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Standing at the confluence of the Meuse, Rhine and Scheldt, Rotterdam’s strategic location makes it one of Europe’s most important cities. It’s home to the continent’s largest seaport, a hub for the Dutch financial, pharmacutical and energy industries and a stones’ throw from the UN’s seat of justice in regal Den Haag.
The funny thing is, despite its significance, Rotterdam is all too often overlooked by travelers. For the most part, the only contact visitors to The Netherlands have with Rotterdam is changing trains on the way to the ferry terminal at the Hook of Holland.
It’s a great shame, but only good news for the intrepid few who seek it out. A welcome reprieve from Amsterdam’s crowds and high prices, a weekend in Rotterdam needs to be on your Netherlands to do list.
The truth is, Rotterdam is city break heaven. With more museums than you can shake a stick at, modern architechtural wonders and a happening nightlife scene, our expert Rotterdam itinerary will leave you yearning for more.
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Getting to Rotterdam
By air
Rotterdam is home to the Netherland’s second busiest airport. Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) is five kilometers north of the city center. Getting there from the airport is quick and easy. A shuttle bus links the terminal with the Rotterdam Metro at Meijersplein station, from where it’s a ten-minute ride to the city. Rotterdam Airport is primarily served by flights from leisure destinations across Europe as well as London’s City and Stansted airports.
If you’re coming from further afield, flying into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) will likely be easier. Served by daily flights from all across the globe. Frequent trains run between Schiphol and Rotterdam Centraal station, with the journey taking around half an hour.
By land
The Netherlands has both an excellent public transport network and an excellent road network. Whether you decide to rent a car and enjoy this Rotterdam itinerary as part of a road trip, or are taking in Europe from the rails, getting to Rotterdam is easy.
Nederlandse Spoorwegen, the Dutch state-owned train operator, serve Rotterdam frequently from across the country. From Amsterdam, trains leave every few minutes and take around an hour. There are also regular intercity bus connections between Rotterdam and several major European cities including Amsterdam, London, Munich and Paris.
By sea
Given its fame for hosting Europe’s busiest port, there’s a certain charm about kicking off your Rotterdam itinerary on the open sea. For travelers from the UK, ferries provide a comfortable and cheap way to reach The Netherlands.
From the south of England, Stena Line offer two daily departures from Harwich to the Hook of Holland, 30 kilometers north of Rotterdam. The morning departure is ideal for soaking up the views, especially though summer, whilst the slower overnight ferry is a great way to save on a night’s accommodation costs.
From the north, P&O provide an overnight sailing from Hull to Rotterdam. Ferries sail every evening at 2030, arriving at 0845 the following morning, allowing you to head off into the city refreshed and ready to kick off your Rotterdam itinerary.
Where to stay for your Rotterdam weekend
To make the most of your time and to ensure you can see all our favorite places on this Rotterdam itinerary, we recommend you stay in Centrum, the city’s central or downtown area. Once you’re there, Rotterdam is very walkable and, when your legs need a break, the city’s public transport network is comprehensive.
There are hotels to suit every budget and taste, from universally-loved chains to charming boutiques. To be in the heart of the action, The James Hotel on bustling Aert van Nesstraat is always a good choice. From the outside, it looks like yet another of Rotterdam’s modern tower blocks, but on the inside it’s a warm, welcoming sanctuary. With a dimly-lit wood panneled cocktail bar, an vibrant lounge and a 24-hour fitness center, it’s the perfect place for a Rotterdam weekend.
For a more wallet-friendly option, The Usual Rotterdam is anything but usual. A firm favorite with younger travelers, this quirky spot features expansive communal spaces, a lively bar and modern, cozy rooms.
If all your traveling is leaving you a bit tired with hotels which look like hotels, look no further than H2OTEL. Consisting of five lash barges left behind by the U.S. army at the end of World War Two, they were later purchased by the city of Rotterdam and became a museum before opening as a hotel.
The ultimate weekend in Rotterdam itinerary
Day one
Morning – Arrive & settle in
Kick off your Rotterdam itinerary by dropping your bags and spending the morning getting your bearings. As a fairly compact, walkable city, you’ll be able to get to most major sites on foot. Unlike Amsterdam, where so many streets look similar, Rotterdam’s modern layout makes it much easier to navigate.
The first thing on your agenda in Rotterdam should always involve water. This hour-long amphibious bus tour is a great introduction to Rotterdam. You’ll tour the city streets before plunging into the Nieuw Mass where you’ll be treated to up close views of Erasmus Bridge.
The tour ends in Parkhaven dock, right next to het Park (literally, “the park”, no prizes for imaginative names here). Head to the south-eastern corner of the park for your first traditional Dutch food experience. De Ballentent specialises in, you guessed it, balls. Meatballs to be precise.
Afternoon – Park life
Sweden may be known as Europe’s meatball capital, but The Netherlands have long had their own, unique way of cooking this classic dish. De Ballentent’s are simple, traditional and, above all, delicious. Their house speciality comes in a mushroom and paprika sauce with a choice of bread or frites.
Lunch complete, head out into the park to admire the statue of Wilhelmina, Queen of The Netherlands from 1890 to 1948. Make your way through the park, criss-crossing through bridges over the serene stream to emerge on busy Westzeedijk, right opposite two of Rotterdam’s finest museums.
Kunsthal Rotterdam is home to an ever changing collection of art exhibitions. From wierd and wonderful modern creations to centuries old classics, Kunsthal is a must on every art enthusiast’s Rotterdam itinerary. Next door, Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam is the city’s natural history museum. Their permanent collections including birds, fish, reptiles, mammals, shells and insects are the highlights, whilst regular temporary exhibitions mean there’s always something new to see. Both are open daily, except Mondays, making them a perfect activity for a Rotterdam weekend.
At the far end of Museumpark, futuristic Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen is the world’s first publically accesible art storage depot. Home to over 154,000 items amassed over the past 174 years, the depot offers a great opporunity to see pieces that would otherwise be hidden from view.
Travel tip: Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen is only accesible with a pre-booked ticket. Reserve your time slot before you go.
Evening – Dutch delights with a view
Retrace your steps back towards the Splash tour dock on Parkhaven. Don’t worry about getting lost, just aim for the tallest building you can see.
Built for the Floriade in 1960, the first international horticultural expo, Euromast has been a feature of the Rotterdam skyline for over 60 years. From its completion, right up until 2021, it was the tallest building not only in Rotterdam, but The Netherlands.
A trip to the top is an unmissable highlight of any Rotterdam itinerary. Once you reach the observation deck, you’ll be treated to a 360° panorama of the city and its three rivers. To save time, I recommend booking your tickets in advance.
For an even more memorable Rotterdam weekend, reserve a table for dinner at the Euromast’s restaurant to take in the views whilst sampling classic Dutch cuisine.
Day two
Morning – The Ugly side
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, The Backyard is the most important spot on day two of this Rotterdam itinerary. A recent, trendy addition to the Rotterdam dining scene, this quirky vegan eatery has something for everyone. Their signature Breakfast for Champs comes with a delicious avocado toast, granola and banana bread. If your sweet tooth needs satisfying, don’t miss their waffle with fresh fruit drizzled with a genrous helping of maple syrup.
Fuelled for a day of exploring, head first to Ossip Zadkine’s statue The Destroyed City. Between the 10th & 14th May 1940, German bombing all but destroyed Rotterdam’s historic city center. So bad was the damage that the few buildings still standing were beyond repair and the decision was taken to demolish all but five structures. When the war drew to a close, Rotterdam was rebuilt in just four years. There’s no denying that Rotterdam isn’t the most easy-on-the-eye city around, but all things considered, it’s for good reason.
To learn more about the bombings that as-good-as wiped out an entire city, the next stop on this Rotterdam itinerary is Museum Rotterdam. Their main exhibit, entitled ’40-’45 Now, transports you back to those dark days.
Afternoon – The weird side
Work your way back through Centrum towards Centraal Station, pausing at Bram Ladage to sample another Dutch culinary classic. Frites are synonymous with The Netherlands and Bram Ladage doesn’t disappoint. Go for the classic with a heap of mayo on top, or choose from one of their endless list of sauces; they have everything from cheese to spicy Mexican.
All fried up, once you reach Centraal Station, join a two-hour tour of Rotterdam’s unique, and frankly bizarre, architecture. You’ll pass the grand City Hall, admire the newly redeveloped riverside and finish by passing Rotterdam’s most unusual creation: Kijk-Kubus.
The brainchild of Dutch architect Piet Blom, the Cube Houses were built in 1977 after a pilot project in the city of Helmond proved a success. A total of 40 were built, 38 small cubes and two larger ones dubbed ‘super-cubes’. All connected to one another, the houses consist of four floors with the living and sleeping space on the first and second floor, whilst the ground floor serves as the entrance and the third a recreational space which some residents have converted to indoor gardens.
The show house is now open daily and offers a unique opportunity to experience life in these perculair homes. The space underneath the Kijk-Kubus is too home to another unusual Rotterdam attraction. Schaakstukkenmuseum, or the Museum of Chess Pieces has a weird and wonderful collection of antique and novelty playing pieces. From cartoon characters to world leaders, there are chess pieces here you would never have dreamt existed.
Evening – The wild side
No Rotterdam weekend would be complete without an evening sampling the city’s diverse nightlife scene. Whether you enjoy a quiet tipple in a plush wine bar or want to dance the night away, you’ll find your place in Rotterdam after dark.
Start your evening with a tour and tasting at Stadshaven Brewery. Next head to cosmopolitan De Meent for a tapas-style dinner at De Huismeester. Their Spanish-inspired menu features rich Iberian meats and cheeses along with all the favorites including gambas al pil pil and chimichurri steak, accompanied by an impressive wine list.
As the night draws on, head to the De Zondebok & T’Zwarte Schaap (that’s The Scapegoat & Black Sheep) for a relaxing pint of Dutch beer on their heated patio. With a name like that, no Rotterdam itinerary would be complete without a visit.
Depending on your preferences, round off you night with a glass or two by the water at Wijnbar Janssen en van Dijk or party into the small hours at De Apres Skihut.
Travel tip: Wherever you choose, be sure to check out our guide to Rotterdam nightlife to find the best venue for you.
A special mention – Den Haag & Scheveingen
If you’re able to add on an extra day in Rotterdam, it’s well worth getting out of the city and heading to nearby Den Haag (The Hague). Just a twenty minute train ride from Rotterdam Centraal, Den Haag is full of surprises. A world powerhouse, home to the Dutch Royal Family, there’s something strangely relaxing about this regal city.
Explore Den Haag’s stunning architecture, admire the grand Binnenhof and lose yourself amongst art at Mauritshuis. When it’s time for lunch, hop on a tram for the short journey to Scheveningen Strand, Den Haag’s seaside playground. Head to the pier to sample the amazing collection of street food before ambling along the beach to the lighthouse without a care in the world.
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