Practical
Rotterdam Do's and Don'ts
The local customs and transport rules to know, and the common mistakes to avoid, for a first-time visit to Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is an easy, welcoming city to visit, but a handful of local habits catch first-time visitors out: cycling etiquette, tipping norms, transit tap-in rules and cannabis regulations all work differently here than in most other countries. Here is what to know before you go.
Do
Use the bike lane if you cycle
If a fietspad (bike lane) exists, cyclists are expected to use it. Keep to the right, overtake on the left, and ring your bell to signal you're passing.
Cross tram tracks at a wide angle
Tram tracks are a genuine cycling hazard in Rotterdam. Cross them as close to perpendicular as possible rather than at a shallow angle, which can catch a wheel.
Tap in and tap out, every journey
Trams, metro and buses run on tap in/tap out contactless payment. Use the same card or device to check in and check out each time you travel.
Round up or tip 5-10% for good service
Tipping is appreciated, never required. In a casual cafe, rounding up the bill is normal; in a nicer restaurant, close to 10% is common for good service.
Expect directness
The Dutch communication style is blunt by international standards. A direct answer or opinion is not intended as rude, it's simply the local default.
Book ahead for in-demand restaurants
Michelin-starred kitchens like Restaurant Fred and François Geurds Restaurant, and popular spots in Katendrecht, get booked up; reserve a table in advance.
Don't
Common mistakes to avoid as a first-time visitor, from cycling missteps to transit fare surprises.
Don't walk or stand in a bike lane
This is the single most common visitor mistake in Dutch cities. Cyclists move fast and expect the lane to be clear; stepping into one, even briefly, is a real collision risk.
Don't assume every shop takes credit cards
The Netherlands runs on debit-first payments. Credit cards work at larger retailers and hotels, but carry a debit card or some cash as backup at smaller shops.
Don't smoke cannabis outside a licensed coffeeshop
Cannabis is tolerated only inside licensed coffeeshops. Personal possession is capped at 5 grams; public consumption outside a coffeeshop is not tolerated the same way.
Don't forget to tap out on transit
Forgetting to tap out at the end of a journey means the system charges a higher default fare rather than the actual distance travelled.
Don't assume museums are open on Mondays
Kunsthal Rotterdam and the Maritime Museum's main building both close on Mondays outside school holidays. Check individual opening times before visiting.
Don't leave a bike unlocked, even briefly
Bike theft is common in Dutch cities. Always lock a rental or shared bike, even for a two-minute stop.
For the landmarks and neighbourhoods these rules apply to, see the things-to-do guide and the local's guide to Rotterdam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to walk in a bike lane in Rotterdam?
No. Bike lanes (fietspad) are for cyclists only, and drivers on them expect the lane to be clear. Walking or standing in one, even briefly, is the most common visitor mistake in Dutch cities and creates a real collision risk.
Do you have to tip in Rotterdam restaurants?
No, tipping is not mandatory in the Netherlands because hospitality wages are regulated by law. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated but never expected or required.
Is cannabis legal in Rotterdam?
Cannabis use is tolerated, not fully legal: adults may possess up to 5 grams for personal use, and licensed coffeeshops may sell it, but it is not tolerated for sale or open use outside those licensed premises.
How do I pay for Rotterdam's trams, metro and buses?
Tap in and tap out every single journey with a contactless debit or credit card, or Apple Pay/Google Pay, using the same card or device each time. Forgetting to tap out results in a higher default fare being charged.