Rotterdam
Rotterdam, the Netherlands’ second-largest city, is known for its modern architecture, maritime heritage, and vibrant cultural scene. Once a small fishing village, it grew into a major port by the 17th century and today hosts Europe’s largest seaport, playing a key role in global trade and logistics.
The city was heavily bombed during World War II, which led to large-scale reconstruction and gave rise to Rotterdam’s striking contemporary skyline, including landmarks like the Erasmus Bridge and Cube Houses. Rotterdam’s waterfront, historic harbours, and innovative architecture showcase its resilience, industrial past, and forward-looking spirit, making it a dynamic destination for visitors.
Beyond its architectural feats, Rotterdam boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, with world-class museums such as the Boijmans Van Beuningen, vibrant street art, and an energetic music and festival calendar. Its combination of history, modernity, and creativity gives the city a unique character that reflects both its rich past and innovative present.
💡Rotterdam: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Zone, allowing visa-free entry for citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many others for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
✈️ Closest Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
💬 Language: Dutch is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
🏷️ Price Level: Moderate to high — Rotterdam is more affordable than London or Paris, but still pricey compared to smaller European cities.
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Netherlands: US$5.34
💰 Currency: Euro (€) | 1 USD ≈ 0.92 EUR
☀️ Best Times to Visit: The best time to visit Rotterdam is between June and August when the weather is warm and pleasant
🚲 Transportation: Trams, buses, metro, and biking. The city is also walkable.
🔌 Adapter: The Netherlands uses Type C and Type F plugs (standard in most of Europe). North American travelers will need a plug adapter.
🛜 WiFi: You can find free Wi-Fi in Rotterdam at many public places, including cafes, restaurants, libraries, and the Rotterdam Centraal train station.
🏧💰 ATM & Cash/Card: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but some smaller shops or cafés may only accept local Dutch cards (Maestro), so carry a bit of cash (euros) just in case. ATMs are common and secure.
💸 Tipping: Service is typically included in bills, but rounding up or tipping 5–10% in restaurants for great service is appreciated. For taxis, rounding up is also customary.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Wilhelminakade 699. 3072 AP Rotterdam, The Netherlands (docked)
✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ Getting around Rotterdam is straightforward, efficient, and adds to the charm of exploring this modern and vibrant Dutch city. Rotterdam’s compact city centre makes walking one of the best ways to take in iconic areas like the Markthal, Cube Houses, Witte de Withstraat, and the Erasmus Bridge. Many key landmarks, museums, shops, and restaurants are easily reachable on foot within 10–20 minutes.
For longer journeys — such as trips to Rotterdam Zoo, the port area, or suburban districts like Delfshaven — the city has an excellent public transport network including metro, trams, and buses operated by RET. Tickets can be purchased via contactless debit/credit cards, mobile payments, or OV-chipkaart smartcards, with day passes and group tickets offering good value for visitors.
✈️ Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), about 17 km (10.5 miles) from Amsterdam city centre, offers excellent connections to Rotterdam and beyond. Direct trains run frequently to Rotterdam Central Station in around 25–30 minutes, while buses provide additional intercity options. Taxis and Uber rides take roughly 45–60 minutes and cost around €80–€100.
🚇 Rotterdam Cruise Terminal is a major arrival point for ships visiting the Netherlands, located in the city’s bustling port area along the Nieuwe Maas river. While the terminal itself is not directly in the city centre, it is just a short taxi or shuttle ride (10–15 minutes) from central Rotterdam and key attractions like the Markthal, Cube Houses, and Witte de Withstraat.
Public transport connections are readily accessible, including metro, tram, and bus services that link the terminal to Rotterdam Central Station and other parts of the city. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are available at the terminal for convenient transfers to hotels, museums, and destinations beyond the city, such as The Hague, Delft, or Amsterdam.
🚌 City Sightseeing operates one bus route covering the most important sights around the city (more info here).
⭐️ Top Sights in Rotterdam
"Rotterdam has its own floating dairy farm, where cows live on water and produce milk right in the city’s harbor."
📸 Markthal: An iconic horseshoe-shaped market hall combining food, shops, and apartments, famous for its massive ceiling artwork. It’s a must-visit spot for tasting Dutch delicacies, enjoying international cuisine, and appreciating Rotterdam’s innovative architecture.
📸 Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen): Innovative, tilted cube-shaped homes designed by architect Piet Blom. Visitors can tour the Show Cube to see the quirky interior and experience one of Rotterdam’s most unique architectural landmarks.
📸 Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug): Nicknamed “The Swan,” this striking cable-stayed bridge connects the northern and southern parts of the city. It’s both a vital transport link and an iconic photo spot along the Nieuwe Maas river, especially when lit up at night.
📸 Rotterdam Central Station: A modern architectural marvel and major transport hub, blending sleek contemporary design with practical functionality. Beyond travel, its open, airy spaces and striking roof make it a point of interest for architecture enthusiasts.
📸 De Rotterdam: One of Europe’s largest buildings by volume, designed by Rem Koolhaas, combining offices, apartments, and a hotel. Its futuristic, stacked-block design dominates the skyline and showcases Rotterdam’s forward-thinking urban planning.
📸 Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum: Home to a vast collection of art from medieval to contemporary works, including Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Dalí. The museum offers an engaging cultural experience for both art lovers and casual visitors.
📸 Witte de Withstraat: A vibrant street filled with independent galleries, bars, and restaurants. It’s the city’s cultural hub, perfect for experiencing Rotterdam’s creative energy, nightlife, and contemporary art scene.
📸 Het Park & Euromast: A leafy park offering a peaceful escape in the city, with walking paths and green spaces. From there, visitors can ride the Euromast observation tower for panoramic views of Rotterdam and its bustling port.
📸 Maritime Museum: Showcasing Rotterdam’s long-standing connection to shipping and trade, with historic ships, interactive exhibits, and maritime artifacts. It’s an excellent way to explore the city’s role as one of the world’s largest ports.
📸 Delfshaven: A historic harbour district that survived WWII bombings, preserving picturesque canals and centuries-old buildings. Visitors can wander its cobbled streets, enjoy traditional pubs, and glimpse Rotterdam’s pre-war charm amidst a modern city.
🍽️😋 Typical Food & Drinks
Rotterdam’s food scene reflects the city’s international character, innovative spirit, and lively cultural energy. Once a major port city bringing together flavors from around the world, Rotterdam has grown into a culinary hub where traditional Dutch dishes meet global cuisine. From fresh seafood and hearty local specialties to street food, fusion restaurants, and modern gastronomy, the city offers something for every palate. Independent cafés, bustling markets, historic pubs, and trendy restaurants thrive alongside food festivals and pop-ups — all fueled by a welcoming, creative community. For food lovers, Rotterdam provides a memorable and diverse culinary experience.
🍽️ Haring (Dutch Raw Herring): A classic Dutch street food, typically served with onions and pickles. Locals often eat it by holding the fish by the tail and taking a bite — a must-try for adventurous foodies.
🍽️ Kibbeling: Deep-fried chunks of white fish, often cod, served with a garlic or tartar sauce. A popular snack sold at street stalls and markets across Rotterdam.
🍽️ Stroopwafels: Thin waffle cookies with a caramel syrup filling, perfect with coffee or tea. These sweet treats are iconic in Dutch culture and widely available in cafés and markets.
🍽️ Bitterballen: Deep-fried, breadcrumb-coated meatballs, usually filled with a rich beef ragout. A favorite pub snack, often enjoyed with mustard.
🍽️ Poffertjes: Small, fluffy pancakes typically dusted with powdered sugar and served with butter. A beloved treat at festivals and markets.
🍽️ Erwtensoep (Dutch Pea Soup): A thick, hearty split pea soup with sausage and vegetables, traditionally served in winter. It’s comforting, filling, and a staple of Dutch home cooking.
🍽️ Dutch Cheese: Rotterdam and the Netherlands are famous for cheeses like Gouda and Edam. Sample fresh cheese at markets or specialty shops for an authentic local experience.
🍽️ Patat / Dutch Fries: Thick, golden fries often served in a paper cone with a variety of sauces, including mayonnaise, satay sauce, or curry ketchup. A beloved street food and casual snack throughout Rotterdam.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🚕 Uber
🚕 Bolt