Rotterdam. This city on the river Meuse with its impressive skyline is perhaps the most dynamic city in the Netherlands. Flattened by bombs during World War II, today it is one of the most modern, innovative and unique cities in the Netherlands.
Like a local
Boat tour around the harbour
Boat tour around the harbour
© Vera Bos
Rotterdam is a young, dynamic city known for its modern architecture and impressive harbour. Although only a fraction smaller than Amsterdam, it has a completely different look and feel than the capital. The city is characterised by an imposing skyline of skyscrapers and modern design, but also by icons such as the Erasmus Bridge, Rotterdam Central Station and of course the Euromast observation tower, which offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas.
Home to Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam was a prime target of the Germans during World War II and was almost completely destroyed by the Luftwaffe. Rising from the ashes of war, the current iconic skyline clearly reflects the modern character of the city. In recent decades, the city on the Meuse has grown into a dynamic metropolis that is internationally known for its innovative developments and architecture, but also for its port.
© Robin Utrecht
The port of Rotterdam
© Fred Ernst via Maritiem Museum Rotterdam
The port of Rotterdam is a major international hub and a symbol of trade, innovation and maritime history. As one of the largest ports in the world, a boat tour around the harbour or a visit to the Maritime Museum Rotterdam is definitely recommended. Water plays a major role in the city, as evidenced by the water taxi or the Wikkelboats – tiny houseboats in which you can spend the night. Located in the middle of the Maritime District, the Port Pavilion is the ideal starting point to really discover the port for yourself.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Rotterdam offers so much to see and do. The Witte de Withstraat has traditionally been the most popular and well-known place to go out, but it now has some stiff competition from the Nieuwe Binnenweg with its trendy shops, cafés and restaurants. Also highly recommended is the Fenix Food Factory on Katendrecht, a food hall with a craft brewery and stalls for meat, vegetables and dairy products.
© Iris van den Broek
You will also find numerous cultural attractions here, such as the Melly contemporary art gallery and Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, where visitors can enjoy the impressive art collection of the temporarily closed Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. Sports enthusiasts should of course stop by De Kuip, the large stadium of Feyenoord football club.
Flora and fauna in Rotterdam
© Guido Pijper via RBT
Despite its modernity, Rotterdam is a very sustainable city where lovers of nature, biodiversity and flora and fauna can marvel at the city’s innovative, new ways of using greenery. Take, for example, the Floating Farm, a unique, circular farm on the water, or The Dakakker, the largest 'open-air roof farm in the Netherlands' in the heart of Rotterdam. Also not to be missed is Blue City, a true international icon in the field of circular economy.
Top tip: Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague and Eindhoven offer direct train connections to Rotterdam. Why not enjoy a multi-city holiday?
The flavour of Rotterdam
© Iris van den Broek
Category:Visit website
10x local food in Rotterdam
An ever-increasing number of restaurants and bars are trying to use local, fresh produce as much as possible. This overview contains a list of authentic Rotterdam establishments that add even more prestige to the concept of 'local dining'.
Read more onen.rotterdam.info
© Iris van den Broek
Category:Visit website
Timeless terraces
Come rain or shine, having a drink on a charming restaurant or pub terrace is one of those things you have to do at least once when in Rotterdam. Find a free table on a terrace with stunning views of iconic A-listers such as the river Meuse and the Erasmus Bridge.
Read more onen.rotterdam.info
© Vera Bos via RBT
Category:Visit website
Pubs and bars: the ultimate list
From trendy clubs to welcoming bars and unique events, there is always something going on in Rotterdam. There’s a vibrant, energetic vibe that attracts a truly diverse crowd.
Read more onen.rotterdam.info
© Annemarie van Waterschoot
Category:Visit website
Tai Wu
Jackie Chan once ate at this iconic Chinese-Cantonese restaurant when he was in Rotterdam for the International Film Festival Rotterdam. With its beautiful red facade, round tables and an extensive menu of classic Chinese dishes, Tai Wu is an absolute must during a visit to Rotterdam.
Read more ontai-wu.nl
© Ruth Nije Bijvank
Category:Visit website
Restaurant Rotonde
Restaurant Rotonde aims to be a progressive kitchen by constantly addressing issues such as sustainability, the origin of ingredients and waste management. The result is a stylish and sustainable establishment with delicious, honest food.
Read more onrestaurantrotonde.nl
Sustainable
The city on the Meuse is greener than you think
The city on the Meuse is greener than you think
Home to the largest port in Europe, this modern metropolis is also one of the greenest and most sustainable cities in the Netherlands. One of the most striking initiatives in this regard is the Dakpark, an elegant roof park established on a former railway line in the west of the city. The park offers panoramic views and is a green urban oasis, with various plants, trees and flowers. It’s also a model of sustainability, with rainwater collection, solar panels and even a bee hotel. For those wanting to learn more about sustainability and nature conservation, the nearby Educational Garden offers a wealth of information.
© Iris van den Broek
© Iris van den Broek
Another green hotspot in Rotterdam is the Kralingse Bos, a vast city park with forests, water features and walking paths. The park not only offers a beautiful environment for relaxing, but also has numerous sustainable initiatives, such as a water playground with sustainable water filtration and an organic farm. Keen runners will enjoy the parkrun that takes place there every Saturday morning.
Largest city park in the Netherlands
We can’t talk about sustainability without mentioning Zuiderpark in South Rotterdam. It’s the largest city park in the Netherlands and ideal for a nice walk or picnic. Or stop by the Park at the Euromast and visit the 'secret garden' Schoonoord. Finally, why not hop on the metro and head towards Hoek van Holland? Hollandse Duinen National Park is a beautiful coastal nature reserve and a great place for cycling or walking.
© Claire Droppert
Green tips in the port city
© Else Loof
Category:Visit website
Trompenburg Gardens and Arboretum
A beautiful botanical garden with a large collection of trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs and tubers. It is seen as an invaluable 'living museum' in the field of biodiversity and natural history.
Read more ontrompenburg.nl
© Iris van Den Broek
Category:Visit website
The Kralingse Plas
With more than 3.5 million visitors per year, the Kralingse Plas is an important recreational area in the city, for locals and visitors alike. With a lake perfect for water sports, it’s a beautiful bit of nature in a busy city.
Read more onrotterdam.nl
© Iris van den Broek
Category:Visit Instagram
Harvest Market
This welcoming, atmospheric market is held every Saturday on the Noordplein. Along with Het Zwaanshals, a street full of small boutiques and restaurants, it’s a nice place to visit at the weekend.
Read more oninstagram.com
© Iris van den Broek
Category:Visit website
Parqiet in het Park
Coffee, tea or drinks and nibbles in a nice park with a view of the Euromast. Who could say no to that? You’ll find it all at Parqiet. Afterwards, go for a nice walk in the park.
Read more onparqiet.com
© Perla van Kessel
Category:Visit website
Rotterdamse Munt
Green, greener, greenest. De Rotterdamse Munt is a green oasis in the heart of Rotterdam full of edible plants and flowers. Stroll around and pick, smell and taste the beauty that nature has to offer.
Read more onrotterdamsemunt.nl
Hidden gems
Unconventional Rotterdam
© Vera Bos
Having escaped the bombing by the Luftwaffe during the war, Delfshaven is one of Rotterdam’s undisputed gems. Located just next to the bustling city centre with historic Delfshaven as its highlight, this district in the western part of Rotterdam is a melting pot of diverse cultures and nationalities. It’s home to authentic Rotterdam cafes and small shops, but also trendy, new shops.
The old Rotterdam
The Middelland district in Delfshaven also has a rich architectural history with beautiful buildings from the 1920s and 1930s, many of which are still in their original state – a rare sight in Rotterdam.
The area has not yet been ‘discovered’ and that’s why it is so special. It’s the perfect place to experience modern city life with an authentic Rotterdam vibe. There is a reason why the late politician Pim Fortuyn lived in this special environment, which is now home to about 80,000 Rotterdammers.
© Iris van den Broek
Delfshaven is also home to another highlight: the monumental Justus van Effen complex, a former block of workers' houses now serving as a living and working space for artists and other creatives. Definitely worth a visit.
© Iris van den Broek
Category:Visit website
Historic Delfshaven
One of the few parts of the old city that survived the bombing of Rotterdam in 1940. Nowadays the historic canal houses are home to cosy shops selling trinkets, jenever (Dutch gin) cafés, breweries, no-nonsense eateries and even the Dutch Pinball Museum.
Read more onen.rotterdam.info
© Iris van den Broek
Category:Visit website
Unconventional art
Rotterdam reserves a lot of space for experimental artworks that often stand out due to their size, shape or subject. Don't miss out. This is art that deserves to be admired.
Read more onen.rotterdam.info
Iris van den Broek
Category:Visit website
Little C
With trendy restaurants such as Old Scuola and Kula and terraces with a view of the river Schie, this district has a Greenwich Village in miniature vibe.
Read more ongoogle.com
© Iris van den Broek
Category:Visit website
Fenix Food Factory
The Fenix Food Factory is considered the traditional fresh food market of Rotterdam. From Tuesday to Sunday, you can smell, taste and buy the most special fresh produce from various entrepreneurs who are all passionate about their products.
Read more onfenixfoodfactory.nl
© Iris van den Broek
Category:Visit website
Discover the Rotterdam rooftops
Visit the unique Rotterdam rooftops. The remarkable cube-shaped roofs on the Blaak are well-known, but there is much more to discover than that. It´s art in itself.
Read more onrotterdamsedakendagen.nl
© Rob Niemantsverdriet via RMIH
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Van Nelle factory
A beautiful building that was built as a coffee, tea and tobacco factory and has had a great influence on the development of modern architecture. Architect Leendert van der Vlugt created a building where light, air and space were central. The result is the beautiful Van Nelle factory, located in the Spaanse Polder district of the bustling city on the Meuse.
Let's go
Discover more cities as a local
Category:Discover
The Hague: Green city by the sea
Many associate The Hague with the International Court of Justice. But did you know that it’s home to historical monuments, beaches, fabulous museums and a vibrant shopping centre?
Category:Discover
Almere: The youngest city in the Netherlands
The newest city in the Netherlands might just surprise you with all it has to offer. ‘Ally’ is an open-air museum of modern architecture.
Category:Discover
Eindhoven: Design capital of the Netherlands
Eindhoven is Europe’s design capital and one of the most beautiful hidden gems of the Netherlands. Discover it for yourself.
