To visit Rotterdam in the Netherlands is to visit a European destination at the confluence of the Rhine and the Meuse that you might not have thought of, yet Rotterdam is a surprising and very dynamic city. Welcome to our travel blog OneDayOneTravel and this new Rotterdam City Guide.
Visiting Rotterdam for the first time: Tips and tricks
Here is our city guide map for visiting Rotterdam for the first time.
Accessible in just 2 hours 37 minutes by Thalys from Paris, Holland's 2nd largest city is a very pleasant urban escape for a weekend or more. The city is a real centre of architectural experimentation. The buildings are all different, with endless shapes and colours. Pure creativity around every corner.
The cosmopolitan Rotterdam, known as the 'Manhattan on the Meuse' or 'the little Manhattan of the Netherlands', has a lot to offer and is less touristy and more authentic than its rival Amsterdam. We love visiting Rotterdam because it is a melting pot of architecture and cultures with over 170 nationalities living here. So many good places to eat and drink to try!
Rotterdam is a city with a future and offers many attractions and visits not to be missed. We'll tell you all about them in this new post on our OneDayOneTravel blog, with lots of tips.
After our trip to New YorkAfter our trip to New York, a visit to Rotterdam was an obvious choice.
You can visit Rotterdam in all seasons. Spring, summer and autumn are the three ideal seasons. For our first stay, we went in October 2019 for 3 days. We walked about 15 km per day, to get a feel for the different parts of the city. With the free maps.me location app (review below), we always tend to take more detours and we love it!
We quickly fell in love with Rotterdam because water is everywhere. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and the Meuse, it is nevertheless one of the biggest port cities in the world but this activity is not felt when visiting the city which is totally independent from the big maritime activities. We saw the skyline from the Erasmus Bridge and that was it. In the city centre, on the other hand, there are small ports with these pretty boats that punctuate our walks. So romantic!
The uniqueness of Rotterdam is that it was almost completely wiped off the map at the end of the Second World War. The Dutch are a resilient people who rolled up their sleeves to rebuild the city after this dramatic episode. They took advantage of this to build a forward-looking city. Architecturally, this is reflected in all the districts and it is exciting to discover.
Rotterdam, a destination we recommend especially if you are looking for a cheap and original urban destination in Europe to spend a long weekend and easily accessible by Thalys train from Paris.
We would love to visit Rotterdam again in another season.
1. How do I get to Rotterdam? By Thalys!
Rotterdam is very easy to reach from France. By car, bus, plane or train, all means of transport are possible. We chose to spend these 3 days visiting Rotterdam by Thalys train. In only 2h37, we are directly immersed in the heart of Rotterdam. Very practical, fast, comfortable with free wifi on board, and very accessible price (from 35 €), the Thalys to go to Rotterdam is really the best option of transport. You don't waste any time and you can immerse yourself in the Dutch city as soon as you arrive.
Rotterdam Central Station is a multi-modal station that handles around 110,000 passengers a day. Completely rebuilt and modernised with solar panels on the roof facing the city centre, the station has also become one of Rotterdam's most iconic architectural features. The station, now nicknamed The Shark, is modern and connected but we saw that there were also some traces of the past such as the clock on the front façade, the giant letters of Rotterdam Centraal Station, or the granite sculptures we discovered while waiting for our return Thalys on platform number 1.
From Paris North Station (and Rotterdam), 3 classes are offered on the Thalys:
Standard Class: The lowest fares from €35 per journey with wifi on board, 2 power sockets and 2 pieces of luggage.
Comfort Class: More spacious seats and faster wifi, with 2 sockets, 2 pieces of luggage.
Premium Class: The services of the Comfort Class with the addition of a meal, press and access to the lounge. To have tested the Premium Class, we can add that the service is top and the meal which is a nice surprise is served directly at your seat.
Timetables, fares and booking on the Thalys.
2. How to get around Rotterdam?
Visiting Rotterdam means experiencing a city on a human scale. Most of the time, you will be able to get around on foot. However, Holland is also a country of bicycles, and it is not difficult to find one to rent. You can also take the metro, bus or tram. Very easy to use, these public transports allow you to save your steps when going from one district to another. To use them, you need an OV-chipkaart card is essential. You just have to buy it in a metro station for 7,50€ and then load it. It is valid for 5 years.
Rotterdam is a city built on the water. Water taxis can be a good option to visit Rotterdam but beware, it's far from a fun cruise LOL. The boats are rather small shuttles that go very fast. Prices depend on the route and are relatively high as watertaxis are mostly used by tourists (€4.50 per trip on average).
You can also download the free application maps.me (Google Play link) or maps.me (itunes link) which, even in aeroplane mode, allows you to find your way around the world. You can use it as a hiking GPS but also in the car. We use it everywhere!
It's great for getting around Rotterdam. You can visit Rotterdam with your GPS, which even works in aeroplane mode, and calculate your routes according to your mode of travel. It 's a must-have application for travellers, and one that we've been using for years, because you can also insert landmarks and notes. Very easy to use, this application is an indispensable tool that allows you to get lost while travelling without ever really getting lost. Even in a dugout canoe in Indonesia, you can find your way!
3. What to see, what to visit in Rotterdam? 8 visits and attractions to visit
Visiting Rotterdam, or rather living Rotterdam, means taking advantage of its architectural curiosities, its sometimes bohemian atmosphere and its good addresses. In short, it's about enjoying the Dutch way of life in a modern, forward-looking city. After all, the new post-war Rotterdam was not built for tourists but for the people who live there.
There are, however, multi-stop multi-stop tourist buses (more info and booking via the link at 19,50€/person). Always very practical to get a first idea of the city. And there are also Euromast + multi-stop tourist bus" tickets à 30,75€.
Some facilities and prices to help you visit Rotterdam for less and without wasting time:
The Rotterdam Welcome Card (€12) gives you unlimited use of the metro for 1, 2 or 3 days and a 25% discount on the city's main attractions.
The Rotterdam Pass is valid for 1 month and costs €40 for 2 visits/attractions with free transport or €60 for 4 visits/attractions with free transport.
3.1 Rotterdam, an architectural experimental centre: the cube houses
Rotterdam was almost w iped out during the Second World War. Traditional Dutch houses are therefore rare. But at the same time, since that terrible period, the city has constantly reinvented itself. As a result, Rotterdam today is a veritable open-air architectural museum of the 20th and 21st centuries. The unmistakable cube houses are a perfect example of this.
Welcome to the Blaakse Bos between the Blaak and the Old Port.
These 38 cubic houses, designed by Piet Blom 35 years ago, are a suspended hamlet in the middle of the city. Each house can also be defined as a tree in the middle of a forest. Painted in yellow, grey and white, these fascinating houses bring an assumed clarity to the common spaces we pass through. This exceptional and intriguing architecture inevitably makes you want to take some pictures. If you look up, you almost get a stiff neck. At the same time, you realise that people live in these 45-degree sloping houses on a daily basis. It can't be that easy to adapt. Could you see yourself living there?
If you would like to see the inside of one of these houses, you can visit a show house that is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm and is called Kijk Kubus for a few euros.
Address of the cube houses: Overblaak, 70 in Rotterdam
Free access to the site
Entrance fee for the visit to the Kijk Kubus show house:
Adult: €3
65+ & student: €2
Children (up to 12 years): €1.50
And here are the benefits with the cards:
Rotterdam Welcome Card: €1 discount per person.
Rotterdam Pass: free and unlimited visit
3.2. Visit the Markthal Market or the Sistine Chapel in Rotterdam
As well as being an architectural masterpiece in Rotterdam, the Markthal Farmers' Market is the first covered market in Holland. Architecturally, the impressive building has an innovative design featuring a 4000-tile work of art (the cornucopia) in a curved ceiling housing 228 luxury flats that can be seen if you look up from inside the market. They can also be seen from the outside on either side of the curved ceiling. The result is so incredible that the architectural building has been dubbed the Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam on several occasions.
The Markthal is home to dozens of stalls selling local specialities and other products that make you travel further. In terms of restaurants, we were advised to visit Jamie's Italian restaurant unless you prefer to enjoy a simple tapas. The Markthal market is also home to a number of gourmet shops where you can find everything. Remember that Rotterdam is home to over 170 nationalities!
Free access to the market, which is located just opposite the cube houses.
3.3. Rotterdam's yellow bridge or The Luchtsingel
Here it is the eclecticism of forms and colours that we remember. Creativity is expressed everywhere and all the inhabitants are involved!
The result of the world's first crowdfunded infrastructure project, the pedestrian bridge made of wooden slats painted yellow has become themajor pedestrian axis that reconnects Central Station, Rotterdam North and Binnenrotte. By word of mouth and over time it has become a must-see attraction in Rotterdam. 8000 people have signed up for the project, paying a minimum of €25 for 1 wooden slat with their name engraved on it.
The structure is of course free to enter and is located not far from the Rotterdam train station. Nice to discover this very Instagrammable site on foot. Street art on the way.
If you're hungry at this time of day, we recommend a restaurant on an unusual and very nice roof top, Op Het Dak, to have lunch after taking your photos of the yellow bridge. You can find this address in our section where to eat in Rotterdam?
3.4. Visit the Euromast observation tower
The Euromast observation tower is visible from a large part of the city. The best place to enjoy both the Rotterdam skyline and the Euromast tower is on the Erasmus Bridge. Nice at sunset but not only!
The tower, built in 1960 by Dutch architect Hugh Maaskant, is still the tallest building in Rotterdam at 185 metres. And even in the whole of Holland! The Euromast Tower is also included in the list of the world's tallest towers, which includes, for example, the Burj Khalifa or theEmpire State Building that we know well.
The Euromast observation tower can be visited. Very popular at sunset, we advise you tobuy your ticket online before going there. The experience begins in a glass lift that revolves around the central pillar of the structure to the top. From there, you get a great view of the whole city of Rotterdam. Food and drink are available at the top.
3.5. Erasmus Bridge and the Maritime Museum
A visit to Rotterdam means strolling through the streets and districts of the city, but also discovering the bridges that span the New Meuse, such as the modern Erasmus Bridge, which connects the Wilhelminapier to the maritime district and the Nieuwe Werk.
Built in 1996 and 800 m long, it has completely changed the skyline of Rotterdam and the configuration of the neighbourhoods.
We loved taking it in all weathers, day and night, as it connects the Wilhelminapier Point, which houses the historichistoric New York Hotel dating from 1917, the nhow hotel Rotterdam but also our hotel, the Room Mate Bruno hotel. The fotomuseum and the restaurant By Ami, which we recommend below, are located on the same point.
Hotel New York in Rotterdam
How to celebrate 6 centuries of sailing in Rotterdam? By visiting the Leuvehavenau inner harbour at the Rotterdam Maritime Museum for €14/person.
Save time by booking your ticket to visit the Maritime Museum
At sunset and at night, a walk along the quayside around the Maritime Museum is even more enjoyable. You walk through large and very impressive illuminated machines in the middle of the city. You'll find yourself elsewhere in the blink of an eye. Free access.
We love Rotterdam by night, see why!
3.6. The Kunsthal in Rotterdam
We come to to the Kunsthal for its exceptional temporary exhibitions. Opened in 1992, the mission of the institution is to make art accessible to all.
During our visit, we saw 2 exhibitions. The first one was dedicated to a sublime retrospective of the Thierry Muggler ready-to-wear collections. An incredible display of clothes.
The second was on the work of artist Joana Vasconcelos: "I'm your mirror". An exhibition that presents works that question by diverting objects supposedly intended for women.
Don't miss the park behind the Kunsthal either. Some artworks and ducks are waiting for you in a bucolic setting (free access).
The Kunsthal is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Address: Westzeedijk 341 in Rotterdam
3.7. The Dutch Museum of Photography: The fotomuseum
The fotomuseum has some great temporary exhibitions. We were able to enjoy one of them, showing the work of photographer Ed Van Der Elsken through his portraits and social photos.
The museum of photography is just a few steps from our hotel. It was raining and windy the day we visited. An ideal activity to stay dry!
more about the epxhibitions of the fotomuseum of the Netherlands
Address: Las Palmas, Wilhelminakade 332 in Rotterdam
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm
3.8. Visit the Delfshaven district and its mill
The Delfshaven district on the right bank of the New Meuse River is particularly attractive for its 10-metre high mill , the first version of which was built in 1727. It is called the Distilleerketel here in Rotterdam and is located at 210 Voorhaven Quay. Malt is still being ground here.
This attraction is also a good excuse to visit the Delfshaven district and its pre-war architecture. You will have the impression of stepping into the past of a district that was well and truly spared from the bombings of the Second World War. You will discover typical and historic residences in all the alleys, which are very pleasant to walk through, as there is very little traffic in this district of Rotterdam.
The district is also a small Rotterdam harbour, so of course the banks lined with pretty boats and the little bridges are worth a visit during your exploration. You can totally immerse yourself in Holland as you imagine it with these canals. A real highlight.
And if you are lucky enough to pass by this little secret café (paragraph 4.5.) during its opening hours, don't hesitate to go there for a sweet break. It's the perfect way to finish your visit to the Delfshaven district.
4. Where to eat in Rotterdam? Where to have a drink?
Here are 5 places to eat and drink in Rotterdam that you shouldn't miss.
4.1. Restaurant By Ami in Rotterdam
When you leave hotel and walk a few steps, you come across this waterfront lunch spot opposite the Katendrecht district, the By Ami restaurant.
The emphasis here is on colour and the presentation of the dish. In short, this restaurant takes you into a world that is unique to Rotterdam and takes you on a journey with good, tasty products. The emphasis is on short circuits. The influences are French, Arabian, Asian and Italian. We order a burger for lunch that comes with a Mexican hat!
Visit By Ami Rotterdam and their colourful gallery on their Instagram account.
4.2. Eating well in the Katendrecht district: De Matroos en Het Meisje in Rotterdam
De Matroos en Het Meisje is located in the Katendrecht district, a fast-growing entertainment district. The restaurants in the area, which are mostly housed in former warehouses, reflect the diversity of Rotterdam's inhabitants. The Fenix Food Factory, with its gourmet burger, noodle and taco stands, is a trendy brasserie. On the unusual side, you can enjoy fine food and cocktails on board the SS Rotterdam, a cruise ship converted into a hotel.
Tonight you can try the bistro restaurant De Matroos en Het Meisje, an elegant table d'hôte with a unique menu and bold dishes. The market cuisine served varies with the seasons, as does the menu. The welcome is friendly. Tonight the restaurant is fully booked, even though it is a weekday. This is a very good sign.
Tonight we are enjoying a 5-course menu on a perfectly laid table in an elegant atmosphere. We have no idea what the menu is. We are totally carried away by the experience. And what an experience! The dishes are mastered, even if we are told that some of them are served for the first time.
An evening where we eat very well without any doubt every night. Ideal restaurant for couples or friends.
Restaurant De Matroos en Het Meisje
Delistraat 52 in Rotterdam
Tel: +31 10 215 2764
Times: Open daily from 6pm to 11pm
Prices of menus offered:
From €38 for 3 courses to €44 for 4 courses, €50 for 5 courses, €58 for 6 courses.
4.3. Restaurant Aloha in Rotterdam
The Aloha reminds us that Rotterdam is well built on the waterfront. The concept of the establishment is to combine a restaurant, a bar, a café and a terrace on the banks of the Maas with a view of the Rotterdam skyline, in a tropical atmosphere. A concept that could be laughed at, but in fact the restaurant opened on the site of a former small water park, the Tropicana. This might explain it LOL.
Ideal for all moments of the day from sandwich to menu. We were unlucky as it was raining on the day of our dinner so we ate inside. Good products and good value for money for brasserie type dishes.
Ideal for lovers, family or friends.
Maasboulevard 100 in Rotterdam
Tel: +31 10 210 8170
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 12pm to 10.30pm. Closes at 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday.
4.4. Op Het Dak rooftop restaurant in Rotterdam
Not far from the station, the Schieblock building, which houses creative workshops and overlooks the yellow bridge, also has a green rooftop where you can have lunch or nibble on one of the specialities at Op Het Dak.
In addition to having an unbeatable view of the yellow bridge from the 7th floor, the restaurant offers a concept of sourcing a lot of fresh and quality products in an ultra-short circuit because they are produced directly on the roof of the building. The others come from local producers. What's more, the service is friendly. You can even go for a walk in the vegetable garden between two plates. Local, colourful, tasty, flowery and seasonal cuisine.
Rooftop Op Het Dak
Schiekade 189 in Rotterdam - 7th floor
Opening hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 5pm
4.5. Café Evermore Thee in Rotterdam
We stumbled across this place on our way out of the Delfshaven district and its windmill. A small sitting area with a few tables was all we needed to decide to push open the door of this small family-run establishment. This café is one of our secret addresses in Rotterdam. It feels like a home from home.
The owners will be delighted to talk to you and tell you their story. They are coffee, tea and chocolate lovers. We were happy to sit down and chat with them over a cup of coffee and a few slices of homemade brownies. Not sure if you'll find this address in any other travel guide, but it's a good place to be.
Address: Coolhaven 158A in Rotterdam
Times: Open Thursday and Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
5. Where to stay in Rotterdam?
During our 3 day stay in Rotterdam, we stayed in the Room Mate Bruno hotel. Located in Rotterdam, in the Feijenoord (Noordereiland) district, the 4-storey boutique hotel occupies a former tea warehouse of the Dutch East India Company.
The establishment is the result of a major renovation of the entire building structure. What a challenge to turn warehouses into hotel rooms! The work was so impressive that it was filmed and the video can be viewed in the bar on the first floor.
The exterior facades have been completely preserved and so have the names of the counters. The names of Borneo, Java, Sumatra or even Celebes inevitably take us back to our unforgettable journeys in Indonesia and in particular to Sulawesi (formerly Celebes) and the Java volcanoes.
The interior is contemporary but we can't forget the history of the building at every moment with intimate spaces like this fire in the lobby.
On the bedroom side, we are on the first floor. We sleep with the Big Dipper over our heads. The room is clean, comfortable and functional, and is also very quiet. The breakfast is excellent with a large choice of sweet and sour dishes. Several types of rooms. We recommend it!
Prices and booking on the website of theRoom Mate Bruno.
In conclusion of this blog post on our tips for over visiting Rotterdam for the first time,
Photogenic, welcoming, innovative, surprising, Rotterdam totally won us over.️
Our 3 days here went by in the blink of an eye. Proof thatwe lived our stay intensely.
Far away from the flood of tourists in Amsterdam, the "Manhattan of the Netherlands" can be visited in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. And Rotterdam is not just a port! It is a modern, unconventional and forward-looking city. An architectural mille-feuille that can be enjoyed day and night.
Rotterdam is a recommended destination, especially if you are looking for :
A cheap urban destination in Europe to spend a long weekend and easily accessible from France, especially Paris. By Thalys train, 10 return journeys are offered each day,
an original destination, different from the usual European tourist cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, MadridPrague, Berlin or even Rome,
It'san innovative destination where you can expect to be quickly charmed culturally and architecturally, even if it's not always so easy to get used to at first.
For our part, we would like to visit Rotterdam again, why not in the spring?
