Rotterdam

Why go?

Experience a totally different side to the Netherlands. This quirky architectural city is constantly evolving and providing visitors with unique urban experiences. This modern metropolis serves up the best of a contemporary city break. Rotterdam’s famous skyline, impressive port, trendy restaurants, and many museums are just some of the reasons why you should plan a trip to the city.

It may not be full of windmills and quaint canals, but Rotterdam comes into its own with its cool architecture and design. The Hague, Delft and Schiedam’s windmills aren’t far, so historic Dutch culture is just around the corner.

When to go?

People visit Rotterdam for a city break, so tourism is fairly steady all year round. The summer months will be best for exploring the city and its surroundings. But with plenty of museums, Rotterdam’s got lots of great bad weather and rainy day options too.

What you need to know about Rotterdam

Museum Central

Somewhere that has a park dedicated to museums is going to be a great destination for museum lovers. Museumpark has 6 museums in and around the area where you can discover all sorts of things, from natural history to modern art. It doesn’t stop there though.

Rotterdam really has got an incredible variety of museums to choose from. How about the Netherlands Photo Museum, the Dutch Pinball Museum, or the Maritime Museum? There is even a Tax & Customs Museum. Yes, tax and customs. Everyone’s favourite topic. We’re sure it's not your first choice, but the museum is interactive and surprisingly interesting. When we say there is a museum for everyone in Rotterdam, we really mean it!

Awesome Architecture

Come to Rotterdam to see its amazing architecture and design. After being largely destroyed during the bombardment of WWII, the city has sprung back to life as a tribute to urban creativity and impressive engineering. Marvel at the famous Erasmusbrug, Centraal Station, the Markthal, the Cube Houses, Depot Boijmans and more.

There are still some surviving signs of Rotterdam's past dotted around though. See the gothic Laurenskerk, 19th century emigration HQ Hotel New York and Oudhaven, where you can see the Witte Huis - Europe’s first skyscraper. Rotterdam is more of a modern metropolis than other Dutch cities and is a must-see for anyone into all-things design and architecture.

Perfect for fun-lovers and foodies

Rotterdam is a vibrant, international city! Come here for a weekend trip to fill up with food and fun. You won’t regret it. You might’ve already heard of the city’s famous nightlife spot, Witte de Withstraat. This popular street is lined with hip bars, restaurants, cafés and coffee shops. You’ll find the terraces full on sunny days and the bustling street come alive in the evenings.

Foodies will love the authentic and alternative food options in the city. Rotterdam hosts the Netherland’s largest indoor market daily in the Markthal and there are culinary hotspots just outside the city centre too, like Fenix Food Factory and the Foodhallen. Pop over to these if you’re looking for a bit of variety or an international food fix.

Getting There

As one of the Netherlands’ main cities, getting to Rotterdam is a piece of cake.

Getting Around

Essential Info

Tourist Information Centre

Address: Coolsingel 114, 3011 AG Rotterdam, Netherlands

Web: rotterdam.info

Tel: +31107900185

Opening Times: 9:30 to 18:00