Centrum Travel Guide

Discover things to do in Centrum, Rotterdam, such as strolling the streets, visiting museums and historical places, outdoor adventures, tasting local dishes, and more in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Centrum

As the heart of Rotterdam, Centrum offers visitors an exciting mix of modern architecture, historic landmarks, cultural institutions, and local flavor. Located in the bustling Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region in South Holland, Western Netherlands, this vibrant district is a must-see destination for tourists looking to explore this stunning city. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Centrum and its top attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Centrum

Whether you’re interested in contemporary art, world-class museums, stunning architecture, or fine dining, Centrum has something for everyone. From one-of-a-kind shopping experiences to beautiful parks and squares, there’s no shortage of must-see attractions in this vibrant district. Here is a list of some of the top places to visit in Centrum:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
  • Maritime Museum Rotterdam
  • Rotterdam Museum
  • The Cube Houses
  • Laurenskerk
  • Witte Huis
  • Historic Delfshaven

Natural Attractions of Centrum: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cube House Forest
  • Euromast Tower
  • Het Park
  • Veerhaven
  • Kralingse Plas

Hiking/Biking Routes of Centrum

Exploring Centrum by bike or on foot is an excellent way to get a sense of the district’s unique character and atmosphere. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Centrum:

  • Luchtsingel and Schieblock Route
  • Museumpark and Het Park Route
  • Kop van Zuid and Erasmus Bridge Route
  • Floating Forest and Rotterdam Central Station Route

Best Things to Do in Centrum: Activities and Tours

Centrum is famous for its fantastic selection of activities and tours. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or want to delve into the local culture, here are some of the top things worth doing:

  • Take a Spido Harbour Tour
  • Visit the Markthal Food Market
  • Embark on a Rotterdam Walking Tour
  • Try a City Bike Tour
  • Take a Foodie Tour of Rotterdam

Week-Long Itinerary for Centrum

Centrum offers an array of must-see attractions that will keep visitors entertained for days. If you’re planning a week-long trip to Rotterdam, here is a sample itinerary that will let you experience the best of Centrum:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen and Kunsthal Rotterdam
2 Head to the Maritime Museum Rotterdam and the Erasmusbrug Bridge
3 Explore the Cube Houses, Witte Huis, and Laurenskerk
4 Visit the Markthal Food Market and the Floating Forest
5 Take a Spido Harbour Tour and visit the Historic Delfshaven
6 Stroll Kralingse Plas and Het Park
7 Embark on a Rotterdam Walking Tour and visit Rotterdam Zoo

Food and Drink Scene of Centrum

No trip to Centrum is complete without sampling the unique and delicious flavors of the district’s food and drink scene.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stroopwafels
  • Kibbeling
  • Poffertjes
  • Bitterballen
  • Croquettes
  • Speculaas
  • Rijsttafel

Local Beverages

  • Jenever
  • Dutch beer
  • Korenwijn
  • Bitter

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

Centrum offers plenty of accommodation options for every budget, from luxury hotels to backpacker-friendly hostels. Here are some of the top places to stay in Centrum:

  • Mainport Hotel
  • Rotterdam Marriott Hotel
  • King Kong Hostel
  • King Kong Hostel
  • Hotel Emma
  • Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel

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

Looking for the perfect souvenir or gift to take home from your trip to Centrum? Here are some of the top options:

  • Delftware ceramics
  • Dutch cheese
  • Clogs
  • Stroopwafels
  • Dutch chocolate
  • Rotterdam Art

Local Culture and Customs of Centrum

Rotterdam’s culture is a unique and vibrant blend of modern architecture, tradition, and innovation. Visitors to Centrum can experience this local culture by exploring the district’s museums, galleries, and monuments.

Best Time to Visit Centrum

The best time to visit Centrum is from April to September, when the weather is mild, and there are a variety of outdoor activities and events to participate in.

Do’s and Don’ts of Centrum

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Centrum:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks
  • Visit local museums and galleries
  • Take a walking tour to explore the district
  • Enjoy the stunning architecture

Don’t:

  • Touch or climb on public art installations
  • Litter on the streets
  • Disrespect historic monuments and buildings

Safety and Health

Centrum is a safe and friendly district, but it’s still important to take precautions to ensure your safety and health.

Safety in Centrum

  • Keep your valuables safe and secure
  • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night
  • Use well-lit and busy streets when walking at night
  • Watch out for bicycles and trams when crossing the streets

Health in Centrum

  • Drink plenty of water, especially on hot days
  • Use sunscreen to protect against the sun
  • Know the location of the nearest hospital or clinic

Getting to Centrum: Transportation Options and Logistics

Centrum is easily accessible, thanks to its central location and various transportation options.

Airports Near Centrum

The two nearest airports to Centrum are Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).

Bus Stations Near Centrum

Centrum is served by several bus stations, including Rotterdam Centraal Station and Rotterdam Blaak Station.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Centrum by using the metro or tram system, walking, biking, or driving.

How to Get Around in Centrum

Centrum is a small and walkable district, but there are plenty of transportation options available to visitors who want to explore further, including metro, tram, buses, and taxis.

Where to Go Next from Centrum: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

With its central location and excellent transportation connections, Centrum is an excellent starting point for exploring Rotterdam and the surrounding region. Here are some of the nearby destinations worth visiting:

  • Rotterdam Zoo
  • Delft
  • Kinderdijk
  • Gouda
  • The Hague

Conclusion

Centrum is one of the most exciting and dynamic destinations in Rotterdam. With its beautiful architecture, cultural landmarks, and diverse activities and attractions, there’s something for everyone to love. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, Centrum is sure to deliver an experience you’ll never forget.

The skyline of Rotterdam by night, as seen from the Euromast. The skyline of Rotterdam by night, as seen from the Euromast. Rotterdam's central station. From left to right, it has its main entrance leading you to the trains, an outdoor entry to the metro (though indoor connections are also in place), and the outdoor tram platforms on the far right. Rotterdam's central station. From left to right, it has its main entrance leading you to the trains, an outdoor entry to the metro (though indoor connections are also in place), and the outdoor tram platforms on the far right. The approach to Rotterdam Centraal. To the right the tram tracks set in grass with a tram going south. In the back you can recognise the distinctively shaped central station. The approach to Rotterdam Centraal. To the right the tram tracks set in grass with a tram going south. In the back you can recognise the distinctively shaped central station. Tram stopping at Blaak in front of the infamous ''Kubuswoningen''. Tram stopping at Blaak in front of the infamous ''Kubuswoningen''. A metro train on its way between Vlaardingen and Hook of Holland. Don't expect to see these trains while walking the city centre, though, metro trains run completely underground throughout it. A metro train on its way between Vlaardingen and Hook of Holland. Don't expect to see these trains while walking the city centre, though, metro trains run completely underground throughout it. The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast The NAi The NAi Scale model of the port of Rotterdam at the Maritime Museum Scale model of the port of Rotterdam at the Maritime Museum Witte de With Center Witte de With Center Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival In July, you can enjoy the ''North Sea Jazz'' festival The International Film Festival Rotterdam takes place in February The International Film Festival Rotterdam takes place in February The ''Koopgoot'' The ''Koopgoot'' The Markthal in the night The Markthal in the night You can find many gastronomic outlets around the Schouwburgplein You can find many gastronomic outlets around the Schouwburgplein The Old Harbour area offers many commendable options for eating out The Old Harbour area offers many commendable options for eating out The ''Santa Claus'' statue on ''Eendrachtsplein'' impersonates the ''genius loci'' The ''Santa Claus'' statue on ''Eendrachtsplein'' impersonates the ''genius loci'' Cafe de Unie is a Rotterdam institution Cafe de Unie is a Rotterdam institution Some tourists come to Rotterdam for its coffeeshops. Some tourists come to Rotterdam for its coffeeshops. Hotel NH Atlanta is one of the few surviving pre-war buildings in central Rotterdam Hotel NH Atlanta is one of the few surviving pre-war buildings in central Rotterdam