Rotterdam: Best Things to Do
SIGHTSEEING
If you are visiting Rotterdam, the iconic Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug) must be included in your must-visit list. This iconic cable bridge nicknamed “The Swan” is connecting the northern and southern part of Rotterdam that is divided by a river called Nieuwe Maas. If you are into unique buildings, Cube Houses may please your visual needs. What makes it unique is the architect, Piet Blom. He did not only build the cube-shaped houses, but also constructed on concrete pillars and tilted houses 45 degrees resembling tree-tops of a forest. A truly must-visit!
Erasmusbrug
Cube Houses
DOWNTOWN
If you are more into traditional and historical sites traveler, Oude Haven (The Old Harbor) is the right place to go. Located in the north area of Maas River, this harbor is a great place to hang out, get some coffee, and enjoy the scenery of boats nearby. Do not forget to visit Maritime Museum as well. It is one of the oldest and largest harbors museums in the Netherlands. You can definitely learn more about the historic vessels and cranes of Rotterdam’s port from this museum exhibition.
Oude Haven
Maritime Museum
SHOPPING
If you come to Rotterdam to explore the locals, you may want to visit the iconic shopping places instead of the high-end supermalls. De Markthal is the answer. De Markhtal offers you a wide range of products – mostly foods. The tall ceiling and huge built will also please your eyes while enjoying your snacks. But, if you want to go to the sophisticated shopping place, Van Oldenbarneveltstraat shopping district is the right choice. You will experience Rotterdam’s high-end shops with a touch of Paris vibes.
De Markthal
FOOD & DRINK
Try Hollandse Nieuwe if you do not have any problems with eating fish. It is the most famous Dutch food. The red herring is served raw and you can try eating it with the real Dutch. You can always try the unique and tasty cocktails from Rotterdam. Meanwhile, Spikizi is a hidden gem to go for drink tasty cocktails and catch up with your friends. Don’t worry, Spikizi has a liquor license as well.
CULTURE
Rotterdam is known as the rival of Amsterdam when it comes to historical and cultural sites. You can visit the cultural axis between Museumpark and Witte de Withstraat for old and new art galleries. Feast your eyes on the street beauties and impressive wall paintings by local artists as well as visiting Luchtsingel pedestrian bridge and Hofbogen Arches.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Rotterdam is between April to October. Throughout those months, the city will serve you the loveliest Rotterdam in Spring to Summer.
HOTEL
Get your aesthetic photos by staying in nhow Rotterdam where you can take your photos with Erasmus Bridge as your background – and of course as your pleasant morning view as well. ss Rotterdam is also a great choice because this luxurious ship is now permanently converted into a hotel. You can visit a mysterious escape room while spending your night here.
nhow Rotterdam
ss Rotterdam
RESTAURANT
Get your comfortable fine-dining with a modern-cozy ambiance in Restaurant Langoest. It offers you a wide variety of seafood and also European cuisines. This restaurant is only 0.3 miles from the Erasmus Bridge. If you'd like to try another seafood-Dutch restaurant, we recommend you to visit Zeezout. It is a family-friendly restaurant with local ambiance and located only 0.5 miles from the Erasmus Bridge.
Restaurant Langoest
Zeezout
CAFE
Vader Kleinjan Café has a good ambiance with the view of Oude Haven, the Witte Huis, and the Erasmus Bridge to have your Dutch-specialities snacks. This cafe is also famous for its burger. Vader Kleinjan Café also offers a vegetarian-friendly menu for vegetarians travelers.
Vader Kleinjan
BAR AND NIGHTLIFE
We recommend you night-owls who enjoy music to visit Rotown. This venue hosts open-mic session almost every week. You should spend your night in the on-site bar to find out the nightlife of Rotterdam.
Rotown
INTERESTING PLACE
If you are visiting Rotterdam, do not leave without visiting Euromast. It's an observation tower in Rotterdam. The tower offers 360-degree views of the city. What's more interesting, this tower even provides restaurants and hotels if you'd like to spend a longer time on the tower.
Euromast
INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT
Update your Instagram feed by taking many photos of De "Netkous". It is a visually pleasing walking and cycling site if you like your Instagram photo symmetrical with a modern touch. This site is also perfect for your selfie. Don’t forget to use the hashtag white aesthetic in your caption!
De "Netkous"
