Explore Rotterdam
Your perfect trip to Netherlands
Rotterdam is the un-Dutch city. In a country defined by 17th-century gingerbread houses and quaint canals, Rotterdam is a punch in the face of glass, steel, and concrete. It is a city that had to reinvent itself after being flattened by the German Luftwaffe in 1940, and instead of rebuilding what was lost, it decided to build the future. The result is a skyline that feels more like New York or Singapore than Europe, dominated by the swan-like curve of the Erasmus Bridge and the jagged, stacked geometry of the De Rotterdam building.
The vibe here is gritty, working-class, and unapologetically bold. The locals have a saying: ‘Amsterdam has the money, The Hague has the politics, but Rotterdam does the work.’ You feel this energy in the revitalized docklands of Kop van Zuid and the raw industrial aesthetic of the ports. The wind here is fierce, whipping off the Maas River, but it carries the scent of spices from a hundred different cultures. Rotterdam is the most multicultural city in the Netherlands, a fact best tasted in the chaotic, delicious Surinamese warungs and Turkish bakeries that line the West-Kruiskade.
This is a city for architecture nerds and design lovers. From the disorienting yellow Cube Houses to the psychedelic ceiling of the Markthal, the city treats urban planning as an extreme sport. But look closer, and you find the ‘gezelligheid’ (coziness) in the brown bars of Delfshaven, the only neighborhood to survive the blitz, where the spirit of the old Dutch East India Company still lingers in the brickwork.
The perfect plan for Rotterdam:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: Icons & Architecture
- Morning: Markthal. Go before the crowds. Admire the ‘Horn of Plenty’ mural on the ceiling. Eat a fresh stroopwafel. Then, look at the Cube Houses across the square (visit the Show Cube, but don’t stay in one; they are claustrophobic).
- Afternoon: Walk across the Erasmus Bridge. Visit Hotel New York for high tea. It’s the old headquarters of the Holland America Line; thousands of emigrants left for the US from here.
- Evening: Witte de Withstraat. The cool street. Bars, galleries, and excellent food. Dinner at Bazar (North African vibes) or a burger at Ter Marsch & Co.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Art & Harbor
- Morning: Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. The world’s first publicly accessible art depot. The building is a giant mirrored bowl. The rooftop forest offers a surreal view.
- Afternoon: Fenix Food Factory in Katendrecht. It’s raw and industrial. Grab a craft beer from Kaapse Brouwers and sit on the quay looking at the skyline.
- Evening: Aloha Bar. Located in an abandoned tropical swimming paradise (Blue City). You drink cocktails in an empty pool. Sustainable and strange.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: The Old & The Wind
- Morning: Take the Waterbus (Line 21) to Kinderdijk. See the 19 windmills in their original location. It’s a UNESCO site. Rent a bike there to see them properly.
- Afternoon: Return to Delfshaven. The only part of the city that looks ‘old.’ Visit the Pilgrim Fathers Church.
- Evening: Late night snack: Kapsalon. Fries, shoarma, gouda cheese, grilled, then topped with salad. Invented in Rotterdam. Order it at Jaffa.
Weather
Spring (March-May): Windy and unpredictable. Tulip season nearby.
Summer (June-Aug): The best time. Rooftop bars and festivals are open (20-25°C).
Autumn (Sept-Nov): Moody and wet, but great for museum hopping.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Grey, windy, and damp. Architectural tours are colder but empty.
Local Customs
- Directness: Rotterdammers are blunt. They aren’t being rude; they value honesty over politeness.
- Bike Paths: Do not walk on the red asphalt. You will be shouted at, or hit.
- Cannabis: It is not as ‘tourist-focused’ as Amsterdam. Coffeeshops exist, but smoking in public streets is generally frowned upon.
History & Culture
Originally a fishing village on the Rotte river dam, it grew into one of the world’s largest ports. The defining moment was May 14, 1940—the Rotterdam Blitz destroyed the historic center. The post-war reconstruction prioritized modernism and efficiency, creating the unique architectural playground seen today.
Getting Around & Safety
The Waterbus is the best way to see the city from the river.
- Metro/Tram: Efficient. Use an OV-chipkaart or tap your contactless credit card directly.
- Walking: The distances are larger than Amsterdam. You might need the tram between neighborhoods.
Info for Nomads
Excellent. Modern infrastructure, fast internet, and a ‘get shit done’ attitude.
Workation Vibe
Speed: Blazing. 100-500 Mbps.
Cafes: Man Met Bril Koffie (best roaster, under the train tracks) and Harvest Coffee Brewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better than Amsterdam? +
It is different. Amsterdam is a museum; Rotterdam is a metropolis. If you like modern architecture and fewer tourists, Rotterdam wins.
What is the Kapsalon? +
A calorie bomb. Fries, shawarma meat, and cheese, melted under a grill, then covered in lettuce, garlic sauce, and sambal. The ultimate drunk food.
Is it safe? +
Generally yes, but some areas in Rotterdam South (Zuid) can feel gritty at night. Stick to the center, Kop van Zuid, and Katendrecht.