Once confined to its role as an industrial port, Rotterdam often played second fiddle to its historic neighbors. Those days are long gone as the city emerges as a futuristic playground of architecture, design, and sustainability. Let me take you along the best spots to eat, explore and relax for the perfect weekend in Rotterdam.
The second largest city in the Netherlands stands in marked contrast to its canal-lined capital. Swap the gabled houses, historical buildings, and hundreds of tourists for futuristic architecture, cutting-edge design and an incredibly vibrant cultural scene sans tourists.
While modernist cities do not usually strike my fancy, I must admit Rotterdam managed to entice me in more ways than one. Starting with its commitment to sustainability which can be keenly felt as you explore the city (more on that later). The quality of restaurants was another welcome surprise, so much so that I actually busted out of my jeans by the end of my weekend in Rotterdam. A true casualty of gluttony.
The can-do entrepreneurial spirit that hangs around the city is positively intoxicating. A city where nobody bats an eye when derelict swimming pools are transformed into hip co-working spaces and highly interactive museums are carved out of bare-boned derelict warehouses. The city is the perfect weekend trip from Amsterdam if you are looking to experience an alternative side to the Netherlands. Time to explore the many highlights of Rotterdam together.
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What Makes Rotterdam a Leader in Sustainability
Rotterdam is a true trailblazer when it comes to sustainability. As far back as 2007, Rotterdam joined the C40 Cities network, kick-starting its commitment to addressing climate change. Since then the city has implemented target-based actions, including net-zero carbon buildings and green streets with zero-emission buses.
The city took things a step further and signed it’s very own Climate Agreement in 2019, aiming to halve CO2 emissions by 2029. Rotterdam manages to translate its flare for innovation and funky architecture into forward-thinking urban planning with sustainability at its heart.
A couple of highly innovative solutions to climate change include green roofs, which absorb water, reduce heat, and increase biodiversity. Other initiatives include rain-harvesting water squares, a floating farm, and a strong focus on promoting responsible entrepreneurship. In the below Rotterdam tips I will share a couple of locations where you can see the fruits of this labor in action.
Rotterdam’s circular economy program aims to cut raw material use by 50% by 2030, focusing on sectors like construction and green energy. Projects like new parks and sustainable housing are designed to enhance livability while tackling heat stress and water management. With the mad rush to build new housing – construction is going on everywhere – this will have a massive impact.
12 x Things to Do in Rotterdam
GOOD TO KNOW | Like most cities in Europe, Rotterdam has its very own card. The Rotterdam City Card is worth checking out if you are planning on visiting multiple museums in the city.
1. Cruise around the Old Port
The Old Port (Oude Haven) in Rotterdam is the city’s oldest harbor, dating back to the 14th century. Once a lively center for trade, it is now quintessential Rotterdam: A canal lined with (house) boats and historical ships, a hodgepodge collection of architecture, and a smattering of bars. My suggestion would be to make this your first stop on your trip to Rotterdam.
WITTE HUIS | This decorative Art Nouveau building dates back to the 19th century and was Europe’s first skyscraper, all 43 meters of it. It is one of the few buildings to have survived the WWII bombings (thank goodness!). Today it houses a cozy bar and it has a viewing platform on the roof which is open during select times of the year (rooftop viewings are organised by the neighboring Marines Museum).
MARITIME MUSEUM | An impressive array of ships, boats, and cranes are squished into this small patch of water. These historical ships and gear are part of the Maritime Museum collection. Some of the ships are open to the public for a visit. Find all the info on the website of the Maritime Museum.
2. Head into one of the Cube Houses
Piet Blom’s canary-yellow Cube Houses are like stepping into a slightly psychedelic Rubik’s Cube. Located between the Old Harbor and the Markthal, they are one of the best places to visit in Rotterdam if you love quirky architecture.
Built in the 1970s as part of an urban development project to optimize space, these brightly-hued cubes have aged remarkably well and even risen to internet fame. In practice this means there are always a fair amount of tourists milling around the place, snapping pictures.
One would almost forget this forest of 38 cubes, dangling at a 45° angle was in fact built as a residential area. If you suffer from insatiable curiosity, like yours truly, you will be happy to read you can in fact take a peek inside one of the cubes. The little Cube House Museum or “Show Cube” offers you a glimpse into the topsy-turvy apartment, with its custom-made furniture.
ADRES | Overblaak 70
PRICING | €3 (adults)
OPENING HOURS | Daily 11.00 am to 05.00 pm
3. Fill your belly at the Markthal
The Markthal in Rotterdam is another feat of smart urban design. This horseshoe-shaped building combines residential apartments, office space, and a vast indoor food market under one roof. Those little windows peppering the colorful ceiling are in fact someone’s home!
The first time I walked inside, I smacked into about 5 different people as my gaze was firmly fixed on the vibrant ceiling or rather the kaleidoscopic mural. Known as the Horn of Plenty, it depicts fruits, flowers, seeds, and insects and encompasses the entirety of the vaulted ceiling. Often referred to as the “Dutch Sistine Chapel”, though not sure Michelangelo would entirely agree with that statement.
Enough about the art, let’s talk about the real reason you should visit: Food! The market is choc-a-bloc with little stalls offering a variety of global cuisines, including Basque, Greek, Turkish, and Sicilian dishes, alongside local specialties like Dutch cheeses, stroopwafels and kroket. The hodgepodge array of cuisines is a perfect reflection of the multicultural nature of Rotterdam.
ADRES | Dominee Jan Scharpstraat 298
OPENING HOURS | Mon – Thursday & Saturday: 10.00 am to 08.00 pm // Friday open until 09.00 pm// Sunday 12.00 pm to 06.00 pm
GOOD TO KNOW | The lower levels contain a supermarket and public toilet.
4. Learn how to surf, or don’t
If your trip to Rotterdam coincides with good weather you might want to consider catching a wave. Say what now? Yep, a 5-minute walk from the Markthal takes you to the Steigersgracht canal where an artificial wave pool has been installed allowing residents to surf or bodyboard in an urban environment.
We went on a sunny Saturday afternoon and the canal was filled with surfers gleefully riding the waves or, more often than not, plunging headfirst into the water to the delight of the many onlookers lounging around.
Personally I am about as coordinated on a surfboard as a toddler on ice. Not wanting to bruise either my ego or various body parts, I opted to grab a cocktail at the RiF010 surf bar instead.
The bar bar lines the start of the canal and has a large terrace offering a prime view. It serves a small selection of little bites, perfect for a mid-afternoon snack. This is a brand spanking new establishment and according to the team they are planning on covering the outside bar in tarps during the colder months to ensure you can slurp cocktails yearlong.
ADRES | Steigersgracht Canal, 3011 TZ Rotterdam
OPENING HOURS | Surfbar – Daily 09.00 am to 11.00 pm // Surf classes – Daily 10.00 am to 06.00 pm
PRICE | Looking to get your feet wet? Surf classes start at €50 while the more advanced surfers can simply book a one-hour session for €45. Wetsuits and surfboards are available for hire.
5. Take in some culture in the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen
As the current Museum Boijmans van Beuningen is out of commission until 2025, we head to the nearby depot to see some of the country’s finest pieces of art. When I think of a depot, a square-shaped industrial-style building springs to mind. Well, let’s just say Rotterdam put a wildly different spin on it.
The depot was designed by the same architectural firm behind the Markthal and it seems they have a flair for the dramatic. The oversized, mirrored glass-clad flowerpot – which sidenote is aiming to be fully CO2 neutral – is home to the Boijmans Van Beuningen’s 151.000-piece collection.
After storing our bags in the funky-colored lockers we take the stairs straight to the last floor. This is clearly the place to be for views and rooftop brews! Aside from the views, it is the art we came for! The museum has a number of world-class artists in its collection including the likes of Monet, Dali, van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder. A selection of these artists is on display in the Depot.
ADRES | Museumpark 24, 3015 CX Rotterdam
OPENING HOURS | Tuesday to Sunday 11.00 am – 05.00 pm
PRICE | €20 (adults); Children under 18 Y.O (free)
6. Get blown away atop the Euromast
The Euromast was opened in 1960 and is to this day the tallest observation tower in the Netherlands. At 185 meters it provides a very cool, if slightly windy, bird’s-eye view over the city. Daredevils can try their hand at abseiling off the 100-meter viewing platform (prices start at €64,5). I prefer my panoramic views with a side of solid ground under my feet so I opted to use the elevator instead.
It was not until I stepped up on the observation deck that I realized the city is spread out across numerous little inlets and harbors along the river Nieuwe Maas. The Kop van Zuid inlet sticks out with its fascinating dichotomy in architecture: Historical New York Hotel with a backdrop of towering steel skyscrapers.
For thrillseekers or view-hunters make sure to book an extra ticket to include the ‘Euroscoop’ experience. Bridging the gap between the 110-meter observation deck and the 185-meter top of the tower is a gently spinning glass elevator filled with lights, music, and a glass floor. It’s the best seat in the city!
IF YOU HAVE TIME: The Euromast is surrounded by a leafy park aptly named “Het Park” or The Park. When we visited the park was filled with locals having a picnic, reading a book or simply chilling out. The various skyscrapers jutting out the canopy reminded me of Central Park in New York!
ADRES | Parkhaven 20, 3016 GM Rotterdam
OPENING HOURS | Daily 09.30 am to 10.00 pm
PRICE | €12,5 for the Euromast or €18,5 for Euromast + Euroscoop
7. Langurously stroll around Delfshaven
Craving a touch of old-world charm then there is no better place to visit in Rotterdam than quaint Delfshaven. Few pockets of the city remained unharmed by the extensive WWII bombing. Delfshaven is one of the lucky few and therefore well worth visiting to catch a glimpse of the bygone era of pre-war Rotterdam.
Founded way back in the 14th century as a port town for nearby Delft. The continued expansion of the Rotterdam urban sprawl finally saw Delfshaven incorporated into the city by the late 19th century. The enclave managed to keep the urban vibe at bay, instead giving me the feeling of strolling around a bucolic Dutch village as opposed to the second largest city of the Netherlands.
Here you will find all the ingrediënts of your typical Dutch cocktail: Canals, houseboats, windmill,s and gently winding streets dotted with gabled houses and pilgrim fathers’ churches.
GETTING THERE | Delfshaven is a breezy 15-minute cycle from the Old Port.
THINGS TO DO | Visit the Pilgrim Father’s Church, pop into the Dutch Pinball Museum try the craft beer at Stadsbrouwerij De Pelgrim.
8. Shop local delicacies at the Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt
Should your Rotterdam weekend happen to start on a Saturday, why not indulge in a little people-watching at the Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt. This lively farmers’ market is held every Saturday and showcases local, organic and sustainable produce from farmers and artisans in the region.
When we visited the market was choc-a-bloc with locals from every age range amicably going around purchasing their goods. It had a distinct village feel to, far removed from the hustle and bustle that I would associate with life in a large city. People take the time to chat, browse, and spend an unhurried few hours. This is the perfect spot to pick up a locally-made souvenir!
ADRES | Noordplein, Rotterdam
OPENING HOURS | Held weekly on Saturday from 10.00 am to 05.00 pm
9. Snif out the best vintage finds
I absolutely love perusing vintage stores wherever I go, and Rotterdam absolutely spoilt me. Lining the Zwaanhals and the Zaagmolenkade are a plethora of second-hand stores selling everything from 70s furniture (Vintage aan de Rotte) to new clothing made with second-hand fabric (Ding & Dingen).
Peppered in between the many vintage stores are hip coffee joints, overflowing brunch restaurants, and quaint little bars that look like they have been around for centuries. We strolled around the area after visiting the Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt on Saturday morning. Alas, I did not find any treasures to take back home, this time.
TIP | Local vendors have come together to create a Vintage Route, which takes you to 12 of the best vintage stores in Rotterdam. We picked up a map of the route in Vintage aan de Rotte.
10. Chill out in the Trompenburg botanical gardens and arboretum
Located in the upscale Kralingen district on the edge of Rotterdam, this is where the affluent Rotterdammers previously had their manors. If you have a peek around the houses surrounding the park you will notice they are considerably larger than those found elsewhere in the city.
Unlike your traditional botanical gardens, these gardens were in fact privately owned at one stage. The extensive collection of exotic trees in the arboretum is the product of one family’s keen interest in leafy giants.
The Trompenburg park spans a total of 7 hectares and contains several themed gardens, a large glasshouse with various odd-looking cacti, the arboretum, and a wild patch of garden dedicated to cultivating vegetables. These are used in the on-site restaurant Flora which serves a small selection of seasonal dishes. We popped in for a delicious lunch, if they are on the menu be sure to order the vegan kroket!
ADRES | Honingerdijk 86, 3062 NX Rotterdam
OPENING HOURS | Daily 10.00 am to 05.00 pm except Monday when the gardens open at 12.00 pm
ENTRANCE FEE | €11 for adults over 26
11. Marvel at the country’s best pictures in the Dutch Photography Museum
The Dutch Photography Museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich history of photography in the Netherlands. Currently located in a converted warehouse on the Wilhelminakade but scheduled to move into the Pakhuis Santos in Katendrecht by the end of 2025.
My favorite part of the museum was wandering through the eregallery on the ground floor of the museum. Here a selection of iconic Dutch photography was chosen to be displayed. The images showcase images of the Netherlands throughout history but equally some of the most important works taken by influential Dutch photographers.
ADRES | Currently in Statendam 1, 3072 AR Rotterdam but the end of 2025 it will move to the Pakhuis Santos
OPENING HOURS | Tuesday to Sunday 11.00 am to 05.00 pm
ENTRANCE FEE | €14 for adults over 26
12. Wander around the repurposed warehouses in Katendrecht
Katendrecht is the very embodiment of the rags-to-riches story of Rotterdam. Once Europe’s largest red light district ensconced in the harbor, separated from the rest of the city by the Nieuwe Maas river, now home to the priciest real estate in town and soon to be home to two new snazzy museums and its very own beach.
FENIX IMMIGRATION MUSEUM | Scheduled to open in Spring 2025 this museum is located in a former warehouse and will be dedicated to telling the stories of immigrants through the lens of art. True to Rotterdam form, it will be architecturally marvelous (with a large silver staircase spiraling out of the roof) and highly culturally relevant.
PAKHUIS SANTOS | A former coffee warehouse that is currently being renovated and will house the Dutch Photography Museum. Scheduled to open end of 2025.
STORY HOUSE BELVEDERE | Time permitting, grab a coffee in the story house Belvedere. This communal house is dedicated to bringing the stories and the history of Katendrecht alive. When we visited an exhibition was being held to delve into the Fenix Immigration Museum.
Where to Stay on Your Trip to Rotterdam
We opted to stay in a Green Key hotel in the centre of town. The Usual is known for its minimalist design and eco-friendly ethos, the hotel emphasizes sustainability through energy-efficient systems, locally-sourced materials, and a commitment to reducing waste. Each room is designed with comfort and functionality in mind, featuring sleek furnishings, large windows, and modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and smart TVs.
One of the hotel’s standout features is its social spaces, including a cozy lobby lounge and an on-site café that serves locally roasted coffee and fresh, seasonal dishes. The Usual is located within walking distance from major attractions such as the Markthal, Cube Houses, and Witte de Withstraat
How to Get Around During Your Weekend Rotterdam
CYCLE: The humble bike remains king of the road in Rotterdam. Unlike Amsterdam, locals tend to be a bit more tolerant and easygoing on their bikes making cycling around a highly enjoyable experience. We got our bikes directly at our hotel, if that’s not an option try renting a bike from Donkey Republic. Snag one of the day deals which start at just €10 per bike, an absolute steal!
BOAT TAXI: Rotterdam is serviced by a fleet of water taxis that connect around 50 docks in the city. The Rotterdam Public Transport Company (RET) aims to be fully climate-neutral by 2023 and is slowly but surely changing their fleet to be fully electric. Prices start at €5 for one zone. Tickets and schedules can be found online.
METRO: Rotterdam has 5 metro lines (A, B, C, D, and E) covering pretty much the entirety of the city. A one-hour ticket starts at €4.
Where to Eat and Drink in Rotterdam
BAR STROOM: Located in the Bluespot (a former swimming pool converted into a hub for sustainable entrepreneurs), Bar Stroom serves up a delicious array of plant-based seasonal dishes and beverages made with locally sourced ingredients. It is also once of the very best spots to catch sunset in Rotterdam!
OLD SCUOLA: Run by a bunch of locals who dub themselves “Pizza Nerds”, this is the place to grab a pizza in Rotterdam. We went to the Old Scuola West location after visiting the Euromast.
WITTE DE WITHSTRAAT: This newly gentrified street is filled with little galleries, street art, themed bars, and restaurants. Head here on a Friday or Saturday for a night on the town.
FENIX FOOD FACTORY: Fenix Food Factory is housed in a former warehouse in Katendrecht. It is home to artisanal food and drink stalls, including the taproom of Kaapse Brouwers as well as a small bookstore.
Markthall Rotterdam: If you are looking for a quick snack during your weekend in Rotterdam then head to the centrally located Markthall Rotterdam. With over 100 stalls to choose from, you will not go hungry.
Hotel New York: The former headquarters of the Holland-America line dates back to 1901 and is now an upscale hotel and a great place to grab a bite to eat before heading to the Dutch Photography Museum.
MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VISITING NETHERLANDS
AMSTERDAM: 25 Weekend trips from Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM: 6 Biking trips around Amsterdam
HAARLEM: How to spend the perfect day in Haarlem
AROUND AMSTERDAM: 17 Places to visit near Amsterdam
AROUND AMSTERDAM: Explore Naarden, the perfect daytrip from Amsterdam
AROUND AMSTERDAM: 8 Things to do in Weesp
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