Rotterdam – Things to Do in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is different. While many cities have a historic center that serves as an open-air museum, Rotterdam chose something entirely different after its destruction in 1940: a city that constantly reinvents itself. Bold architecture, industrial harbor buildings transformed into trendy dining spots, a surprisingly diverse culinary scene, and the Netherlands’ very first shopping street. The city is also perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. We love spending time there and will take you on a tour of our favorite spots to really get out and explore Rotterdam.

Rotterdam’s Most Famous Landmarks

Because the city center was almost completely destroyed by bombing in 1940, Rotterdam was subsequently rebuilt with some of the world’s most daring and innovative architecture. Every building tells a story.

Rotterdam is a city best explored on foot or by bike. Behind the modern skyline lie surprising neighborhoods, hidden courtyards, cozy terraces, and historic sites. So set aside a whole day to discover the city’s many different faces.

The Cube Houses

The yellow-gray Cube Houses by architect Piet Blom (1984) are perhaps Rotterdam’s most photographed structures. The houses are tilted at a 45-degree angle on stilts—a completely revolutionary concept for its time. You can also take a look inside one of the houses at the Kijk-Kubus museum. Did you know you can even spend the night in one of the Cube Houses?

The Markthal

The Markthal isn’t just any covered market—it’s also an architectural icon. Designed by MVRDV and opened in 2014 as the Netherlands’ first market hall, its massive horseshoe shape encloses an inner courtyard filled with stalls, restaurants, and shops. The ceiling—an 11,000-square-meter work of art featuring fruit, vegetables, and flowers—is also known as the “Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam.”

Boijmans Van Beuningen Depot

This reflective, egg-shaped building in the Museumpark is both an architectural gem and a world first: the world’s first publicly accessible art depot. Designed by Rotterdam architect Winy Maas (MVRDV), the building houses no fewer than 151,000 works of art from the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. You can stroll among the art and enjoy a spectacular view from the rooftop terrace.

Erasmus Bridge & Euromast

As soon as you enter the city, you’ll see the Erasmus Bridge. Considered by many to be the most beautiful bridge in Europe, its slender shape and cable-stayed design have made it a true icon—and it’s absolutely magical when lit up at night. Want to see the city from above? Then take the elevator up the Euromast—at over 185 meters, it offers Rotterdam’s best vantage point, stretching far beyond the Maas River and the harbor.

Street Art on Witte de Withstraat

Rotterdam is one of Europe’s best cities for street art, and the highest concentration can be found in and around Witte de Withstraat. In the Kromme Elleboog, a side street, you’ll find colorful Brazilian murals, and just around the corner on Zwarte Paardenstraat hangs the famous piece “El Trotamundos.” It’s a giant, colorful horse with a world map painted on it—it even has its own Wikipedia page. Want to discover more street art? Then book the self-guided tour “Rotterdam by Tymon de Laat” from Bite Me Foud Tours.

Where to Eat and Drink in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is unique, and you can taste it. Chefs here love to experiment, and flavors from all over the world come together here. Want to discover multiple culinary hotspots all at once? Then opt for a food tour, where you’ll sample different dishes along the way while learning more about the city.

Start with coffee

Start your day off right with a delicious cappuccino. At Man Met Bril Koffie, you can enjoy coffee roasted on-site, and Giraffe Coffee is also a local institution. Would you rather settle in and take your time? Hopper is the perfect spot for coffee and freshly baked cake. And for a coffee break with a story behind it, head to Hotel âme, one of Rotterdam’s most beautiful spots in a historic building dating back to 1867, featuring a hotel, coffee bar, and concept store in a Japanese-Scandinavian style.

Atmospheric and Culinary Delights in Katendrecht

Katendrecht, also known as “De Kaap,” is one of Rotterdam’s coziest spots. This former harbor peninsula—once known as a hub for sailors—has undergone an impressive transformation in recent years: old warehouses have been transformed into trendy dining spots. On Deliplein, Bistrot du Bac feels like a cozy Parisian bistro, ideal for a long lunch or dinner. Just around the corner, you’ll find La Petite Soeur, an intimate restaurant-bar for a good glass of wine and petits plats to share.

Kop van Zuid and Laan op Zuid

Here, you can dine with a view of the skyline, the Erasmus Bridge, and the waters of the Maas River. For a special evening, check out restaurants like Fitzgerald or Putaine, or go for a classic: Hotel New York, where the historic setting and the view always make for a memorable experience. Want something even more special? Dinnerant on Laan op Zuid combines Japanese sophistication with a Rotterdam no-nonsense attitude.

World Cuisines

Rotterdam is a true melting pot of cultures, and that’s reflected on the menu. From Vietnamese dishes at Little V to Italian street food at Panzerò or wood-fired pizzas at Old Scuola. It’s precisely that diversity that makes dining out in Rotterdam so much fun.

Can’t decide where to eat? Then a culinary discovery tour with BiteMe Food Tours is highly recommended. During a food tour, you’ll walk or bike past various local hotspots and sample a variety of dishes along the way. This way, you’ll not only discover Rotterdam’s diverse cuisine but also learn the stories behind the city and its entrepreneurs. It’s ideal for a first introduction to Rotterdam or if you want to experience the city in a different way.

Shopping in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a wonderful city for a day of shopping. Large, diverse, and always bustling.

The Lijnbaan and the Koopgoot

The Lijnbaan is Rotterdam’s most famous shopping street, and for good reason: it was once the very first shopping promenade in the Netherlands. Car-free and featuring a wide range of well-known brands. The Koopgoot—officially known as the Beurstraverse—is a unique underground shopping street that runs directly beneath the Coolsingel, featuring over 40 stores. At the end, you’ll emerge at the iconic department store De Bijenkorf.

De Meent and the Nieuwe Binnenweg

Want to really get a taste of Rotterdam’s shopping scene? De Meent is the street for anyone looking for something more exclusive, with trendy boutiques and designer shops alongside well-known brands like COS and HAY. De Nieuwe Binnenweg is the longest shopping street in the Netherlands and one of the most diverse, with a multicultural mix of stores and small boutiques.

Indoor Shopping

Not-so-nice weather? Alexandrium Shopping Center is the largest shopping center in the Netherlands, featuring a Shopping Center, Megastores, and a Home Mall where you can find absolutely everything—from fashion to furniture.

Rotterdam on and along the water

What is Rotterdam without its river? Hop on the water taxi and speed across the Maas to the other side of the city, or opt for a more leisurely cruise with Spido along the skyline and the harbors. For families, the Pannenkoekenboot Rotterdam is a hit: enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes while cruising.

Want to experience Rotterdam in a completely different way? Then walk or bike through the historic Maas Tunnel. Built in 1942, this tunnel connects the city center with Rotterdam-Zuid and is one of the few places where you can pass under the Maas on foot or by bike. The distinctive wooden escalators alone make the crossing a special experience and offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history.

Cultural activities

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen & Fenix

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen houses one of Europe’s finest and most diverse art collections, featuring works by Rembrandt, Dalí, and Magritte. The museum is currently undergoing renovation but is hosting special pop-up exhibitions in the meantime. Fenix – Museum of Migration opened in 2025 on the Wilhelminapier and tells the story of migration—about saying goodbye, coming home, and identity—in a renovated warehouse featuring a spectacular tornado sculpture.

Kunsthal Rotterdam

The Kunsthal organizes more than twenty exhibitions a year, ranging from photography and fashion to contemporary art. The building itself, designed by Rem Koolhaas, is a sight to behold in its own right.

Festivals

Rotterdam is also a true festival city. In January and February, the city comes alive during the International Film Festival Rotterdam, one of Europe’s largest film festivals. In July, the North Sea Jazz Festival and the colorful Summer Carnival take center stage, and in September, the port opens its doors for one weekend during the World Port Days.

Fun Things to Do in Rotterdam with Kids

A classic outing is a visit to Blijdorp Zoo, where you can stroll from one continent to another. In addition to visiting Blijdorp Zoo, there are many other fun family outings to enjoy in Rotterdam. For example, make it a full day out by combining the zoo visit with another activity.

Kids who love to be active can burn off their energy at Adventure City Rotterdam. At this indoor and outdoor climbing park, children ages 4 and up can climb, scramble, and experience exciting adventures at various heights. For older kids, there are plenty of challenges with spectacular climbing courses and ziplines.

Fun Village Rotterdam is also a great addition to a family day out in Rotterdam. Here, it’s all about action, teamwork, and fun. For example, kids can take on the challenge at Prison Island Kids, Prison Golf, or try an exciting escape room activity. It’s ideal for an active outing when the weather isn’t great or when you want to do something different from a museum or playground.

In addition, Miniworld Rotterdam, the Maritime Museum, and Plaswijckpark are also great places to explore with kids. This makes Rotterdam a wonderful destination for a day out with the whole family, where you can easily combine multiple activities.

Want more tips about Rotterdam? Then check out:

• The Best Family and Group Activities in Rotterdam
• Dining out in Rotterdam – great restaurant tips
• Shopping in Rotterdam
• Culture, art & architecture in Rotterdam

Photo credits: OpstapmetLisa and collaborating partners