Top 19 Exciting Things to Do in Rotterdam: Your Ultimate Guide

Discover the wild wonders of the world in the heart of the city at Rotterdam Zoo. The zoo houses more than 2,000 animals from 200 species, from African lions to Humboldt penguins. The unique feature of the zoo is the Oceanium, an underwater course that shows life in the sea. It's a breathtaking experience that you won't want to miss! After your visit to the zoo, the famous Euromast with its panoramic view of the city is just a short streetcar ride away.

Experience Rotterdam's culinary paradise at the Markthal, an architectural marvel and the Netherlands' first indoor market. With over 100 stalls offering delicacies from around the world, it's a foodie's paradise. The imposing ceiling with its colorful "Horn of Plenty" mural adds an artistic touch. Just a stone's throw away, you can also explore the iconic Cube Houses, which will also make your gastronomic journey an architectural adventure.

The impressive "cube houses" in Rotterdam are a must-see! Avant-garde architectural marvels, these strange, quirky cubes offer a glimpse into innovative Dutch design. The Kijk Cube, a fully furnished museum house, is a real experience. And don't forget a well-kept secret: a cube is a quirky hostel. Just a short walk away, you can immerse yourself in the bustling life of the city at Markthal, famous for its lively food stalls and beautiful ceiling paintings.

The iconic Erasmus Bridge, affectionately known as "The Swan" for its elegant design, exerts a magnetic pull. Overlooking the breathtaking Meuse River, the bridge beautifully illuminates the skyline at night. A must-see is the walkway on the bridge, which offers sweeping views of Rotterdam's vibrant cityscape. Nearby, you can explore the unique architecture of De Rotterdam and Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, which add different architectural styles to your trip.

A visit to the Euromast in Rotterdam is a unique experience that you should not miss. It is the tallest watchtower in the Netherlands and offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire city and port, making your trip an unforgettable visual experience. Be sure to visit the topmost Euroscoop at 185 meters. Adrenaline junkies can enjoy rappelling and ziplining. Just a short walk away, the tranquil Parkhaven invites you for a peaceful picnic.

Embark on a diverse journey of discovery through Kunsthal Rotterdam, a contemporary art space that offers groundbreaking, genre-bending exhibitions. With five different galleries and 20 exhibitions per year, no two visits are ever the same. Be sure to visit De Kunsthal Café, which overlooks the park. Don't miss the iconic Erasmus Bridge, just a 10-minute walk away.

Het Park in Rotterdam is the ultimate urban oasis! This sprawling green space near the famous Euromast is filled with winding paths, timeless sculptures, elegant old trees, and seasonal flowers that create a picturesque retreat.

The Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is a treasure chest of art, a must-see for any art lover. With an unparalleled collection of masterpieces from Bosch to Van Gogh and Dali to Dutch design, it offers a journey through time. Stroll through the building's fascinating architecture and catch a glimpse of the contemporary and future art world. Enjoy first-class art without the queues of the big city galleries. Right next door is Het Nieuwe Instituut, a playground for architecture and design lovers. Enjoy Dutch creativity at its best!

Immerse yourself in maritime history by visiting the "S.S. Rotterdam", a legendary ship now converted into a hotel/restaurant. You can explore the fascinating captain's deck, historic engine rooms and luxurious accommodations.

Immerse yourself in a magical journey at Miniworld Rotterdam, a fascinating miniature park that faithfully recreates the cityscape of Rotterdam and its surroundings. With its lively harbors, animated characters, day-to-night lighting effects and trains that actually run on schedule, you can experience the vibrant life of the city in unprecedented detail. The iconic cube houses and the market hall are just a short walk away, immersing you even deeper in Rotterdam's unique architectural flair.

The Maritime Museum in Rotterdam is an exciting journey into the world history of shipping and shows the maritime past and present of the city with its large collection of historic ships. There are even interesting, interactive exhibits for children. Plus, the Erasmus Bridge is just a short walk away, so it's in a prime location! Don't miss the captivating outdoor area of the Leuvehaven, where historic ships dominate the view.

A visit to St. Laurens Church, also known as Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, is like a trip into Rotterdam's history. This late Gothic basilica is the oldest surviving building in the city (circa 1449). Note the famous historic organ, one of the largest in the country. Climb the church tower for a 360° view of Rotterdam. Nearby are the bustling Markthal and Cube houses, a lively, modern contrast to the splendor of St. Lawrence Church. An absolute must-see!

Havenrondvaart Spido Rotterdam offers a unique view of the vibrant and bustling port city. On their boat tours, you can explore the impressive industrial landscape, historic harbors, esteemed architecture and unique bridges. The city is a living tapestry of maritime splendor. Not to mention that just a walk away stands the towering Euromast, from which you can enjoy an eagle's eye view of the city. That's two unique perspectives of this diverse Dutch city at once!

A visit to Rotterdam is a fascinating journey into the world of avant-garde architecture. Explore the impressive variety of cutting-edge designs, such as the cube houses or the Erasmus Bridge. Be sure to stroll the bustling Markthal, where the painted ceilings are almost as fascinating as the artisanal foods on offer. Just a stone's throw away is the Maritime Museum harbor, a testament to Rotterdam's rich past as a maritime city. Don't forget to take the water bus to Kinderdijk to see the famous Dutch windmills in action.

Visit "The Rotterdam", a unique marvel of contemporary architecture. It consists of three interconnected towers and is the largest building in the Netherlands. Don't miss the panoramic view of the city from the observation deck on the 44th floor.

The Wereldmuseum in the heart of Rotterdam offers a unique global cultural experience. Discover the rich diversity of our world in captivating exhibitions showcasing art and artifacts from far-flung corners. In keeping with the world traveler ethos, the on-site restaurant offers exquisite international cuisine. Local tip: Don't miss the fascinating Tibet exhibition! The Kunsthal Museum of Art is just a short walk away for a cultural double-header. Discover the beauty of our interconnected world at the Wereldmuseum!

Visit "Het Witte Huis", a true architectural jewel in Rotterdam. Marvel at Europe's first skyscraper, built in 1898, which impresses with its unique blend of Art Nouveau and American architecture. Marvel at the 45-meter-high building from its charming terrace café. A hidden gem - nearby is Markthal's sea of flowers. Just steps away, you can take a historic cruise from the old harbor, the Oude Haven, with its monumental ships.

The Dutch Pinball Museum is an absolute treat in the heart of Rotterdam, offering both nostalgia and entertainment. It is not just a museum, but here you can experience the history of pinball with equipment from around 1900 until today. It's even louder here than in a casino, so you get an authentic pinball experience. It's also right next to the impressive Fenix Food Factory, a trendy indoor market that offers artisan foods - perfect for grabbing a bite to eat after your captivating pinball adventure.

The Natural History Museum Rotterdam is an absolute must for nature and science enthusiasts. With a massive collection of over 400,000 zoological specimens, it takes its visitors on a fascinating journey through biodiversity. Don't miss the unique wall of 870 stuffed birds hung at eye level! Located near the museum district, you're just a stone's throw from other cultural attractions like the Kunsthal and the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.