Rotterdam: attractions, tours and tickets

Constantly evolving and endlessly innovative, Rotterdam blazes its own trail. This is a city that refuses to settle for conventional solutions, instead forging ahead with radical projects to meet communal challenges. After much of the city was destroyed in the World War II, Rotterdam courageously looked to the future, taking bold steps forward in urban design. Progressive, youthful and visually striking, Europe’s largest cargo port will surprise and delight you with its quirky modern architecture, booming food scene and fantastic museums.

Top 6 Things to Do in Rotterdam
1. Discover the city’s obsession with art
Art is everywhere in Rotterdam, from the world’s largest painting on the curved ceiling of the Markthal to the fresh and colourful street art dotted around the city. Rotterdam prides itself on being a city-wide, open-air, free gallery for all – best seen on a guided tour – but there are also impressive collections indoors at the Kunsthal, Witte de With, the Fotomuseum and TENT. The jewel in the crown has to be the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, a uniquely curator-free collection of 150,000 artworks.

2. See the harbour from the water
The Rotterdam Water Taxi is a city phenomenon, slashing commuting times with small, speedy boats that travel up to 50km per hour. It makes a fun and practical way to see the city from a new perspective while getting from A to B. There are 50 stops in and around the city, and tickets are priced according to how many of the three zones you cross. For a more in-depth harbour tour, join a Spido boat trip passing landmarks like the Euromast, the Erasmus Bridge and the SS Rotterdam.

3. Visit dazzling architectural marvels
Strategically important Rotterdam was largely destroyed in World War II, which kickstarted its re-invention. Landmark buildings now dot the skyline, and the city of today is known for its bold and eclectic architecture. Take a tour of the best-known buildings in Rotterdam, including Centraal Station, Kunsthal in the cultural hub of Museumpark, and the landmark Erasmus Bridge. The famous Cube houses designed by Blom and the nearby Markthal are two more of the city’s many exciting buildings.

4. Take a stroll around the historic quarter
One of the few districts of Rotterdam not to be flattened during the blitz, Delfshaven gives you a flavour of the pre-war city. Covering just a few streets and waterways, it’s not a large area but it packs in a lot of charm. Canals bristle with the wooden masts of old barges, and elegant, brick-fronted homes are reflected on the water. Take a break at the waterside De Pelgrim brewery or one of the classy restaurants that dot this characterful part of the city.

5 Taste the world on a plate
With its huge variety of dining options and markets you won’t go hungry in Rotterdam. Any foodie worth their salt should definitely check out the Markthal, not only for its awesome architecture, but also for the fresh produce market and eateries ranging from local treats like stroopwafels to international cuisine. The Fenix Food Factory is a similar set-up – a farmers’ market with restaurants and cafés and an emphasis on sustainability.

6. Explore breezy, beautiful Kinderdijk
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk is the perfect contrast with Rotterdam. Just a short hop from the big city, this tranquil region of waterways and windmills showcases the Netherlands’ rural history and the challenges of water management in a landscape that sits at or below sea level. Two working windmills, a pumping station and a boat trip are all included in the entry fee, plus the informative visitor centre where you can enjoy widescreen views of the windmills from the café.