Rotterdam is a city where innovation and tradition meet, and where 50% of the population are immigrants, thus enriching the city in a way that is truly unique to this Dutch city.
Due to the consequences of WWll, the city of Rotterdam experienced 642 acres of the city destroyed by bombings. This concluded with the Rotterdammers rebuilding the city to meet the needs of the future, creating more green spaces, and purposeful and unique architecture, while conserving and renovating partially destroyed historical centers.
Known as the city with the largest port in all of Europe, the city has one of the richest and most in-depth maritime history, as well as the world’s largest architectural piece of artwork not to be missed called Markthal.
Speaking of art, admire the stunning architecture and innovative design! From the Cube Houses and their hexagonal shapes and functionality behind the design, to the impressive Biesbosch Museum combining nature and design exclusively.
Let’s explore the many things to discover in this truly beautiful city in this list of fun and unusual things to do in Rotterdam.
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1 – Have an adventurous time at Euromast
Get a birds-eye view of Rotterdam from Euromast, the highest tower in the Netherlands.
Reach sky-high views of 185 meters via an elevator, which was built during the Floriade event in 1960 – an annual gardening and floral exhibition famous in the Netherlands.
Inside, enjoy a high tea experience (literally) as well as a fine dinner inside the restaurant sitting 100 meters above, or even consider booking a night inside one of the luxurious suites, offering incredible views of the city during a spectacular sunset, or glorious morning sunrise.
For the adrenaline junkies, consider “walking” your way down to the ground via the famous cable glide activity, where visitors are harnessed safely to glide down, kicking vertically against the tower.
When booking the cable ground activity, reserve your ticket ahead of time to ensure time slot and day.
2 – Contemplate the unique design of the Cube Houses
Built in the 70s by the Dutch architect Piet Blom, the intention behind the homes was to build a series of residences on top of a pedestrian bridge.
Having already completed a similar design in a different town, he repeated the design in Rotterdam.
The Cube Houses are a series of “cube” or “hexagon” (depending on how you look at them) buildings that sit on a slanted axis on top of a bridge. Though at first glance, it may not be apparent, the homes consist of 3 floors connected via a narrow staircase.
Join some of the best walking tours in Rotterdam to learn about the stunning symmetrical design of these yellow homes, and even step inside one of the cube homes!
3 – Walk through the Netherland’s largest Maritime Museum
Learn about the interesting and influential maritime culture bestowed upon Rotterdam through the various exhibits and examples of historical ships and sea vessels.
With various temporary exhibits on rotation, check out the permanent set of collections, including the creation and building of the ships, learning about the “sea monster” and other sea creature legends, the unfortunate trade of drugs via the sea, and view examples of historical ships in real-time.
The museum is perfect for children, therefore consider taking them to the “Professor Splash” exhibit, where kids are involved in fun maritime adventures.
The Maritime Museum is known to be one of the largest museums of its kind in the Netherlands, so it’s definitely one of the things to do in Rotterdam.
Book your ticket online, or in person, starting at 17,50 € per adult and 12,50 € for children.
4 – Enjoy the amenities inside the modern Markthal
Seen by many as a town square of the future, Markthal is a large arched structure, meant to be a space for an indoor market, social gatherings, apartments for rent, shops, and more.
Check out an expansive list of 95+ food stalls, featuring local Rotterdam food shops with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, drinks, and other slow-made foods. Walk in further, and admire the mural inscribed onto the arch of Markthal.
Pop into the various markets, get a taste of local flavor and observe how the Dutch interact with each other in a very modern, and quite unique environment.
Aside from the architecture which must be experienced in person, the building, which opened in 2014, has cutting-edge eco-friendly efficiency, as well as weather-grade protection in case of adverse weather conditions.
Visit Markthal, in the historic Laurenskwartier district.
5 – Relish the elegant services inside the World Trade Center Rotterdam
Typically known to be a major business center in Rotterdam, the World Trade Center Rotterdam, is also a place for visitors to enjoy the abundance of top-tier restaurants, bars, cafes, art galleries, and exhibitions.
Step inside the 6-floored building through the lobby, happily welcoming visitors (business or not) to enjoy the amenities inside.
Have one of the best cups of coffee in the Netherlands, at least that is the goal of De Koffiesalon inside, have lunch inside the new restaurant, Brasserie Jules, and step inside the art gallery for free.
If you work remotely and are looking for a deluxe space to work from, day passes are available to rent a quiet space to complete work tasks, get on zoom calls, or simply use to create a space between home life and work, even on vacation.
6 – Ride the exciting Ret Jungle Express through the Rotterdam Zoo
Enjoy the Rotterdam Zoo, considered to be one of the most beautiful zoos in Europe, offering over 25 hectares of animals representing different regions of the world.
Perfect for families with small children, kids will love exploring the zoo’s amenities from the Oewanja Kinderjungle playground to an exhilarating ride through the zoo on the Ret Jungle Express, to the petting zoo.
When booking your ticket, visitors can reserve online and grab a discount rather than purchasing in person. Visitors will be asked to select a time slot to go to the zoo, in order to abide by safety and sanitation rules.
From there, visitors are welcome to stay in the zoo from the moment their tickets are valid, until closing time. The Rotterdam Zoo is located in the northwest corner of Rotterdam.
7 – Learn about water management and enjoy a cheese tasting on a day trip to Kinderdijk
Visit the destination near Rotterdam with the most amount of windmills in all of the Netherlands, called Kinderdijk, only a 23-minute drive southeast of Rotterdam.
Historically, windmills were used to pump out water from the ground to keep it dry, and not lose it to the sea, and the windmills in Kinderdijk have been doing that work consistently for the past 700 years.
Enjoy learning about the windmills by entering 2 of the windmills open for visitors, or take a lovely boat ride and pass through the floating exhibition, which shares interesting information regarding water management, and the recent difficulties with climate change.
Book a tour to visit Kinderdijk, and have access to many more attractions, as well as a cheese tasting stop in Giessenburg, a dairy farm known for cheese production.
8 – Get an interactive art experience at REMASTERED
Remastered is an interactive, full-immersive, and sense-enchanting art experience, unlike anywhere else.
It is the space where technology meets art, and it takes visitors on a ride through the images, as well as the minds of the genius artists who created such art.
Divided into 6 different sections: Playground invites visitors to create a drawing, and have it be displayed on the biggest indoor screen in Europe as you play with it, Underworld takes visitors swimming in the blue waters alongside schools of fish, while Drip-Cave and Elevator take you from land/sea to the clouds up above, Overworld gives images of life in the clouds, with the birds, and so much more.
Keep in mind that tickets are 24 euros and have a special time stamp on each ticket to enter.
9 – Explore the city on a bike tour
Move as the Dutch do, and ride a bike throughout Rotterdam’s perfectly built-for-bike roads, making biking not only the best way to get around the city quickly but also one of the best and safest cities to also do a bike tour.
Book a bike tour and explore the city’s main highlights including Markthal, the Erasmus Bridge, and the Cube Houses, as well as see the transformation throughout the city, going from old to modern and cutting edge.
Throughout the tour, most bike tours will offer a break somewhere to grab some coffee or a light snack, helping refuel midway through the tour of the city on two wheels.
Enjoy being guided by a local, as you bike through new areas of the city that you didn’t know of before.
Bike tours start at $25 USD.
10 – Gaze at the architectural structure of the Erasmusbrug (Erasmus bridge)
Walk the Erasmusbrug Bridge, (Erasmus Bridge) – a blue steel bridge with a single 139-meter-high pylon, connected to 30+ cables, and connects the north and south of Rotterdam. Artistically, it is also known as The Swan or “De Zwaan”, for its similarity to a swan.
If you’re visiting in early September, visit the bridge for World Port Days, an annual celebration of Rotterdam’s maritime history, and recognition as Europe’s largest seaports!
Locals recommend having dinner at Euromast, a restaurant nearby for outstanding views of the bridge.
Make sure to book one of the best city tours in Rotterdam, enjoy the historic district of Delfshaven, and then zoom into the future by checking out the Kop van Zuid neighborhood, leading with a modern skyline.
11 – Spend a sunny afternoon at Dakpark Rotterdam
Check out Dakpark Rotterdam, the incredible, elevated park situated on a roof, measuring 9 meters high and 1,200 meters in length, it is considered Europe’s largest rooftop park.
Although it is a residential park, visitors are welcome to stop by and take in the natural and creative scenery.
Brimming with many activities to take part in, take advantage of the ample green space, budding gardens, abundant vegetable gardens, as well as the many programs that take place in the park.
Join a yoga class on the rooftop park, do other types of exercises, meet with friends, have a picnic, or take your children to enjoy the playgrounds.
Everyone takes care of the park, therefore please keep that in mind when visiting and refrain from pulling flowers, or leaving trash and accidentally ruining property.
12 – Make fun memories as a family inside Plaswijckpark
Visit the perfect day activity for families visiting Rotterdam, Plaswijckpark, a small theme park situated only an 8-minute drive from the city center of Rotterdam.
Check out the different sections of the theme park, from the animal petting zoo, theater, train rides, playground with gentle mechanical games, and hiking nature paths.
Enjoy having a family meal in the restaurant on-site offering a variety of dishes meant for the enjoyment of adults and children, typically on the healthier side.
Even if it’s raining, there is still some fun to be had at Plaswijckpark, such as jumping on trampolines, having fun while making bubbles, and discovering passageways to crawl through, all inside a covered space inside the park.
Tickets to the park start at 14.95 euros for adults and children between the ages of 2-12 years old. Infants younger than that enter free.
13 – Spend the evening in a unique Wikkelboat
Known as a houseboat situated in a “neighborhood” of other houseboats on the Nieuwe Maas, is a Wikkelboat.
Uniquely creative, offering an alternative housing option, and an incredible experience to have only in the Netherlands, Rotterdam along with one other city are the only places in the country to have this experience.
Typically, Wikkelboats can be rented out for events, meetings, and stays, which is a great option for those looking for a unique experience to add to their list of things to do in Rotterdam.
The roof is made out of special cardboard designed to create insulation and to be soundproof, while the bottom of the houseboat is where the air conditioner and water drainage are.
Depending on the season when you’re visiting, the price per night can start at around $200 USD a night.
14 – Take a train from Rotterdam Central Station
Stop by the ever-changing Rotterdam Central Station, Rotterdam’s main transportation station, said to be a space that greets approximately 110,000 travelers daily, getting to their next destination.
The station has been growing and changing in the last couple of years, creating more open spaces for shops and cafes to open up for visitor convenience, as well as expanded parking for guests and eco-friendly adjustments to continue the efforts for a green impact throughout the city of Rotterdam.
Take note of its striking architecture, offering great light to enter through its spacious windows, as well as the pointy roof, said to guide the attention in the direction of the city center.
If you plan on taking the train to visit any other city within the Netherlands, chances are you will get on your train here.
15 – Feel sheer enchantment inside the Keukenhof Gardens on a day trip
Recognized as the Gardens of Europe, and arguably one of the most beautiful gardens on earth is the stunning Keukenhof Gardens, situated 40 minutes north of the city center of Rotterdam.
The entire park covers 32 hectares and has been dazzling visitors since 1950.
Enjoy a lush walk amongst some of the living beauties inside the gardens, from fragrant roses, colorful tulips, brilliant daffodils, stunning orchids, special lilies, and irises, which are just a few of the flowers housed within the gardens.
If you’re trying to visit when the flowers are in full bloom, plan to visit anytime between March 23rd-May 14th (though these dates may change) as this is the typical seasonal range of full colorful blooming season.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time in October for the following season, so make sure to mark your calendars.
Hot tip: Keukenhof Tulips Gardens tickets price – All you need to know
16 – Indulge in the food inside Fenix Food Factory
Visit the delicious gastronomic epicenter called Fenix Food Factory, and let your senses take over as the smell of delicious food takes control.
Fenix Food Factory is a food hall and market, located just a 7-minute drive from Rotterdam city center.
Enjoy strolling through the multiple stalls of food where visitors can either purchase ingredients to cook with or enjoy eating readily prepared dishes.
Entrepreneur-driven, the Fenix Food Factory is a project created by 3 businessmen combining their love of food, and their solutions to create more food-centered spaces in Rotterdam.
Go see how traditional cheeses are made, take a bite out of a fresh loaf of bread, or see what the soup of the day is. There’s always something cooking up inside the market, so delicious the smells will entice anyone into entering.
17 – See some of the city’s oldest buildings at Delfshaven
Delfshaven is the historic district of Rotterdam, meaning Delft’s harbor, housing some of the city’s oldest buildings, and shops, as well as its historic marina.
Once the scene of the departing boats where Pilgrim Fathers (English Christians) sailed off to America, the marina holds some other important historic constructions, including older buildings left after the bombardment that happened in this area of the city in 1940.
While on the marina, look out onto the distance and take in the sight of the Molen de Distilleerketel, the historic Distilling Kettle Mill dating back to 1727, which is the only one remaining after all this time. The mill was used to grind malt for local distilleries.
Stop by the Pelgrimvaderskerk, otherwise known as the Pilgrim Fathers’ Church, a protestant church dating to 1574, named after the English Christians.
18 – Get the best city views from a sightseeing boat tour
Enjoy spectacular sights of the city of Rotterdam on a boat tour, departing from the Rotterdam harbor, and cruising through the calm waters, taking in sights of the cafe-lined marinas, Fenix Food Factory, Euromast, Delfshaven, the famous Erasmus Bridge, and more.
While on your cruise, snuggle up with a drink of choice, and snacks, and either take a seat inside the boat or outside on the deck to really get the best views.
Depending on your travel group and style, private boat tours are also available, offering the best and private display of the city, with a personal guide, snacks, drinks, and even hotel transportation.
Choose from a gentle cross through the river, or a fast and exciting speedboat excursion, taking in a punch of adrenaline as you skip through the water.
19 – Read into Urban Ecology at the Natural History Museum Rotterdam
Learn about the fascinating animals that once roamed the land that is now Rotterdam, and take a look at the extensive list of animals that currently live in the parks and rivers surrounding the city.
The Natural History Museum of Rotterdam rewards its guests with a complete collection of birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects in traditional displays as well as interactive and immersive ways.
Children will enjoy learning about the different animals living in the Netherlands that may be unique to Rotterdam, and adults will enjoy learning about the evolution of animal adaptation to the urban growth of the city throughout the years.
Learn about Urban Ecology, and see how the urban landscapes influence wildlife. The museum is located south of the city center, tickets start at 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for children.
20 – Bring snacks to enjoy the sunset at Veerhaven
Situated in the protected area of Scheepvaartkwartier, is the inner harbor called Veerhaven.
Considered to be a romantic spot for many locals, consider going there if you’re traveling with your partner, or simply take yourself to catch a sunset, while enjoying a refreshing drink or ice cream.
Pack a light snack or picnic and really turn the casual watching of ships roll by, into a moment not soon to be forgotten.
Take sight of the stunning homes, many of them donning an old, yet charming facade, near Veerhaven, as well as the wonderful silence, making anyone feel like they are the only ones there, in the middle of a harbor.
Only a few steps away from the Erasmus Bridge, this is a sight not to be missed.
21 – Take fun to a whole new level at Duinrell
Duinrell is an all-inclusive holiday getaway perfect for families wanting a fun water activity to take their kids to.
Situated in what is known as the “Green Belt of South Holland”, the park is surrounded by lush nature and incredible dunes, offering a true escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and onto a moment of peace and connection with what matters the most.
Enjoy the +30 amusement park rides, 20+ slides, indoor and outdoor waterpark, a beach for children, and amazing, cabin-style lodging accommodations for families, guaranteeing something fun for everyone in your family, no matter their age.
Ticket packages vary depending on lodging accommodations. If you’re just looking for amusement park fun, prices start at 26.50 euros per person, for the water and amusement park.
22 – Shop your heart away at Koopgoot
Check out the incredibly fun Koopgoot shopping center, a “sunken” shopping center, that happens to be the most popular shopping street in Rotterdam.
Koopgoot is the perfect place to get some shopping done if you’re looking for globally known brands, including Zara, H&M, Lush, Swatch, etc. as well as getting to know some of the local Netherlands’ brands or brands only available in Europe.
Aside from shopping, there is a great list of eateries located within the mall, as well as events that take place from street performers, open-air galleries, and more.
If you’re visiting during the winter months, make sure to check out Koopgoot to see the cheerful outdoor decorations. Snap photos, and take in all the twinkling lights.
Koopgoot is located on Coolsingel street, near the World Trade Center Rotterdam.
23 – Treat yourself to the best of Rotterdam’s food scene on a food tour
Join a food tour as you venture into the city’s streets, enter the multiple markets, and learn more about the special ingredients and dishes that make up the Dutch diet.
Learn about and try some of the Dutch’s traditional dishes abundant throughout Rotterdam, including, pea soup, Hutspot (dutch style mashed potatoes), Hachee (flavorful beef stew), and Pannenkoeken (Dutch-style pancake).
Choose from a food tour on wheels, where visitors can ride through the city on bikes, hopping from one market and restaurant to the next, a traditional walking tour of the best restaurants, or a food tour designed to share with visitors the best of multicultural eating in Rotterdam, and the influence of immigration on the food scene.
If you prefer, you can book a private food tour for yourself or for your group.
24 – Walk through the best parks in Rotterdam
The perfect break in between sightseeing is a stroll or rest at Het Park, located south of Rotterdam, and near the Nieuwe Maas (river).
Enjoy a stroll through the shady tree-lined walking paths, bring a book, and relax in the English-style grassy areas, perfect for lying down and enjoying the clouds rolling by.
For a long list of activities going down in Rotterdam, check out Zuiderpark, the largest park in the Netherlands!
Admire the charm and beauty of the nationally protected gardens at Historische Tuin Schoonoord. Book a tour with a local botanist and really dive deep into the varied flora of the space!
Plan a pleasant picnic and shady walk at Vroesenpark, located only 7 minutes away from Rotterdam city center!
25 – Spend the day visiting other amazing art museums
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is a prominent art museum located south of Rotterdam city center, showcasing a complete collection of western-style art, from the middle ages to the modern, current day. The main drivers behind the museum were two artists named Frans Boijmans and Daniël George van Beuningen.
Photography lovers will enjoy spending time inside the Dutch Photography Museum, housing collections of various images that depict life in Rotterdam as early as the first camera came out. Spend hours browsing through momentous occasions caught on film, and learn the stories behind them, and their influence on society today.
Kunsthal Rotterdam is a museum that focuses on architectural design and art, fascinating all those who enter whether they are architecture fanatics or not. Take note of the museum building itself, known as a fine piece of work.
26 – Listen to an organ concert inside Grote Kerk (Sint-Laurenskerk)
The Grote Kerk, known locally as Sint-Laurenskerk, is the last medieval church left in Rotterdam, originally built between 1449-1525, but then got destroyed in the 1940s.
The church has since then been restored as closely as possible to its original format back in 1952 due to the efforts of the people, and today it is a great symbol of the city and an important historical piece that still remains of its kind within the city.
Check out the events calendar of the church, often holding concerts inside, typically organ music (the biggest organ in the Netherlands), regular mass, and even getting the chance to climb up to the top of the tower on Wednesdays and Saturdays, between March-October.
Take note of the architecture, doors, and art inside, all telling a story.
27 – Independently discover the city with a fun game via a scavenger game
Grab your friends, and put your heads together to find all the items on your list throughout the city, in a fun scavenger game.
Play a game, and figure out puzzles, while roaming the streets of Rotterdam, accumulating points every time you figure out the next step.
All that is needed to do is book the scavenger game, receive the email confirmation, and download the app on everyone’s phone to better equip your team to reach every item on the list.
The scavenger game is not timed, or structured any other way other than how you want it to be. You can take breaks in between, stroll a little bit outside of the city center, and stop for occasional photos as you discover new corners of the city.
The scavenger games start at $7 USD.
28 – See the whole city like a giant at Miniworld Rotterdam
Wander into miniature land inside the Miniworld Rotterdam, located in heart of Rotterdam, where the city is sized down into tiny figurines, offering a different perspective to the city.
Check out all the details, and let your eyes concentrate on the various different icons of the city and its surroundings. From the Erasmus Bridge to the largest port in Europe, and the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, and beyond.
Perfect to entertain for hours not only children but adults as well, as one of the unique features of the Miniworld Rotterdam is the change from day to night, using a simulator. Find the figurines driving their cars, going to the beach, or walking around and getting a coffee.
Tickets for this cute experience start at 14.70 euros for adults and children ages 3-11, 10.50 euros.
29 – Visit the stunning grounds of the Courtyard City Hall
Stroll past the City Hall of Rotterdam, located in the heart of the city, and enter the stunning Beaux Art building, where you can take a tour of the grounds, and take a look inside the luxurious splendor of the city hall interiors.
Dating back to its construction between 1914-1920, the building also holds importance because it was left unharmed during the bombings of the war, meaning that the building as it stands is pretty similar to what it used to look like.
Take a walk through the stunning courtyard, oftentimes a popular sight for weddings, and spend some time admiring the juxtaposition of various architectural stylings from Art Deco, to Byzantine, and neo-Renaissance.
Tours are available and are free, typically lasting for one hour.
30 – See Rotterdam from the river to the road on a hop on hop off bus tours
Relax and enjoy the sights for a change when you book a hop on hop off bus tour in Rotterdam!
Taking you along to see the best sites, a hop on hop off bus tour will take care of the different routes, all you have to do is sit back and relax as you listen to the insightful facts about the sites.
Since the city is mostly canals and water, the hop on hop off bus tours will go from the streets to the water, providing a cool boat tour experience! Look at tickets with Splashtour Rotterdam, starting only at $30 USD for 1 hour!
The tickets are good for 24 hours, therefore you can still move around the city after the tour!
31 – Do a bit of forest bathing inside the Arboretum trompenburg
Stop and smell the roses inside the Arboretum Tompenburg, offering a beautiful collection of perfectly manicured gardens and colorful flowerbeds, showcasing local flowers, shady trees, little shrubs, and more.
Situated to the east of Rotterdam city center, check out the almost 8 hectares arboretum, showing visitors a wonderfully peaceful time learning about fragrant and medicinal plants, as well as exploring the multiple greenhouses.
Another wonderful botanic garden to explore is Hortus Botanicus TU Delft, located only 16 minutes away from Rotterdam. Considered both a research institute and garden open to the public, gaze over the perfectly manicured gardens brimming with plants for beauty, medicinal, and cooking-uses!
After your tour around the gardens, stop by the lovely garden cafe shop for a light snack!
32 – See true Dutch craftsmanship at work inside the Royal Delft Museum
Visit the hub that creates the beautiful Royal Delft patterns on pottery and other earthenware, popular throughout the Netherlands, and see how the potters still create the iconic blue and white patterns either by hand or with screen printing.
Follow the detailed practice and tradition of creating beautiful pottery, from the raw materials, to the hand painting, and to the finalized product inside the last factory left in the Netherlands from the 17th century.
Inside the museum, visitors will be able to view some of the oldest examples of Royal Delft pottery, as well as learn the history of this prized and authentically Dutch design, and the continuous innovation that it has faced throughout the years.
Located north of the city, tickets to the museum start at 15 euros for adults.
33 – Don’t miss the historic Koningshaven Bridge in action
Take a view of the Koningshaven bridge (De Hef) – an important and historical bridge in Rotterdam, built in 1877.
Originally created for train traffic, the De Hef bridge is one of the 4 main bridges of the city and was renovated to make way for ship traffic.
It was decided to make the middle part of the bridge move up and down in order to accommodate larger ships passing by, hence the name De Hef (Dutch for elevator). The height of the bridge is 131 feet.
Check out some of the best city tours in Rotterdam, featuring a lot more information on the bridge, including how the bridge has gone through a series of destructions, including during World War ll.
34 – Play some glow in the dark mini golf
Check out Glow Golf Rotterdam, and play in the cool glow in the dark “Hollywood” themed golf space, while enjoying other fun arcade games, from shuffleboard to beer pong. Similar to Glow Golf Rotterdam is Glow Golf Schiedam, another glow in the dark golfing space, featuring a funky theme with spooky creatures.
Next, check out Mini-Golf Parkhaven, where you can enjoy a casual game of mini-golf with friends and family for only 7.50 euros per person! Enjoy the 18-hole mini golf course, located centrally in Rotterdam, and appropriate for children ages 4 and up.
When you’re done, fuel up at the on-site restaurant featuring a serving of pizza and burgers! Tickets should be booked online to score the best deals!
35 – Lose track of time inside the Dutch Pinball Museum
Arcade game lovers will love checking out the unique Dutch Pinball Museum, housing a variety of collections of pinball machines to see and even play with.
Check out some of the earliest versions of pinballs, dating back to pre-war pinball, electromechanical pinball machines from the 30s and onwards to pinball games from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and current day.
Additionally, step by to see other cool pinball machines that are limited edition, such as the Gun’s and Roses collector’s edition pinball machine and The Big Lebowski (a pinball machine created in the Netherlands).
A good time is guaranteed to be had inside the museum. Entrance tickets start at 14 euros for 2 hours of play.
36 – Entertain the children with fun workshops inside Villa Zebra
Spend the day as a family inside the Villa Zebra Museum, designed specifically for the enrichment of children ages 4-12.
The goal of the museum is to enable and encourage children to think creatively, problem solve in fun ways, and learn with their senses.
Inside the museum, children will enjoy the age-specific activities, from creating their own fairytale workshops to interactive exhibits like At The Doctor, where children think about how to help their “Dutch Dolls” heal from different issues.
Enjoy the community atmosphere inside, as the museum has been part of the neighborhood and the city as a whole for 20 years.
Many of the locals visiting and even workers may have been there as children and will be ready to tell you more about what else to explore inside.
37 – Learn about local history and culture at the best museums
The Museum Prinsenhof Delft is a museum showcasing the beautiful Delft patterns, inside a grand palace that used to be the home of William the Silent, a prominent historical figure in the Netherlands. Check out the life of William, examples of Delft pottery, and the tie between the two.
The Wereldmuseum (The World Museum) is known to be a museum for the people and cultures of Rotterdam, from previous years to today. It’s almost like a homage to the Rotterdammers as they call themselves, with exhibits like Ha!r Power, showcasing the symbol of hair in culture, and Kruispunt Rotterdam, an exhibit about cultural movement, complexities, and innovation.
Stedelijk Museum Schiedam is a museum whose goal is to inspire dialogue with exhibits showing societal subjects that mattered 50 years ago and still do today.
38 – Bring your bunch to the Family Park Drievliet
Bring the whole family to visit the Family Park Drievliet, a fun amusement park with tons of roller coasters, slides, mechanical games, and other fun activities for children of all ages.
Have your older kids enjoy the roller coasters speeding around 65 kilometers per hour, while the younger ones can enjoy a fun theatrical-themed show, or splashing around in the multiple pools inside the water park.
Lastly, children can enjoy the playgrounds as the day winds down, taking in the last bit of fun for the day.
The hours may change on a day-to-day basis, therefore it’s advisable that parents check the opening hours before they make travel arrangements. The park is located in The Hague, 26 minutes north of Rotterdam.
39 – Walk along the roof of the grassy Biesbosch Museum
Visit the unique Biesbosch Museum, an incredible museum that combines local history and modern art all under one roof. Situated within the De Biesbosch National Park, and only 51 minutes away from Rotterdam, step inside the grass-roof museum with plenty to show for.
Surrounded by verdant wetlands and gorgeous scenery, Biesbosch Museum’s exteriors also offer visitors a walk along paths to take a look deeper into the marshlands, which go up and over the roof of the grassy museum.
Inside the museum, spend time analyzing the exhibits as well as admiring their stunning design, in sync with the spectacular nature surrounding it. From light and airy rooms to large-scale windows opening the door to unique views of the outside.
40 – Eat to your heart’s content in Rotterdam’s best restaurants
Grab a bite to eat at The Social Club, located on the historic old harbor of Rotterdam, where the seafood is the specialty of the house: crab, lobster, shrimp, sushi, fish, and so much more. Enjoy the freshness of the food, while taking in the incredible sun beginning to set on the water.
Looking for some comfort food in Rotterdam? Check out Roffa Street Food, serving BBQ and other delectable smoked meat dishes, chicken wings, and incredible burgers, inspired by Texas cuisine.
Looking for something a bit lighter? Receive a refreshing meal at Bertman’s serving veggies in a full spectrum of color and flavor. Choose from the changing menu of organic and healthier options, ranging from poke bowls, and divine salad.
Step aboard the bright red Vessel 11, a restaurant on a boat, serving British food, pub-style foods like burgers, fries (chips), salads, and a great beer list, with awesome views of the pier.
Add Ter Marsch & Co – Rotterdam, known for their award-winning fries, deluxe burgers made with dry-aged steak, and a great selection of wine and beer.
Lastly, Hinoki Noodle Soup will surely satisfy all your Ramen cravings. Go for the special Hinoki ramen, made with thin slices of pork, veggies, garlic, and onion.
41 – Get your game on at Outdoor Valley
Get competitive at Outdoor Valley, an outdoor sports complex packed with incredibly fun outdoor games ready for ultimate fun in nature.
Outdoor Valley is a specialized outdoor company that creates activities directed toward families, groups of friends, and business groups.
Choose from battling your family members with a rousing game of disc golf, test your skills at archery, or take up a new possible sport like canoe polo. The possibilities are endless, all you have to bring is comfortable sports clothing, and the energy to put in your all.
Situated under 20 minutes north of Rotterdam, guests can purchase tickets via the online website, and guests can choose between different activities to participate in. Choose between activities, the whole adventure park, rock climbing activities, and more.
Enjoy the wonderful lake in between breaks.
42 – Aim for a lucky strick when you go bowling
Have fun playing bowling in one of the 12 bowling alleys at Dok 99 Rotterdam! Enjoy fun times, great drinks, delicious foods, and their seasonal specials and deals!
Topped with a new and improved scoring system to help even beginner bowlers get a hang of how the game works, you can also make food and drink orders right from your station! Make your bowling booking on their website, but beware that they close on Mondays.
Choose between bowling, playing pool, and more when you visit Atoll Rotterdam! With varying prices depending on the day of the week you visit, bowling here will prove to be the most economical option to play in the city. Check out their group packages for better rates!
43 – Face your fear of heights at Climbing Park Fun Forest Rotterdam
A fun outdoor rock climbing park, Climbing Park Fun Forest Rotterdam is situated in a jungle-like park, only 10 minutes away from Rotterdam city center.
Face any fears of height that you may have, and have a chuckle or two as you swing through the trees like real-life Tarzan, or do the fun and challenging obstacle courses on the tree tops.
The Climbing Park Fun Forest is the perfect activity for families, young children, business groups wanting to do some team-building exercises, or a group of friends looking for a unique activity.
This park also offers water park amenities for young children, further enticing and entertaining families for hours on end.
Also perfect for any expats working and living in Rotterdam, avoid burnout at take a fun break at Climbing Park Fun Forest.
44 – Explore a local market scene at Binnenrotte market
Located 4 minutes southeast of Rotterdam is the Binnenrotte Market, housing multiple stalls (+250) of fresh foods, produce, dairy products, freshly caught fish, and much more including jewelry, clothes, and even antique furniture.
Spend an afternoon strolling through the market aisles, checking out the local scene, and taking whiffs of locally prepared foods, all inside this open-air market that opens only Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Perfectly connected via public transportation, including the metro, tram, and train, the Binnenrotte Market is a perfect place to go and buy a snack to pack for a picnic in one of the many parks in Rotterdam.
The market has been successfully in business since 1961, entertaining and feeding Rotterdam’s families for over 50 years.
Today, the park welcomes groups of tourists, so you may find some great souvenirs as well.
45 – Walk the unique and wonderful Luchtsingel Bridge
Situated in the heart of Rotterdam is the Luchtsingel bridge, an impressive 400-meter-long footbridge, drawing the attention of onlookers for its bright yellow appearance.
The Luchtsingel is a bridge that is unique for many characteristics, one of them being the first bridge to be constructed purely based on public donation. Contributions of 25 euros were enough to get the community involved and build this emblematic construction.
The Luchstinge bridge also serves in connecting 4 different zones of the city, via a footbridge that people can quickly access. The name of the bridge is translated to “air canal”.
One of the best ways to see the bridge is on a bike or walking tour of the city, taking you straight to the bridge while exploring other sights of the city.
The bridge is free to walk.
46 – Take in nature and adventure at Kralingse Bos and Plas
Kralingse Bos and Plas is an exquisite park that offers travelers of any kind and style just about everything.
Consider stopping by for fun skateboarding, swimming in the lake, taking your kids to the De Kraal petting zoo, or simply enjoying the nature of this space.
Relish the botanical gardens on site, ponds surrounded by stunning greenery, wildlife from birds to fish, and quaint walking paths taking you alongside the plas (lake).
Take a pleasant walk to the romantic windmills or simply do some birdwatching while you’re out in the natural scene of hundred-year-old trees.
If you’re up for it, bring your barbeque ingredients and fire up the grill in one of the barbeque spaces inside the park. The natural space is located 8 minutes northeast of Rotterdam and is free to enter.
47 – Play a riveting game of laser tag at Lasergame Rotterdam
Take your friends and yourself to play a fun game of laser tag at Lasergame Rotterdam, a super fun laser game space full of glowing, neon lights, UV lights, fun, and competition.
With different scenes and scenarios, check out Lasergame Rotterdam, focusing on an industrial setting where you’ll have a good amount of items to hide behind and creep up on your friends.
Each participant will obtain a receiver, a laser gun, and around 20 minutes per laser tag session. Also make sure to wear clothing that you can move in, as this game will include crouching, running, ducking, and other physical activities.
Tickets start at $10 USD, so it’s a great activity to take part in, especially if it’s a rainy day.
48 – HotTug through the canals of Rotterdam
HotTug is a Rotterdam invention at its finest, as it is a hot tub on a motorboat that can be rented by the hour by anyone wanting to have the experience of hot tubbing on the canals of Rotterdam.
The hot tubs are heated for 3 hours prior to use and are heated via wood fire. This is a perfect activity to do with friends, as it can accommodate up to 8 people and can be done any season throughout the year, even in winter.
The HotTug can be rented for 2 hours at a time, with a starting price of 150 euros for 2 people for 2 hours, and can go up to 269 euros for 8 people for 2 hours. When making your booking, they will ask for a 100 euro deposit.
49 – Feel the magic at Efteling
Located 32 minutes south of Rotterdam is the make-believe-themed amusement park called Efteling, said to be twice the size of Disneyland in California.
Efteling is the place where all those magical myths, folklore stories, impressive legends, and mystical tales you heard growing up, come to life, offering an incredible theme park, overnight stays, and more fun all year round.
Enjoy over 35 amusement games and mechanical rides, divided between water theme rides and mechanical rides like tall roller coasters, younger children’s games, and more.
Transform your fun into a stay at Efteling, with rooms for families on the theme park grounds, from holiday homes to hotel-style rooms.
Tickets start at 38 euros for adults, meanwhile, children under 3 can enter for free. In order to begin your ticket reservation, make sure to go to their online portal.
50 – Test your puzzle-solving skills inside an escape room
Make exciting evening plans to do an escape room, challenging yourself and your friends to solve with riddles and phrases to get to the solution to move on to the next room.
Check out famous escape rooms among locals and visitors including Safe House, where guests are in an imaginary world where the earth has been taken over, and now they must live in an underground city where they may not be safe. Solving challenging puzzles, they must escape each level of the city until they can reach ultimate safety.
Consider the other famous Lab 13 escape room, offering a series of puzzles to help you get to the bottom of the potential dangers of a toxic lab to protect the civilians of the city.
Escape rooms are a ton of fun, and can be a great activity to take advantage of on a rainy day or in the evening.
Escape rooms typically start around 20 euros per person. Make it an evening more memorable event by purchasing a package including your choice of dinner, a high tea experience, or high wine.
51 – Get a taste of Rotterdam’s best brews at a beer tasting
End your night right in Rotterdam with a beer tasting, trying some of Rotterdam’s genius beers as well as the Netherland’s classic brews.
Take part in a classic beer tasting tour, learn about the beer-making process, visit one of the largest breweries in the country, and of course, get a tasting of their best concoctions.
You can also choose a boat and beer walking tour, where visitors will get to take a water taxi between a series of 3-4 breweries.
At each brewery, visitors will get to enjoy a variety of beers and snacks, while taking in the stunning sights of the city, and learning interesting facts from the local and knowledgeable tour guides.
Beer tasting tours can also be arranged as private tours if you prefer that. If not, tickets start around $10 USD.
52 – Plan some go-karting activities plus other games
Get into all the fun at Race Planet Delf, featuring 3 unique go-karting tracks throughout their 4 floors, plus offering the epic experience of combining 2 tracks to create 1 big go-kart track, only on every first Sunday of the month. Bowling is also an available activity.
Gamemcity Gokarting Zoetermeer offers quite a variety of activities to do, all under 1 roof! From go-karting to mini golf to laser tag, and even escape rooms, and more! Go for the go-karting activities, featuring over a 500-meter-long track, with lots of twists and turns taking your adventure for a spin.
Not to mention, many of the go-karts are state-of-the-art certified, so you’ll really be riding not only in style but with extra safety.
53 – Appreciate an evening of music at the North Sea Jazz Festival
If you’re visiting Rotterdam in July, a must-experience for music lovers is a trip to the North Sea Jazz Festival!
Enjoy a variety of talent take the stage, of all sorts of genres, from local talent to a few renowned artists, and more! Combining both music and culture, you’ll also get to walk through and explore the art section, showcasing beautiful works of art by Dutch artists, plus learning about local projects and initiatives for their communities.
From jazz to hip hop, and a wide range of diversity in artists, see the many sides of Dutch talent through its artists, which will surely leave a beautiful impression and smile on your face for years to come.
54 – Drink up at the best bars
Get into the good vibes at Bokaal Rotterdam, located in the heart of the city! From craft beers to craft cocktails, and yummy bites in between, ask your friendly bartender for what the locals often order to truly get a taste for the Rotterdam night scene!
Listen to live music and more at Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub! For a taste of Ireland in Rotterdam, with a little local influence of course, come visit the bar to catch a fun game, or meet up with your new pals that you made during one of the walking tours you did earlier!
Biergarten is without a doubt one of the coolest hangout spots in Rotterdam, featuring a delicious variety of ciders, draft beers, wines, and delicious bites! It’s one of the preferred spots for the locals, older and younger.
Drop into De Witte Aap, offering numerous draft beers, a filling menu, and a great ambiance with music, games, and good people. Order their pizza, locally known as some of the best!
55 – Create memories at a dinner in Rotterdam with locals
Those looking for a truly unique and culturally rich experience that fills the belly as it does the soul, don’t think twice about looking into booking a dinner with a local in Rotterdam.
Get invited into the home of a local in their home, and relish the quality time and quality ingredients used to cook the meal you’re about to enjoy over an amazing conversation about culture, life, or anything that pops up!
Set in the home of a local, you’ll get to enjoy a few courses of food that showcase some of the culinary specialties of the Netherlands, set in an idyllic house or garden. The experience is public, meaning that other people will be in attendance, creating a truly wonderful experience.
How to get to Rotterdam?
The main airport in Rotterdam is called Rotterdam The Hague Airport, and it is the main airport in the city that welcomes international flights and travelers, situated 7.8 kilometers northwest of Rotterdam city center.
Though there are a few public transportation options, consider looking through some of the best airport transfers in Rotterdam, and arrive in the city center in 15 minutes!
Where to stay in Rotterdam?
Check out Mainport Design Hotel, offering outstanding location, water views, and awesome amenities like a large indoor pool and spa, and wellness club. Enjoy the waterfront terrace, and jetty that is available for visitors to use, and take in the beauty around.
Consider staying at Supernova Hotel only 8 kilometers away from the Rotterdam The Hague Airport, including amenities and services like a 24-hour concierge, free wi-fi, a buffet, vegetarian breakfast, and fully equipped rooms.
Spend the night at the cozy and family-run Hotel Van Walsum, located in a quiet street in Rotterdam. Enjoy a warm welcome via a meal inside the hotel restaurant, or a full breakfast in the morning offering pastries, eggs, bacon, and more. Lastly, enjoy the terrace garden to unwind or welcome the new day.
Enjoy the vibrant decorations inside Hotel Bazar, where the rooms come fully equipped, and with a terrace with quaint views of the city. Enjoy a meal inside the in-house restaurant in the hotel, offering lunch and dinner, and based on international cuisine.
Visiting Rotterdam on a budget?
Explore the city when you check out the best free walking tours in Rotterdam, offering the best of Rotterdam’s major sights, main roads, and points of interest, as well as its hidden and local hot spots not to miss.
Consider purchasing a Rotterdam Welcome Card, which features access to a network of various museums and attractions for a discounted rate for Welcome Card holders, as well as discounts for transportation and restaurants. Pay a fee for the card, and unlock various must-see places in Rotterdam.
Where to go next?
While planning your trip to Rotterdam, consider checking out all the amazing things to do in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, and a must-see destination known as the “City of Canals”.
For the ones looking for a seaside destination, explore the fascinating list of things to do in The Hague is a delightful blend of historical charm and contemporary allure.
Browse through the extensive list of things to do in Brussels is another destination close by to consider stopping by on your way to Rotterdam, known for its incredible food scene from chocolate, french fries, beers, and more, as well as stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
If you’re planning a trip to Brussels, make sure to check out the list of things to do in Ghent and the varied list of things to do in Antwerp in your itinerary; both cities offer unique attractions.
Final thoughts
From the historic maritime history to the delicious bites to get your hands on at Markthal, and experiencing the beautiful architecture that the city has to offer, not to mention the modern amenities, Rotterdam surely knows how to give a good impression.
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best things to do in Rotterdam, where are you off to first?
Happy travels!