With the largest port in Europe, Rotterdam is quickly becoming one of the coolest capitals of the whole continent. Re-born for the first time after the devastating World War II raid, the city once again has shown the ability to transform itself and boost its image. Here are some must-dos in the summer, when the mild season allows you to enjoy the open spaces at their best.
Admire Great Architecture
Grab a bicycle or just walk. It’s the easiest way to admire the many architectural masterpieces around the city.
Don’t Miss:
- Visit the World Port Center, designed by Foster, and the KPN Telekom Building by Renzo Piano, two of the most celebrated skyscrapers.
- Gaze at De Rotterdam, the largest building in the Netherlands, designed by Rem Koolhaas and conceptualized as a vertical city.
- If you don’t arrive by train, don’t miss visiting the Rotterdam Centraal station, with its skewed roof covered in solar panels; a unique building in Europe.
- Admire the incredible cube houses, designed by Piet Blom in the 1970's, and linked to the pencil shaped Blaak Tower by a footbridge.
City-based architects are developing plans for floating houses to help maximize living space: a Floating Pavilion is already used to host events at the Rijnhaven, on the south side of the city’s Nieuwe Maas River. Overall, given the beauty and the complexity of Rotterdam’s architecture, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to book a specialized guided tour.
Discover Works of Art and Museums
The city is literally a stunning “open air gallery”. Along the canals, in the parks and on the streets you can find pieces of modern, post-modern and contemporary art featuring masters such as Pablo Picasso & Carl Nesjar, Atelier van Lieshout, Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin and Elmgreen & Dragset. The sunny summer weather is perfect for your artistic treasure hunt. Many museums are gathered around an area of wide open green spaces conveniently called Museumpark.
Don’t miss:
- The Kunsthal Museum, which arranges regularly changing art exhibitions.
- The Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, which is more traditional, featuring works by Piet Mondrian and Vincent van Gogh.
- The Het Nieuwe Instituut if you’re looking for design-related exhibitions.
Enjoy Music and International Cuisine
As a port city, Rotterdam is a melting pot of 160 different nationalities. Entire boroughs are populated by Middle Eastern people while the mayor, who’s a Muslim and represents the labour party, is considered one of the most tolerant politicians in Europe. It’s no wonder then, that food and music fill the streets with mixed smells and colorful notes.
Here are some places where food & music mix wonderfully:
- Station Hofplein: once the main hub of Rotterdam, the ex-railway station is now a standout cultural hotspot. Cafes, cool stores and trendy bars attract the creatives and musicians. The Bird is the most popular live music venue, a must if you want to mingle with the local crowd.
- Witte de Withstraat: this popular strip in the heart of the city is currently the coolest spot. Locals gather in its funky cafes, small bars and chic eateries, while street art is everywhere. Head here for a great night out.
- Markthal food hall: despite being a popular touristic attraction, you need to pay a visit to this futurist market, both for the outstanding architecture and for the variety of local and International cuisines coexisting under the giant, colorful roof.
Explore the Water
If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Rotterdam, it’s the water! Stroll along the mighty river Maas, that crosses the city, to the charming river ports, dotted with lively cafe terraces.
If you like boats, there are plenty of options:
- Take a ride on the amphibious bus and continue your journey on the other side of the river for a general tour of the city.
- Choose a city cruise by De Tender (small passenger boats) to explore the most famous architectural sights.
- Take a tour with Spido, founded in 1919. Boats leave from Erasmus Bridge, to explore the Port of Rotterdam. It’s unmissable and the soul of the city! The company also offers a range of different cruises, especially in the summer.
If you are the beach type, you can get to Hoek van Holland in just one hour.
There are also many unique festivals on the water and at the waterside that you won’t want to miss: the Oude Haven Zomerfestival, the Veerhaven Concert and the World Port Days.
Where to Eat & Sleep
Whether you are looking for a Michelin restaurant or a more casual, urban setting, Rotterdam offers a wide range of choices. Even places to stay can be a unique experience. Check out our explorers tips on the Tiplr app or visit the Tiplr website.
Transportation
Getting there
Rotterdam is well connected and easy to reach by car, plane or public transportation. The Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is just a few tube stops away from the city centre. From there you can also take the fast train Intercity Direct (26 minutes) or drive by car (45 minutes). If you are coming from France, take the Thalys train (2,5 hours) from Paris. You can even reach Rotterdam by boat. The Stena Line Ferry takes you from Hull or Harwich in the UK to the Rotterdam area.
Once there:
- Rotterdam is super bike-friendly. Renting a bike will cost about 15 euros per day. The easiest place to rent bikes is at the rental offices by Central Station.
- You can also take the RET, which is the bus, tram, and train system. A single ride costs about 3 euros. You can get a day pass that offers transportation for 1–3 days at prices for 7.50–16.50 euros.
- Taxis cost a minimum of 5 euros and fares are 2.10 euros per km.
- If you’re traveling between The Hague and Rotterdam, consider the tourist day ticket.
