Location: Rotterdam
Top Things to do in Rotterdam
Top 10 Things to do in Rotterdam, South Holland Province
Holland's most modern city began as a fishing village in the 13th century. It was developing into an industrial and trading power when German bombers destroyed the city center and harbor in 1940. However, Rotterdam's unique architecture now brings many visitors to bike around this urbane, cosmopolitan city. Old Dutch-style houses can still be found in historic Delfshaven, from where the pilgrims set sail in 1620. Cultural offerings from summer's carnival to classical music give Amsterdam competition.
Restaurants in Rotterdam
1. Erasmus Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,718 reviews
Considered an architectural work of art, Rotterdam's imposing bridge that is shaped like a harp soars over the largest harbor in Europe.
Reviewed By Hermes_NL - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The iconic Erasmus bridge, nicknamed “the Swan”, crosses the wide river Nieuwe Maas in Rotterdam. It offers a great opportunity to take a city walk and reach out from the industrious North shore to the bubbling “Kop van Zuid” and the gentrified Katendrecht peninsula.
2. Rotterdam Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,824 reviews
Reviewed By Mark_Daemen - Ghent, Belgium
We had a great time in this Zoo. We spend over 4 hours and didn't get to see it all. Naturally everyone has its favorites. We liked the gorillas that where inside with the warm weather and the hyenas chewing on bones. We went to see the feeding of the sharks and the tigers. Probably we, and most visitors, expected too much of it as the animals got bored soon so there was not much to see. Great lay out by continent so you have a great mix of different species (birds, mammals,...) in every continent. The food in the restaurant are typical dutch fast food options. I tried a 'broodje kroket' that really missed taste, with or without the accompanying sauce. Broodje Unox (hot dog) had the same problem. Perhaps best to take a picknick with you. Great bakeries (like Koekela) in Rotterdam. We came with an Uber from the centre for 7 euro which is cheaper than the 3,50 euro/person for a two hour ticket for the bus as you will take longer than two hours in the Zoo. Probably the same with a taxi.
3. Miniworld Rotterdam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 380 reviews
Miniworld Rotterdam offers you a unique way to explore the city of Rotterdam, her stories, her history, her architecture and absorbing maritime tradition, all in a bird’s eye view. Rotterdam is the place to be. The story of this inspiring city, the 1940 bombardment and subsequent reconstruction, the drive to innovate, to shape their city, that locals still have today; all make Rotterdam a fascinating place to visit. Here everything seems possible. Over the past ten years Miniworld has received several public awards. Come visit and experience over 600 m2 of this large and breathtaking miniature world, close to Rotterdam Central Station. Not only can you explore the City of Rotterdam, you can also explore vast rural Dutch landscapes filled with windmills and typical Dutch villages. A Whole World Awaits You... In Miniworld Rotterdam a day lasts 24 minutes. When night falls, thousands of tiny lights sparkle in the dark.
Reviewed By robertrC5154UL - Skipton, United Kingdom
This place is amazing. The time, expense, effort and expertise that has gone into recreating much of Rotterdam and surrounding areas is unbelievable. Prices were reasonable and we spent over two hours looking at the displays. They are now building a miniature Great Britain, so you can see how much work goes into model making. Can't recommend highly enough.
4. Rotterdam Centraal Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,324 reviews
Reviewed By marcomC5864DZ
Apart from a great organization, an easy-to-move around lineup, I enjoyed the spectacular architecture. It is worth the visit just for it. As well lots of shops, restaurants, a central location and good connections with the city transport system, makes it a good location to arrive in town (and it's just 20' from Amsterdaam)
5. Witte de Withstraat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 817 reviews
Reviewed By vaaaan - Capelle aan den IJssel, The Netherlands
This is the most busiest and crowded street in the netherlands. It offers a wide range of restaurants and has a lovely vibe. My favorite is warung mini!
6. Markthal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,668 reviews
The Markthal (English: Market Hall) is a residential and office building with a market hall, located in Rotterdam. The building was opened on October 1, 2014, by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. Besides the large market hall, the complex houses 228 apartments, 4600 m2 retail space, 1600 m2 horeca and an underground 4-storey parking garage with a capacity of 1200+ cars. The Markthal was designed by architectural firm MVRDV. The grey nature stone building has an archwise structure like a horseshoe. The building has a glass facade on both sides, these are made up of smaller glass windows. The smaller windows are mostly squared and around 1485 millimeters wide. All of these are hung around a structure of steel cables, 34 metres high and 42 metres wide, which makes it the largest glass-window cable structure in Europe. Each facade has 26 vertical and 22 horizontal cables. The inside of the building is an 11.000 m2 artwork by Arno & Iris Coenen, named Hoorn des Overvloeds (Horn of Plenty).
Reviewed By Pannekoek77 - Oosterhout, The Netherlands
Food stalls galore! A visit to Markthal Rotterdam is like going on a journey of culinary discovery. Located in Rotterdam close to the Cube Houses and Central Library, it is a residential and office building with a market hall below. With a unique, captivating structure and glass facade, the interior of the building is decorated with eye-catching artwork, titled 'Hoorn des Overvloeds' (Horn of Plenty/Cornucopia). Easily accessible via public transport, Markthal is a 5-minute walk from the Rotterdam Blaak train station. For those travelling by metro, it is approximately 6 minutes on foot from the Beurs subway interchange station. There is an underground parking garage (paid parking) with a parking guidance system and electric vehicle charging stations, supermarkets, pharmacy, florists, health food shop and bank. A lively and colourful indoor market with food stalls, cafes and restaurants offering a diverse selection of foodstuff, this place is clean and well-maintained. Delicatessens offering artisanal food to tempt the taste buds can be found here. The wide variety of cheese, meats, chocolates, sweets, specialty coffee, fruits and vegetables found here is impressive. With something for everyone - this is a 'marketplace' where you can find high quality food products. In addition to buying groceries, visitors can explore the hall and buy a snack to eat on the go, enjoy a light meal as well as dine-in. From 'Jamie's Italian' by Jamie Oliver (the famous British celebrity chef) to Bram Ladage (Dutch fries and snacks - Echt lekker!), visitors will find European, Middle Eastern, Latin American, North American and Asian food fare. A big plus is that Markhal caters to visitors with different food preferences and budgets. As part of their efforts to combat food wastage, Markthal supports the Foundation Food Bank Rotterdam. In addition to providing entrepreneurs a venue to grow their businesses, Markthal is a great venue for both locals and tourists to bask in the bustling atmosphere of Rotterdam. Recommended for gourmet lovers and food connoisseurs as well as those who would like to admire the breathtaking artwork - this market hall offers a cornucopia of food choices. It was definitely a memorable visit to this modern architectural work of art.
7. Euromast Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,296 reviews
Discover and experience the city of Rotterdam from a height of 100 meters! The platforms are accessible for everyone who is not afraid of heights. With the Euroscoop, our panoramic glass elevator, you can rotate till 185 meters. Enjoy your ride to the top and don't forget to look around; there is a beautiful metropol to discover!
Reviewed By E9706FNpaulo - County Monaghan, Ireland
The lift takes you to the 4th floor where the restaurant is located. You then walk up a short flight of stairs to get to the 5th floor where you go outside and can enjoy the views. There is then another couple of short flights of stairs until you reach the final lift that takes you to the top and gives great panoramic views and a brief history of the city. A very enjoyable experience
8. Delfshaven
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 629 reviews
Reviewed By redcat777 - New York City, United States
Delfshaven was a 15 minute metro ride from Blaak where we were staying. We spent a lovely 3 hours there walking around and enjoying the historic district. We visited Pilgrim church and learned all the history of the Pilgrims. There are beautiful galleries and lovely restaurants to enjoy as well.
9. Kunsthal Rotterdam
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 659 reviews
The Kunsthal Rotterdam is one of the leading cultural institutions in the Netherlands. With over twenty exhibitions a year, the Kunsthal offers a programme that is dynamic and always surprising. The Kunsthal is continuously transforming, and with its regularly changing exhibitions able to offer crossovers between various art disciplines. From modern masters and contemporary art to forgotten cultures, photography, fashion and design. The Kunsthal's exhibition programme gives it its national scope and international allure. In its iconic building designed by Rem Koolhaas, the Kunsthal stands for three core values: art, culture and society. The Kunsthal is not a museum, nor does it wish to be. Not having its own collection gives the Kunsthal absolute freedom, and making optimum use of that freedom is where its strength lies. With a small team, a wide range of exhibitions and activities are realised with a high turnover rate for a diverse audience. This is what makes the Kunsthal different from other institutions in the museum sector.
Reviewed By D1109VHpeterh
Excellent a wonderful exhibition to take the day over..and get inspired to follow the cutting edge of fashion and artistic development
10. Maritime Museum Rotterdam
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 747 reviews
Reviewed By Akumuk - Paignton, United Kingdom
This museum reflects Rotterdam’s association with the sea. There is much to do for children and adults alike, with hands on activities. There are also some extremely old artefacts which are particularly inspiring and there is much to explore and reflect upon. Well worth the time to visit.
