A guide to Rotterdam, Holland's incredibly picturesque city

Thinking about a citytrip in The Netherlands? Don’t mind to visit Rotterdam. After the bombings of 1940 Rotterdam was rebuilt into a modern city that stands out in modern architecture. The lively city is a perfect weekend trip and has a lot of variation to offer. Walk along the Erasmusbrug, photograph the Kubuswoningen or relax at the Witte de Withstraat.

Keep reading this guide as we will tell you more about the things to do in Rotterdam.

1 | ARRIVE AT ROTTERDAM CENTRAL STATION

When you arrive at Rotterdam Central Station you immediately get a glimpse of the architecture Rotterdam has to offer. In 2014 the station had to go through a redesign because the old station didn’t have the capability to receive the average of 110.000 passengers it has daily.

The unique design makes it an interesting piece of architecture to visit. The combination of sharp edges and innovative materials combined with old elements make it a great asset for Rotterdam city. Photograph the shape in contrast with the sky and this building could make a stunning frame.

2 | WALK ALONG THE LUCHTSINGEL, YELLOW BRIDGE

Back in the days het Hofplein was the heart of Rotterdam, a few years ago nothing was left of that. So the city of Rotterdam raised money with crowdfunding to connect the city with a unique project called The Luchtsingel. With over 8.000 people that supported the initiative the 390 metre long yellow pedestrian bridge became a reality.

The bridge now functions to connect the central rail station with the forgotten parts of the city Rotterdam North and the Binnenrotte. In 2013 Luchtsingel won the Urban Intervention Award Berlin as an appreciation for this beautiful project that reconnects the city. If you walk along the bridge you will reach Luchtpark hofbogen where you can sit down and take a break.

3 | ADMIRE ROTTERDAM’S INCREDIBLE BRIDGES AND ARCHITECTURE

After the bombings of 1940, Rotterdam was rebuilt into a modern city that stands out in modern architecture. The city centre is compact so you get along excellent on foot. Walk over the Willemsbrug and have a look in the neighbourhood Kop van Zuid and walk back along the Erasmusbrug.

Or have a look at Post office POST Rotterdam that was built between 1915 and 1923. It is currently going through renovations as it will soon be functioning as apartments to match modern-day Rotterdam.

4 | HAVE LUNCH AT THE WITTE DE WITHSTRAAT

With all kinds of trendy cafés, restaurants and bars this truly is the place to be in Rotterdam. Witte de With is, without doubt, the place to simply relax while soaking up the atmosphere.

If you like Mexican cuisine you should have a taste at Supermercado, a cocktail bar-restaurant with Latin American kitchen that creates a street food vibe. Top it off with delicious ice cream at De IJssalon on the other side of the trendy street. They serve sorbets and dairy ice cream that will attack your taste buds.

Another place you might like is Nieuw Rotterdams Café which goes by the name NRC. This Metropole Café is one of the hotspots and transforms itself from café restaurant to bar every weekend. Enjoy funky, soul and r&b beats while drinking a cocktail.

Besides the booming restaurant scene, Witte is popular for her street art. As one of the places with the most graffiti in Rotterdam don’t mind wandering off to the side streets of Witte de Withstraat.

5 | ADMIRE THE CUBE HOUSES

The Kubuswoningen is a series of innovative Cube Houses designed by architect Piet Blom. Located between de Markthal and de Blaak you will find this piece of unique modern architecture. If you look at it from the outside you will question yourself if it is possible to live in one. If you want to have an impression of how the inside looks, visit the museum named ‘kijk-kubus’. The show cube is open every day from 11 am to 5 pm for an entrance fee of €3,-. Or book your stay here, to spend the night in one of the cubes and get the ultimate experience.

Try to plan your visit early in the morning, it is one of the most popular spots in Rotterdam.

6 | EAT YOUR HEART OUT AT MARKTHAL

The Markthal in Rotterdam is the biggest one in The Netherlands. With more than a hundred food stalls and a building that is just as spectacular, The Markthal is a must-visit in Rotterdam. Try local cuisines such as poffertjes, cheese and herring or have a go on famous national dishes.

Besides the fact that the Markthal is a foodie Walhalla, it’s also a gigantic piece of art. The inner walls are covered with 4.000 tiles decorated with colourful artwork named Horn of Plenty by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskamp. An interesting thing about the Markthal is that it also functions as apartments, 228 to be exact.

WHERE TO STAY IN ROTTERDAM

Ani & Haakien | Located close to the central station this hostel makes you feel at home while in Rotterdam. A modern-looking, clean and cosy place with a lovely backpackers vibe. The price is good and the Wifi even better.

CityHub Rotterdam | A high-tech private sleeping cabin that can be controlled by an app on your phone. All cabins have a king-size double bed and the shared bathroom has a rain shower and free toiletries. Perfectly located on the Witte de Withstraat close to the main tourist attractions of Rotterdam.

King Kong hostel | The most popular hostel in Rotterdam and the vibes are just amazing. The combination of the trendy and artistic interior makes this hostel a unique place to stay. The lively vibe that attracts you to the Witte de Withstraat translates itself perfectly into the King Kong Hostel.

StayOkay Rotterdam | If you are curious to experience how it feels to stay in a Cube House then this is your chance. The room is quite basic but the experience itself is just fun and exciting.

HOW TO GET AROUND ROTTERDAM

WALKING | Although the city centre of Rotterdam is really compact, it can be a little confusing finding your way. If you keep the Erasmusbrug as a start point it will be easier to navigate around the town. The best way to explore Rotterdam is by foot. All attractions in Rotterdam are within walking distance of each other.

BIKE | Another way to get along in Rotterdam is by bike. Donkey Republic is an easy service when it comes to renting a bike. But be careful, the traffic can be a bit chaotic in the Netherlands.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT | The easiest way to get around is with public transportation. The Rotterdam Welcome Card is a travel card that also provides a discount on a lot of tourist attractions in Rotterdam.

There are three options to choose from all of them coming with a city map and information about the discounts.

1 Day card | €12,50 per person

2 Day card | €18,50 per person

3 Day card | €23,50 per person

STAY SAFE IN THE NETHERLANDS | TRAVEL INSURANCE

When travelling this big wide world, I never go on an adventure without my essential travel insurance sorted out, and though the Netherlands is safe, I recommend anyone travelling here to do the same.

Though you rather don’t think about the things that could go wrong, there’s always a chance that something happens, and when that’s the case, it is better to be safe than sorry.

To help you find the right policy, I’ve listed two of my favourite options below:

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.