Rotterdam

Travel Guide

South Holland showing outdoor eating and a square or plaza
Erasmus Bridge which includes a bridge, cycling and modern architecture
Euromast showing modern architecture
Rotterdam showing a city and central business district
Rotterdam

Modernist buildings, fashionable nightlife, river views and many museums and galleries make the Netherlands’ second-biggest city an exciting and lively destination.

Rotterdam developed as a prosperous shipping port in the 1800s. As it has grown, its cultural delights have expanded. Rotterdam’s architecture is some of the most modern and innovative in the Netherlands. Spend days exploring myriad art galleries and museums. Find unusual dining experiences and trendy nightlife across the city.

During World War II, the historic port was almost entirely destroyed and the city suffered massive bombing damage. Today, view the modernist reconstructions and more recent architectural additions, such as the spaceship-like Markthal and the three half-spheres of the solar-powered Floating Pavilion. 

Find a collection of architecture, art galleries and museums in the Museumkwartier. Visit one of the Netherlands’ oldest museums, the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, before stepping into modern and contemporary exhibitions at the Witte de With Centre for Contemporary Arts and the TENT exhibition space. Learn about city and country history in museums covering everything from the golden era of Dutch shipping to archaeology, fossils, plants and animal life. 

Afterward, explore the streets of Witte de Withstraat and Nieuwe Binnenweg. Browse through stores selling CDs and vinyl albums, lingerie, books, jewellery and fashion by local designers. At night these dynamic streets have restaurants, live music venues and lively bars. 

In its location on the Maas River, Rotterdam has numerous riverside walks and waterfront dining. Explore the river delta on a cruise or take the Lek River waterbus to see 18th-century windmills at nearby Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Treat yourself to panoramic city views, including the Erasmus “Swan” Bridge, from the restaurant at the top of the Euromast. If you’re brave, abseil down. Taste the diversity of the city’s culinary treats at restaurants serving North African and Middle Eastern flavours or have a beer and traditional Dutch bitterballen, battered and fried beef balls. 

Rotterdam is a major cruise ship destination. With boat access to the U.K. and to Germany along the Rhine, Rotterdam is very easy to reach. Get here from Amsterdam in 1 hour by train. 

Where to stay in Rotterdam

Euromast featuring landscape views, a lake or waterhole and a park

Centrum

Centrum is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Rotterdam City Theatre and Lijnbaan while in the area.

Centrum
Maritime Museum showing a square or plaza and outdoor art

Stadsdriehoek

4.5/5(64 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Stadsdriehoek, Markthal Rotterdam and Kijk-Kubus are top sights worth seeing.

Stadsdriehoek
Rotterdam featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

Cool

While visiting Cool, you might make a stop by sights like Lijnbaan and Witte de Withstraat.

Cool
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Feijenoord

Waterfront views, bars and seaside views are some highlights of Feijenoord. Make a stop by Fenix Food Factory or Luxor Theater while you're exploring.

Feijenoord
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Kop van Zuid

4/5(13 area reviews)

Unique features of Kop van Zuid include the bars and river views. Make a stop by World Port Centre or Luxor Theater while you're exploring the area.

Kop van Zuid
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Charlois

Discover Charlois, memorable for its restaurants. Popular attractions in Charlois include Ahoy Rotterdam and Zuidplein Shopping Centre, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Rotterdam, Maashaven.

Charlois
The James Hotel Rotterdam
The James Hotel Rotterdam
3.5 out of 5
Aert van Nesstraat 25, Rotterdam
The price is S$102 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$102
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Perfecto location A little bit noisy No complementary bottles of water in the room"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

The James Hotel Rotterdam
The Usual Rotterdam
The Usual Rotterdam
4 out of 5
Westblaak 10, Rotterdam
The price is S$95 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$95
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Ahoy Rotterdam and Witte de Withstraat ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (183 reviews)
"Love the focus on sustainability. Excellent hotel!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

The Usual Rotterdam
citizenM Rotterdam
citizenM Rotterdam
4 out of 5
Gelderse plein 50, Rotterdam, South Holland
The price is S$115 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$115
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (997 reviews)
Very good value
"Perfect location: close to the Centraal Station, and close to many attractions."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

citizenM Rotterdam
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Urban Residences
Urban Residences
4 out of 5
Hennekijnstraat 104, Rotterdam
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,036 reviews)
"Was not to bad"

Reviewed on 20 Jun, 2025

Urban Residences
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Rotterdam
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Rotterdam
4 out of 5
Weena 710, Rotterdam
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (856 reviews)
"Great place to stay close to Rotherdam Central Station and Cruise Terminals"

Reviewed on 21 Jun, 2025

PREMIER SUITES PLUS Rotterdam
Stayci Apartments Museumpark Deluxe
Stayci Apartments Museumpark Deluxe
4 out of 5
Eendrachtsweg 26, Rotterdam
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Ahoy Rotterdam and Santa Claus Statue ...
7/10 Good! (72 reviews)
"The hotel was absolutely fantastic, situated perfectly in the heart of the city, making it easy to explore nearby attractions. The rooms were impeccably clean and exceptionally comfortable, providing a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. I was particularly impressed with the bathroom—it was not only ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jan, 2025

Stayci Apartments Museumpark Deluxe
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Rotterdam

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
81
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
48
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great place, reminded me of Liverpool, beautiful modern architecture, great food and record shops, easily walkable. Couldnt visit museums because of Covid19. Rotterdam is great!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lots of unsual sculptures

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Rotterdam is a great city we will be visiting again

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Rotterdam is great for shopping and there is a lot to see with some great restaurants. Will definitely return to explore more.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

One of the greatest cities in the world - and I should know having been to over 40 countries

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Rotterdam was lively and exciting. Enjoyed the Fenix Food Factory at Katendracht