Weekend Wonders: Rotterdam’s Best Hidden Gems

Experience modern Europe in Rotterdam, the city of innovation and diversity.

03 May 2023

Rotterdam, Netherlands is an exciting destination for tourists who enjoy modern urban landscapes and culture. The city features a varied collection of architectural designs, including the iconic Cube Houses and the innovative Markthal. Aside from sightseeing, visitors can immerse themselves in vibrant nightlife, festivals, and culinary experiences, all of which make Rotterdam a must-visit destination.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Rotterdam’s Hidden Gems

  • Hotel: CitizenM Rotterdam
  • Start the morning with breakfast at the Groos Concept Store, showcasing the best of Dutch design and fashion
  • Take an architecture walking tour to see Rotterdam’s unique buildings such as the Cube Houses and the Erasmus Bridge
  • Visit the Markthal, an indoor market with over 100 food stalls and a stunning ceiling artwork
  • Wander through Het Park and visit the Euromast for panoramic views of the city
  • Unwind at the Hotel New York, a historic building turned hotel and restaurant where Holland America Line ships used to depart from
Day 2

Art, Food and Nature

  • Have brunch at Urban Bakery, a cozy spot serving fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee
  • Head to the Boijmans van Beuningen museum to see their impressive collection of old master paintings and contemporary art
  • Stop by the Fenix Food Factory for a local food experience with small, artisanal producers
  • Rent a bike and ride through the Delfshaven area to see old Dutch architecture and charming canals
  • End the day at Blijdorp Zoo, where you can see a variety of animals and even sleep in a zoo themed accommodation, the ‘Zooroyale’
  • Rotterdam will leave you captivated with its modern architecture, diverse culture, and friendly locals. You won’t want to leave!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Rotterdam by plane is to fly into Rotterdam The Hague Airport, which is 7.5 km from the city center. You can catch a direct flight to Rotterdam from many European cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin. Alternatively, you can also fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, which is about 50 km away from Rotterdam. From there, you can take a train or bus to Rotterdam.

Car

The best way to get to Rotterdam by car is to take the A16 motorway, which runs from Rotterdam in the south to Breda in the north. The journey from Amsterdam to Rotterdam takes about an hour, depending on traffic. Once you arrive in Rotterdam, you can park your car in one of the many public parking lots or garages located throughout the city.

Train

The best way to get to Rotterdam by train is to take a high-speed train to Rotterdam Centraal Station, which is the main train station in Rotterdam. You can catch a direct train to Rotterdam from many European cities such as Paris, Brussels, and Cologne. The train is a comfortable and convenient way to travel to Rotterdam, and it offers scenic views of the Dutch countryside.

Boat

The best way to get to Rotterdam by boat is to take a cruise from many ports in Northern Europe such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Hamburg. The cruise will arrive at the Port of Rotterdam, which is one of the largest ports in the world. Once you arrive, you can explore Rotterdam's many attractions or take a tour of the port itself.

Bus

The best way to get to Rotterdam by bus is to take a coach from many European cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin. The coach will arrive at Rotterdam Centraal Station, which is the main bus station in Rotterdam. The journey is usually quite long, but it can be a great way to see Europe while traveling to Rotterdam.

Destination

Rotterdam

Rotterdam, the city where bikes outnumber people and buildings are taller than the Dutch national football team. Get ready to experience a flat-out good time in the city that's known for its architecture, festivals, and cheese (what else could one want?).

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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