Best Things To Do in Rotterdam

When you see the beauty that characterises Rotterdam you wouldn't even imagine that in 1940 it was almost completely destroyed. This completely 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 of getting lost in Delfshaven or visiting the Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk church.

Another must-see in the city is the Euromast Tower, where the panoramic views will not leave you indifferent. The streets are also ideal for cycling and for feasting at the Markthal market. Still not sure 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 neighbourhood, are something unusual that you won't see just anywhere. Their innovative design is visually striking, as they are tilted at a 45-degree angle and rise on a hexagonal platform. The context is even more interesting, as they represent a forest where each house symbolises 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 their 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 harbour, the perfect angle to catch the steep incline.

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

Interesting details

• Price: to see the houses from the outside, there is no charge, you are free to walk around the area and look at them. For the Kijk-Kubus museum tickets are available from €3. And if you fancy 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 tram 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 parts of the city. It is one of the tallest buildings and allows you to see Rotterdam from 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 metres high. There is also a specific entrance that gives you access to its second observation deck at 185 metres, right at the top of the tower. To get there you will have to take a rotating lift, which makes the experience even 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 on your way up at no extra cost. Finally, I recommend you book tickets for the Euromast Tower in advance to gain access without queuing.

Interesting details

• Price: from €13 per person.
• Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 23:00.
• How to get there: The tourist bus stops right next to the tower. Coolhaven metro station and Euromast tram station are also within walking distance.

If you're looking for an unconventional adventure, then you need to get on board Rotterdam's 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 harbour of Rotterdam, you'll dive into the Meuse River to see the city from a different angle and take the best pictures. It's a gentle stroll with 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 don't have to change trains, as the amphibian turns into a boat after you've toured the city.

Interesting details

• Price: from €30 per person.
• Opening times: 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 raid in World War II, the local architecture underwent a radical change. This gave rise to its impressive rooftops, which combine rooftops with urban gardens to create a vibrant atmosphere.

If you plan to visit Rotterdam in June, don't miss Roof Top Days. It's 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 find out 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 a Rooftop Party where 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. So don't miss out on a bike tour of Rotterdam's most iconic sights. 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 apps that allow you to access the nearest bike, unlock it and start pedalling.

However, if you want to learn about the history of each monument, you can book a bike tour. Please note that it is necessary to bring your own bike, so you will have to rent one anyway. You are probably wondering what makes this kind of tour so special, and it is the possibility to get to know the best places to eat and shop.

Interesting details

• Price: Bikes can be hired 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 sights, such as the medieval church Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk. You can see it from the outside and admire the last remaining evidence 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 whole 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: 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 extra cost. If you opt for a private tour, the price is around €44.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, although the opening hours may change depending on the season.
• How to get there: you can get there by tram. The nearest station is Rotterdam Blaak.

If you like paintings by famous Dutch artists such as Van Gogh, the Remastered experience is not to be missed. It is an interactive tour of approximately thirty minutes through a building divided into six sections. You will be delighted by 60 projectors that will blow your imagination 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 amaze you with its ever-changing atmosphere, combining 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.

Interesting details

• Price: around €25 per person.
• Opening hours: Open daily from 10.30am, but closing times 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 steamship, which served for 41 years. It has a wealth 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 on board a classic ocean liner.

Guided tours of the interior 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're travelling 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 around 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.

Interesting details

• Price: from €18 per person.
• Opening 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 harbour.

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

There's a different programme every day, which you can check out on the zoo's official app. You will be able to see natural animal shows, as they are in habitats that recreate their home, and can act as they would in the wild. For example, it is possible to see a river of crocodiles that offers a glimpse into their instinctive behaviour.

It also has amphibian spaces and a visit to Oceanium, an aquarium that offers the best of the underwater world. I suggest buying tickets for Rotterdam Zoo online in advance to avoid queues at the entrance.

Interesting details

• Price: from €32 per person.
• Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 18:00.
• How to get there: Located in the centre of Rotterdam, the zoo is easy to reach on foot or by public transport.

Would you like to travel around the world? During your holiday 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 around 80,000 objects from various cultures, such as treasures from America, Islamic heritage and documents from ancient Asian civilisations.

There is also an impressive art collection and a creative area where you can make your own handicrafts. Some exhibits are temporary, but they constantly bring fun activities and interactive exhibits to the stage.

Details of interest

• Price: around €12 per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00.
• How to get there: centrally located 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 salvaged. However, buildings and bridges with centuries of history are still preserved here

It's like a small glimpse of Amsterdam's canals, but less crowded. You can see Europe's largest and oldest harbour, the old ships at anchor and the drawbridge.

Interesting details

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