Top things to do in Rotterdam
Attractions, tours, and activities in Rotterdam
Recommended museums in Rotterdam
Where to find art and culture in Rotterdam
Rotterdam: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Rotterdam
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Rotterdam City Center
In downtown
City slang, street art and nightlife. Rotterdam’s centre buzzes with noise and energy. A hub for multicultural grub, foodies can tuck into genuine Vietnamese cuisine at the likes of Little V. Burn off the calories with a walk across the Erasmus Bridge, then treat yourself to a cocktail on the roof terrace at Engels.
Places to stay from $17 a night
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Delfshaven
0.9 miles from downtown
If Rotterdam is the modern, cool kid of the Netherlands, Delfshaven preserves the traditional Dutch flavour. Its windmills, canals and antique shops conjure up olden times, yet the area oozes the multicultural vibe that distinguishes the “new”. Sample both worlds in De Pelgrim brewery and sip on modern craft beer in a cosy, red-brick setting.
Places to stay from $55 a night
About Rotterdam
Including tips for the best time to visit Rotterdam
The Netherlands’ second city and home to Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam defines cool, creative and chic. After nearly being destroyed in the Second World War, the city built itself back up with modern buildings and quirky landmarks. You can take in the unconventional architecture with a stroll around the city, stopping at the horseshoe-shaped Markthal livened up with colourful illustrations, the Rotterdam Centraal station with its sleek, angular design and the city’s iconic Erasmus Bridge, nicknamed ‘The Swan’ by locals. Also worth a visit are the bright yellow Cube Houses, precariously stacked against each other at a 45-degree angle. For a glimpse of the city’s old charm, you can head to the historic Delfshaven neighbourhood, complete with typical Dutch-style houses, a picturesque harbour and the quintessential windmill.
Often overlooked because of the capital city of Amsterdam, Rotterdam is worth adding to your Netherlands itinerary. You can enjoy stunning views over the city from the top of the 185-metre-tall Euromast tower, take a stroll along the scenic waterfront or check out the thriving art scene – on the streets and at museums. Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is home to masterpieces by greats like Rembrandt, Dalí and Monet, while Kunsthal is a more evolving space, with a rich variety of exhibitions populating its calendar. If you’re travelling with kids, the amusement park Plaswijckpark is well worth a visit, and Rotterdam Zoo promises a fun and educational experience with animals from all over the world, an aquarium and a butterfly garden.
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From $208 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | € 1 = $1.06 |
| Language | Dutch |
| Average weekend price | $135 per night |
| Average weekday price | $132 per night |
| Average stay | 1 night |
Points of interest in Rotterdam
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Rotterdam
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Erasmus Bridge
1.1 miles from downtown
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SS Rotterdam
1.6 miles from downtown
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Markthal Rotterdam
0.6 miles from downtown
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Euromast
1.2 miles from downtown
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Rotterdam reviews
What other travelers say about Rotterdam
I went to Rotterdam for the ZomerCarnival and wasn't...
September 29, 2023
I went to Rotterdam for the ZomerCarnival and wasn't disappointed. The atmosphere was electric, the people are so welcoming. The entire event was a pleasure to witness and be a part. You have to visit Surnames Restaurant - Warung Mini, the food is fantastic and you definitely get value for money. Overall, if you want to enjoy a great open air party with like minded people you need to visit Rotterdam for the ZomerCarnival at least once in your lifetime.
Rotterdam is fairly easy to get around with trams and metros...
September 26, 2023
Rotterdam is fairly easy to get around with trams and metros easily accessible. It is also easy to reach other European locations with easily accessible train service. There are many great restaurants and the night life is lively. There is plenty to see and do.
A relaxed and easy to navigate City break.
September 20, 2023
A relaxed and easy to navigate City break. Excellent public transport, chilled bars, good range of cuisine and budgets catered for. Varied cultural scene, lovely to walk around and feels very safe. Historic areas preserved but is otherwise a marvellous modern city with easy day trips to Utrecht, Amsterdam and other cities.
I was only in Rotterdam o/night.
September 19, 2023
I was only in Rotterdam o/night. It isn't very historic due to the Rotterdam Blitz. It may sound odd but around where I stayed was very 1960s. 2-3 storey shops with brutalist architecture. I'm guessing this is when the major inner city was rebuilt. Noticed good public transport and where I stayed near Centraal Station there were plenty of restaurants but only a few open for breakfast.
I would like to talk more about the Rotterdam Telport Hotel...
September 11, 2023
I would like to talk more about the Rotterdam Telport Hotel instead. I skipped a very important piece of information that I could have added. So, I would advise that a non-cancellation /refund policy be not imposed on customers because that is fraudulent. After my first booking, I had a change of dates for the event I was travelling for, and the teleport hotel refused to keep my reservation for a different date and would not give me a refund but only accepted after much plea and of course for a fee. According to them, this was due to the non-refund policy I selected upon making the reservation via booking.com when in the actual sense, I did not select any policy.
Surprisingly pretty city.
September 7, 2023
Surprisingly pretty city. Locals were very friendly, and very proud of living in Rotterdam! Do go on one of the harbour tours, as they are fascinating. Good tram service around Rotterdam, although I found the locations of the stops not always obvious.
Popular places to stay in Rotterdam
Stay in some of the best accommodations Rotterdam has to offer
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trendy STUDIO ROTTERDAM CENTER Rotterdam City Center, Rotterdam
From $275 per night
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Grandly 3 Bedroom Serviced Apartment 83m2 -NB306G- Delfshaven, Rotterdam
From $528 per night
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Sunny and spacious apartment Charlois, Rotterdam
From $259 per night
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Distinct 2 bedroom Serviced Apartment 84m2 -VP2D- Hillegersberg-Schiebroek, Rotterdam
From $137 per night
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