Things to do in Rotterdam

Find out about some of the exciting things to do in Rotterdam during a visit to this energetic and dynamic city.

Find out about some of the exciting things to do in Rotterdam during a visit to this energetic and dynamic city. Known for its modern skyline, creative culture and waterfront setting, Rotterdam offers a very different experience compared to other Dutch destinations.

There are loads of places to visit in the Netherlands regardless of what you love to do while you are on holiday, and Rotterdam stands out for its innovation and contemporary feel.

There are plenty of things to do in Rotterdam, including visiting museums, dining in waterside restaurants and exploring its striking modern architecture. The city has a very different character to Amsterdam or The Hague, which makes it well worth adding to your itinerary. Rotterdam is also only a short drive from both Amsterdam and The Hague, making it easy to combine multiple destinations in one trip.

Our ships sail directly into Rotterdam, so when you visit you can start exploring straight away. If you are looking for a short break, there are also Hull to Rotterdam mini-cruise options available, offering a relaxed and memorable way to experience the city.

EUR

Rotterdam (Europoort)

HUL

Hull

Mon-Fri	20:30
Sat-Sun	20:30

Book from € 318

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Depuis: Rotterdam (Europoort)

À: Hull

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Rotterdam activities
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Culture and architecture
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Rotterdam Zoo
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Eating and drinking

About the city

Rotterdam activities

One of the best things to do in Rotterdam is to get involved in some of the city’s top activities, many of which focus on sightseeing and discovering the most popular Rotterdam tourist attractions.

A boat tour on the Maas River is a great way to see the city from a different perspective, passing modern buildings and historic harbour areas. For panoramic views across the skyline, head up the Euromast Tower, one of the most recognisable places to see in Rotterdam. Like Amsterdam, the city is relatively flat, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike.

To experience a truly iconic Dutch landscape, take a short trip to Kinderdijk. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to well-preserved 18th-century windmills and is one of the most popular things to see in Rotterdam and the surrounding region.

Another convenient way to explore is by using the hop-on hop-off bus, which allows you to move easily between key Rotterdam things to see while listening to informative commentary about the city.

Culture and architecture

Much of Rotterdam’s historic architecture was destroyed during World War II, but what emerged afterwards was bold, innovative and forward-thinking design. Today, the city is known worldwide for its post-modern architecture, making an architecture walking tour one of the most interesting things to do in Rotterdam.

Highlights include the Cube Houses and the Erasmus Bridge, both of which showcase Rotterdam’s distinctive style and are among the most photographed places to see in Rotterdam.

Culture lovers will also enjoy exploring the city’s museums. The Museumpark district is home to several major cultural institutions, including Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Natuurhistorisch Museum and Kunsthal, which hosts a rotating programme of temporary exhibitions. Together, these sites form some of the most popular Rotterdam tourist attractions.

Visit Rotterdam Zoo

Established in 1857, Rotterdam Zoo is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in the Netherlands. Located just north-west of the city centre, it is easy to reach by car or public transport, making it a great choice for families looking for things to do in Rotterdam with children.

The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and plants from around the world, offering visitors the chance to discover different habitats while learning about wildlife conservation. From penguins and rhinos to sharks and tigers, it is one of the most engaging places to visit in Rotterdam for all ages. Rotterdam Zoo also features a large botanical garden and the Amazonica tropical butterfly paradise. Throughout the year, guided tours and activities run regularly, meaning there is always something new to experience during your visit.

With activities and guided tours running throughout the year, you’ll find plenty to do when visiting Rotterdam zoo. So don’t hesitate and book your family holiday to Holland today.

Eating and drinking in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a popular destination for food lovers, with an impressive mix of waterfront cafés, cosy brasseries and high-quality restaurants. Exploring the city’s food scene is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Rotterdam, especially given its multicultural influences.

As a major port city, Rotterdam offers cuisine from all over the world, including Indonesian, Chinese and Middle Eastern dishes, alongside local Dutch favourites such as raw herring and stroopwafels.

If you’re planning to discover the full range of things to do in Rotterdam, from family-friendly attractions to dog-friendly experiences, the city offers something for every type of traveller.