Best Things To Do in Rotterdam

Seeing the beauty that characterizes Rotterdam you would not even imagine that in 1940 it was almost completely destroyed. This totally changed its architecture and gave way to impressive buildings such as the Cube Houses and the local terraces. But don't worry, if you want to travel to medieval Rotterdam, you have the option to get lost in Delfshaven or visit the Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk church.

Another must-see of the city is the Euromast Tower, where the panoramic views will not leave you indifferent. In addition, its streets are ideal for a bike ride and to enjoy a feast at the Markthal market. Still don't know what to visit? Here is a complete guide for you to enjoy your trip.

To make the most of your time, I suggest you start with the highlights. The Cube Houses, located in the Blaak neighborhood, are something unusual that you won't see just anywhere. Their innovative design is visually striking, as they are tilted 45 degrees and rise on a hexagonal platform. The context is even more interesting, as they represent a forest where each house symbolizes a tree.

Would you like to see inside? In the city you'll find the Kijk-Kubus museum, a fascinating insight into what it's like to live in its gravity-defying spaces. In fact, many are for sale at exorbitant prices. If you want to take pictures of these houses, I recommend moving to the old Oudehaven harbor, the perfect angle to catch the steep incline.

In general, there are many ways to discover these types of locations. Com, for example, by hiring a private tour of Rotterdam where you can customize the itinerary yourself.

Details of interest

• Price: to see the houses from the outside, there is no cost, you can walk freely around the area and observe them. For the Kijk-Kubus museum tickets are available from 3 €. And if you are interested in taking a private tour, you can find options from 126 €.
• Opening hours: the museum is open daily from 11:00 to 17:00. Tours are available between 9:00 and 13:00.
• How to get there: you can get there on foot, by streetcar or bus.

The Euromast Tower is one of the main attractions, especially when it comes to spectacular views. It has a retro futuristic design that is hard to ignore and can be seen from different points of the city. It is one of the tallest buildings and allows you to appreciate Rotterdam with a 360-degree perspective.

It offers you the opportunity to enjoy the city from the heights and is a challenge to vertigo because you will be 112 meters high. There is also a specific entrance that gives you access to its second viewpoint that is 185 meters, right at the top of the tower. To get there you will have to ride a rotating elevator, which makes the experience more memorable.

The more daring enjoy the glass floor of the tower, which allows you to see Rotterdam at your feet. Please note that this feature is only activated at the push of a button, and you can request it upon boarding at no additional cost. Finally, I recommend you to book tickets for the Euromast tower in advance to gain access without queues.

Interesting details

• Price: from 13 € per person.
• Hours: daily from 10:00 to 23:00.
• How to get there: the tourist bus has a stop right next to it. Also within walking distance are the Coolhaven subway station and the Euromast streetcar station.

If you're looking for an unconventional adventure, then you need to get on the Rotterdam Amphibian. This experience takes you through the best of the city, offering unparalleled views by sea and land. I'm sure you'll love it because the tour starts by visiting the main tourist attractions such as the Euromast Tower, the Cube Houses and the Markthal Market.

And after exploring the streets and harbor of Rotterdam, you'll dive into the Meuse River to see the city from another angle and take the best pictures. It's a gentle stroll that offers an audio guide narrating the history of the main monuments. The best thing is that when you book a tour on the Rotterdam amphibian you will not have to transfer, because after touring the city, the amphibian turns into a boat.

Interesting details

• Price: from 30 € per person.
• Hours: usually offered between 11:00 and 17:45.

It's incredible to think that there was a time when Rotterdam was nothing but ruins and destruction. But after a bombing in World War II, the local architecture underwent a radical change. From it emerged its impressive rooftops that combine rooftops with urban gardens creating a vibrant atmosphere.

If you plan to visit Rotterdam in June you can't miss Roof Top Days. It is an annual event that allows you to take advantage of the views from different rooftops. The celebration comes alive to commemorate Architecture Month, so you can enjoy live entertainment, open-air cinema and traditional food.

Another option is to book a guided tour of Rotterdam's rooftops. This way, you can enjoy at least five unique rooftops. From hotel terraces to private rooftop gardens, get ready to visit the best and longest rooftop in the Netherlands and learn what makes them so special. Note that you will be visiting rooftops that are not usually open to the public all year round, which makes the experience all the more special.

Interesting details

• Price: there are rooftop options from 5 € plus drinks. In addition, once a year there is the Rooftop Party in which you can access several rooftops for only 9 €. If you want variety and access to the most exclusive ones, you can book a guided tour of the rooftops from 39 €, but consider that it sells out very quickly.

The Netherlands is famous for being the land of bicycles. Therefore, you can't miss a bike tour through the most emblematic places of Rotterdam. This experience allows you to take advantage of its extensive network of cycle paths and visit places like the Markthal market, famous for its architecture and gastronomic offerings.

You can rent your bike at the central train station from 7 € per day, although there are different applications that allow you to access the nearest bike, unlock it and start pedaling.

However, if you want to get to know the history of each monument, you can book a bike tour. You should consider that it is necessary to bring your bike, so you will have to rent it anyway. You are probably wondering what makes this kind of tours so special, and it is the possibility to get to know the best areas for eating and shopping.

Interesting details

• Price: bikes can be rented for around 7 € per day. If you want to join a guided tour you will have to pay the price of the bike and around 35 € per person for the tour.

Rotterdam is a city full of history and fascinating places, such as the medieval church Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk. You can see it from the outside and admire the last remaining testimony of the Middle Ages in the city. However, I recommend you also go inside to admire it from the inside.

The highlight is the spectacular view of the entire city from its tower. But that's not all! Here you will find the largest organ in the Netherlands, historical tombs and the Bronze Gates that represent the horrors of war and the happiness that brought peace.

Another great plan is to immerse yourself in its history and combine it with a visit to other monuments. To do this, you can book a guided tour of Rotterdam. This way you will discover the vibrant scene of the best tourist attractions.

Interesting details

• Price: the entrance to the church is free, but the cost to climb the tower is around 8 €. If you have the Rotterdam Pass, you can take advantage of this attraction at no additional cost. And if you opt for the private visit, the price will be around 44 €.
• Opening hours: open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, although the schedule may change depending on the season.
• How to get there: you can get there by streetcar. The nearest station is Rotterdam Blaak.

If you like paintings by famous Dutch artists like Van Gogh, you can't miss the Remastered experience. It is an interactive tour of approximately thirty minutes through a building divided into six sections. You will be delighted with 60 projectors that will make your imagination fly with the simulation of artistic and fantastic scenarios.

It goes beyond the expected and you can fly a UFO, walk through a waterfall and navigate through the clouds. This multimedia show will continually surprise you with changes in ambience, thanks to the combination of art and technology.

Please note that when you buy tickets for the Remastered audiovisual experience you will be sent a ticket with the specific time and it is important to be punctual. In addition, the building is built on the Erasmus Bridge which is a local icon. Its unique design will leave you speechless and you will be able to enjoy the views of the city.

Details of interest

• Price: about 25 € per person.
• Opening hours: open daily from 10:30, but closing time may vary depending on the day.
• How to get there: you can get there on foot, by metro or by bus.

Another fun plan is to visit the SS Steamboat, which served for 41 years. It has a lot of memorable stories thatmake visiting it a trip back in time. If I were you, I wouldn't miss it because you can experience life aboard a classic ocean liner.

There are guided tours of the interior that allow you to discover the details of this innovative maritime design, as well as recall the time when it was chartered by Queen Juliana. You will also have access to the restored rooms, the bow, the cabin and the chart room. Would you like to see the evaporator system? You can, as well as take a look at the turbines, generators and boilers.

It is one of the most popular attractions and it is advisable to buy tickets for the SS Steamboat in advance to enjoy a preferential pass.

Details of interest

• Price: you can book skip-the-line tickets from €16 per person.

Rotterdam has a close relationship with the maritime world of the North Sea, which has influenced world trade. If you go with children you can't miss a visit to one of the best Dutch museums: The Maritime Museum. Here you will find exhibits including model ships and historical documents.

In general, it has about 500,000 objects related to naval history, dating from different centuries. You can see a miniature replica of the Mataró, the oldest ship in Europe, or take a look at an impressive collection of old maps. In addition, the installations are generally interactive, allowing you to experience maritime mysteries firsthand.

I also recommend buying tickets for the Rotterdam Maritime Museum online to save time at the ticket office.

Details of interest

• Price: from 18 € per person.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.
• How to get there: easy to reach by public transport and close to the old port.

Rotterdam's Blijdorp Zoo is a fascinating place to explore the animal world. You will love it because it is one of the oldest zoos in Europe and has about 200 species of animals. You can see sea otters, red pandas, polar bears and even witness feeding sessions of cow-nosed rays and Dalmatian pelicans.

You should know that a different program is offered every day, which you can check on the zoo's official app. You will be able to see natural animal shows, as they are in habitats that recreate their home, being able to act as they would in a wild environment. For example, it is possible to appreciate a river of crocodiles that offers a peek into their instinctive behavior.

In addition, it has spaces for amphibians and a visit to Oceanium, an aquarium that offers the best of the underwater world. I suggest you buy tickets for the Rotterdam Zoo online and in advance to avoid queues at the entrance.

Interesting details

• Price: from 32 € per person.
• Hours: daily from 9:00 to 18:00.
• How to get there: it is in the center of Rotterdam and is easy to reach on foot or by public transport.

Would you like to travel around the world? During your vacation in Rotterdam you can do just that! At least if you visit the Wereldmuseum, also known as the Museum of the World. During the tour you can see about 80,000 objects from various cultures, such as treasures from America, Islamic heritage and documents from ancient Asian civilizations.

In addition, it has an impressive art collection and a creative area that allows you to make your own handicrafts. Some exhibits are temporary, but they constantly bring fun activities and interactive exhibits to the stage.

Details of interest

• Price: about 12 € per person.
• Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00.
• How to get there: it is located in the center and can be reached on foot or by public transport.

If you want to see the oldest houses in Rotterdam, you have to visit Delfshaven, the old fishing port that stands out for the rustic facades of its brick houses. As I mentioned, only ashes were left from the Second World War and few areas were rescued. However, buildings and bridges with centuries of history are still preserved here

It is like a small vision of the canals of Amsterdam, but less crowded. You can see the largest and oldest harbor in Europe, the old ships at anchor and the drawbridge.

Details of interest

• How to get there: you can use the streetcar to get there, but there are also bus and metro lines.