What to do in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Erasmusbrug and the ‘Kop van Zuid’ (Rotterdam) seen from the Euromast tower

About Rotterdam:

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands, known for its modern architecture, port, and lively cultural scene. The city is located in the province of South Holland, and has a population of around 635,000 people.

One of the main attractions in Rotterdam is the Erasmus Bridge, which offers a beautiful view of the city and the port. Another popular attraction is the Markthal, a large indoor market that features a variety of food vendors and shops.

Rotterdam is also known for its modern architecture, including the iconic Cube Houses, and the De Rotterdam building, which is one of the largest skyscrapers in Europe. Visitors can also take a tour of the Maritime Museum Rotterdam, which tells the history of Rotterdam’s port and its role in the Netherlands and the world.

Rotterdam has a lively cultural scene, with a variety of museums, theaters, and music venues. The city also hosts several annual events and festivals, such as the Rotterdam International Film Festival and the North Sea Jazz Festival.

The city is also well known for its shopping, with a variety of shops, markets, and department stores. Visitors can find a wide range of products, from designer fashion to local crafts and traditional Dutch souvenirs.

Rotterdam has good public transport connections, with several bus and train connections to the surrounding cities. The city also has a good selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars, with a variety of cuisines and atmospheres.

Overall, Rotterdam is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re interested in architecture, culture, port, or shopping, there’s something for everyone in Rotterdam.

Things to do in Rotterdam:

Walk across the Erasmus Bridge, which offers a beautiful view of the city and the port.
Visit the Markthal, a large indoor market that features a variety of food vendors and shops.
Explore the Cube Houses, a set of unique and iconic residential buildings designed by architect Piet Blom.
Visit the Maritime Museum Rotterdam, which tells the history of Rotterdam’s port and its role in the Netherlands and the world.
Take a tour of the De Rotterdam building, one of the largest skyscrapers in Europe, and enjoy the view from the top.
Visit the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, which has a large collection of art, including works by famous Dutch and international artists.
Take a stroll along the Wilhelminapier and admire the modern architecture and the view of the harbor.
Visit the Diergaarde Blijdorp, one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the Netherlands.
Take a bike ride through the beautiful parks and gardens of Rotterdam, such as the Kralingse Bos and the Het Park.
Visit the Witte de Withstraat, a street known for its trendy bars, cafes, and art galleries.
Visit the Rotterdam International Film Festival, an annual event that showcases the best of international and Dutch cinema.
Visit the North Sea Jazz Festival, an annual event that brings together some of the biggest names in jazz and other music genres.
Visit the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, a renowned orchestra that performs in the De Doelen concert hall.
Visit the Rotterdam Kunsthal, a museum that hosts temporary exhibitions.
Visit the Rotterdam Zoo, which is home to a variety of animals from around the world.
Visit the Rotterdam Maritime Museum, which tells the history of Rotterdam’s port and its role in the Netherlands and the world.
Visit the Rotterdam Market Hall, which offers a wide variety of fresh produce, flowers, and other goods.
Visit the Rotterdam Science Center, which offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages.
Take a day trip to the nearby city of The Hague, which is known for its historic architecture and beautiful beaches.
Visit the Rotterdam Library, which offers a wide range of books and other resources, as well as regular events and activities.