An Epic 5-Day Rotterdam Adventure Guide

Discover the modern charm of Rotterdam, where history and innovation converge.

22 April 2023

Rotterdam is a bustling city in the Netherlands with a rich history and culture. As a tourist, you can visit the stunning architecture of the Cube Houses and the iconic Euromast tower. Explore the vibrant food scene, check out the Markthal food market, and take a stroll through the picturesque neighborhoods of Delfshaven and Kralingen.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Settling In

Check in to citizenM Rotterdam, a futuristic hotel near the city center
Stroll around the bustling Witte de Withstraat and grab a coffee at Hopper
Visit the impressive Markthal, a food hall with extraordinary architecture
Climb the iconic Euromast tower for panoramic views over Rotterdam
Enjoy a local brew and bar snacks at The Suicide Club, situated on the rooftop of the Groot Handelsgebouw

Day 2

Museums and Parks

Take a morning walk through the lush Kralingse Bos park and lake
Explore the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, showcasing art from medieval to contemporary periods
Have lunch at the trendy Fenix Food Factory, a sustainable marketplace for artisanal food
Visit Het Nieuwe Instituut, a design and architecture museum containing NL Architecture Institute and State Archive for Dutch Architecture
Experience the eerie atmosphere of the Kunsthal, presenting an eclectic mix of modern and contemporary art

Day 3

Culture and Food

Start with breakfast at Osteria Vicini, serving delicious Italian brunch dishes
Take a bike tour around Rotterdam with local guides from Baja Bikes
Visit the historic Delfshaven district, with canals, windmills, and traditional architecture
Delight your taste buds with Rotterdamsche Oude cheese at Kaapse Maria, a cozy bar in a former bathhouse
Savor the Indonesian cuisine at Dewi Sri, a family-owned restaurant with cozy interior

Day 4

Rotterdam Beyond the City Center

Take a water taxi to the modern Kop van Zuid area, with high-end shops, bars, and restaurants
Admire the beautiful contrast between old and new at the SS Rotterdam, a former ocean liner turned luxury hotel
Visit the Van Nelle Factory, a UNESCO-listed former coffee and tea factory, now a creative hub for events and offices
Taste Rotterdam's best fries and meats at Bram Ladage, a snack café with traditional Dutch decor
Have drinks at Aloha Bar, a hip bar in a former tropical swimming pool in Vierhavens

Day 5

Farewell Rotterdam

Start the day at the iconic New York Hotel to sample breakfast like an American diner
Go on a shopping spree in Villa Fiore, a concept store with trendy fashion and home decors
Admire the Cube Houses, a quirky architectural masterpiece designed by Piet Blom
Have lunch at the trendy Vegan Junk Food Bar, with vegan-friendly comfort foods
Finish the day with a view of the sunset over the city from the panorama terrace of Het Dak van Rotterdam

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