Plan your vacation

Add dates

Add travelers

Plan

Plan your vacation

Add dates

Add travelers

Plan

On my way to the photography museum in Rotterdam I took this fantastic picture of the Erasmus Brigde. - Photo by Miles Vanderlooven

Explore the Eclectic Attractions of Rotterdam, Netherlands on Your

We're building something exciting. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated.

Home
,

Netherlands

,
Rotterdam

About Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam is a bustling city in the Netherlands known for its modern architecture, vibrant nightlife, and scenic waterways. Highlights include the iconic Erasmus Bridge, the Markthal food market, and the innovative Rotterdam Central Station. Don't miss out on exploring this dynamic destination on your next trip to the Netherlands.

Rotterdam is a city that is often overlooked by travelers to the Netherlands, but it is a destination that should not be missed. Located in the southern part of the country, Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and is known for its modern architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and bustling port.

One of the city's most notable landmarks is the Erasmus Bridge, which spans the Nieuwe Maas river and is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. Visitors can also take a trip up the Euromast tower, which offers stunning views of the city and beyond.

Rotterdam is also home to a number of excellent museums, including the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, which has an extensive collection of Dutch and European art, and the Kunsthal, which showcases contemporary art and design. The city's maritime history is celebrated at the Maritime Museum Rotterdam, which has exhibits on shipbuilding, shipping, and port history.

Foodies will appreciate Rotterdam's diverse culinary scene, which includes everything from traditional Dutch snacks like bitterballen to international cuisine from all corners of the world. The city is also known for its excellent coffee shops and cafes, which are ideal for a midday pick-me-up.

For those looking to explore Rotterdam's natural surroundings, there are a number of parks and gardens to visit, including the Kralingse Bos, which is a popular spot for jogging, cycling, and picnicking. The Arboretum Trompenburg is another must-visit attraction, with its beautiful collection of trees and plants from around the world.

Finally, Rotterdam is a great base for exploring the rest of the Netherlands, with excellent train connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, and other major cities. Whether you're interested in art, architecture, history, or just want to experience a vibrant and dynamic Dutch city, Rotterdam is the perfect destination for your next trip.

More Detail

Popular Stays in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Business hotelsSustainable Hotel

Hilton Rotterdam

The following services and amenities are available, but with reduced service: Business Center, Concierge, Restaurant only take-away, breakfast, lunch and dinner.The following services and amenities are currently not available: Valet Parking.* City center location . Breakfast will be served as a takeaway. * 15 minutes from Rotterdam The Hague Airport by car * 25 minutes by high speed train and 45 minutes by car from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol * 5-minute walking distance from the central train station * Close to main corporate locations * Valet parking * 24-hour fitness center * Executive rooms with access to the supplemental executive lounge available * Business center and 7 meeting rooms * Bar and restaurant JAQ * Cocktail Club HUGH and One Michelin Star restaurant Joelia * Free WiFi * High speed internet available * Bathrobes and slippers available in all room types

Business hotelsHotels with charmGreen Hotel

Bilderberg Parkhotel Rotterdam

Modern, elegant, sophisticated and with exquisite décor are the words that describe this metropolitan hotel, which is situated in the heart of Rotterdam, close to all the main attractions of the city, such as the famous Erasmus Bridge. The Eendrachtsplein subway station is just next to the property and travellers can find many restaurants and cafes in the immediate vicinity. After a busy day exploring the city, the hotel invites guests to relax in charming, tastefully decorated rooms which feature all kinds of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Both residents and tourists can relish excellent signature cuisine in the contemporary hotel's restaurant and the bar offers a cosy ambiance, ideal to meet up with friends while enjoying a warm or a refreshing beverage. On sunny days, meals and drinks can also be served on the beautiful terrace.

Business hotelsSustainable Hotel

Nh Capelle

The NH Capelle hotel is the perfect hotel for business travel. It is close to two main highways and provides easy access to Rotterdam Airport. For public transport, the Rotterdam Alexander station is close by. The rooms at NH Capelle have a modern feel, with bright red accents and finished with sleek hardwood floors. Some come with lovely views of the nearby lake and each one offers a choice of pillows and free Wi-Fi. The breakfast featuring a wide spread of cold cuts, cheeses, pastries, yogurts, cereals, and fruit will be a wonderful start to your day. You will also love our regional and international specialties at the Fresco Restaurant. If you prefer a lighter meal with a drink, Luigi's Bar is the perfect place to unwind. During summer months, you can relax on the hotel's open-air terrace overlooking the lake. In colder weather, take advantage of the onsite gym. To get around, we can have car and bike rentals, as well as free on-site parking. The hotel is also an ideal place to hold functions and meetings as we have 7 rooms that can accommodate up to 250 people and our staff is happy to set up catering, coffee breaks, technology equipment, and other services upon request.

Business hotelsGreen Hotel

Nh Atlanta Rotterdam

This hotel is located directly opposite the World Trade Center, in the banking and business district of Rotterdam and just 1.5 km from the main train station. In the hotel's vicinity, guests will find shopping streets with famous bars and restaurants. The hotel facilities include a foyer with a 24-hour reception desk and a lift, a cosy bar, various conference and meeting rooms as well as a restaurant, laundry and room services. Hotel car parking spaces are also available.

Sustainable Hotel

Savoy Hotel Rotterdam

This 4 star hotel is located in the city centre of Rotterdam and was established in 1961. The Markthal is a five minute walk, which is a fresh food market with food shops, cafés and several restaurants. The main shopping area and tourist attractions in Rotterdam are easy to reach by foot, the characteristic Rotterdam water taxi or by public transport. The nearest station is Rotterdam Blaak. The hotel has a breakfast restaurant, a bar, free Wi-Fi and a lounge area. Also the hotel provides a fast check-in service which means that you can check in yourself fast and easily. Of course the hosts are just a wink away in case you need any assistance. All 95 comfortable rooms are equipped with a Nespresso, tea facilities, pillow menu, safe, fridge, working desk, walk-inn shower, hairdryer and air conditioning.

Business hotelsGolf hotelsHotels with spa

Best Western Plus Rotterdam Airport Hotel

The Amrath Airport Hotel Rotterdam, BW Signature Collection is situated across the street from Rotterdam Airport and close to the A13 and A20 Highways. We are close to the busy airport and highways with just enough distance between us to ensure a good night's rest. Our advantage is that our guests have quick access to the Rotterdam, Europoort but also The Hague, Scheveningen and Delft. Complimentary shuttle service is available from and to the airport on weekdays from 5 a. m. to 11 p. m. There are 200 parking places in front of the hotel. Parking is free for hotel guests during their stay and special sleep and fly offers are also available. Guests can park their car and get into the city center by bus in 15 minutes. There is a direct connection to the city center and Rotterdam Central Station with bus 33. All rooms have Philippe Starck furniture and design. Spacious rooms equipped with walk-in showers, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen television, air conditioning, coffee, and tea facilities offer all the comfort you need. We also have connecting rooms to accommodate families. The deluxe rooms offer even more space, complimentary bathrobes with slippers, luxury toiletries, and a balcony with a view over a green park and pond. Our suite is a real treat with a big Jacuzzi. A separate living room and bedroom with a king-size bed, a Nespresso® coffee machine, and a docking station. Our breakfast buffet is served on weekdays from 7 to 10 a. m. , Saturdays from 7 to 10:30 a. m. , and Sundays from 7:30 a. m. to 11 a. m. Lunch and dinner are available in the restaurant; we serve delicious sandwiches and various healthy salads, and our dinner menu changes as the seasons come and go. You can also have a bite or a drink in the bar/lobby. Especially for our Chinese guests, we offer two Chinese TV channels (CCTV News and CCTV-9 Documentary) and Chinese magazines at our reception. Please also note that you are able to pay with Union Pay credit cards.

Business hotels

Novotel Rotterdam Brainpark

Put down your bags and unwind at Novotel Rotterdam Brainpark, a 4-star business and family-friendly hotel located at business park Brainpark. The hotel offers a delicious daily breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner in the restaurant and a bar for refreshments. All rooms are equipped with a minibar, sofa, work desk, safe, air conditioning and free WiFi. You can have a meeting in one of our 10 modern meeting rooms in the hotel or get in shape in our free fitness centre. There is a paid parking behind our hotel

Business hotelsSustainable HotelSport hotels

Novotel Rotterdam Schiedam

The Novotel Rotterdam Schiedam is a comfortable 4-star and family-friendly hotel surrounded by water, trees and greenery, located in Schiedam. Due to the location, the hotel is also ideal for business trips and weekend getaways. The Novotel offers a delicious daily breakfast buffet, restaurant for lunch and dinner and bar for refreshments. At the hotel you can find several meeting rooms, a heated outdoor pool, fitness centre and playground for kids. All rooms are equipped with free WiFi.

Things to do in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Digital Voucher150 minutes

Rotterdam Bike Tour - all the Highlights

Join this personable small-group Rotterdam cycling tour and see all Rotterdam’s city highlights. During this 2,5 hour bike tour, limited to max 15 people (average 8 persons), you will bike through old and new parts of the city centre and discover all the Highlights the city has to offer. Enjoy the impressive modern architecture, hear about the devastating World War II bombing, and see redeveloped harbor areas. Let your enthusiastic and knowledgable guide take you on an original journey through the city. This tour includes bike use and personalised tips for the rest of your stay.

Digital Voucher240 minutes

Boat & Beer Walking Tour

Rotterdam’s beer scene is booming, so if you’re into boats and beers this tour is for you! During this experience you get to visit breweries by watertaxi and taste some of the best beers that the city has to offer. On the way your guide will show you around and tell you wonderful stories about this amazing city. In total you will get four or five beers in three breweries, snacks and two watertaxi rides, a guarantee for a fantastic afternoon! This tour can also be booked as a private tour for a group of eight or more participants.

Digital Voucher240 minutes

Walking Rotterdam Food Tour

We offer food tours that let you experience and taste Rotterdam in all its glory. Our savvy local guides will tell you wonderful stories about their city, and on the way you will stop many times for a special bite and/or drink. We let you taste the Dutch classics (bitterballen anyone?), but you also get to try many international specialties, and we end with a 'gezellige borrel' (a drink with friends) in a cool waterfront brewery. To get there we take a spectacular watertaxi ride, a must-do in Rotterdam. All in all, we have the recipe for your great afternoon in our wonderful home town!

Digital Voucher150 minutes

Rotterdam Highlights Bicycle Tour

During this relaxed bike tour we take you along all the sights that Rotterdam has to offer. Of course we also cycle past the hidden places of the city. You will be surprised about the skyscrapers, the nicknames of images and buildings, the art, the architecture and of course also the history and contemporary developments of this non-stop-renewing metropolis. During the tour you can ask us anything and we will tell you nice anecdotes. We also give you useful tips about good restaurants, trendy nightlife and trendy shopping streets for the remainder of your stay in Rotterdam or to come back again. After this tour you want nothing more than to go on a discovery tour yourself.

Digital Voucher125 minutes

Highlights Rotterdam Wandeltour

Rotterdam is a vibrant city of sights and the best way to see it is on foot Either way, you will be enveloped by history and mesmerized by the art, teh architecture and all that at home city space has to offer. During the tour, full of chatty anecdotes and references, we will also give you useful tips about good restaurants, trendy night spots and trendy shopping streets you may want to cover on this stay or the next!

Digital Voucher180 minutes

Rotterdam Travel to the Future Walking Tour

Would you like to get acquainted with the futuristic ideas in all the different areas of urban life there is? Are you curious to see what Europe will look like in the 22nd century? Then we would like to invite you to this Rotterdam tour! There are so many fascinating things to discover in Rotterdam: modern architecture, fabulous landscape design projects, social or technological innovations, contemporary street art, innovative fashion projects like clothing made of orange peel, delicious food, and many other things, that will definitely blow your imagination! Our road will take us to all of the most famous and absolutely amazing buildings, such as a futuristic church, The Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge, the first European skyscraper, ‘The Pencil’ and ‘The Apple’ buildings and, of course, Markthall. More tours(food, history, street art, architecture, modern art, museums, small towns, countryside, by bikes, ships, balloons, photo tours) in the Netherlands on Snurk.Travel.

Digital Voucher180 minutes

e-Scavenger hunt Rotterdam: Explore the city at your own pace

Get to know Rotterdam in a unique and affordable way. We offer you a self-guided tour, via our online App. You play a fun, family-friendly game. Answer questions about the locations and do search assignments. All on your smartphone. Log in on our free city game app and enjoy the city. Not a 'boring' guide, but you decide when to start, stop or pause. Use GPS to find the nicest squares, streets, and monuments. Get the most interesting facts about the city. Discover Rotterdam with our unique city game app. Instructions for starting the tour will be given after booking. You can do this tour anytime you choose. This City Game is also a perfect activity for large groups.

Digital Voucher120 minutes

Cultural Walking Tour in Rotterdam

Get acquainted with some of the Netherlands' most unique and modern architecture during a 2-hour walking tour of Rotterdam. Guided by architects you will visit iconic areas like the postmodern shopping area Lijnbaan, the new OMA building the Timmerhuis, and the one-of-a-kind Markthal. Experience a sample of daily life and learn about the history of a city where every building has a story. Stroll along the river Maas, taking in the impressive views, and see the new developments on the south bank before concluding around 12:00 PM on the riverside with an Amazing skyline view. Our tour is officially in English and Spanish. Dutch and German tour can be requested for groups.

Why People Love Rotterdam, Netherlands

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Rotterdam, Netherlands

F
F7422HHkennethv
5
Jun 2022
Rotterdam Bike Tour - all the Highlights
Astrid gave a through and informative overview of Rotterdam. Bike ride was easy and it was great having a guide through all the bike paths. Highlight for me was seeing the Holland America Line building where my relatives must have passed on their way to America. In all, a pleasant way to see t...

M
marioelie1981
5
Jul 2022
Rotterdam Bike Tour - all the Highlights
Absolutely a tour to recommend, easy booking, convenient meeting point, the guide (Ariane) was brilliant overall. From my point of view the best way to visit Rotterdam ...

P
Pille64
5
Jul 2022
Rotterdam Bike Tour - all the Highlights
This is a lovely tour for anyone who wants to become acquainted with Rotterdam. The tour does not require a great level of fitness and is enjoyable for people of all ages. Ariane is a very entertaining guide who mixes historic facts with amusing anecdotes. We saw places we would not have necessar...

Explore all stays in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Explore all things to do in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Explore other popular holiday destinations

Frequently Asked Questions about Rotterdam

What are some must-visit attractions in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is home to many exciting attractions, but some of the must-visit places include the Euromast tower, the Markthal, the Cube Houses, and the Rotterdam Zoo. The Euromast tower is the tallest tower in the Netherlands, and it offers breathtaking views of the city. The Markthal is a unique, covered market with a stunning mural on the ceiling. The Cube Houses are a famous architectural landmark, and the Rotterdam Zoo is a great place to spend a day with the family.

What are some fun activities to do in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has plenty of fun activities for visitors to enjoy. You can take a boat tour of the harbor, rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels, or visit one of the many museums. Some of the most popular museums include the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum, the Kunsthal Rotterdam, and the Maritime Museum Rotterdam. For thrill-seekers, there is also the opportunity to go indoor skydiving at City Skydive Rotterdam.

What is the best way to get around Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. The OV-chipkaart is the most convenient way to pay for public transportation. You can also rent a bike to get around the city, as Rotterdam is a very bike-friendly city. Taxis are available, but they can be expensive.

What are some good places to eat in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a diverse and exciting food scene, with many excellent restaurants to choose from. Some of the top-rated restaurants include FG Restaurant, The Millen, Parkheuvel, and The Suicide Club. For a more casual dining experience, you can visit the Markthal, which has over 100 food stalls offering a wide variety of cuisine.

What is the best time of year to visit Rotterdam?

The best time to visit Rotterdam is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are many outdoor festivals and events to enjoy. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Spring and fall can also be good times to visit, as the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.

What are some good hotels to stay at in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has many excellent hotels to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. Some of the top-rated hotels include the Mainport Design Hotel, the Hotel New York, and the Hilton Rotterdam. For a more affordable option, you can consider the easyHotel Rotterdam City Centre or the King Kong Hostel.

What is the nightlife like in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs to choose from. The Witte de Withstraat is a popular street for nightlife, with many trendy bars and restaurants. The Oude Haven area is also a good place to go for a night out, with many bars and clubs located along the waterfront.

What are some unique things to do in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has many unique attractions and experiences to offer visitors. You can explore the city's street art scene with a guided tour, visit the Kijk-Kubus Museum, which is a house constructed entirely on its side, or take a water taxi to explore the harbor. You can also visit the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra for a concert, or take a trip to the Floating Pavilion, which is a sustainable building floating on the harbor.

What are some family-friendly activities in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has many family-friendly activities to enjoy. The Rotterdam Zoo is a great place to visit with kids, and the Blijdorp Zoo also has a playground and a petting zoo. The Maritime Museum Rotterdam is another great option, with interactive exhibits and a ship simulator. For a fun and unique experience, you can visit Miniworld Rotterdam, which is a miniature version of Rotterdam complete with moving trains and cars.

What is the architecture like in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is known for its modern and innovative architecture. Some of the most famous buildings include the Cube Houses, the Erasmus Bridge, and the De Rotterdam building. The Markthal is another architectural landmark, with its colorful mural and unique design. You can take a guided walking tour of the city to learn more about the architecture and history of Rotterdam.

Menu