Rotterdam Weekend Trip
The Perfect City Getaway
Rotterdam surprised us with its bold architecture,
lively waterfront and unmistakably modern character.
Bold architecture, lively waterfronts and hidden corners give Rotterdam its unmistakable character. Explore a city full of surprising views, creative energy and unforgettable experiences.
Where is Rotterdam?
Rotterdam is located in the western Netherlands, in the province of South Holland, just a short distance from the North Sea. Built around the Nieuwe Maas river, the city is famous for its enormous port, modern skyline and striking architecture.
It is about 80 kilometers from Amsterdam and around 30 kilometers from The Hague, making Rotterdam an easy destination for a weekend trip and a great addition to a Netherlands itinerary. Thanks to its excellent train connections, getting to Rotterdam from other Dutch cities is quick and straightforward, which makes exploring the city even easier.
How to get to Rotterdam?
Getting to Rotterdam is surprisingly easy, whether you arrive by plane, train, bus or car. The city is well connected to the rest of the Netherlands and Europe, so you can easily make Rotterdam the destination for a weekend trip or combine it with other places in the Netherlands.
By Plane
Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) is the closest airport to the city and is particularly convenient for a short city break. From the airport, you can reach central Rotterdam by public transport in around 30 minutes. Alternatively, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport offers a much larger choice of international flights and has a direct train connection to Rotterdam Central.
By Train
The train is probably one of the easiest ways to reach Rotterdam. Rotterdam Centraal is a major railway hub with frequent connections to Amsterdam, Schiphol, The Hague, Utrecht and other Dutch cities. International trains also connect Rotterdam with destinations such as Brussels, Antwerp and Paris. From Rotterdam Centraal, many of the city’s main sights are easy to reach by public transport or on foot.
By Bus
Long-distance buses can be a good budget-friendly alternative, especially when travelling from nearby European cities. Several international coach services connect Rotterdam with cities in the Netherlands and neighboring countries. Prices and travel times vary considerably depending on the route, so it is worth comparing the options before booking.
By Car
Rotterdam is easy to reach by car via the Dutch motorway network, making it a convenient option if you are travelling around the Netherlands by car. However, parking in the city centre can be expensive, and you often do not need a car once you arrive. For a weekend in Rotterdam, we would usually choose public transport, walking or cycling instead.
Getting from the Airport to the City Center!?
Getting from Rotterdam The Hague Airport to central Rotterdam is quick and straightforward. You have a few options depending on your budget, luggage and how comfortable you want to travel.
- 🚌 Bus 33: The easiest budget option. It runs directly between the airport and Rotterdam Centraal and takes around 30 minutes.
- 🚇 Metro + Bus: Take Metro E from Rotterdam Centraal to Meijersplein, then change to Bus 33 for the airport. This is another convenient public transport option.
- 🚕 Taxi: The most comfortable option, especially with luggage. It takes you directly from the airport to your accommodation, but costs more than public transport.
- ✈️ Arriving at Amsterdam Schiphol: If you fly into Schiphol instead, a direct Intercity Direct takes around 26 minutes to Rotterdam Centraal.
👉 Our choice: For a Rotterdam weekend trip, we would take public transport. It is affordable, easy to navigate and gets you straight into the city.
Our Netherlands Essentials
Things to Do in Rotterdam
Visit the Euromast - Rotterdam from Above
The Euromast is one of those places you should definitely visit during a Rotterdam weekend trip. At 185 meters, it offers an incredible view over the city, the Nieuwe Maas and the surrounding skyline. We loved it so much that we decided to stay here for one night and waking up above Rotterdam was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
From the observation deck, you can already enjoy an amazing panorama. However, the real highlight is the Euroscoop, a rotating glass elevator that takes you up to 185 meters and gives you a 360-degree view of Rotterdam.
👉 Good to know:
- Tickets online from around €19 for The Rise of Rotterdam, Platforms & Euroscoop
- Sunset is our favorite time to go
- Abseiling is possible on selected days (price around 70-80€)
- Overnight stays are available in two unique suites
It’s best to check current prices online beforehand on the official website
Sleeping Above Rotterdam
Our personal highlight was staying overnight in the Heaven Suite. Imagine waking up, opening the curtains and having Rotterdam completely to yourself, far below your bed. It is definitely not the cheapest accommodation in the city, but for a special occasion or an unforgettable Rotterdam experience, we think it is worth considering.
💡 Our tip: Visit the Euromast in the late afternoon, stay for sunset and, if your budget allows, consider staying overnight. The view alone is impressive, but experiencing Rotterdam from the Euromast from afternoon until the next morning makes it something truly special.
Marvel at the Cube Houses
The Cube Houses are probably one of those Rotterdam sights you have already seen on Instagram and yes, they really are that unusual in person.
Designed by architect Piet Blom, the houses are tilted at an angle that makes you wonder how anyone actually lives inside them. You can simply walk through the complex and take photos, but you can also visit the Kijk-Kubus, a furnished show house that gives you an idea of what the interiors are like.
💡 Our tip: Come early in the morning if you want photos without too many people around.
Walk Across the Erasmus Bridge
The elegant Erasmus Bridge is one of Rotterdam’s most recognizable landmarks and a great place to start exploring the city. From the bridge, you get beautiful views along the Nieuwe Maas, while the skyline of Rotterdam rises around you.
We recommend walking across rather than simply taking a photo from the riverbank. That way, you get to experience the bridge from both sides and see how dramatically the skyline changes as you move through the city.
Step Inside the Markthal
The Markthal is one of Rotterdam’s most recognizable buildings and definitely worth a stop during your city trip. From the outside, its huge curved shape already catches your eye, but stepping inside is where the real surprise begins.
The enormous colorful artwork covering the ceiling makes the whole market feel almost surreal. At the same time, you can wander through dozens of food stalls, grab a quick bite or simply take in the architecture.
We recommend walking through slowly rather than just stopping for a photo. There is so much happening above and around you that it is easy to miss the little details.
👉 Good to know:
- Plenty of food stalls and restaurants
- One of Rotterdam’s most impressive indoor photo spots
- Located right next to the Cube Houses
- Easy to combine with the Markthal, Cube Houses and Rotterdam Blaak area
Take a Break in Het Park
After exploring Rotterdam, Het Park is the perfect place to slow down for a while. The large green park next to the Euromast feels surprisingly peaceful, especially after spending hours walking through the busy city. Take a stroll, sit on the grass or simply find a shady spot and enjoy a little break.
And if you feel like having a coffee, something sweet or a proper lunch, you don’t have to leave the park.
👉 There are several places to choose from:
- Dudok In Het Park – perfect for coffee, lunch, drinks or a slice of their famous apple pie. It also has a lovely view towards the Euromast.
- Parqiet – a relaxed park café where you can enjoy breakfast, coffee, cake or a light lunch while sitting right in the greenery.
- Hkiki – located in the former Chalet Suisse, offering another option directly in Het Park.
- The Harbour Club – located in the historic former Officers’ Society building inside the park, if you’re looking for something more substantial.
💡 Our tip: Don’t just walk through Het Park on your way to the Euromast. Take your time, grab a drink and enjoy the greenery, it is one of those little breaks that makes a weekend in Rotterdam feel much more relaxed.
Visit the Unique FENIX Museum
The FENIX is one of Rotterdam’s newest and most unusual museums and for us, it is definitely worth a visit. We absolutely loved this place. Located in a beautifully restored historic harbor warehouse on Katendrecht, FENIX tells stories of migration, journeys and the people behind them. The exhibitions combine art, photography and personal stories, making the museum feel much more emotional than a traditional museum.
But even if museums aren’t usually your thing, don’t skip FENIX. The building itself is a highlight. The spectacular Tornado, a huge double-helix staircase designed by MAD Architects, rises through the former warehouse and leads to a rooftop viewpoint overlooking Rotterdam and the Nieuwe Maas.
Popular Tours & Activities in Rotterdam
We especially loved the combination of architecture, art and the incredible view. So, if you are already exploring Katendrecht, make some time for FENIX, you get much more than just a museum visit.
👉 Good to know:
- Location: Paul Nijghkade 5, Rotterdam
- Adults: €15, Ages 19-25: €7.50, Up to 18: free
- Open daily 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m (always check before!)
- Easy to reach by public transport, bike or water taxi
- The Tornado rooftop viewpoint is included with the museum ticket
- Backpacks must be in a locker (free of charge)
- There are a few cool and very good cafes and shops here
- Plan at least 1-2 hours
💡 Our tip: Buy your ticket online beforehand and combine FENIX with a walk around Katendrecht and the Wilhelminapier. That way, you get to experience not only the museum but also one of Rotterdam’s most interesting waterfront areas. So it’s best to come first thing in the morning and you’ll have this great place almost entirely to yourselves.
Take a Spido Harbour Cruise
Rotterdam is a city that feels completely different from the water. So, if you have enough time, we highly recommend taking a *Spido harbour cruise. Instead of only seeing the famous skyline from the streets, you get to experience the river, bridges, huge ships and the enormous port from a completely different perspective.
The cruise takes you along the Nieuwe Maas and through Rotterdam’s impressive harbour. We loved watching the contrast between the modern skyline and the working port, massive container ships on one side, striking architecture on the other.
👉 Good to know:
- Duration: around 75 minutes
- Departure: Willemsplein, close to the Erasmus Bridge
- Audio guide: available in several languages
- On board: drinks and snacks available
- Best time: on a sunny day, in the morning, especially when you can sit outside
We would especially recommend the cruise if this is your first time in Rotterdam. You get a great overview of the city and, at the same time, a better feeling for why the port is such an important part of Rotterdam’s identity.
Visit the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen
If you love art, architecture or simply discovering places that feel a little different, Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen is definitely worth adding to your Rotterdam itinerary. The famous Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen itself is currently closed for renovation, with reopening planned for 2030. However, the collection is still very much alive next door at the spectacular mirrored Depot.
The building itself is also a Rotterdam highlight. Its huge mirrored exterior reflects the surrounding Museumpark and skyline, while inside, you can wander through six floors filled with art and unexpected views.
👉 Good to know:
- 155,000+ artworks in the collection
- Famous mirrored exterior
- Located in Museum Park
- Open Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m
- Online ticket probably required
- Restaurant Renilde offers coffee, lunch and dinner
Stroll Around the Oude Haven
The Oude Haven (Old Harbour) is one of those places in Rotterdam where you can simply slow down and enjoy the atmosphere. Historic boats, waterfront terraces and the striking Witte Huis create a charming contrast to the modern architecture surrounding the harbor.
Grab a coffee or a drink, watch the boats and take in the mix of old and new Rotterdam. And because the Cube Houses and Markthal are just around the corner, the Oude Haven fits perfectly into a relaxed walking route through the city.
In the evening, the atmosphere becomes even nicer as the lights start reflecting on the water. So, if you are nearby, don’t just walk past, take a little time to sit by the harbor and watch Rotterdam go by.
Walk Along Eendrachtsplein
A walk around Eendrachtsplein is a great way to discover a more lively and local side of central Rotterdam. From here, you can continue along the Oude Binnenweg, with cafés, shops and plenty of city life along the way.
One of the most unusual sights is Santa Claus by Paul McCarthy, a six-meter-high sculpture that has become one of Rotterdam’s most recognizable pieces of public art. It is definitely an unexpected sight and worth a quick photo.
👉 Don’t Leave Without Some Dutch Cheese
While walking along the Oude Binnenweg, stop at De Kaashoeve and pick up some traditional Dutch cheese. We love these little local stops because they make exploring Rotterdam feel much more personal.
💡 Our tip: Combine Eendrachtsplein, Santa Claus and De Kaashoeve into a relaxed walking route through this part of the city.
Visit Rotterdam City Hall & Its Inner Courtyard
Right in the heart of Rotterdam, City Hall is a beautiful reminder that the city has more than just modern architecture. The impressive building on Coolsingel was built in the early 20th century and survived the destruction of Rotterdam during World War II.
But for us, the real surprise is hidden behind the grand exterior: the inner courtyard. Step through the entrance and suddenly the busy city feels far away. The small garden, fountain, greenery and historic architecture make it a lovely little oasis in the middle of Rotterdam.
It is easy to miss, so keep an eye out when walking along Coolsingel.
Take a few minutes, step inside and enjoy the quiet, especially if you’ve been exploring the busy city center all morning.
Ride a Water Taxi
One of our favorite ways to get around Rotterdam is by water taxi. It is fast, practical and, at the same time, a fun little adventure on the Nieuwe Maas. Instead of sitting in traffic, you can enjoy the skyline, bridges and waterfront from the water.
We used the water taxi to get from A to B, but honestly, the journey was just as enjoyable as the destination. If you have never taken one before, definitely give it a try while you’re in Rotterdam.
👉 Good to know:
- Fast: Often much faster than going around the river by road
- Many stops: Water taxi stations are spread across Rotterdam
- Easy to use: You can book a ride or use the water taxi app
- Great views: Especially around the Erasmus Bridge and city skyline
- Perfect for photos: Keep your camera ready during the crossing
- More than transport: The ride itself is part of the Rotterdam experience
- Prices: From around €5 per person, depending on the zones
Go for a Swim at Zwembad Rijnhaven
Fancy a swim with one of Rotterdam’s coolest skylines around you? Zwembad Rijnhaven is a pretty unique place to cool off. The swimming area sits around the floating park at Antoine Platekade, right in the middle of the Rijnhaven.
You can jump into the water and swim with the impressive high-rises of Rotterdam all around you. It honestly feels a little surreal to go swimming right in the middle of the city.
👉 Good to know:
- Location: Antoine Platekade, Rijnhaven
- Season: generally from May to October
- Swimming area: stay inside the marked buoy line
- Swimming outside the marked area is prohibited because of passing boats
- No lifeguard: swimming is at your own risk
- Best part: amazing views of FENIX, the Wilhelminapier and Rotterdam’s skyline
Enjoy Good Food & Drinks at Foodhallen Rotterdam
If you are looking for good food, drinks and a relaxed atmosphere, Foodhallen Rotterdam is definitely worth a stop. Instead of sitting down at one restaurant, you can walk around, explore different food stalls and choose exactly what you feel like eating.
You’ll find a mix of international flavors, from Asian street food and burgers to Mexican dishes, pizza, seafood and sweet treats. There are also several bars where you can grab a cocktail, beer or a glass of wine.
👉 Why Come Here?
- Lots of different cuisines – perfect when everyone wants something different
- Street food & small bites – ideal for sharing and trying several dishes
- Drinks & cocktails – great for a relaxed evening
- Perfect for groups – everyone can choose their own favorite
- Great atmosphere – especially in the evening
Get a Drink at Witte de Withstraat
If you’re looking for drinks, good vibes and a lively evening, head to Witte de Withstraat. This central street is packed with bars, cafés and restaurants, and it is one of our favorite places in Rotterdam to go out in the evening.
The best thing is that you don’t really need a plan. Just walk along the street, check out the different places and stop wherever the atmosphere looks good. Especially later in the day, the street comes alive with locals, visitors and people enjoying a drink outside.
You’ll find everything from relaxed cafés and cocktail bars to lively pubs, so there is something for almost every mood.
Relax & Watch the Surfers at RiF010
You wouldn’t necessarily expect to find surfing in the middle of Rotterdam, but that’s exactly what makes RiF010 so cool. Right in the heart of the city, you can watch surfers ride waves in the canal while people relax around the water.
Even if you’re not into surfing yourself, RiF010 is worth a quick stop. The atmosphere is relaxed, the setting is unusual and watching people catch a wave with Rotterdam’s architecture in the background makes for a pretty unique city experience.
👉 Why Come Here?
- Surfing in the city – something you probably don’t expect in Rotterdam
- Watch the waves – surfers ride an artificial wave right in the canal
- Relax by the water – a nice spot to sit and watch
- Great photo opportunity – surfing meets Rotterdam’s skyline
- Try it yourself – surfing and other water activities are available
Try Rotterdam’s Local Food
You can’t visit Rotterdam without trying some typical Dutch snacks. One of our favorites are bitterballen, crispy, golden bites filled with a creamy ragout and usually served with mustard. They are perfect with a cold drink and an easy snack while exploring the city.
👉 But there is more to discover, so keep an eye out for:
- Stroopwafels – best when freshly made and still warm
- Dutch cheese – a must for cheese lovers
- Kibbeling – crispy fried fish, perfect for a quick bite
- Patat – Dutch fries with plenty of sauce options
- Kapsalon – a Rotterdam original with fries, meat, cheese and salad
💡 Our tip: Try a few different snacks instead of having one big meal. Also order a lovely Dutch beer with your food, they have some of the best ones in the world.
Our Interactive Travel Maps
When we travel, we always save the best places we discover from hidden viewpoints and cozy cafés to beautiful beaches and must-see spots. To make trip planning easier, we created interactive travel maps with all our favorite locations in one place. Simply open the map and explore the places we personally visited.
Note: The buttons and images above link to our interactive travel maps hosted on Rexby, where you can explore all saved locations in detail. Thanks for your support friends!
Where to Stay in Rotterdam
Choosing where to stay in Rotterdam can completely change the feel of your trip. The city has everything from modern design hotels with skyline views to historic buildings and even a former ocean liner. We stayed three nights in Rotterdam and tried three very different places: the Euromast, *nhow Rotterdam and *Hotel New York. Each one gave us a completely different experience.
Sleep Above Rotterdam at the Euromast
If you want something truly special, stay inside the Euromast. We spent one night in the Heaven Suite, and honestly, waking up high above Rotterdam was one of our favorite experiences.
The view is incredible, the room is cozy and having the city almost at your feet makes the whole stay feel completely different from a normal hotel night.
Perfect for: a special occasion, couples and anyone looking for a unique Rotterdam experience.
Stay in the Modern Skyline at nhow Rotterdam
For a completely different atmosphere, we stayed at *nhow Rotterdam in the iconic De Rotterdam building. The location right on the Wilhelminapier is fantastic, especially if you love modern architecture and city views.
Our favorite part was the view. With the Erasmus Bridge and Rotterdam skyline right outside the window, you really feel like you are staying in the heart of modern Rotterdam.
Perfect for: skyline views, modern design, couples and a central waterfront location.
Experience Rotterdam's History at Hotel New York
Our third night was at *Hotel New York, and this one had a completely different character. The hotel is located in the former headquarters of the Holland-America Line, right on the waterfront.
The historic details, large windows and maritime atmosphere give the hotel a lot of personality. It feels less like a standard hotel and more like staying somewhere with a story.
Perfect for: history lovers, couples, waterfront views and a more nostalgic atmosphere.
Sleep on the ss Rotterdam
Another really unique option is the *ss Rotterdam, a historic passenger ship permanently moored in Rotterdam. The former Holland-America Line flagship has been transformed into a hotel, so you can actually spend the night on a historic ocean liner.
You can explore parts of the ship, enjoy the old-school atmosphere and even have dinner on board. If you want your accommodation to be part of the adventure, this is definitely one to consider.
Perfect for: something unusual, maritime history and families or couples looking for a memorable stay.
Which Area Is Best for You?
If you are wondering where to stay in Rotterdam, it really depends on what kind of trip you want:
- Best for skyline views: nhow Rotterdam
- Most unique: Euromast
- Best for history: Hotel New York
- Most unusual: ss Rotterdam
- Best for nightlife & restaurants: City Centre / Witte de Withstraat
- Best for waterfront atmosphere: Kop van Zuid & Wilhelminapier
Our favorite part about staying in different places was seeing Rotterdam from completely different perspectives. The Euromast gave us the ultimate view, nhow put us right in the modern skyline, and Hotel New York connected us with the city’s maritime history. So, if you have more than one night, don’t be afraid to choose a hotel that is part of the experience, not just somewhere to sleep.
Getting Around Rotterdam
We would say that Rotterdam is a city that is surprisingly easy to explore. The center is fairly compact, so many of the main sights can be reached on foot. However, when your legs need a break or you want to get somewhere faster, the city has plenty of great options.
Metro, Tram & Bus
The RET runs the city’s metro, trams and buses. The public transport network is well connected and makes getting around the city straightforward.
- Metro: great for longer distances and crossing the city
- Tram: convenient for central Rotterdam
- Bus: useful for areas further away from the center
- Tickets: Tap your contactless bank card, phone or smartwatch when you check in and out, or buy a ticket through the RET app or at a ticket machine.
- Important: Always check in and out with the same card or device.
Get Around with the Water Taxi
The water taxi is one of the coolest ways to get around Rotterdam. Instead of sitting in traffic, you speed across the Nieuwe Maas while enjoying the skyline, bridges and waterfront from the water.
👉 Here is everything you need to know:
- Around 50 stops: Water taxis connect numerous locations across Rotterdam and Schiedam.
- Easy booking: Book your ride through the water taxi app or website.
- Payment: You can pay for your ride when booking or on board.
- Fast: Especially useful when crossing the river or getting between the city center and Kop van Zuid.
- Great views: Keep your camera ready around the Erasmus Bridge and Rotterdam skyline.
- Price: The fare depends on the route and number of zones, but usually around 5€ per person.
Rent a Bike
If you want to explore Rotterdam like a local, renting a bike is probably one of the best ways to get around. The city is bike-friendly, and cycling lets you cover more ground while still enjoying the streets and neighborhoods along the way.
You can find the usual bike-sharing providers such as Lime, including e-bikes, while many hotels, bike shops and other local businesses also offer bicycles for rent.
- Regular bikes: Great for exploring the city at your own pace
- E-bikes: Perfect if you want to cover more distance with less effort
- Bike sharing: Apps such as Lime, Felyx or OV-Bike make it easy to find and unlock a bike
- Hotels & shops: Many offer rental bikes directly to their guests
- Bike-friendly city: Dedicated cycle paths make getting around comfortable
💡 Our tip: For a weekend in Rotterdam, a bike can be the perfect choice. You can get from the city center to areas like Katendrecht, Kop van Zuid or Delfshaven quickly, while still experiencing the city along the way.
Best Time to Visit Rotterdam
Rotterdam is probably a great destination throughout the year, but spring and summer are hard to beat. The days are longer, the parks are greener and the city feels especially lively when people fill the terraces and waterfront.
👉 March – May
Spring is a lovely time for a city trip. Temperatures start to rise, everything becomes greener and Rotterdam is generally a little quieter than during the peak summer months.
Best for: sightseeing, cycling and comfortable city walks.
👉 June – August
We visited Rotterdam during Summer. This Season brings the most energy to Rotterdam. You can enjoy long evenings, outdoor terraces, parks and the waterfront, while cycling around the city is especially enjoyable.
The downside? More visitors and sometimes higher hotel prices.
Best for: outdoor activities, cycling, swimming and enjoying Rotterdam’s nightlife.
👉 September – November
Early autumn can still be surprisingly pleasant, while the city becomes quieter again. The changing colors in places like Het Park also make this a beautiful time for exploring on foot.
Best for: museums, restaurants and a more relaxed city atmosphere.
👉 December – February
Winter is colder and rainier, as is late autumn. The days are shorter, but Rotterdam is still charming. Museums, cafés, restaurants, and the city’s architecture make it a great destination even when the weather isn’t perfect. December is also a wonderful time to visit, as that’s when the city’s Christmas markets are in full swing.
Best for: museums, food, Christmas atmosphere and potentially better hotel deals.
Our Favorite Time to Visit Rotterdam
For us, May, June and September offer the best balance. You can spend plenty of time outside without the city feeling quite as busy as it can during the height of summer.
But honestly, don’t let the weather decide everything. Rotterdam has plenty to discover indoors and outdoors, so every season has its own charm.
Travel Tips for Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a modern, lively and surprisingly easy city to explore. Still, a few things are worth knowing before you go. We found that Rotterdam is best when you mix the famous sights with a little spontaneity and leave some time to simply wander.
Get a Bike or E-Bike
If you want to see a lot of Rotterdam in a short time, cycling is probably your best option. The city is built around bikes, and you can quickly get between the center, Katendrecht, Kop van Zuid and other areas. You can rent a regular bike or e-bike through sharing services, bike shops or even some hotels.
Don't Buy a Public Transport Ticket Unless You Need One
For many visitors, the easiest option is simply using a contactless bank card, phone or smartwatch. Tap in and out on the metro, tram or bus and you’re charged automatically. Just remember to use the same payment method when checking out.
Check the Swimming Spots in Summer
If you’re visiting Rotterdam in summer, there are a few great places to cool off. From urban swimming spots surrounded by skyscrapers to sandy beaches, there’s more than you might expect.
- Zwembad Rijnhaven – Swim right in the middle of Rotterdam with views of FENIX and the skyline.
- Kralingse Plas – A relaxed spot surrounded by nature, with grassy areas and a small beach.
- Zevenhuizerplas / Nesselande – One of the best options for a proper beach day with plenty of space.
- Kralinger Esch – A quieter natural swimming spot near Kralingen.
- Maasvlakte Beach – Head towards the North Sea for a much bigger beach and a completely different side of Rotterdam.
- Hoek van Holland – A classic North Sea beach with plenty of space for swimming, relaxing and enjoying a full beach day.
Our favorite: For something completely different, go to Zwembad Rijnhaven. Swimming with Rotterdam’s modern skyline all around you is a pretty unforgettable experience.
Don't Just Eat at Restaurants
Some of the best things we ate in Rotterdam were small snacks along the way. Try bitterballen with a drink, grab a warm stroopwafel at Markthal or pick up some Dutch cheese. You don’t need a full restaurant meal every time.
Have a Rainy-Day Plan
You don’t need to cancel your plans because of rain. Rotterdam has plenty of indoor options, from FENIX and Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen to Markthal, cafés and restaurants. And honestly, a little rain can make the city’s architecture and reflections look pretty spectacular.
Don’t Miss the Area Around Schoonoord & Veerhaven
The area around Schoonoord Historical Garden and Veerhaven is one of those corners of Rotterdam that is easy to overlook. Away from the busy city center, you’ll find greenery, historic buildings and a beautiful little harbor, all within walking distance of the Euromast and Het Park.
Start with the Schoonoord Historical Garden, a peaceful hidden garden with old trees, ponds and winding paths. Afterwards, walk towards Veerhaven, where historic ships are surrounded by elegant waterfront buildings.