What to see in Rotterdam: 14 interesting plans around the city
Most destinations in the Netherlands and Belgium are known for their pretty canals , quaint wooden houses and Gothic monuments . The top attractions to see in Rotterdam are something completely different .
The city was reduced to rubble during the bombings of World War II , but after its reconstruction we now find a modern and avant-garde city that has received a host of urban planning awards for its sustainable architecture .
What to see in Rotterdam – Day 1. The essentials
1. Town Hall
You could start your tour at the Stahduisplein , a lively square that houses the City Hall (Stadhuis), one of the few survivors of the bombings of World War II . It is a neoclassical building , built at the beginning of the 20th century, when the city was experiencing a boom in trade.
The façade is striking with its beautiful sculptures and the clock tower , which is about 70 metres high. In front of the Town Hall you can also see a monument to the victims of the bombings that devastated the city.
2. Cathedral of San Lorenzo
Near the Town Hall is the main medieval building to see in Rotterdam , the Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk. Although this Gothic church suffered significant damage in the war bombings, unlike the other medieval buildings in the city, it was able to be restored to its original state.
The interior decoration of the church is rather austere, but do pay attention to the Danish organs that the temple houses. Between March and October, you can climb the church tower to enjoy great panoramic views . You should also look out for the statue of Erasmus of Rotterdam that stands in the same square as the Cathedral.
3. Take a free tour in Rotterdam
If you want to get a first taste of the city, we recommend taking this free tour of Rotterdam’s must-sees . During the guided tour, your guide will take you on a route through the historic centre and the old port of the city.
4. Market hall
Now we start to discover the modern buildings to visit in Rotterdam with the impressive Markthal . This construction with a truly unique design is both a residential building and a large market where you can have something to eat at the food stalls. It has a large semicircular horseshoe-shaped façade , while the interior is covered by a dome with many windows .
However, what is most striking is the decoration on the dome: “The Horn of Plenty”. This work by Arno Coenen is a kind of colourful puzzle with thousands of drawings of flowers , insects , fruits and plants .
5. Cube Houses
Near the Markthal you will find another of the city’s most iconic buildings . This is the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen), made up of 32 yellow cubes . The cubes are connected to each other, but have been rotated 45 degrees. This unique construction, unlike anything we have seen before, is the work of architect Piet Blom and has become a symbol of the city .
The cubes house shops as well as apartments , and there is even a hostel in one of them where you could stay. If you want, you can also visit the Kijk-Kubus Museum House to better understand this unique construction.
6. Old Port
Very close to the Cube Houses you will reach the Old Port of Rotterdam (Oudehaven). This is a small recreational port , where you can see historic ships and some houseboats inhabited by locals. There are also some terraces here where you can have a drink.
7. White House
In the harbour area is the Witte Huis (White House), another of the city’s emblematic buildings and another survivor of the Second World War . Built in 1898, this 43-metre-high modernist building is considered the first skyscraper on the European continent .
The elegant building has a white façade with art nouveau details and beautiful turrets. The ground floor of the White House houses the Grand Café Het Witte Huis .
8. Erasmus Bridge
Rotterdam has many bridges , the most important of which is the Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusburg). It is a suspension bridge with a single pylon 135 metres high. The bridge is 800 metres long and connects the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam. Besides its size, the bridge’s most striking feature is its shape , which gave it the nickname “The Swan” (De Zwaan).
9. Wilhelminapier
From the Erasmus Bridge we continue our tour of the city on the small Wilhelminapier peninsula . This district was once a run-down dock , but is now home to some of the most impressive buildings to see in Rotterdam.
10. From Rotterdam
The first building on the peninsula that you should admire is the Rotterdam Tower . It has three interconnected towers (East Tower, Mid Tower and West Tower) that reach 150 metres in height . In addition to being one of the most monumental buildings in the country, it stands out for being a sustainable building that is capable of supplying itself with energy thanks to solar panels and wind turbines.
11. New York Hotel
We continue on the peninsula, where the modernist building of the Hotel Nueva York is also located , one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. In the past, the headquarters of the Holland America Line was located here , and from here ships full of emigrants set sail for New York in search of a better life. The ships stopped leaving from the city and today the building houses a luxury hotel .
12. Lost Luggage Depot
If you are in this area, you should also visit the Lost Luggage Depot , located opposite the Hotel Nueva York. This is a curious cast iron monument with lost suitcases and bags from various periods. This monument also refers to the era of emigration and is a symbol of these people’s farewell to their homeland.
13. Fenix Food Factory
By now you’re probably hungry, but the good news is that you’ll be close to Fenix Food Factory , a former warehouse turned food market . From Wilhelminapier, you just need to cross the Rijnhavenbrug pedestrian bridge to get to this place. If you want to sample local products like typical Dutch cheeses , eat barbecued meat or try some of the most delicious cakes in the city, visiting this market will be the best thing to do in Rotterdam.
You can eat on the terrace with a nice view, although we also loved the industrial-looking interior . The most notable stalls in this food court are Jordy’s Bakery (a traditional bakery), Booij Kaasmakers (a cheese factory), De Keuken van Rechtstreex (a fruit and vegetable stand) and Kaapse Brouwers (a craft brewery).
14. Euromast
Rotterdam is a city that deserves to be admired from above and therefore we recommend you go up to the Euromast Tower , the best viewing point in the city. The tower, built in the 60s, is the tallest building in the city , visible from any point. The panoramic views of Rotterdam are truly impressive. At the Euromast you must take two elevators : the first will take you up to 100 meters where you will also find a restaurant and the second takes you up to the viewing point located at 185 meters high .
