What to do and what to see? 10 Essentials

Are you considering discover Rotterdam, the second city of the Netherlands? This dynamic city seduces travelers as much for its historical heritage as for its resolutely modern appearance. But, what to do in Rotterdam when you discover the city for the first time? In this article, I present to you 10 must-see attractions in Rotterdam for a successful stay!

1. The cube houses of Rotterdam

If you travel to Rotterdam, you will necessarily pass by the famous cubic houses (Kubuswoningen in Dutch). With their very particular shape, they constitute a symbol of the city's ultramodern architecture.
These houses were built by the architect Piet Blom in the early 1980s in the Oude Haven district.
The reason? It was actually one of the oldest areas of the city, but unfortunately it was destroyed during the war. The mayor of Rotterdam therefore asked the architect to design these housing units in a bid to revitalize it.

During your visit, you will not be able to miss these houses, because in addition to being cubic shape and a clear yellow,they are also inclined and raised a few meters from the ground. Travelers are often fascinated by these houses and they are often photographed…

Are you wondering about what's going on inside? So, know that it is possible to visit the heart of one of these houses for less than 5 euros. But if they really appeal to you, you'll be happy to know that you can spend a night. Indeed, a hotel has been created within these architectural marvels.

To get there, you will have to take the metro to the Blaak stop in the city center. The cubic houses are located a stone's throw from Blaak Street.

2. The Market Hall

Just a few meters from the famous cubic houses, you can find the Market Hall from Rotterdam. This covered market is established in a futuristic building and particularly photogenic. But the most greedy will not linger there long and will hurry to go inside. Indeed, you will find a variety of products in this place. Cheeses, fish, but also dishes from all over the world engage in a merciless duel between all the stalls.

There are also shops and restaurants which will allow your visit to the city to be marked by culinary discoveries. It must be said that Rotterdam is a multicultural city, which gives it a great gastronomic richness.

3. The Euromast tower

As in Berlin, the city center of Rotterdam is overlooked by a gigantic tower. The one we call the Euromast is located in the Het Park, a park located in the center of the city.

This tower measures 185m in height and therefore constitutes the tallest tower in the country open to the public. It is possible to take an elevator to go up to its summit, up to around 180m high.

Originally, this tower was built for the international horticultural exhibition (Floriade) in 1960. On a clear day, you can discover a 360 view of the city and its surroundings, with the possibility of seeing The Hague.

Do you want to live an unusual experience during your stay in the Netherlands? Good news! There are several restaurants within the Euromast. Enough to enjoy a delicious dinner at altitude, with an exceptional view of the city.

But know that even more original activities are possible : you also have the possibility of sleeping at the top of the Euromast for the tidy sum of 400 euros per night. Out of budget? So you might prefer abseil down the Euromast tower for just under 100 euros per person. This experience, accessible only during the summer, promises you guaranteed sensations…

4. The Erasmus Bridge

As you know, you have not finished discovering architectural wonders if you stay in Rotterdam. Among the must-see curiosities, I present to you the superb Erasmus Bridge, which is shaped like a swan. Don't you see it? But yes, look again!

This ultra modern bridge 800m long and nearly 140m high was built in 1998. It connects the two parts of the city together. The ideal will be to cross it at nightfall. Indeed, it allows you to take a step back from the city and appreciate the lights of Rotterdam even more.

5. The village of Kinderdijk

Only about twenty minutes from Rotterdam, I advise you to discover Kinderdijk. Why deprive yourself of it? This village is easily accessible by water bus from the center of Rotterdam.

It is here that we find THE postcard from Holland thanks to its particularly photogenic mills. In fact, this village still has nearly twenty mills which were built at the beginning of the 18th century.

For your visit, several options are available to you. You can opt for a guided tour of the interior or, for the more sporty, you can book a bicycle tour of the mills. Indeed, the area is quite large and it can take a long time to discover them all on foot. Cycling will therefore be an excellent way to fully enjoy this place and its peaceful atmosphere.

As you will have understood, these mills constitute a fascinating heritage of Dutch culture. This site is also registered with UNESCO world heritage.

6. The Delfshaven district

The Delfshaven district is located on the right bank of the new Meuse. It attracts travelers for its side picturesque and romantic. Indeed, it is one of the only districts of Rotterdam to have been spared the bombings of the Second World War. He therefore retained a typical architecture which often seduces travelers.

In addition, there is a port and channels, which are somewhat reminiscent of the city of Amsterdam. I advise you to stroll through its streets as you wish, to discover in particular its mill (still in operation), its cafes and its antique shops. It is also in this district that we find one of the oldest churches in the city: that of the Pilgrim Fathers.

7. Wereldmuseum

This ethnographic museum is open since 1883! It presents various cultures throughout the centuries. In fact, there are more than 80,000 ancient objects belonging to 120 different ethnic groups. For cultural richness, you can hardly do better! This museum was also founded in one of the most fascinating buildings from Rotterdam.

Furthermore, recently, part of the Wereldmuseum (“museum of the world” in French) has been dedicated to young travelers.If you are visiting the Netherlands with your family, you will be able to have a good time there. Indeed, this museum is very fun and interactive, which is sure to please your children! It offers a good way to cultivate yourself while having fun.

8. The Van Nelle Factory

Visit a factory? Yes, it's possible! Forget your preconceptions, because this factory is one of the most beautiful in the world thanks to its avant-garde architecture. Built during the 1920s, it marked the industrial architecture of the 20th century. It is also listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

There are actually several buildings there, including facades are made of glass and steel, to allow natural light to pass through. Quite rare for a factory!

The Van Nelle factory has since constituted an important marker of the Dutch port industry. For several centuries, it has been offering the packaging and export of agri-food products such as coffee, tea and tobacco. As a reminder, the port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. Visiting this factory will allow you to better understand why…

9. Take a cruise on the Meuse

Of course, you don't visit Rotterdam without taking a cruise on the Meuse! Indeed, Rotterdam is above all a port city, where water is omnipresent. So, you will enjoy discovering its charm from its channels.

During your visit, I advise you to make a riverboat cruise for a few hours. This activity will allow you to discover another side of the city and gain lots of information about the fascinating history and architecture of Rotterdam.

10. Saint-Laurent Church

Luckily, one of the city's most beautiful monuments was spared from the bombings: the Saint Laurent church, also called the “Grande Église”. This church built during the Middle Ages is a architectural jewel with Gothic influence. You won't really be able to miss it when you visit Rotterdam.

She was built from 1449 and has undergone several modifications over the centuries. Inside, you can discover several organs and impressive stained glass windows. I therefore advise you to spend a few minutes there if you pass nearby!

Your schedule should be full by now if you plan to visit Rotterdam. You now have in mind all the city's must-see attractions not to be missed! The second city in the Netherlands is not the most visited compared to Amsterdam, but I hope that this article has made you aware that it definitely worth spending a few days there!