Built between 1914 and 1920 in Dutch Renaissance style, it miraculously escaped destruction in the bombing of the city during World War II. Are you already getting hungry? A recent addition to Rotterdam's roster of important old vessels is the SS Rotterdam. The factory has been completely transformed into a French village square. For more information please check our Disclosure page. It may not be in Rotterdam, but it is easy to visit from our city. TIP: book this tour to Kinderdijk and learn about the 17th-century windmills from an expert guide. For instance, you can go for a ride on the watertaxi. Highlights of this include a number of young elephants, as well as the rare red panda, fascinating creatures to watch as they explore the large enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitats. This monumental bridge spans the Nieuwe Maas distributary of the Rhine and runs from the confluence of the Noord and Lek rivers. The popular shopping streets of Lijnbaan and Koopgoot are also in this area. Address: Blijdorplaan 8, 3041 JE Rotterdam, Official site: www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/. Those with an interest in photography should plan on visiting the Netherlands Photo Museum (Nederlands Fotomuseum). Ideal for a fun activity with kids and on a rainy day. The nice thing about this pool is that you can also swim outside in the summer. Also known as the Diergaarde Blijdorp, the Rotterdam Zoo had stood for many years despite having to change locations during WWII to avoid bombing. She prefers to write articles about new hidden places, vintage shops and the best markets. Your email address will not be published. Really great list! The 17th century is represented by Rembrandt and Rubens (26 of the latter's works can be viewed), while later centuries are represented by Monet, Gauguin, and Van Gogh. A shop and caf, along with a pleasant garden, are also open to visitors. Thats possible. Here you can stay in one of the 254 rooms with a choice of six different room types. About 70 kilometers from Rotterdam, Zierikzee on the island of Schouwen-Duiveland lures tourists with its yacht harbor, a picturesque old town center, and beautiful beaches fringed by wooded dunes. Translated literally as "The New Institute," this modern museum focuses on the development of various architectural movements over the decades. 
What makes this village an especially magical place however is the many windmills that line the canals here. This truly is a delightful place to visit and the surrounding countryside and network of canals is extremely impressive. Recommended tour: Markthal Tour, Meet & Taste, and Het Witte Huis. A boat trip takes 15 minutes from sailing to mooring. Official site: https://kubuswoning.nl/en/, Het Nieuwe Instituut | Oliverouge 3 / Shutterstock.com. But that is not the only thing! Then read the article by Kim. TIP:Bring a blanket, some food and drinks and enjoy a picnic in the grass during your walk! There are several walking routes you can take. Its a unique hotspot, because its the first Rotterdam food hal where you can also play a game of lawn bowling. If you want something a little cozier, we recommend the Wikkelboat (pictured above): a multifunctional, sustainable and super tiny place to stay on the water. Modern painters represented include Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall. Despite its modernity, the city dates back to medieval times and was already prosperous by the 13th century, when a dam was built to separate the Rotte from the Nieuwe Maas, hence the city's name. The best way to experience Rotterdam is of course by taking a boat trip. Great St. Lawrence Church (Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk) is all that's left of Rotterdam's medieval buildings, most of which were destroyed during WWII. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Check out more Escape Rooms in Rotterdam in this article. There is also a restaurant with a terrace. An example is the work Open Ended, photographed above, by American artist Richard Serra. In addition to the practical function of the water taxi, you can also book it in combination with a tour (for example here!). Check out more water activities in Rotterdam! Other Coolsingel highlights include the Beurs-World Trade Center, a high-rise building with a facade of greenish-blue glass, and the Bijenkorf ("Beehive") department store, designed by leading architect Marcel Breuer in 1958. The Euromast is part of the World Federations of Great Towers (WFGT): the 37 most beautiful and highest towers of the world, such as the Burj Khalifa, the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building. A few blocks northwest from Bijenkorf, you'll come to De Doelen, a concert hall and congress center rebuilt in 1966 after its destruction in 1940. There you will be amazed at all the vintage places. The ingenious system of mill and ground has kept the grounds of Kinderdijk dry for centuries. Wave immediately to all icons: the Erasmus Bridge, Euromast and the Market Hall. The Cube Houses, the Markthal, the City Hall, but also the Central Station All iconic buildings in Rotterdam to admire. With exhibitions, activities and a collection of historic ships and cranes, youll be here for a while. Netherlands Travel Ideas: Only 40 minutes from Rotterdam by train, busy Amsterdam is another good base for day trips, especially for art lovers, who can enjoy such art-related attractions as the Rijksmuseum, home of many works by Rembrandt. While you can't visit the richly decorated interior on your own, guided tours are available and can be booked through the city's tourist office. You can find all kinds of playgrounds in Speelwijck. Each of its 19 perfectly preserved 18th-century windmills is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The towers stands at 606ft and with its antenna it is the tallest building in Rotterdam. TIP: already get your ticket for Miniworld Rotterdam! Wereldmuseum Rotterdam, or "World Museum," is another great museum to visit. Madurodam offers all kinds of fun attractions and activities. Kinderdijk, with its 19 windmills, has been a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Address: Museumpark 18, 3015 CX Rotterdam, Wereldmuseum | jorisvo / Shutterstock.com. The nature reserve is a popular place for cyclists, hikers its a true bird watchers paradise. Rotterdam's Old Harbor (Oude Haven), part of the city's revitalized Maritime District, is a boat basin filled with restored historic boats, including houseboats lived in by locals. The beautiful design of this building and its extensive history have made it a National Heritage Site and was the first high-rise building in Europe. So rain or shine, you must visit the Cube Houses! Look out for the 17th-century pulpit with its figures of the 12 Apostles, and the tomb of Olivier van Noort, the first Dutchman to circumnavigate the globe in the early 1600s. The Church of Saint Laurence is the only remaining piece of medieval architecture that survives in Rotterdam. Rotterdam is a city that is full of modern and unique architecture and the central station is one such building. Take a look at our highlights walking route. Theybrighten up boring walls with high-quality street art! So, a perfect moment to book a high tea! So you have to leave Rotterdam for this walking spot (20 minutes by car from the center of Rotterdam), but it is definitely worth a visit, especially if you want to escape from the city. The bombing in 1940 destroyed a large part of the city center. Ive been almost all around Europe stopping by all the cites but I am still missing Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, one of the Netherlands' (and Europe's) most important art centers, is known for its superb collections of paintings, sculptures, and applied and decorative arts from across the continent. On the boat you can sit on deck, but you can also sit inside if it rains. Then visit the Dierenwijck and meet the different animals that live there. The zoo is in great condition and features a Botanical garden and Oceanium and also operates breeding programs to help endangered species such as the Red Panda. This feat of modern engineering creates an impressive backdrop to the port of Rotterdam and is a fine construction to admire and walk across. The museum is located in central Rotterdam near the Markthal and the Cube houses. I like to tip the Van Maanenbad in Blijdorp. The routes are updated several times a year, so there is always something new to discover. How wonderful it is to go for a swim when its hot! In addition to its exhibits, visitors can visit Sonneveld House, an example of a modernist architectural style dating from the 1920s that's located just across the street. Really a top place for a family outing in Rotterdam! Some of the interesting exhibitions include a controversial paiting of the Battle of Trafalgar, a collection of figureheads from various ships, different navy uniforms and flags from sea battles. As a co-founder of Weekends in Rotterdam, Lisanne likes to keep herself busy with editorial work. Taking its name from a famous legend that describes a baby's cradle being stranded here during the St. Elizabeth's Day flood of 1421 the name literally translates as "the "children's dyke" it's one of the most visited places in the Netherlands. This is commemorated with a memorial and bronze tablet. Also worth exploring is the zoo's Oceanium, an excellent aquarium featuring a large collection of marine life from the Americas. Recommended tour: UNESCO Kinderdijk, Euromast & Spido Day Trip, Source: R. de Bruijn_Photography / shutterstock. TIP: To really have the full experience of living in a Cube house, you can also decide to stay at Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel, which is a hostel in one of the cubes. TIP: Buy your ticket for the Euromast here. Home Travel Guides The Netherlands 15 Best Things to Do in Rotterdam (The Netherlands). I will make sure Ill do everything! The bronze doors of the main entrance, on the theme of War and Peace, are by the Italian artist Giacomo Manzu, and in front of the church is a statue of Rotterdam's most famous son, Erasmus. While walking you experience the work of art. De Wandelwijck is where you, but especially your parents, can relax for a bit. The great thing is that at Kidsmarina they immediately gain insight into the port and its functions and vehicles. Of course there are also many nice boutiques and vintage shops in our city. Do you love animals? Free-roam VR means that you can move and walk around freely, in this case in a gigantic hall of 200 square meters. These are the best activities in and around Rotterdam. Natural habitats are, in fact, a priority here: the Asian section includes a swamp forest with two large aviaries for exotic birds, a Mongolian steppe, a bat cave, a Chinese garden, and numerous creatures indigenous to the region. Written by Bryan DearsleyUpdated Jan 3, 2022, We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). From here, you're near attractions such as the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen; the Euromast; Erasmus Bridge; and Coolsingel, the city's main street. Another must-see is the Witches Weigh House (Museum de Waag) in Oudewater, famous for once having been used to weigh those suspected of witchcraft. Hopefully, after reading this article, youll have enough inspiration for a fun packed day. Take a walk along the fire border in Rotterdam, for example. When the sun shines it is full of people barbecuing, children playing and friends enjoying a drink. During WWII Rotterdam saw extensive bombing and its centre was almost completely destroyed, however after this the city was slowly rebuilt and once again stands as a modern port. For example, book a flying lesson or a sightseeing flight via Sand Air. The Euromast Tower is an observation station that was created in 1960 to provide panoramic views of the Rotterdam Cityscape. The 19 windmills stand proudly and have been restored to their original condition and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are looking for the real Dutch experience with the family, you should go with the Pannenkoekenboot (which is Dutch for Pancake Boat). For thrill seekers looking for more than just great views there's the chance to abseil down the building, while those looking for a unique overnight stay can book one of two stunning suites located at the 100-meter point. Visit Villa Zebra for interactive exhibitions and art installations, art workshops and reading afternoons. There are a lot of fun ways to explore the Maas. In this article you can find enough inspiration for a fun packed day with your friends, loved one or kids! Then visit one of the many Escape Rooms in Rotterdam. A restaurant and shop are located on the premises. Visit the newest interactive experience in Rotterdam: Remastered. Villa Zebra is a childrens museum with contemporary visual art. A fun and exciting way to work on team building! In this route you will pass the places that really stand out in the city and are characteristic of Rotterdam. The area labelled the Europort is an area of the ports in Rotterdam and is considered one of the busiest ports in the world and a major trade entry point into Europe. One of Rotterdam's most distinctive landmarks, the Euromast lies at the north entrance to the Maas Tunnel. The permanent collection of Museum Voorlinden is very cool and the museum also offers nice exhibitions. The great thing is that the municipality of Rotterdam gives artists the space to create something cool. You will be part of the traffic around the harbor, view the shipyard, the dock and the modern handling of thousands of containers. Here you will find green oases with beautiful forests, landscaped gardens and historic farms. Rotterdam is located in the southern Netherlands and is the second largest city in the country after the capital Amsterdam with a population of approximately 630,000. Have you always wanted to admire Rotterdam from above? This is the perfect way to see the sprawling expanse of Rotterdam and its ports and the entrance fee is quite modest for both adults and children. There are many companies that provide boat tours, but one particular tour is the Spido Harbor Tour which last approximately 75 minutes. Rotterdam is home to many fine examples of modern architecture, much of it inspired by the city's waterside setting, as well as a response to the devastation of WWII. The design of the structure is quite unique with a large semi-circular grey faade and a large windowed section facing out to the surrounding courtyard. Address: Museumpark, Westzeedijk 341, 3015 AA Rotterdam, Miniworld Rotterdam | Y. Pieper / Shutterstock.com. Rotterdam's massive port occupies half the city's total area of 247 square kilometers, much of it in turn occupied by Europoort, a huge complex known as the "Gateway to Europe." Here you can discover the whole of the Netherlands in miniature. Also with a view of our city, of course! Address: Museumpark 25, 3015 CB Rotterdam, Official site: https://hetnieuweinstituut.nl/en, Colorful painted arch ceiling at the Rotterdam Market Hall. The tower features a restaurant, a conference room for business meetings, a hotel suite and of course the observation deck. Established in 1857 and one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands, Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp) is well known for its successful breeding programs. Just like the rooms, you will find the toilet and shower in a sustainable art object. Does this sound like something you would love to do? Required fields are marked *. Got an appetite? Another marine-related tourist attraction is the adjoining Maritime Museum Harbor, an open-air facility that's home to the well-preserved 19th-century ironclad Buffel, as well as an old lightship. I already mentioned unique accommodations on the water in this article, but did you ever consider camping in a city? Just a short commute to the north is the country's porcelain center of Delft, known for its famous Delftware, a type of pottery that has graced shelves and dining room hutches around the world since the 17th century. Consequently, its unspoiled old architecture has resulted in it becoming one of the most popular spots in this big bustling city. But where? Looking for an amazing summer activity? Located in Grote Kerkplein, the late Gothic church dates from the 15th century and was built on once marshy ground giving the building a peculiar lean that was only halted after its foundation was rebuilt in 1650. Windmills are an iconic structure that has come to define the Netherlands and is one of the main things people associate with the country. The ship was one of the last lavishly decorated liners and was finally retired in the year 2000. In the Verkeerstuin or Traffic Garden you can drive a car, in the Apenspeeltuin or Monkey Playground you can lie around on the ropes. Crisscrossing these displays is a 2.3-kilometer-long network of model rail tracks, with some 150 trains buzzing around at any one time, between them pulling an impressive collection of over 1,800 pieces of rolling stock. Erected in 1960, this 185-meter-high tower houses two restaurants with superb city views, each at the 92-meter mark. Book online: Rotterdam Zoo Skip-the-Line Ticket. Pushing the architectural envelope to the max are the city's famous Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen). Need more inspiration for your time in our city? The works are often interactive, so as a visitor you become part of the artwork yourself. Great for cooling off during those sultry summer days! A quick Google search and you will find several places where you can rent a boat! Are you in Rotterdam for the first time and do you want to see as much as possible? During a high tea you get unlimited cups of tea and sweet treats such as scones, pies and chocolate. Are you looking for fun activities in Rotterdam? Here are some of our most highly rated hotels in and near the city center: Nearby Places to Visit: Almost any point in the Netherlands is within easy reach of Rotterdam. One of the most popular sightseeing tours of the port area begins at Maeslantkering near Hoek van Holland (Hook of Holland) and includes a close-up look at the city's massive surge barrier. The inside of the structure has some amazing artwork by Arno Coenen and shows various colourful fruits, plants, insects and flowers. In addition to tasting the typical Dutch pancakes, you will explore Rotterdam with a boat trip on the Maas. This unique event allows public access to the museum's storage areas, allowing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a gallery's workings and rarely seen artworks. In the summer you can cool down here at Het Grote Hansje Brinker game and you can extinguish the fire in the port of Rotterdam together with friends and family. Located in a prime location just a five-minute walk from the city center, Across the river from the city center and just a few steps away from public transport, the Green-Key-certified, If you prefer a large chain luxury hotel, the pet-friendly. Or take a unique flight over the Amsterdam canals on board The Flying Dutchman. In this attraction you will be taken on an audiovisual journey for an hour and you become one with the art. Newer exhibits have been added that feature the field of digital culture. Official site: https://laurenskerkrotterdam.nl/en/. Learn more about the port during this cruise. 
As the largest port city in Europe, the port is an important part of Rotterdam. Guided tours are available. At the top-end of the city's many mid-range hotels, Just a short walk away from the city's Central Station and fabulous shopping, the. Unique in its kind and therefore an essential part during your visit to Rotterdam. A few kilometers east of Rotterdam is the country's fourth largest city, Utrecht, popular among sightseers for its picturesque setting and well-preserved medieval architecture. Nothing is cozier than sitting inside and drinking a warm cup of tea, while outside the raindrops fall down. TIP:already book your ride in the Pancake boat! You'll find fast foods of every sort here, along with classy restaurants serving everything from traditional Dutch favorites, like Stroopwafels, to Balkan foods, Spanish tapas, and exotic Indonesian dishes. Tip: buy your ticket in advance for the Maritime Museum here. The church also hosts frequent music concerts and other events. In the center of our city you can find all kinds of nice shops within walking distance of each other. The building has a triangular shape that points towards the sky at a protruding angle. There are swimming pools with fun recreational sections for children, but also pools that include saunas and steam cabins. Check out the best places for a high tea in Rotterdam. For visitors and travelers, Rotterdam is as popular for its vibrant entertainment options as it is for its many fine museums, splendid architecture, and maritime tourist attractions. Dedicated to World War II, Museum Rotterdam '40 -'45 NU opened in 2015 and features exhibits relating specifically to the Dutch wartime experience. 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Netherlands, 24 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Amsterdam, 18 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Rotterdam, 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Delft, 18 Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in The Hague, 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Leiden, 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Breda, 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Utrecht, 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Haarlem, Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Best Areas & Hotels, 11 Top Things to Do in Winter in Amsterdam, 10 Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Antwerp, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 20 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World. A really special experience! Although it is not in the center of our city, it is definitely worth traveling to Hoek van Holland and trying one of their plant-based dishes. It's well worth including on your Netherlands travel itinerary. The old district of Delfshaven, unlike much of the rest of Rotterdam, survived WWII largely unscathed. The zoo is split into several different themed areas including a Chinese garden, a Malayan Forest, Mongolian Steppes and a crocodile river. The museum is a privately funded initiative of the Dutch art collector Joop van Caldenborgh and displays his personal collection. To help you find your way around when you come shopping in Rotterdam, we also have a handy shopping route on offer, with which you can visit as many stores as possible in one day. Rotterdam is known worldwide for its architecture. In addition to two fun escape rooms for kids, you can escape three fun rooms at Escape Mission. For Americans, it's notable for the Old Church (Oude Kerk), where the last service was held in 1620 by the Pilgrims before sailing for the New World to found Plymouth, Massachusetts. This trendy gallery opened in 1992 and hosts a variety of constantly changing exhibits of visual arts, design, architecture, and culture from across the globe. If you've got the time, book a fun behind-the-scenes tour. In good weather, you can sit outside one of the many cafs and restaurants and enjoy people watching, or stroll around and watch the boats being painted or repaired. Kids Marina is a super fun water attraction in Rotterdam. We recommend this tour for a quiet one hour cruise, which covers all the highlights of Rotterdam. So its an educational and fun day out in Rotterdam! Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. For those traveling with kids, check out the Kids Marina, were youngsters can captain their own mini-version of a cargo or passenger vessel. Or rent a luxurious Cube house entirely for yourself via Airbnb. The church is famous for its three Danish organs, the largest of which stands on a marble base on the inside wall of the tower. The church was one of the first all-stone buildings to be created in Rotterdam and has served as a place for many important events. A notable artifact on display is the original flag of surrender used in May 1940 after the country was invaded by Germany. A visit to the Kijk-Kubus is a great thing to do on a rainy day in Rotterdam. Read more about this unique new attraction in our city and buy your entrance ticket here! The Campsite also offers a hot tub and a place for food: a nice terrace and a place where guests can cook. Fun on a rainy day, with friends or for a one-on-one date! Expect over 650 square meters with Rotterdam polder landscapes, modern and historical architecture and of course the port of Europe. Pele Surf Shack is open all summer, seven days a week. Over the years the ship has had many names aside from the Grande Dame including the Rembrandt and now rests in Rotterdam as a combined hotel and museum. 
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