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12 BEST Things to Do in Rotterdam: Must-See Sights in 2026
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Planning a trip to Rotterdam? Check out our guide to the 12 very best things to do in Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands, known for its modern architecture, historical areas, and waterfront setting. It perfectly blends old maritime history and new architecture in a unique way in Europe.
We’ve visited the Netherlands many times over the past 15 years, and Rotterdam remains a favourite. In fact, it’s high on our list of the must-see European cities! Sebastian even lived the Dutch life for six months on a houseboat during his study abroad adventure.
In this article, you’ll find our must-see spots to make your visit to Rotterdam spectacular.
Short on time?
Here are our top picks for visiting Rotterdam:
Must-Visit: If you’re heading to Rotterdam and only have a short stay, these are our top three highlights:
(1) Get panoramic city views from the Euromast Tower.
(2) Take a relaxing harbour sightseeing cruise.
(3) Explore the historic streets of Delfshaven.
Best Hotels: We’ve stayed in a few places during our trips to Rotterdam, and these three stood out:
12 Best Things To Do in Rotterdam, Netherlands
While Amsterdam often steals the spotlight, Rotterdam boasts unique architecture that’s absolutely worth visiting!
Over the years, we’ve explored many parts of Rotterdam. Here, we give you the best places and activities we wholeheartedly recommend.
1. Euromast Tower
When we visit a new city, the first thing we always do is go up high to get a city overview. The Euromast Tower offers the best panoramic views in Rotterdam. It stands at 185 metres (607 feet) and dominates the city’s skyline.
Built in 1960, the Euromast was initially an observation tower for the Floriade, an international flower exhibition.
Did you know? The Euromast was originally 107 metres (351 feet) tall. In 1970, the Space Tower was added, raising it to its current height of 185 metres (607 feet). It’s now the tallest observation tower in the Netherlands.
Our Top Tips for Visiting Euromast Tower
- There are two ticket options: (1) the standard ticket for the observation deck at 100 metres, and (2) the combination ticket that also includes access to the glass floor of the Euroscoop (185 metres). Definitely go for the latter; it’s worth it!
- Buy your ticket in advance to skip the ticket office queue and save money (ticket prices are higher on the day of your visit).
- Bring a debit or credit card, as cash is not accepted.
- After visiting the tower, take some time to stroll around Het Park, where the Euromast is located. It’s a beautiful park with scenic views of the Katendrecht district.
Admission and opening hours: The Euromast standard ticket starts from €12.50 (approximately £11 or US$13), and the combo ticket from €18.50 (approximately £16 or US$20). It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-10 pm; it’s closed on Mondays.
2. Cube Houses
The Cube Houses, or “Kubuswoningen” in Dutch, are a unique architectural marvel in Rotterdam. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom, they’re famous for their unusual cube-shaped structure and tilted positioning.
Built in the late 1970s as part of Rotterdam’s urban renewal project after World War II, the Cube Houses showcase innovative and modern designs.
Did you know? Dutch architect Piet Blom found inspiration in the concept of a tree. He imagined the Cube Houses as individual trees in a forest.
If you only have one day in Rotterdam, make the Cube Houses a top priority on your list of things to do!
Admission and Opening Hours: You can visit the Cube Houses from the outside for free 24/7. The museum is open daily from 11am-5pm and has an admission fee of €3.00 (approximately £3 or US$3). You can only buy tickets on the spot (cash or card).
3. River Cruise
With its vast network of waterways and status as Europe’s largest and busiest port, Rotterdam makes a river cruise an ideal way to explore the city.
While Rotterdam might not have the grandeur of Amsterdam’s historic canal ring, we found the boat tour around Rotterdam harbour and waterways equally impressive and fascinating! These tours offer a close-up view of the most iconic buildings along the riverside.
It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance to save you time queuing.
4. Rooftop Tour
Wondering why we suggest a rooftop tour? Rotterdam is big on sustainability and innovation. Plus, the city boasts the most flat rooftops in the Netherlands.
Rotterdam believes in preparing cities for the future by utilising rooftops for homes, offices, recreation, gardens, agriculture, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy.
On a rooftop tour, you’ll experience Rotterdam’s rooftop vision firsthand. A guide will explain how Rotterdam innovatively uses green rooftops. You’ll have access to rooftops that are not usually open to the public and learn about Rotterdam’s ambitions.
We never thought we’d be so fascinated by rooftops! This tour was a unique way to see Rotterdam and learn about its plans. In our opinion, this is a must-do for anyone interested in sustainability and urban design.
5. De Markthal (The Market Hall)
One of Rotterdam’s main attractions is Rotterdam’s Markthal. This market hall is shaped like a horseshoe with an arch of colourful glass panels and artwork. We think it’s one of the city’s coolest buildings!
It’s also the largest indoor market in the Netherlands.
Did you know? The ceiling artwork, called the “Horn of Plenty” by artist Arno Coenen, is the largest work of art in the world. It shows lots of fruits, vegetables, and food items.
Our top tip: If you want to explore Rotterdam’s food scene with a local guide, we recommend this guided walking food tour. You’ll get to taste Dutch classics like cheese, poffertjes, bitterballen, and some cider or beer.
What’s unique about this busy food market is that the hall includes residential apartments within its structure. Inside, you’ll find a variety of international shops and stalls offering fresh produce and excellent-quality food. There are so many tasty options that you’ll have a hard time deciding what to eat!
Admission and Opening Hours: The Markthal is free to visit and is open Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10am-8pm, Friday from 10am-9pm, and Sunday from 12pm-6pm.
6. Old Harbour (Oude Haven) and Maritime Museum Rotterdam
Rotterdam’s Old Harbour, known as “Oude Haven” in Dutch, is the city’s oldest port. It dates back to the late Middle Ages. Initially a small fishing harbour, it grew into a busy trading hub, connecting Rotterdam with other European ports.
The Old Harbour area is very charming. You’ll find many restored historic boats, picturesque walkways, and various restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
Just a short walk from Old Harbour, you’ll find the Witte Huis, or “White House”. It was the first skyscraper in Europe.
Built in 1898, it marked a revolutionary shift in architectural design for the continent. Surprisingly, the 10-storey building survived the extensive bombings of World War II and became a symbol of Rotterdam’s resilience and determination to rebuild.
Next to the Old Harbour is the Maritime Museum. There, you can explore the story of Europe’s largest port, observe navigation instruments and artefacts, and see historical ships and cranes in the harbour.
Admission and Opening Hours: A ticket for the Maritime Museum is €17.50 (approximately £15 or US$19). The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sundays from 11am-5pm.
7. Delfshaven
Delfshaven is hands down one of the prettiest parts of Rotterdam! This old neighbourhood is known for its well-preserved old harbour, historic buildings, and beautiful canals. Remarkably, it survived the heavy bombing during World War II.
Did you know? Delfshaven is also famous for being the historic port where the Pilgrims set sail on the Speedwell ship in 1620. They first journeyed to England before eventually reaching the New World in America aboard the Mayflower.
The district boasts many lovely canal-side houses and warehouses, reflecting its 17th-century port character. It’s definitely one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Rotterdam and the perfect place to soak in Rotterdam’s historic charm.
Our top tip: Check out the Windmill De Distilleerketel, built in 1727. Once a distillery, you can climb up four floors on steep stairs for amazing views from the balcony. It’s a hidden gem in Delfshaven.
Interestingly, Delfshaven has become a hub for craft breweries and pubs. Try some locally brewed beers and soak in the lively atmosphere in the district’s cosy establishments.
8. Erasmus Bridge
When you’re in Rotterdam, walk across the Erasmus Bridge, also known as “Erasmusbrug” in Dutch. This bridge has become a city symbol and stands out against the modern skyline.
Erasmus Bridge was built in 1996 and stretches 802 metres (2,631 feet) across the River Maas. It connects the northern and southern parts of the city over the Nieuwe Maas River (River Maas).
Locals lovingly call it “De Zwaan” (The Swan) because of the bridge’s graceful design.
Our top tip: If you can, visit the Erasmus Bridge at night. The gorgeous lighting makes it even more beautiful!
9. Luchtsingel Pedestrian Bridge
The Luchtsingel is a 400-metre-long (1,312-feet-long) pedestrian bridge that links three districts right in the heart of Rotterdam: Central District, Hofbogen, and Pompenburg.
This bright yellow bridge was built in 2015 and is made from wooden planks.
We think the idea behind the Luchtsingel is awesome! It was the world’s first public infrastructure project accomplished through crowdfunding. More than 8,000 people contributed €25 each to have their names inscribed on the wooden boards that line the bridge.
Luchtsingel, which means “air canal” in English, zigzags through a building and stretches over roads and railways. It effectively connects three previously isolated parts of the city.
Admission and Opening Hours: The bridge is free to enter and open 24/7.
10. Museumpark
Museumpark is an urban park and cultural hub in Rotterdam’s city centre. It’s surrounded by museums, which is how it got its name. All museums are just a short five-minute walk away from each other! It’s one of the best places to visit in Rotterdam.
The park used to be the Van Hoboken family estate, and you can still see their old villa, now home to the Natural History Museum. The Van Hoboken family was a prominent Dutch family known for their contributions to philanthropy and cultural development in Rotterdam.
Our top tip: Don’t miss the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum’s Depot building. It looks like a massive silver bowl with a mirrored facade that reflects the skyline – it’s a must-see!
Here are some noteworthy museums in Museumpark:
- Kunsthal Rotterdam: This art centre doesn’t have a permanent collection but organises temporary art exhibits. If you’re into contemporary art, you’ll love it here!
- Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen: This is one of Rotterdam’s most important art centres, packed with an impressive collection of Dutch masterpieces. If you’re a fan of artists like Rembrandt van Rijn, Hieronymus Bosch, and Vincent van Gogh, you have to check it out! The museum’s most recent addition, the New Depot Boijmans van Beuningen, is the world’s first publicly accessible art storage.
- Het Nieuwe Instituut: A great museum if you like architecture and design.
- Natural History Museum Rotterdam: Perfect for families or those interested in nature.
- Chabot Museum: A must-see for admirers of Hendrik Chabot’s work or Dutch expressionism.
Prefer something more high-tech? After visiting Kunsthal or Boijmans, head to Remastered Rotterdam, an interactive digital art space that blends visual effects with 3D sound and motion.
11. Katendrecht
Another highlight of Rotterdam is the ever-evolving Katendrecht district, where old industrial areas have been given new life as a mix of homes, shops, and cultural spots. The neighbourhood is now a trendy hub that attracts artists and creators, with studios, galleries, and artistic projects.
Katendrecht is located on the banks of the Nieuwe Maas and offers lovely views of the river and towards central Rotterdam.
Did you know? Katendrecht used to be Rotterdam’s Chinatown, thriving with a vibrant Chinese community from the early to mid-20th century. Urban renewal has transformed it into a stylish and cultural hotspot.
Here are a few must-see spots in Katendrecht:
- Fenix Food Factory: A cool food hall with an industrial vibe, set in a former warehouse.
- SS Rotterdam: The largest ocean liner ever built in the Netherlands, now a hotel and museum. You can spend a night aboard in one of its hotel rooms.
- Famous Hotel New York: Katendrecht is home to the iconic Hotel New York, housed in the former headquarters of the Holland America Line.
- Deliplein Square: The heart of Katendrecht with lively cafes, restaurants, and cultural events.
12. Kinderdijk Windmills
Just a quick 35-minute waterbus ride from Rotterdam’s Erasmus Bridge, you’ll reach the picturesque village of Kinderdijk with its 19 windmills. Built in the 18th century, these windmills were used to drain water from the low-lying land and keep the area from flooding.
In 1997, the windmills were recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can tour two of the 19 windmills and learn all about the lives of the miller families who once lived and worked here. We truly enjoyed exploring the inside of the museum windmills and seeing how things were back then.
Our top tip: To get to Kinderdijk, just take line 21 from Erasmus Bridge with the waterbus (you can buy your waterbus ticket here), It’s super easy and only takes around 35 minutes!
Interactive Map: Must-See Sights in Rotterdam
To enhance your exploration of Rotterdam, we’ve created an interactive map that shows all the top attractions mentioned in this post. Click on the map below to see the locations of these must-see sights:
How to use this map: Click the icon in the top left to see the full list of locations. For a bigger view, open it in a new tab via the top-right icon. You can also save it to your own Google Maps by clicking the star next to the map title.
Other Sights and Attractions
For our city guides, we always carefully select the activities we think are the best to do and see. If you’ve got some extra time in Rotterdam, here are a few additional sights worth considering:
Rotterdam Centraal – Rotterdam Central Station is the best way to arrive in Rotterdam by train. But even if you don’t, you should stop by because this train station is a landmark in itself with ultra-modern architecture and a clean, welcoming environment.
Day Trips to Nearby City – Looking for some fun things to do near Rotterdam? The city is the perfect base for a day trip. You can hop on a train from the Centraal station to Dutch cities like Delft (known for its blue pottery), The Hague (seat of the Dutch government), and Amsterdam (famous for its canals and museums). Alternatively, hop on a train to Belgium and explore Bruges, just over two hours away.
Rotterdam Zoo – If you’re a fan of zoos, Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp) is a sizable option with various animals, conservation efforts, and beautifully landscaped enclosures.
Lijnbaan Shopping Street – Discover the heart of Rotterdam’s shopping scene at Lijnbaan, a bustling street filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. You’ll find a diverse mix of big high-street names as well as local boutiques.
Architecture Walking Tour – Immerse yourself in Rotterdam’s modern and daring architecture with a guided walking tour, a must-do if you enjoy architecture! We highly recommend this tour here.
Witte de Withstraat – This area has many trendy restaurants, art galleries, and cosy coffee shops, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. In addition, Witte de Withstraat is a hotspot for street art and a great starting point for a night out in Rotterdam. Whether you want a few casual drinks or to dance the night away, you’ll find the perfect place with its mix of pubs, stylish cocktail bars, and wine bars.
Sonneveld House – If you’re into architecture, this museum house might be worth checking out! This bright, airy house with large windows and open floor plans is a fantastic example of the Dutch Functionalist style, which thrived in the 1930s. Just be prepared that it’s a relatively small property.
City Hall – Rotterdam’s Stadhuis (City Hall) is a remarkable post-war gem spared from World War II bombings. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in Rotterdam and has a stunning lobby and a lovely garden that’s open to the public. If you’re an admirer of grand buildings, make sure to check it out!
Oude Kerk (Old Church) – This church dates back to the 15th century and has beautiful Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and an impressive interior.
Nederlands Fotomuseum – The museum houses a collection of photographs that capture the evolution of Dutch photography and visual storytelling. While the museum is undoubtedly interesting for photography enthusiasts, we were a bit disappointed because there was only a limited collection on display.
Where To Stay
Best Neighbourhoods in Rotterdam
For a convenient stay, we suggest picking a hotel near public transport or in the city centre.
If it’s your first time in Rotterdam, these neighbourhoods are top picks: Centrum, Delfshaven, Kop van Zuid, Katendrecht, and Noord.
- Centrum is ideal for a central location and easy access to major attractions.
- Delfshaven offers a charming historical atmosphere and picturesque canals.
- Kop van Zuid boasts modern architecture and waterfront views.
- Katendrecht provides a trendy and cultural hotspot.
- Noord offers a quieter residential setting with a local vibe.
You can see Rotterdam’s best districts for first-time visitors in our illustrated map below:
Best Hotels in Rotterdam
We’ve been to Rotterdam a few times and stayed in a mix of places, but these are the ones we liked best:
Rotterdam Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re planning your first trip to Rotterdam, here are some essential tips to navigate the vibrant city:
- Brush up on a few Dutch phrases: A friendly “Hallo” (Hello, pronounced as “hah-loh” in English) or “Dank u wel” (Thank you very much, pronounced as “dahnk yuh vel”) goes a long way. While English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, a little effort with the local language is always appreciated.
- Dutch Tipping: Unlike many English-speaking countries, the Dutch don’t adhere to a strong tipping culture. While tipping around 10% is appreciated in places like bars, restaurants, and private boat tours in Rotterdam, it’s not automatically expected.
- Consider the Rotterdam City Card: Previously known as the Rotterdam Welcome Card, the Rotterdam City Card offers free public transport and discounts on many attractions, museums, and restaurants. Depending on your itinerary, the card could save you money.
- Opt for an eSIM for internet access: Avoid costly roaming fees and the hassle of hunting down a physical SIM card in the Netherlands. An eSIM is convenient and easy to install, and there’s no need to switch SIM cards. We’ve tested many eSIM providers and utlimately landed on Airalo.
- Embrace the Cycling Culture: Rotterdam is a bike-friendly city. Consider renting a bike for an authentic experience and easy access to many areas. Be sure to follow bike lane rules and respect pedestrians.
- Get a rechargeable travel card: The OV-chipkaart simplifies travel on public transport. You can purchase one at train stations, service counters, or GVB kiosks and top it up as needed.
- Festivals: Rotterdam is a city that loves a good festival! Throughout the year, there are events celebrating everything from film (like the world-famous International Film Festival Rotterdam held in late January) to music, food, and art. Check Rotterdam’s event calendar before your visit.
- Pack for the Weather: Rotterdam has a maritime climate with unpredictable weather. Be prepared for rain with a light jacket or umbrella, and comfortable shoes for exploring the city on foot or by bike.
FAQ: Visiting Rotterdam
Now that we’ve gone over the must-see spots and top activities in Rotterdam, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions:
Is 2 days enough in Rotterdam?
2 days in Rotterdam is a great way to see the city’s highlights, including the Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge, and Markthal. For a deeper exploration and potential day trips to nearby Dutch cities, extend your stay to 3-4 days.
What is Rotterdam best known for?
Rotterdam is best known for its innovative and modern architecture, rebuilt after World War II. Iconic landmarks like the Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge, and Markthal showcase the city’s commitment to contemporary design. Additionally, Rotterdam is renowned for its bustling port, the largest in Europe.
Read more: Is Rotterdam worth visiting?
Is Rotterdam a walkable city?
Rotterdam is a walkable city, particularly in the central areas. Many sights are close together, with a flat layout for easy strolling. Efficient public transportation options like trams and bikes are also available for easy exploring the city.
What is the best month to visit Rotterdam?
September is the optimal month to visit Rotterdam, offering lower-than-average rainfall, warm temperatures, and fewer crowds. May and June are also excellent choices with mild weather and outdoor events.
Is Rotterdam or Amsterdam better?
Amsterdam is known for its historic charm, picturesque canals, and cultural heritage, while Rotterdam stands out for its modern architecture, vibrant arts scene, and innovative design. It depends on your individual preferences.
Final Thoughts
With its population of 660,000, Rotterdam might not be one of the biggest cities. But there are still several must-see sights that make Rotterdam worth a visit! Rotterdam is a great place to experience modern architecture and a must-see city in Europe!
From the iconic Cube Houses and Markthal to its many art museums and charming Katendrecht district, we hope we have provided enough inspiration for you to create your own itinerary.
With our tips and common questions covered, we’re confident you’ll have a fantastic time there!
