Rotterdam is a major port city in the Dutch province of South Holland. The Maritime Museum's vintage ships and exhibits trace the city's seafaring history. The 17th-century Delfshaven neighborhood is home to canalside shopping and Pilgrim Fathers Church, where pilgrims worshiped before sailing to America. After being almost completely reconstructed following WWII, the city is now known for bold, modern architecture. ― Google
April to September:
Mild to warm temperatures, perfect for exploring the city’s outdoor spaces and harbor
Peak time for festivals like Rotterdam Rooftop Days and North Sea Jazz Festival
October to March:
Cooler and wetter, but ideal for museums, galleries, and indoor markets
Festive during Christmas and New Year with lights and events
Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) — small but convenient, 15–20 minutes to city center
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) — larger and just 25 minutes away by train
High-speed trains connect Rotterdam to Amsterdam (40 min), Antwerp, Brussels, and Paris
Rotterdam Centraal Station is a stunning modern building and major hub
Well-connected highways (A13, A16), easy for regional travel
City has numerous parking garages and park-and-ride options
Striking horseshoe-shaped indoor food market with restaurants and a massive digital mural
Iconic tilted cube-shaped homes designed by Piet Blom
Visit the Show Cube Museum or stay in the hostel cube!
Sleek white cable-stayed bridge, nicknamed “The Swan,” connecting north and south Rotterdam
World’s first publicly accessible art storage building, with rooftop views and a futuristic design
Historic ocean liner now turned into a hotel, restaurant, and museum
Docked in Katendrecht, a cool emerging neighborhood
Dynamic art museum with changing exhibits across genres (fashion, photography, design)
Take a harbor tour of Europe’s largest port
Climb the Euromast Tower for panoramic views
Rent a bike and explore the modern cityscape and riverfronts
Enjoy Rooftop Days or open architecture events
Visit Witte de Withstraat for galleries, bars, and indie culture
Check out Fenix Food Factory – artisanal food market and brewery hub
Mainport Hotel – 5-star hotel with harbor views and private spa tubs
Hotel New York – former Holland America Line headquarters turned atmospheric hotel
citizenM Rotterdam – stylish, tech-friendly, and centrally located
nhow Rotterdam – modern rooms with skyline views in De Rotterdam building
Stayokay Hostel Rotterdam – unique stay in a cube house
The Social Hub Rotterdam – fun hybrid between hotel and co-working/living space
Rotterdam has a multicultural food scene, reflecting its international population
Markthal – food stalls ranging from stroopwafels to Moroccan tagine
FG Restaurant – Michelin-starred fine dining
Fenix Food Factory – local producers, coffee, beer, and street food
Little V – modern Vietnamese in a trendy space
BIRD – great for pizza, cocktails, and live music
Rotterdam is edgy, creative, and proudly non-traditional compared to Amsterdam
Known for architecture, design, and innovation
Hosts major events like the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) and North Sea Jazz Festival
Strong urban vibe with lots of public art, start-ups, and cultural experimentation
Locals are straightforward, friendly, and speak excellent English