Rotterdam Itinerary – Discover the Netherlands' Cutting-Edge City

Welcome to Rotterdam, a city that breaks the mold of traditional Dutch towns. As your virtual guide, I’m excited to show you this vibrant, modern metropolis that thrives on innovation, design, and resilience. Unlike Amsterdam’s canals and historical charm, Rotterdam is all about bold architecture, diverse culture, and a cutting-edge urban experience.
 

Whether you’re an art lover, foodie, photographer, or just curious traveler, Rotterdam offers something unforgettable at every corner.

📍 Where Is Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is located in South Holland, just an hour from Amsterdam by train. It's the second-largest city in the Netherlands and home to Europe’s largest port, giving it an international, progressive vibe unlike anywhere else in the country.

🏙️ A Brief History of Rotterdam

Rotterdam was founded around 1270 when a dam was built on the Rotte River. The city grew rapidly due to its strategic location and became a major trade center.

However, its identity changed dramatically during World War II, when much of the city center was destroyed by bombing in 1940. Rather than rebuilding in the old style, Rotterdam embraced modern architecture and innovation, turning tragedy into transformation. Today, it stands as a symbol of urban renewal and resilience.

🧭 Top Things to Do in Rotterdam

1. Marvel at the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)

No visit to Rotterdam is complete without seeing these iconic, tilted cube-shaped homes designed by architect Piet Blom. You can explore one of them at the Show Cube Museum, or simply admire their strange, futuristic angles from outside.

📸 Tip: Shoot from below for a dramatic geometric photo!

2. Stroll Through Markthal

The Markthal is not just a food market—it's a culinary, architectural, and artistic masterpiece. The horseshoe-shaped structure houses dozens of food stalls and restaurants, all beneath a soaring arch decorated with the “Horn of Plenty” mural.

🍷 Try Dutch cheeses, stroopwafels, and multicultural bites from Surinamese to Spanish cuisine.

3. Visit the Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug)

Nicknamed "The Swan" for its graceful design, this elegant white bridge spans the Nieuwe Maas River and connects the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam. It's a modern icon of the city and especially stunning when lit up at night.

🚲 Walk or bike across for great city and skyline views.

4. Explore the Maritime Museum

Rotterdam is a port city at heart, and the Maritime Museum celebrates this heritage. It’s one of the best museums in the Netherlands, with interactive exhibits on shipping, seafaring, and global trade.

🛳️ Don’t miss the vintage ships docked outside!

5. Discover Boijmans Van Beuningen Depot

While the main Boijmans Museum is undergoing renovation, the new Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen is the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility. Its mirrored exterior is a work of art itself!

🎨 Inside, you’ll find over 150,000 pieces of artwork, including works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Dalí.

6. Explore Delfshaven

For a taste of old Rotterdam, head to Delfshaven, one of the few areas untouched by WWII bombings. It features charming canals, 17th-century buildings, and the Pilgrim Fathers Church, where the Pilgrims prayed before sailing to the New World.

🥂 Enjoy a beer at the De Pelgrim brewery nearby—it's brewed on-site.

7. Ride the Euromast Tower

Soaring 185 meters high, the Euromast offers panoramic views of Rotterdam, the harbor, and even The Hague on a clear day. For the thrill-seekers, you can abseil down the side!

🍽️ The Euromast restaurant is also a scenic place to dine high above the city.

🎨 Art, Culture, and Events

Rotterdam boasts a thriving cultural scene, with museums, galleries, music venues, and festivals all year round.

Kunsthal – A rotating exhibition space with everything from photography to modern installations.

Witte de Withstraat – A creative street filled with galleries, cafes, and bars.

Rotterdam International Film Festival – A world-class event held every January.

North Sea Jazz Festival – One of Europe’s best jazz festivals, hosted each July.

🍴 Food and Drink in Rotterdam

Rotterdam’s food scene is as dynamic as the city itself. You'll find everything from gourmet dining to international street food.

Top Picks:

FG Restaurant – Michelin-starred, modern Dutch cuisine

Fenix Food Factory – A hip food hall in Katendrecht

Bazar – Exotic Middle Eastern dishes in a colorful space

By Jarmusch – Retro American-style diner for breakfast

☕ Don’t miss the specialty coffee shops around Nieuwe Binnenweg and Meent Street.

🛍️ Shopping in Rotterdam

From high-end fashion to local Dutch design, Rotterdam is a great shopping destination.

Lijnbaan – The first car-free shopping street in Europe

Beurstraverse ("Koopgoot") – Underground shopping arcade

Markthal and Fenix Food Factory – Perfect for gourmet souvenirs

Westelijk Handelsterrein – Art studios and boutiques in a historic warehouse

🛏️ Where to Stay in Rotterdam

Rotterdam offers accommodation for every budget and style:

Luxury:

Mainport Hotel – Riverside luxury with spa and sauna

nhow Rotterdam – Stylish rooms with river views in De Rotterdam building

Mid-range:

CitizenM Rotterdam – Affordable design hotel with smart rooms

The James Hotel – Central, comfortable, and trendy

Budget:

Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel – Sleep in a cube house!

a&o Hostel – Simple and social

🚆 How to Get to Rotterdam

Rotterdam is extremely accessible:

By Train: From Amsterdam in ~1 hour via NS Intercity or Thalys

By Plane: Rotterdam The Hague Airport is just 7 km from the center

By Bus: Flixbus and Eurolines connect Rotterdam to many European cities

By Car: Rotterdam is car-friendly with ample parking garages

💳 Rotterdam uses the OV-chipkaart for public transport (metro, trams, and buses).

🚲 Getting Around

Rotterdam is a cycling city like the rest of the Netherlands. Rent a bike and explore the city on your own terms. If not, use:

RET Metro & Trams – Efficient and covers all areas

Water Taxis – A fun way to cross the river

Shared e-scooters & bikes – Available via apps

📷 Most Instagrammable Spots in Rotterdam

Cube Houses from the inside staircase

Erasmus Bridge at sunset

Reflection selfies at Boijmans Depot

Colorful interiors of Markthal

Skyline shots from Euromast Tower

Street art in the Afrikaanderwijk and Witte de Withstraat

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Rotterdam

Spring (April–May) – Pleasant weather, tulip season

Summer (June–August) – Best for festivals and outdoor dining

Autumn (September–October) – Fewer tourists, cozy café vibes

Winter (December–February) – Christmas markets, light festivals

☔ Rotterdam’s weather can be unpredictable—bring a light rain jacket year-round.

🧭 Ideal Day Itinerary in Rotterdam

Morning:

Start with breakfast at By Jarmusch

Explore Cube Houses and Old Harbor

Visit the Markthal for a mid-morning snack

Afternoon:

Take a stroll across Erasmus Bridge

Visit the Maritime Museum or Kunsthal

Have lunch in Fenix Food Factory

Evening:

Ride up the Euromast for sunset

Dinner at FG or Bazar

End with drinks at Witte de Withstraat

🌍 Why You Should Visit Rotterdam

Rotterdam isn’t just another Dutch city—it’s a living showcase of reinvention, resilience, and design. From futuristic architecture and rich maritime heritage to global cuisine and thriving arts, Rotterdam is a city that challenges expectations and delivers unforgettable experiences.

Whether you stay for a day or a week, you’ll walk away inspired by its energy, style, and originality.