Things to Do in Rotterdam – Attractions, Restaurants & Hotels
Visit Rotterdam, the second-largest city in the Netherlands, and discover a destination full of energy, vision, and modern culture. From world-famous architecture and vibrant nightlife to inspiring museums, waterfront attractions, and trendy restaurants, Rotterdam offers endless things to do and see. Whether you’re planning a city trip, looking for the best hotels in Rotterdam, or exploring hidden gems, Rotterdam is the ultimate place to experience innovation and Dutch hospitality.
Rotterdam Is More Than a Skyline: You must Experience Rotterdam
Do you really want to understand what makes Rotterdam so special? Then we need to go back in time, to May 14, 1940. On that warm spring day, the heart of the city was torn apart in fifteen minutes by a devastating bombardment.
The historic city center lay in ruins, a blank canvas. But Rotterdam didn’t choose to reconstruct the past; it seized the opportunity to build a completely new, progressive city. This decision has shaped Rotterdam into the “laboratory for architecture and design” it is today, a city that breathes the future. You’ll see, that resilience is still deeply ingrained in the city’s DNA.
Rotterdam: Discover the City of Innovation, Flavor, and Energy
Step into Rotterdam and experience a city that never stands still. Whether you are traveling with family, exploring architectural wonders, planning an exciting shopping adventure, or searching for extraordinary food experiences, Rotterdam welcomes everyone. Marvel at the city’s iconic skyline and bold design at places like the Cube Houses and Markthal. Discover museums, galleries, vibrant street art, and stylish shopping districts filled with local boutiques and international brands.
Families will find welcoming hotels, beautiful parks, and attractions designed for kids. Shopping enthusiasts can enjoy quirky gift shops tucked away in cozy streets as well as luxury stores in the bustling city center. Food explorers delight in authentic Indonesian cuisine, Michelin-star restaurants, bustling food markets and intimate cafés set in charming neighborhoods. Live like a local and seek out hidden gems, tranquil riverside paths, secret gardens, and exciting nightlife spots.
Rotterdam’s cultural calendar is packed with colorful festivals, unique exhibitions, and friendly community events that celebrate the city’s diversity and energy. For business travelers, the city’s dynamic port, impressive architecture, and energetic startup scene offer countless opportunities to connect and innovate.
Visit Rotterdam not only as a guest but as part of the city. Immerse yourself in unique stories, flavors, shopping experiences, and the lively spirit that defines Rotterdam. Your adventure begins now. Discover the best activities, insider tips, and special neighborhoods in the center of Rotterdam, all selected with care for you.
Hotels in Rotterdam. Book Your Perfect Stay Today
Stay in the Best Hotels in Rotterdam. Discover Rotterdam’s top hotels and enjoy the perfect city stay. From luxury five-star hotels and stylish boutique stays to budget-friendly accommodations, Rotterdam has options for every traveler. Experience comfort, modern amenities, and prime locations near the city’s main attractions, restaurants, and cultural hotspots. Whether you’re visiting for business, a weekend getaway, or a family trip, finding your ideal hotel is easy. Browse our curated selection of Rotterdam hotels and book your stay today to make the most of your city experience. Don’t wait—secure your room now!
Architectural Icons: The Skyline as a Work of Art
Rotterdam Centraal Station
As soon as you step out at Rotterdam Central Station, an architectural masterpiece that reopened in 2014, you immediately feel that dynamism.
Markthal
This unique horseshoe-shaped building houses a bustling indoor food market. Inside, you're surrounded by the gigantic artwork "Horn of Plenty," often compared to the "Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam."
Erasmusbrug
The Erasmus Bridge, affectionately known as "The Swan" because of its graceful pylon, is an impressive 802-meter cable-stayed bridge that connects the northern and southern banks of the Meuse River.
Kubuswoningen / Cube Houses
These bright yellow, tilting cubes, designed by Piet Blom, tilted at a 45-degree angle on hexagonal poles, form an "urban forest".
Rotterdam Tasting: A World of Flavors
Discover the Best Restaurants in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a vibrant city for food lovers, offering a diverse culinary scene that ranges from fine dining to hidden local gems. Explore top restaurants serving international cuisine, traditional Dutch specialties, and innovative modern dishes. Whether you’re looking for cozy cafés, trendy bistros, or Michelin-starred experiences, Rotterdam has something for every taste and budget. Don’t miss the bustling food markets, stylish rooftop bars, and riverside dining spots. Find insider tips, restaurant guides, and the best places to eat in Rotterdam to make your city trip unforgettable. Discover more restaurants…
Unique Experiences and Hidden Gems
The Maas Tunnel: Step into an antique wooden escalator and descend beneath the Meuse River. Opened in 1942, this tunnel was a feat of modern engineering and offers a unique way to cross the river, exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians. Charloisse Hoofd 29, 3087 CA Rotterdam
Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp): One of Europe’s finest zoos, known for its natural habitats and successful breeding programs.
Blijdorplaan 8, 3041 JJ Rotterdam
Dutch Pinball Museum: For an interactive and nostalgic experience with a collection of over 150 pinball machines. Voorhaven 12, 3024 RM Rotterdam.
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
Maritime Museum Rotterdam
Het Nieuwe Instituut
Chabot Museum
Explore all museums in Rotterdam
The Destroyed City: This impressive bronze sculpture by Zadkine commemorates the bombing and symbolizes the torn-away heart of Rotterdam. You’ll find impressive public and street art throughout the city.
Leuvehaven 1, 3011 EA Rotterdam
Visit Art Gallery Voûte https://www.artgalleryvoute.com/
Book your hotel in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a city that constantly surprises and inspires. What are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the energy, architecture, history, and hospitality of this dynamic metropolis.
Rotterdam's Beating Heart: The Port of Europe
Rotterdam is inextricably linked to its port, the largest and busiest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Rotterdam began as a fishing village on the Rotte River as early as the 13th century.
Today, the port is an economic engine, providing employment for hundreds of thousands of people and contributing €46 billion annually to national prosperity.