A Romantic Long Weekend in Rotterdam

Experience love in bloom in the charming city of Rotterdam.

22 April 2023

A romantic trip to Rotterdam, Netherlands offers a beautiful blend of modern and historic architecture to explore. Take a romantic walk along the canals and through the city's parks, like Kralingse Bos, or enjoy a romantic dinner at a trendy restaurant with panoramic views of the skyline. Additionally, surprise your loved one with a visit to the Markthal, an indoor market with a variety of cuisine and specialty shops.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check-in to the iconic Hotel New York, a former headquarters for Holland America Line that boasts stunning waterfront views and a romantic atmosphere.
  • Take a stroll through the charming streets of Old Rotterdam, filled with historic buildings and cozy cafes.
  • Visit the modern cube houses, a quirky architectural marvel that is sure to impress.
  • Enjoy some authentic Dutch cuisine at the lively Markthal, where you can sample everything from fresh stroopwafels to aged Gouda cheese.
Day 2

Art and Architecture

  • Spend the morning exploring the cutting-edge Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, which features an impressive collection of contemporary and classical art.
  • Visit the iconic Euromast tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city from a dizzying height of 185 meters.
  • Take a boat tour of the Rotterdam Harbor, one of the largest ports in Europe, for a unique perspective on the city's industrial history.
  • Enjoy a romantic dinner at the Michelin-starred FG Food Labs, which serves innovative and visually stunning dishes inspired by molecular gastronomy.
Day 3

Parks and Gardens

  • Spend the day exploring the lush greenery of Rotterdam's numerous parks, such as the expansive Kralingse Bos or the serene Het Park.
  • Visit the stunning Dutch countryside with a trip to the Keukenhof Gardens, where you can enjoy a colorful array of tulips and other flowers in bloom.
  • Take a romantic bike ride along the Maas River, which offers stunning views of the city's skyline and waterfront.
  • Enjoy a casual lunch at the trendy Fenix Food Factory, a bustling marketplace that features food stalls selling delectable local specialties.
Day 4

Shopping and Nightlife

  • Spend the morning browsing the unique shops and boutiques of Rotterdam's trendy Witte de Withstraat, where you can find everything from vintage clothing to contemporary art.
  • Visit the lively Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art, which features cutting-edge exhibitions from renowned artists around the world.
  • Spend the evening exploring the city's thriving nightlife scene, which offers everything from trendy rooftop bars to lively music venues.
  • Enjoy a final meal at the stylish Biergarten, an outdoor beer garden that serves up brews from local craft breweries and delicious comfort food.

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.

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