Rotterdam travel guide: architecture, markets and the water taxi
Rotterdam is the Netherlands' modern city, rebuilt after 1940 with bold architecture and a working harbor. Two days is right. The one thing to know: it is spread out, so use trams and the water taxi between districts.
The short answer
- First trip
- The Markthal, Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge and a harbor tour.
- Where to stay
- Centrum for convenience, Kop van Zuid for views, Katendrecht for food.
- How many days
- Two days for the city, three with Delft or Kinderdijk.
- Best time to go
- May to September.
- Book ahead
- Boijmans Depot and harbor tours in summer.
- From the airport
- Bus 33 and a short metro ride reach the center in about 30 minutes.
Where to stay in Rotterdam, in brief
Centrum
convenience
Close to the station and the Markthal. Shops and restaurants are on the doorstep.
Kop van Zuid
views
South of the Erasmus Bridge, with modern hotels and skyline views.
Katendrecht
food and creatives
A former port area with the Fenix Food Factory and small restaurants.
Delfshaven
old Rotterdam
One of the few old districts left after the war, with canals and bars.
Things to do in Rotterdam
Markthal
A vast arched market hall with food stalls and an enormous painted ceiling.
Cube Houses
Tilted yellow homes by Piet Blom. A small museum house is open to visitors.
Erasmus Bridge
The cable-stayed bridge known as the Swan. Walk across for the skyline.
Euromast
A tower with views over the port and city.
A day ahead for sunset.
Boijmans Depot
A mirrored art storage building open to the public.
A few days ahead.
Harbour tour
A boat tour of one of the world's largest ports.
A day ahead in summer.
Delfshaven
A historic harbor district with a windmill and old canals.
Fenix Food Factory
A craft food hall in a former warehouse on Katendrecht.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Rotterdam can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Rotterdam, and which to pick- Boijmans DepotA few days ahead
Timed entry, with slots filling at weekends.
- Harbour boat tour1 day ahead in summer
Popular departures sell out.
- Euromast sunset1 day ahead
The best slots go first.
What to skip in Rotterdam
- Only the station area
The station district is functional, not the best of the city. Go to Kop van Zuid or Delfshaven.
- A quick stop for the Cube Houses
The houses look small up close. Combine them with the Markthal and the Old Harbour.
- Rotterdam as an Amsterdam day trip
It is better with a night to see the harbor lights.
Best time to visit Rotterdam
Rotterdam is best from May to September, with long days and outdoor terraces. July and August are warm and busy.
Spring and autumn are quieter, and winters are cold and wet. The Markthal and museums keep working in any weather.
- From Rotterdam The Hague airportBus 33 and the metro reach the center in about 30 minutes.
- Metro and tramBoth are cheap and frequent. Use a contactless card.
- Water taxiWater taxis link Erasmus Bridge, Katendrecht and the center.
- On foot and by bikeThe center is flat. Rent a bike for longer rides.
Rotterdam in three days
- Day 1
Start at the Markthal and Cube Houses, then walk to the Erasmus Bridge. End on the Katendrecht waterfront.
- Day 2
Visit Delfshaven, then the Boijmans Depot. Finish with a harbor tour.
Day trips from Rotterdam
- DelftA canal town of blue pottery, about 15 minutes by train.
- KinderdijkA UNESCO set of windmills, reached by water bus.
- The HagueThe seat of government and the beach at Scheveningen, about 25 minutes by train.
Rotterdam: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Rotterdam?
Two days is enough. Add a third for Delft or Kinderdijk.
Is Rotterdam worth visiting?
Yes, if you like architecture, markets and a working harbor.
What is the best time to visit Rotterdam?
May to September.
Where is the best area to stay in Rotterdam?
Centrum for convenience, Kop van Zuid for views, Katendrecht for food.
Is Rotterdam better than Amsterdam?
They are different. Rotterdam is modern and less crowded, while Amsterdam is historic.
How do you get from Amsterdam to Rotterdam?
Trains take about 40 minutes to one hour.