Your Essential Travel Guide To Rotterdam
Discover Things To Do In Rotterdam
Rotterdam is one of Holland’s coolest cities, with a chilled-out vibe similar to that of Amsterdam, but with fewer crowds. This is a young, dynamic city which constantly reinvents itself with a constantly changing skyline and buildings.
During the Second World War, large swathes of Rotterdam were destroyed by German bombing campaigns. Instead of restoring the city’s old architecture, the council took the opportunity to build a new city and develop a modern port.
The city has plenty of modern, daring and innovative architecture which has helped to create a bustling and optimistic atmosphere within the already-progressive Rotterdam. The city’s skyline is sometimes referred to as Manhattan on the Maas due to the large, modern buildings.
The best things to do in Rotterdam
Known as Europe’s largest seaport, Rotterdam is home to many exciting attractions. Below are our top picks of the best things to do in this dynamic city.
1. Visit the former Van Nelle Factory
Described by prominent architects as ‘the most beautiful spectacle of the modern age’, the former Van Nelle Factory can’t be missed. During the 20th century, it processed coffee, tea, tobacco, instant pudding and rice. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 and topped the list of the 25 Most Beautiful Factories in the World in 2015.
2. Climb the Euromast Tower
Hugh Maaskant’s brainchild was built between 1958 and 1960 for the 1960 Floriade, a horticultural exhibition and garden festival. The 101-metre-tall tower hosts a restaurant and an observation platform offering breathtaking city views. It was Rotterdam’s highest construction until 2021, when De Zalmhaven was founded.
3. Explore the Cube Houses
Unlike anything you’ve seen before, the Cube Houses are one of Rotterdam’s most iconic sights. They were designed by Piet Blom in 1977 and are based on the concept of ‘living as an urban roof’. The construction represents a village within a city, where each house is a tree, and together, they form a forest. The cube of a traditional house corner is tilted upwards to maximise the space and improve the room distribution.
4. Taste local delicacies at the Market Hall
One of the newest additions to Rotterdam’s cultural scene, the Market Hall is a must-visit attraction. Opened in 2014, it was designed by the local architecture firm MVRDV and comprises modern glass-walled apartments and a market hall. The colourful, muralled ceiling is the site’s highlight, along with delicious local food and drinks.
5. Cross Erasmusbrug
Erasmusbrug, built between 1986 and 1996, is Rotterdam’s most important landmark, so much so that it features as part of the city’s official logo. The cable-stayed and bascule bridge crosses the Nieuwe Maas and was named after Erasmus of Rotterdam, a Christian Renaissance humanist. The bridge is known as ‘the swan’ because it looks like a bird with wide-open wings when seen from afar.
Rotterdam is also famous for hosting the annual International Film Festival and some of the best Dutch Christmas markets.
Other attractions
If you’re travelling as a family, then a visit to Blijdorp Zoo is a must. Blijidorp also includes Oceanium, a large public aquarium packed with marine wildlife which doubles up as a centre for research on conserving coral. The Kids’ Marina is great for children and is Rotterdam’s most enjoyable water attraction, although the Familiepark Plaswijckpark is also a great day.
You should also visit De Ster and De Lelie mills. They date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and are located on the banks of the beautiful Kralingse Plas lake.
Sandy Hoek van Holland beach which is 30min train ride from the centre of Rotterdam. If you prefer the atmosphere of a bigger city beach, go to Scheveningen beach closer to the city.
Shopping and dining
Rotterdam also has a lively shopping culture. The well-known shopping streets in Rotterdam are located in ‘Lijnbaan’. The major department store is the ‘Bijenkorf’. Around the city centre you'll find many unique boutiques. If you are keen on bargains, take a stroll around the market.
As a major international port - and the largest in Europe - there's also an electric range of cuisines on offer in Rotterdam's many cafes and restaurants. Parkheuvel is one of the best restaurants in Rotterdam. Bazar offers delicious Mediterranean and Oriental food. __STROOM __ is built in an old power station and allows you to watch the chefs in action.
