Things to do & places to visit in Rotterdam, South Holland Province, The Netherlands

Holland's most modern city began as a fishing village in the 13th century. It was developing into an industrial and trading power when German bombers destroyed the city center and harbor in 1940. However, Rotterdam's unique architecture now brings many visitors to bike around this urbane, cosmopolitan city. Old Dutch-style houses can still be found in historic Delfshaven, from where the pilgrims set sail in 1620. Cultural offerings from summer's carnival to classical music give Amsterdam competition.

Rotterdam city in , South Holland Province, The Netherlands. Timezone: Europe/Amsterdam, current date and time: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 18:31.

Rotterdam Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

62°F - 48°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly and breezy

Feels like

23%

Chance of rain

70.0 millimeters

Amount

15.1 mph

Wind speed

73%

Humidity

15.6

Daylight length

5:49 AM

Sunrise

9:27 PM

Sunset

46%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Dutch Pinball Museum (245 reviews)
- The Dutch Pinball museum is LIT
Tuesday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Dutch Pinball Museum in Rotterdam. More than 100 pinball machines and even an historian room. Great atmosphere and a little restaurant where you can drink or eat something. See you soon. See more..
4.5 Markthal (7.791 reviews)
- Absolutely incredible design with an interior packed full of places to visit
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

The Markthal (English: Market Hall) is a residential and office building with a market hall, located in Rotterdam. The building was opened on October 1, 2014, by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. Besides the large market hall, the complex houses 228 apartments, 4600 m2 retail space, 1600 m2 horeca and an underground 4-storey parking garage with a capacity of 1200 cars. The Markthal was designed by architectural firm MVRDV. The grey nature stone building has an archwise structure like a horseshoe. The building has a glass facade on both sides, these are made up of smaller glass windows. The smaller windows are mostly squared and around 1485 millimeters wide. All of these are hung around a structure of steel cables, 34 metres high and 42 metres wide, which makes it the largest glass-window cable structure in Europe. Each facade has 26 vertical and 22 horizontal cables. The inside of the building is an 11.000 m2 artwork by Arno & Iris Coenen, named Hoorn des Overvloeds (Horn of Plenty). See more..
4.5 Rotterdam Centraal Station (4.374 reviews)
- Day Trip to Rotterdam
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

I took a day trip to visit this amazing city. I loved it because it’s not over populated with tourist and there was alto to see and do. I took the ICD train from Amsterdam Central Station direct to Rotterdam with 1 stop at Schiphol Airport, It took about 50mins to arrive. Cost for RT 40€. I literally walked around the City for 8hrs. From Rotterdam Central Station I walked to Markthal Rotterdam (a must see) you can find all types for food from around the world, get your spices and everything, stop at the outdoor market for fresh fish, fruits and clothing, near Cube House all in the same area of the market. cross the bridge and took the boat to SS Rotterdam, book your reservation for dinner on the ship In Advance. Many cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from, there is no shortage. Overall is a beautiful city to explore and I will definitely visit again for a few days. See more..
4.5 Erasmus Bridge (3.761 reviews)
- Modern Bridge
Architectural Buildings • Bridges

Considered an architectural work of art, Rotterdam's imposing bridge that is shaped like a harp soars over the largest harbor in Europe. See more..
4.5 Rotterdam Zoo (2.874 reviews) from $26.77
- Great day out
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Zoos

We came here for the day because being members of our local zoo gave us free entry to this zoo, but would happily have paid to get in. The variety of animals to see is the best of any zoo I have been too. For us it took 3-4 hours to get around the whole zoo, but could quite easily be a full day with small children See more..
4.5 Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen (1.336 reviews)
- Great museum
Speciality Museums

This place is temporarily closed. See more..
4.5 Witte de Withstraat (832 reviews)
- Best place to be if you want an alcohol filled night out.......
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We walked through this street on a Saturday night after a concert in the nearby Armenius church. It was very very busy. Mostly with young people (20-30), drinking, talking, singing. We had some trouble now and then to walk on due to the many and overcrowded terraces and pubs with people on the walkway. Good atmosphere though. We can see that this could be fun if you are looking for a partner, some fun etc. See more..
4.5 Stadium Feijenoord (De Kuip) (521 reviews)
- really enjoyed
Arenas & Stadiums

Really enjoyed visiting this stadium! Was in the away end so was a little confusing how to get in but once we did it was a great experience. Can imagine the atmosphere is superb for a league game. A little bar available for away fans and it is really cheap. See more..
4.5 Miniworld Rotterdam (394 reviews)
- Walk Tall!
Tuesday: Spent 1-2 hours Educational sites

Miniworld Rotterdam offers you a unique way to explore the city of Rotterdam, her stories, her history, her architecture and absorbing maritime tradition, all in a bird’s eye view. Rotterdam is the place to be. The story of this inspiring city, the 1940 bombardment and subsequent reconstruction, the drive to innovate, to shape their city, that locals still have today; all make Rotterdam a fascinating place to visit. Here everything seems possible. Over the past ten years Miniworld has received several public awards. Come visit and experience over 600 m2 of this large and breathtaking miniature world, close to Rotterdam Central Station. Not only can you explore the City of Rotterdam, you can also explore vast rural Dutch landscapes filled with windmills and typical Dutch villages. A Whole World Awaits You... In Miniworld Rotterdam a day lasts 24 minutes. When night falls, thousands of tiny lights sparkle in the dark. See more..
4.5 De Rotterdam (340 reviews)
- The Largest Building of the Netherlands
Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings

De Rotterdam is the largest building of the Netherlands measured in floor space ... some 160,000 square meters. It resides on the gentrified docklands area De Kop van Zuid and was designed by the famous Rem Koolhaas of OMA architects. See more..
4.5 Huis Sonneveld (291 reviews)
- A must for any visit to Rotterdam
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Probably the best arts experience Rotterdam has to offer, the house takes you back to the mid 30s and explores the experience of those who lived there. An example of Dutch Functionalism, it is of interest to anyone with a passing interest in architecture and design - especially those who are interested in tidy, minimal spaces. The whole house is available to view, and you’re allowed to sit on some of the chairs as well. You’re directed through the building via an audio tour operated through scanning a handheld device at numbered check points. My only criticism of this experience is that it doesn’t explore what average Rotterdam’ers felt towards what was an incredibly alien space in the middle of what was at the time (prior to the damage caused by WW2) a very old city. See more..
4.5 Het Park (291 reviews)
- Beautiful city oasis, not to be missed
Parks

One of my favourite places in Rotterdam. Ideal for a walk through this beautiful city park, picnic, BBQ and relax. Several good places to have drinks, coffee, snacks or meals. Also very highly recommended to walk along the river and/or the wide green avenue in the middle, past Veerhaven marina, through the Shipping Quarter (Scheepvaartkwartier), the most beautiful neighbourhood of Rotterdam, between Het Park and the Erasmus Bridge. See more..
4.5 Wereldmuseum (270 reviews)
- Will Come Back Again!
Tuesday: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • History Museums

This place is temporarily closed. See more..
4.5 Theme Park Plaswijckpark (254 reviews)
- Great for kids .
Amusement & Theme Parks

Very affordable price, a lot of activities, without pay extra. there are theater activities every 30 minutes, tren ride around the park, swimming pools in summer, boat riding, inside big playground with lots of activities, zoo, a little one, farm, lots of animals, carousel, cars road, my son loves this one, extra activities in Halloween and Christmas. great place with a lot of activities for a very affordable price, you can get a membership for unlimited entrance. See more..
4.5 Kop van Zuid (253 reviews)
- Fabulous architecture and city life
Neighborhoods

The Kop van Zuid is a superbly gentrified former docklands area very much in the center of Rotterdam- can be reached by foot easily via the iconic Erasmus bridge. The centerpiece is no doubt the monumental Holland America Lijn building, now hotel New York. It is surrounded by stunning highrise architecture such as De Rotterdam and the Montevideo buildings. A very nice and arty city park (featuring eg. the fabulous Lost Luggage Depot artwork) sits at the western waterfront. A must see in Rotterdam! See more..
4.5 The Destroyed City (250 reviews)
- Desperation and helplessness!
Monuments & Statues

A monument to the fallen in the bombing and devastation of Rotterdam during World War 2. A six metre high bronze statue of a human figure, weighing three tonnes. The sculptor of this art work, Ossip Zadkine described his design as 'a cry of horror for the human monster, who devised the executioner's work in order to let his brothers pay for a crime they did not commit'. This is a symbol of pain, horror, helplessness, desperation, man's inhumanity to man..... It speaks to all of us perhaps in different ways. You can't fail to see the horror and desperation, however! When it was unveiled, in the 1950s, it caused a bit of controversy, but it still stands there today, as a stark reminder about human history and the lessons people still have not learnt! This is a must see! See more..
4.5 Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum (230 reviews)
- NATURE WALK IN THE MEDDLE OF THE CITY
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum is the green pearl in the city of Rotterdam. Throughout the year admiring visitors come and enjoy exploring the gardens. Nature’s beauty changes magically with each new season. This former country estate covers 20 acres and boasts a magnificent collection of plants that includes very old beeches and oaks, 700 varieties of rhododendron, more than 100 varieties of holly, the Dutch National Collection of Hostas and countless others. Refreshments can be had on the sunny terrace at the entrance or in the cosy tea room in De Uithoek where they also serve lunch. See more..
4.5 FutureLand (224 reviews)
- Slightly different....
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers

The main exhibition hall is free to look round. We took the hour and a half boat cruise around the port, which is also good if you want to take a look at the Harbour Seals. Not the most exciting of boat trips. But, we had a very good guide, and there is also an audio guide which you can play through your 'phone. Worth looking at all the ships and the sizes up close will amaze you. One reason we took this trip is that both my parents (TripAdvisor - can we have just a Family tab please with no age range?) have limited mobility, and access to the boat is disabled friendly. See more..
4.5 Wilhelminapier (206 reviews)
- The passenger terminal and much more
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks

The Wilhelminapier is a former docklands area that has been magnificently gentrified since the 1990s. Always a center for passenger traffic, it now houses the Rotterdam Cruise Terminal. The Landverhuizers plein (Emigrants square) reminds of the times people would emigrate from here to the US. It is now a park with some very striking art such as the steamship chimneys and the impressive Lost Luggage Depot. See more..
4.0 Euromast (3.354 reviews)
- OMG
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers

The most beautiful view of Rotterdam Visiting Rotterdam? Then you should not skip the Euromast. From a great height you see the city in a unique perspective. Enjoy the best view of Rotterdam at a height of 100 meters. Not high enough? Take the colorful Euroscoop to the top and see the city from 185 meters high with a light and sound show. For the real daredevil, you can abseil from the Euromast every weekend from May to September. Also download the Magnicity app and collect information about more than 50 special Rotterdam buildings through your screen. Through VR technology you can see what the city looked like after the bombing in 1940. See more..
4.0 Kijk-Kubus (1.945 reviews)
- Iconic place and one of the most visited places in Rotterdam
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Always wanted to see one of the most special houses from the inside? Now we even have something better for you! Visit our ART cube and enjoy the cube house in Van Gogh style. You can also see some of the best street photography by Dutch photographer Perry van der Hoek and streetart by Timon. Enjoy the Art Cube and see Rotterdam through the eyes of an artist! See more..
4.0 Old Harbour (996 reviews)
- Picturesque walk through history
Tuesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Piers & Boardwalks

The 'Old Harbour' is the historical hotspot of the Rotterdam city centre, developed itself into a vibrant city area at the north of the Maas river. See more..
4.0 Maritime Museum Rotterdam (766 reviews)
- We loved our visit
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Many of the exhibits here are geared toward a younger crowd-upper elementary to middle school. But we still found them thoughtful and informative. The oil rig exhibit was very well done. Going onto a virtual rig was quite the experience. My favorite part was the maritime themed art exhibit of pieces on loan from the Boijman van Beuningen museum which is closed for renovation right now. Very famous pieces of art including Bosch and Monet. Was introduced to the concept of "pen painting." My husband and son loved the model ships and the pieces in the port you could walk onto. We enjoyed a beer and snack at the cafe downstairs and the gift shop was nice. See more..
4.0 Kunsthal Rotterdam (677 reviews)
- Colorful contemporary exhibitions
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

The Kunsthal Rotterdam is one of the leading cultural institutions in the Netherlands. With over twenty exhibitions a year, the Kunsthal offers a programme that is dynamic and always surprising. The Kunsthal is continuously transforming, and with its regularly changing exhibitions able to offer crossovers between various art disciplines. From modern masters and contemporary art to forgotten cultures, photography, fashion and design. The Kunsthal's exhibition programme gives it its national scope and international allure. In its iconic building designed by Rem Koolhaas, the Kunsthal stands for three core values: art, culture and society. The Kunsthal is not a museum, nor does it wish to be. Not having its own collection gives the Kunsthal absolute freedom, and making optimum use of that freedom is where its strength lies. With a small team, a wide range of exhibitions and activities are realised with a high turnover rate for a diverse audience. This is what makes the Kunsthal different from other institutions in the museum sector. See more..
4.0 Delfshaven (644 reviews)
- From whence the Pilgrims sailed
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Delfshaven was a 15 minute metro ride from Blaak where we were staying. We spent a lovely 3 hours there walking around and enjoying the historic district. We visited Pilgrim church and learned all the history of the Pilgrims. There are beautiful galleries and lovely restaurants to enjoy as well. See more..
4.0 De Rotterdam Steam Ship (582 reviews) from $14.23
- It'SS RotterDAMN good.
Ships

We would strongly recommend visiting the SS Rotterdam and doing both the self guided and guided tours. In particular the guided tour of the engine spaces was excellent, though we think we may got very lucky with our guide who spoke impeccable English, but was also translating into German and had incredible knowledge of the systems below deck. A lot the vessel is open to the public as it now a hotel, but there were guides in a lot of the rooms which you are encouraged to visit who were more than happy to provide insight and overview. Some of the entertainment spaces were very decadent and worth a wander round. The self guided audio tour takes you round a number of spaces and decks, however we felt it lacked direction at times and signage wasn't always clear to ensure you went round in the order expected. Only down side we can think of so that isn't bad going. Don't remember the entrance ticket being overly expensive for the tour and we spent a good few of hours going round. See more..
4.0 Ahoy (407 reviews)
- Yearly North Sea Jazz festival
Arenas & Stadiums

After three years of waiting we could finally use our tickets of 2019. It was worth waiting. We discovered a lot of new heroes. Fortunately there's not only jazz on this festival because I like blues and rock better. See more..
4.0 City Hall Rotterdam (308 reviews)
- Traditional Building
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Located in the centre of Rotterdam the city hall building a s brilliant piece of architecture. It is easily accessible by tram, metro or on foot. If you like grand buildings you may want to check it out. See more..
4.0 Nederlands Fotomuseum (288 reviews)
- Thought provoking photographs
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Nederlands Fotomuseum in Rotterdam is the leading national museum of photography in the Netherlands. It has an impressive collection of 5.5 million photographic images and exhibits every facet of photography: documentary and experimental, contemporary and historical. In addition to exhibitions featuring major names in Dutch and international photography, the museum regularly presents work from its in-house collection. The collection comprises an important part of the Netherlands’ visual heritage. See more..
4.0 Witte Huis (205 reviews)
- Proto-sky rise
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Rotterdam's White House (Witte Huis) was the tallest office-building in Europe when it was built in 1898, and one of the few buildings in the center of town that survived the bombing raid on May 14,1940 during World War II. See more..