14 Best Things To Do in Rotterdam (for every traveler)
Looking for the best things to do in Rotterdam? Depending on why you are visiting Rotterdam, will likely dictate what you’ll want to do. That’s what you’ll find lists for different kinds of travels on what you should do when you’re in Rotterdam right here.
Rotterdam is the Netherlands' second largest city and is located on the banks of the Nieuwe Maas and is also Europe’s largest port, so people are always coming and going…and always have.
Rotterdam's dynamic entertainment alternatives are as popular with visitors and travelers as its numerous outstanding museums, magnificent architecture, and impressive tourist attractions. It's a must-see on your Netherlands vacation itinerary.
Check out our list of the best tourist activities and things to do in Rotterdam to make the most of your time here.
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Foodie Things To Do
The Markthal
The renowned Markthal is certainly one of Rotterdam's most prominent tourist attractions. This one-of-a-kind architectural monument serves as an office building, has residences, and a marketplace all at the same time.
It's undoubtedly one of the highlights for most travelers, with over 40 food booths selling a variety of different foods and beverages. Markthal is a dream haven for art and food lovers alike. From the magnificent art adorning every inch of the structure to the plethora of flavors and ingredients that are available for you to try. Be it that you are a cook who is in search of a rare ingredient or a person out in search of a new cuisine to try, Markthal is the place for you.
There are several tours available that will introduce you to traditional Dutch cuisine and many more diverse tastings. Take, for example, this 2-hour food tour that includes frequent tastings along the journey.
Beer Tasting Tour
Food brings people together like nothing else! And there's a suitable food-related activity for every occasion. A beer tasting tour is a great option. With this, you get to enjoy something other than a simple pint of beer at the neighborhood tavern. During a beer tasting, you will be able to sample a variety of beers as well as food.
You can also take a tour to Rotterdam's 100-year-old, Stadshaven Brewery which is another great option. On this guided tour of the completely restored fruit warehouse where around 2 million liters of craft beer are created annually, see the beer production process up close. Learn about the history of the place and the complete narrative behind the brewery's current and difficult craft beer lines and how the brewery is working towards innovation and being environmentally conscious. Whether you're an experienced beer drinker or a novice, there's always something new to learn.
An ideal way for catching up with friends over some glasses of beer as you relive memories or create new ones.
Epic Restaurant Experience
For a creative and impressive fine dining experience, head to Food Labs by François Geurds in an old railway tunnel. The chef has earned one Michelin star for this restaurant (and TWO Michelin stars for his other restaurant François Geurds Restaurant).
Food Labs by François Geurds is known for having a chill vibe with a warm interior. But, don’t expect a dress code. Come as you are! They want everyone to feel welcome and that they belong. This is the only chef in the Netherlands with his own flavor factory where he tries new things all the time and perfects them before the guest ever knows about it.
Visit the Fenix Food Factory
For a taste of real local products, Fenix Food Factory is a really cool spot to experience small entrepreneurs sharing their passion. There’s plenty to buy to take home to make your own masterpieces, you can also grab a bite and a drink.
When you arrive, it might look a bit raw and not made up on the outside, but don’t let that fool you. Inside will be full of goodies and probably a bunch of people shopping and grabbing a drink. Outside you can soak up the sun on the picnic tables and benches. If you’ve seen pictures online, just know that it did have to move so it’s smaller than it used to be. But, it still has a ton of charm and plenty of outside seating.
Couples Things To Do In Rotterdam
A Visit To The Euromast
A visit to the Euromast is a must-do if you are looking to spend quality time with your loved one while also enjoying the gorgeous views from a 600 feet tall watchtower.
The highest skyscraper in the Netherlands, the Euromast forms an important feature of the city's skyline.
From this high above, you can take beautiful shots and marvel at Rotterdam's distinctive view. On a good day and when the weather permits, get the chance to see way far off in the distance as the stars and the city lights come to life right before your eyes. You have the chance to not only enjoy the lovely view of Rotterdam from here, but you can also reserve a table and enjoy a romantic dinner and a drink with your partner.
Take a River Cruise with lunch
Seeing a city from the water is a great way to get a different perspective. A river cruise can also be quite romantic. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Maas River while taking in the sights and listening to a live guide tell you everything you’d like to know about the city.
The ship passes by some of the most famous landmarks of Rotterdam while you can soak in the sunshine on the top deck or cozy up in the salon inside. It’s completely up to you!
Kinderdijk Windmills
Kinderdijk is a lovely little village on the water, just east of Rotterdam. It is one of the most visited attractions in the Netherlands, due to the 19 iconic perfectly intact 18th-century windmills that represent the Netherlands. They are one of the first things that people think of when they think of these lowlands (the Netherlands means lowlands).
UNESCO has determined the windmills and the area around them as a World Heritage Site. They are the country's greatest surviving cluster of windmills, and on the special National Mill Days, their history is commemorated when their sails are set in motion once again.
What makes this place magical and a great place to visit with your loved one are the various windmills that border the canal, the scene so enchanting that you feel you are starring in your own Disney movie.
This is a wonderful site to visit with the stunning scenery and being by the water. It’s just breathtaking! There are also various options for exploring the museums nearby or just taking a peaceful stroll – wind in your hair while hand-in-hand with your partner.
Head to a Cocktail Bar
The Rumah is a cozy neighborhood spot to end any evening on a comfy but romantic note. Cocktail bars are a great recommendation for an evening out because the vibes are usually on point. Dimmed lighting, nice music, good ambiance and you have the perfect set up to sip a little alcohol while staring into each others’ eyes.
Things To Do on a Girls Weekend In Rotterdam
A Day of Arts And Culture in Rotterdam
Do you want to spend a day immersed in the arts and culture? Rotterdam, fortunately, has a lot of options to satisfy your art spirit. For example, you can spot various sculptures and street art on the streets, but the city also has a lot of wonderful museums.
One great place to visit would be the Kunsthal. At some point in his life, every Rotterdammer has visited this location, and as a tourist, how can you miss that? Opened in 1992, there are always a variety of high-profile shows to see at the Kunsthal. There is something for everyone, from contemporary new-age art to old-age civilizations, photography, fashion, and design!
The Kunsthal is situated on the outskirts of Museum Park, which is home to a number of other fascinating museums. If you are into photography, The Netherlands Photo Museum is a must-see stop. A large collection of historical photographs by various Dutch photographers is one of the highlights, which you shouldn’t miss out on.
Take a boat adventure
A RIB experience is one you won’t forget! Take a small fast boat down the Maas River and get a tour in the process. It’s a fun group activity that will leave a lasting smile on your face.
What better way to see a port city than by water?
Get ready to be pumping some serious adrenaline because this is a trip that will get your heart pumping and wanting more! This tour is such a unique experience that you’ll want to book ASAP!
Keukenhof Gardens Half-Day Tour in Rotterdam
Keukenhof is a flower haven that deserves to be on your list, especially when on a holiday with your girlfriends in the spring. Described as the most breathtaking garden in the world, Keukenhof is a sight that you will never forget.
Keukenhof's flowering is similar to that of nature. At the commencement of the season, crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, and early tulips bloom. The bigger tulips are late bloomers. The best time to visit is before 10:30 a.m. and after 16:00 p.m. as it is less crowded. Just remember that it’s only open from mid-March until mid-May.
Capture the gorgeous scenery and don’t hold back on taking countless pictures with your friends as you create beautiful memories together.
Fun Things To Do With Kids In Rotterdam
Rotterdam Zoo
A tour of the Rotterdam Zoo is a must when you are on a holiday with the kids. The Rotterdam Zoo has stood for many years despite a troubled history. The zoo is in excellent shape, with an evergreen Botanical Garden and an Oceanium that houses the Great Barrier Reef. The zoo is split into various attractions with areas like a Malayan Forest, a Chinese Garden, and many more.
Discover Amazonica, a lovely butterfly paradise with warm temperatures, aromatic flowers, and thousands of colorful butterflies fluttering around in their habitat. On the African Savanna, get up and personal with the beautiful giraffes. At the same time, as you travel through Asia, witness the glory of the majestic elephant and black rhinos.
This zoo is wonderful for both kids and adults, and the variety of habitats and interactive components will keep you entertained for hours.
Enjoy a Unique Splash Tour
This Sightseeing Splash Tour unique fun-filled experience for not only the kids, but the adults too. It may appear to be a typical bus tour, but this special tour bus guarantees to take you to some of Rotterdam's most unique locations. That isn't the only thing, though! The bus quite literally takes a dip in the Maas river throughout the journey. The bus continues to sail and gives you a view of Rotterdam from your seat in the water.
Explore Mini Rotterdam
Discover a miniature world at MiniWorld Rotterdam. Not only is it fun for kids to see different landscapes and architecture in miniature form, but adults can appreciate the unique perspective. It’s not often you can see landscapes and structures from directly above.
You’ll find a mini-Rotterdam, -Port of Rotterdam, -Dutch coast and polders, -suburbs, and you can see a day and night simulation where everything moves! They’ve recently started expanding the project to include a mini-Great Britain, but it’s still in the works at this time.