go to Rotterdam?
The greatest time of yr to go to Rotterdam is in the course of the summer season months. From May to September, the climate is heat and sunny, making it ultimate for exploring town. However, when you’re seeking to keep away from the crowds, September is a good time to go to as many vacationers have left by then.
How lengthy ought to I spend in Rotterdam?
Most individuals spend 1-2 days in Rotterdam, but it surely actually depends upon your pursuits. If you wish to pack in a whole lot of actions, it’s possible you’ll wish to spend extra time within the metropolis. However, when you’re simply seeking to chill out and take within the sights, 1-2 days ought to be sufficient.
What are some must-see points of interest in Rotterdam?
Some of the must-see points of interest in Rotterdam embrace the Erasmus Bridge, the Rotterdam Zoo, the Cube Houses, and the Maritime Museum. However, there are many different nice points of interest, so remember to discover town and see what pursuits you.
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