Rotterdam rebuilt itself after the bombing of 1940, and the result is a city of bold architecture, harbour views and a more informal mood than Amsterdam. For travellers, Rotterdam trips fall into two groups: what to do inside the city, and what to reach easily from it. Its position near the Maas, the North Sea and several historic towns makes it a smart base for a few days. This guide sorts the best ideas by type and gives practical tips on getting around.
Rotterdam trips inside the city
Markthal and Cube Houses
The Markthal is a huge arched market hall with apartments built around it and a giant painted ceiling. Under the arch you can eat your way around stalls selling cheeses, snacks and international food. A short walk away are the Cube Houses, tilted yellow homes designed by Piet Blom, and one of them operates as a small show house you can visit.
Erasmus Bridge and the waterfront
The Erasmusbrug, nicknamed The Swan, is a cable-stayed bridge and the city’s emblem. Walk or cycle across it, and head to the Kop van Zuid district to see modern towers and the old Hotel New York, formerly the headquarters of the Holland America Line. Water taxis and the Watertaxi service connect parts of the harbour quickly and give a different view of the port.
Euromast and views
The Euromast tower offers views over the harbour and the city. Check access and any special experiences available, as they vary.
Museums
The Boijmans Van Beuningen collection is displayed at the Depot, a mirrored building that opened in the early 2020s and lets visitors see art in storage. The Maritime Museum explores harbour history, and the Kunsthal hosts changing exhibitions. Check each museum’s current schedule.
Delfshaven
Delfshaven is one of the few districts that survived the bombing, with old canal houses and a quiet harbour. The Pilgrim Fathers are associated with the Pilgrim Fathers’ Church here, since they are said to have set sail from this area on their way to the New World. It is a pleasant place for a coffee.
Easy day trips from Rotterdam
Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk is a UNESCO-listed group of windmills in a polder landscape, and a classic day out. Reach it by water bus from Rotterdam, a journey that is part of the fun, or by bus. You can walk or cycle along the paths and visit a mill that is open to the public.
Delft
Delft is roughly a short train or tram ride away. It is a compact old town with canals, the Nieuwe Kerk, the Oude Kerk and the Royal Delft pottery. It is a good pairing with The Hague.
Gouda
Gouda is known for its cheese, its Gothic town hall and its stained-glass windows in the Sint-Janskerk. The cheese market takes place seasonally on set days, so check the dates.
Schiedam
Schiedam, a stop away, has some of the tallest traditional windmills in the world, and a history of gin distilling. The Jenevermuseum tells the story of Dutch genever.
Hoek van Holland and the beach
For a sea break, take the metro line to Hoek van Holland Strand, which runs from the city centre to the coast. The beach is broad and sandy, and there are beach cafés in season.
The Hague and Leiden
The Hague, with the Mauritshuis, Binnenhof and Scheveningen, is also within easy reach by train. Leiden, a bit further, is a university city with canals and the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden.
Getting around
Rotterdam has a good metro, tram and bus network, along with trains and water buses. Use contactless bank card or an OV-chipkaart; check the current system for visitors. The Rotterdam Welcome Card or similar passes, if available, may include discounts, but compare the cost with what you plan to do. Bicycles are readily available to rent, and the city is mostly flat.
Practical tips
- Book major attractions in advance in summer, as popular sites sell out.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the city is spread out.
- Weather can change quickly, so carry a light rain jacket.
- Check opening days, since some museums close on Mondays.
- Plan the Kinderdijk trip for a day with decent weather and be aware that boats may run on a seasonal timetable.
Sample plan
A quick two-day approach: spend day one in the city, with the Markthal, Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge and Delfshaven, and use day two for Kinderdijk by water bus plus Delft in the afternoon. Add a third day for Hoek van Holland or The Hague if you have time.
Prices, timetables and exhibitions change, so check the official visitor site, Rotterdam Tourist Information, before planning. Rotterdam trips work well because distances are small and public transport is excellent, which means you can combine architecture, history and countryside with little stress.
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Image credit: Michielverbeek via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
