Rotterdam Travel Guide

Get the best experience on your Rotterdam trip with this comprehensive tour guide. From cultural attractions to natural wonders, this guide covers it all.


Rotterdam is a dynamic city in the Western Netherlands that boasts of magnificent architecture, artistic heritage, and a bustling culinary and entertainment scene. As the second-largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is a hub of culture and commerce, offering visitors a unique travel experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Rotterdam, from the must-visit attractions to cultural norms and what to eat.

Introduction to Rotterdam

Located in the Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region and South Holland Province, Rotterdam is one of the busiest ports in Europe, welcoming millions of guests annually. It is a city that offers unique architectural wonders, stunning views, and rich cultural heritage. Although it was heavily bombed during WWII, Rotterdam has since undergone significant redevelopment, resulting in a cityscape that boasts a blend of modern and traditional structures.

List of Places to Visit in Rotterdam

Rotterdam offers a wide range of attractions for visitors to explore. From museums and cultural centers to natural parks, there’s something for everyone in this bustling city.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen: This art museum houses a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from various famous artists and international pieces from medieval to contemporary art.
  2. Kunsthal Rotterdam: This futuristic museum houses temporary exhibitions showcasing various forms of modern and contemporary art.
  3. Rotterdam World War II & the City: The museum showcases the city’s history during World War II and the aftermath of the bombings.
  4. De Rotterdamse Markthal: One of Europe’s largest indoor markets, the Markthal provides an exciting shopping experience with over 100 stalls selling local and international products.

Natural Attractions of Rotterdam: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Kralingse Bos Park: This popular park offers various activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, and sailing, covering about 300 hectares of land.
  2. Euromast: The tower is located in the center of Rotterdam, making it an ideal attraction to get breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Visitors can also enjoy fine dining at the restaurant located at the top of the tower.
  3. Rotterdam Zoo Blijdorp: A fantastic destination to view different exotic animals, visitors can expect to see giraffes, lions, and tigers in their natural habitats.
  4. Delfshaven: The charming old port district was purely restored and offers visitors an opportunity to explore a picturesque boat and lunch cafes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rotterdam

Looking to explore Rotterdam on foot or by bike? Here are some fantastic routes to consider.

  1. Westelijk Dijkenroute: This route is perfect for cyclists and hikers, providing beautiful views of the river, wildlife sightings, and picturesque landscapes.
  2. Kralingse Bos Park Route: This loop covers an area of about 10km around the beautiful Kralingse Bos Park.
  3. Rotterdam Tour: Cube House and the Old Harbor: This route takes visitors through the iconic cube houses to the charming Old Harbor district.

Best Things to Do in Rotterdam: Activities and Tours

If you’re looking to engage in activities rather than just sight-seeing, Rotterdam has you covered. Here are some of the best activities to take part in.

  1. Kayaking on the River: Looking to explore Rotterdam’s waterways? Go kayaking on the river to witness the beautiful city from another angle.
  2. Dine at the Euromast: If you’re looking to make your dining experience extraordinary, go to Rotterdam’s iconic tower, Euromast. Enjoy your meal as you take in sweeping views of the city.
  3. Visit Katendrecht: To get a true taste of Rotterdam’s food scene, visit Katendrecht, and enjoy some delicious cuisine from various ethnicities, including Italian, Chinese, and Surinamese.
  4. Taking Ferries to Explore: Want to explore Rotterdam from the water? Take a ferry to explore the city’s waterways and different areas.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rotterdam

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Rotterdam, here’s an itinerary to help you plan your days.

Day Activity
1 Visit the Cube Houses
2 Explore Katendrecht for food
3 Check out the Markthal
4 Visit the Euromast
5 Visit Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
6 Take a day trip to Delfshaven
7 Kayak on the River

Food and Drink Scene of Rotterdam

Rotterdam’s food scene is a fantastic blend of international cuisine and local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages to enjoy.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Bitterballen: This snack is Dutch cuisine, a mixture of chopped beef or veal and potatoes, rolled, then covered with breadcrumbs and deep-fried.
  2. Vlaai: A Dutch dessert with cake topped with whipped cream and fruit, served cold.
  3. Haring: This is the Dutch raw herring that comes served with onions, and it’s a famous street food in the Netherlands.

Local Beverages

  1. Dutch Beer: One of the most notable beers in the Netherlands is Heineken, but there are varieties of beer brewed from small and medium-sized breweries in Rotterdam.
  2. Genever: This is a famous drink in the Netherlands, gin-like, traditionally flavored with juniper berries and malt wine.

Where to Stay in Rotterdam: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Rotterdam offers a wide range of accommodation options, depending on your budget and preference. Here are some top recommendations:

  1. citizenM Rotterdam: A modern hotel, centrally located, and packed with amenities.
  2. King Kong Hostel: A chic hostel with affordable rates and 24-hour reception.
  3. StayOkay Hostel: A family-friendly hostel near a big park and the city’s railway station.

What to Buy in Rotterdam: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Rotterdam has a fantastic collection of local products that visitors can take home for keepsakes or gifts for friends and family. Here are some recommendations:

  1. Delfshaven Mugs
  2. A Trip to the Markthal for Spices
  3. Katendrecht’s Local Delicacy
  4. Cow Parade Souvenirs

Local Culture and Customs of Rotterdam

Although Rotterdam is a cosmopolitan city, it still has a unique culture and customs worth noting. For instance, while Dutch people are mainly known for cycling, Rotterdam’s downtown center is car-centric. It is also essential to note that they are open, friendly, and love boasting about their city.

Best Time to Visit Rotterdam

Rotterdam can be visited at any time of the year. However, the best time to visit Rotterdam is in summer, from June to August, when the weather conditions are perfect for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rotterdam

Do:

  1. Greet with a handshake or a small nod of the head.
  2. Always ask permission before taking photographs.
  3. Dress up when going to elegant restaurants.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t touch strangers or initiate physical contact
  2. Don’t litter or smoke in non-authorized areas.
  3. Don’t sit on the pavement or any place that blocks traffic.

Safety and Health

Safety in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is considered a safe city for tourists to explore. However, it’s always wise to take precautions such as avoiding deserted or unfamiliar places in the late night hours, not leaving your valuables unattended.

Health in Rotterdam

The Netherlands is known for its excellent health care system, and Rotterdam is no exception. Foreign visitors can use their European Health Insurance Card to receive medical treatment.

Getting to Rotterdam: Transportation Options and Logistics

Rotterdam is well-connected to other European cities and offers multiple transportation options to get into the city, including air, bus, and train.

Airports Near Rotterdam

  1. Rotterdam The Hague Airport: Serves domestic and international flights and located just 6 km outside the city.
  2. Schiphol Airport: Located about 45 km from the city.

Bus Stations Near Rotterdam

  1. Rotterdam Central Station
  2. Eurolines: Located at Conradstraat.

Other options

  1. Trains: Rotterdam has several railway stations, including Rotterdam Centraal, Rotterdam Alexander, and the less-busy Rotterdam Noord.
  2. Car: Taxi is the most prevalent form of road transport, but Car Rentals are also available.

How to Get Around in Rotterdam

Rotterdam offers an excellent public transportation system that makes it easy for visitors to get around the city. The public transport includes buses, trams, metros, and trains, with fares affordable and easy to purchase.

Where to Go Next from Rotterdam: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re planning to explore beyond Rotterdam, here are some fantastic nearby destinations worth considering:

  1. The Hague: Located less than 30 minutes from Rotterdam, highlights include the Binnenhof Palace and the Mauritshuis Museum.
  2. Kinderdijk: The UNESCO-listed windmills in Kinderdijk are a must-see, located just a few miles east from Rotterdam.
  3. Utrecht: Famous for its center with unique architecture and culture. It is located less than an hour from Rotterdam by train.

Conclusion

Rotterdam is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of culture, architecture, and scenic nature. Whether you’re staying for a long period or just a few days, this comprehensive tour guide will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Rotterdam.

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    Centrum
    Kralingen-Crooswijk
    Northern Rotterdam