Rotterdam Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
General Information & Planning
What’s the best time of year to visit Rotterdam?
Late spring and summer (April to September) offer the most pleasant weather. The city is lively and there are many outdoor activities and festivals.
How many days should I spend in Rotterdam?
You can see the main highlights in one or two days, but to truly experience the city’s vibe and explore its neighborhoods, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Is Rotterdam a good base to explore the Netherlands?
Yes, it’s an excellent base. It has a major train station (Rotterdam Centraal) with high-speed connections to other major cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague.
How is Rotterdam different from Amsterdam?
Rotterdam is known for its modern, post-war architecture, while Amsterdam is famous for its historic canals and gabled houses. Rotterdam is often considered more “rough,” industrial, and innovative, with a less touristy feel.
Is it a walkable city?
The city center is very walkable, and exploring on foot is a great way to discover its unique architecture. For longer distances, public transport or a bike is recommended.
Do I need to learn Dutch to get by?
No, most people in Rotterdam, especially those working in tourism, hospitality, and retail, speak excellent English.
Is Rotterdam safe?
Yes, it is generally a very safe city for tourists. As with any major city, be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas.
What currency is used?
The Euro (€).
What’s the typical budget for a trip to Rotterdam?
A mid-range budget might be around €145 per day, including a budget hotel, some sit-down meals, and activities. A backpacker budget could be around €65 per day.
Is tap water safe to drink?
Yes, the tap water in Rotterdam is safe and delicious to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle.
Getting Around
What are the public transportation options?
Rotterdam has an extensive network of metros, trams, buses, and water taxis operated by RET.
What’s the best way to pay for public transport?
You can use a public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart) or the new system, OVpay, which allows you to tap in and out with your contactless debit or credit card.
Is there a tourist pass for public transport and attractions?
Yes, the Rotterdam City Card provides unlimited public transport and discounts on over 50 attractions, museums, and restaurants.
How do I get from Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) to the city center?
Take bus line 33, which connects the airport to Rotterdam Centraal Station.
What’s the best way to get to Kinderdijk?
Take the Waterbus from the Erasmus Bridge to Kinderdijk. It’s a scenic and popular option.
How far is Rotterdam from Amsterdam by train?
The high-speed Intercity Direct train takes about 40 minutes.
Is cycling a good way to get around?
Yes, like the rest of the Netherlands, Rotterdam is very bike-friendly with dedicated bike lanes. You can rent a bike from various shops, including those at the main station.
Can I use a water taxi?
Yes, water taxis are a fun and fast way to get across the river and to various waterfront locations.
How accessible is the city for people with disabilities?
Rotterdam is generally considered more accessible than older Dutch cities due to its modern infrastructure. The metro network and many newer buildings are wheelchair-friendly.
Is there Uber in Rotterdam?
Yes, ridesharing services like Uber are available.
Must-See Attractions & Activities
What are the top must-see architectural sights?
The Cube Houses, Markthal, Erasmus Bridge, Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, and Rotterdam Centraal Station.
What’s inside the Cube Houses?
The majority are residential, but a single “Show Cube” (Kijk-Kubus) is open to the public as a museum to show what it’s like to live inside.
What is the Markthal?
It’s a stunning, horseshoe-shaped indoor market hall and residential building with a massive mural on its ceiling. It’s a great place to grab a meal or snack.
Can I go up the Euromast?
Yes, you can take an elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city and port. For a fee, you can also ride the Euroscoop, a rotating glass elevator that goes even higher.
Is the Maritime Museum worth visiting?
Yes, it’s highly recommended for anyone interested in the city’s rich history as a port. It’s one of the oldest and largest maritime museums in the world.
What is Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen?
It’s the world’s first publicly accessible art depot. Visitors can wander through a massive collection of art that is typically kept in storage.
What is the Oude Haven (Old Harbor)?
It’s one of the few areas that survived the WWII bombing. It’s a picturesque spot with historic ships and lively bars and restaurants.
Is it worth taking a harbor tour?
Yes, a harbor tour (like the Spido tour) is a great way to appreciate the sheer scale of the Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port.
What is Delfshaven?
It’s the historic district that miraculously survived the bombing. It has beautiful canals and a windmill, and is where the Pilgrim Fathers departed from before their journey to America.
What’s a good free activity?
Walking across the Erasmus Bridge, exploring the Markthal (from the outside), or strolling through Museumpark.
Food & Drink
What are some good places for a cheap, but good meal?
The Markthal has many options, and for more local, casual fare, check out places on Witte de Withstraat.
What’s a typical Rotterdam food?
“Kapsalon,” a dish consisting of fries, döner meat, cheese, salad, and garlic sauce. It was invented in Rotterdam.
Where can I find good vegetarian/vegan food?
Rotterdam is known for its diverse culinary scene, and many restaurants, particularly those on Witte de Withstraat and Nieuwe Binnenweg, have excellent vegetarian and vegan options.
What are some local Dutch snacks I should try?
Kroketten (croquettes), frikandellen, and patatje oorlog (fries with various sauces).
Where’s a good place for a local beer?
Check out the breweries and pubs in the Oude Haven or on Witte de Withstraat.
What’s a good place for a fancy dinner?
The area around Hotel New York or the Kop van Zuid offers a number of high-end dining experiences.
Is it customary to tip in Rotterdam?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s appreciated for good service. A tip of 5-10% is considered generous.
Where can I get a good coffee?
Rotterdam has a strong coffee culture. Check out some of the independent roasters and cafes around the city, such as in the Witte de Withstraat area.
Is the Fenix Food Factory still a thing?
It has been reimagined and is still a great place to visit for food and drink, offering a relaxed and hip atmosphere.
Are there good spots for breakfast or brunch?
Yes, many cafes offer excellent breakfast and brunch options. Look for spots near the Oude Haven or on Witte de Withstraat.
Day Trips from Rotterdam
What are some popular day trips from Rotterdam?
Kinderdijk (windmills), The Hague (Den Haag), Delft, and Utrecht.
How do I get to The Hague?
The train or metro connects Rotterdam and The Hague in about 30 minutes.
Is Delft worth visiting?
Yes, it’s a charming historic city with canals, medieval architecture, and the famous Delftware pottery.
What’s special about Kinderdijk?
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with 19 well-preserved windmills, offering an iconic view of the Netherlands.
What can I do in Utrecht?
Utrecht has a beautiful old city center with canals and the famous Dom Tower, which you can climb for great views.
How do I get to the beach from Rotterdam?
Take the metro to Hoek van Holland, where you’ll find a nice beach.
Is it easy to combine a trip to Rotterdam with other cities?
Yes, the Netherlands is a small country with an excellent train network, making it very easy to city-hop.
Can I visit the Port of Rotterdam?
Yes, you can take a boat tour or visit the Portlantis information center on the Maasvlakte to learn more about the port.
What’s a good day trip for art lovers?
You can visit The Hague to see the Mauritshuis, which houses masterpieces like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Where can I go for a day trip to see a castle?
Kasteel De Haar, near Utrecht, is a stunning neo-Gothic castle that is easy to reach by public transport.
Shopping & Nightlife
Where are the main shopping areas?
The Lijnbaan and Koopgoot are the main pedestrian shopping streets in the city center.
Are there any unique or independent shops?
Yes, check out the shops on Witte de Withstraat and Nieuwe Binnenweg for unique boutiques, vintage stores, and design shops.
What is the nightlife like in Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a vibrant, more “underground” nightlife scene compared to Amsterdam. Witte de Withstraat is the main street for bars and cafes.
Are there good clubs for electronic music?
Yes, Rotterdam is known for its electronic music scene, with several clubs and venues featuring local and international DJs.
Where can I find a cozy pub?
Look for a bruin café (brown cafe) for a traditional and cozy Dutch pub experience.
What about shopping for souvenirs?
The Markthal and tourist information centers offer a variety of souvenirs, from miniature Cube Houses to classic Delftware.
Is there a big market in Rotterdam?
Yes, the Binnenrotte market (outside the Markthal) is one of the largest in the Netherlands, held on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Where can I buy Dutch cheese?
The Markthal is an excellent place to sample and buy a variety of Dutch cheeses.
Are shops open on Sundays?
Many shops in the city center are open on Sundays, but with more limited hours.
What’s the best area for a pub crawl?
Witte de Withstraat is the most popular area for bar-hopping, with a wide variety of pubs and cocktail bars.
Culture & Art
What are the top art museums?
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen (or its depot), Kunsthal Rotterdam, and the Netherlands Photo Museum.
Where can I see street art?
Rotterdam has a vibrant street art scene. Use a street art map or app to find the best spots, often in the Central and West areas.
What is the SS Rotterdam?
It’s a former cruise ship turned hotel, restaurant, and event venue. You can tour the ship to learn about its history.
Is there a good music venue in Rotterdam?
Yes, venues like Annabel and Maassilo host a wide range of concerts and events.
Are there any historical buildings left from before the war?
Yes, besides Delfshaven, the City Hall (Stadhuis) and the White House (Witte Huis) are notable examples of pre-war architecture.
What’s the best park in the city?
The Kralingse Bos is a large park and forest with a lake, offering a great escape from the city hustle.
Where can I learn about the city’s WWII history?
The Rotterdam 40-45 NOW app and various monuments around the city tell the story of the bombing and reconstruction.
Is there a film festival?
Yes, the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is a major event held every January.
Where can I see some local art?
Galleries are concentrated around Witte de Withstraat and the surrounding area.
What is the “Swan” bridge?
The Erasmus Bridge is affectionately nicknamed “The Swan” due to its distinctive shape.
Hotels & Accommodation
What are the best neighborhoods to stay in?
The city center for convenience, the Kop van Zuid for a modern feel with great views, or around Witte de Withstraat for nightlife.
Are there good budget-friendly hostels?
Yes, Rotterdam has several hostels, often located in or near the city center.
Is Airbnb a good option in Rotterdam?
Yes, Airbnb is a popular choice and you can find a variety of private rooms and apartments.
What are some unique accommodation options?
You can stay in a hotel inside a Cube House or on the SS Rotterdam cruise ship.
Are hotels near the train station a good idea?
Yes, they offer excellent transport links for day trips and airport transfers.
Practical Tips
Is it necessary to book tickets for attractions in advance?
For popular museums or tours, it’s often a good idea, especially on weekends or during peak season, to avoid disappointment.
What’s the tipping culture in a bar?
You typically don’t tip for a single drink, but you can round up the bill or leave a euro or two if you’ve been sitting there for a while.
What’s the best way to get to Rotterdam from other European countries?
The Eurostar train from London is a popular option. From other countries, there are high-speed rail connections or flights to Rotterdam The Hague Airport or Amsterdam Schiphol.
Are there any free tours?
Some companies offer free walking tours based on tips, which can be a great way to get an overview of the city.
What should I do if I get lost?
Most people are friendly and willing to help. You can also use a map app or ask at a tourist information office.
Where is the Tourist Information Center?
There is a location in the main hall of Rotterdam Centraal Station.
What’s the weather like?
It has an oceanic climate. It can be rainy and windy at any time of year, so pack layers and a raincoat or umbrella.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted. However, it’s good to have a small amount of cash for smaller purchases.
What’s the emergency number in the Netherlands?
112 for police, ambulance, or fire services.
Is it a good city for solo travelers?
Yes, it’s a very safe and easy city to navigate on your own.
Are there public toilets available?
Yes, but they are often not free. You can find them in train stations, department stores, and some cafes.
What’s a common scam to watch out for?
Be wary of people selling cheap bike or public transport tickets on the street, as they may be stolen or used.
Can I use my phone’s data plan?
If you’re from the EU, you can use your plan as if you were at home. Otherwise, check with your provider or consider a local SIM card.
Is it easy to find Wi-Fi?
Yes, many hotels, cafes, and public places offer free Wi-Fi.
Can I smoke cannabis in Rotterdam?
Cannabis is not strictly legal, but it is tolerated in designated coffee shops, which are regulated. Public consumption is not allowed.
Just for Fun
What is “King’s Day”?
A national holiday on April 27th celebrating the King’s birthday. The city turns into a giant street party with flea markets and music.
Are there any good places to see a sunset?
The Erasmus Bridge, the Euromast, and the banks of the Maas River offer great views.
What is a “Waterbus”?
A ferry that acts as a form of public transport on the water, offering a unique way to see the city.
What’s the rivalry with Amsterdam all about?
It’s a friendly rivalry rooted in football (Feyenoord vs. Ajax) and the cities’ differing histories and characters—old vs. new, traditional vs. modern.
Are there any festivals in the summer?
Yes, including the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Rotterdam Summer Carnival.
What’s the “Witte Huis”?
It’s the “White House,” a beautiful art nouveau skyscraper built in 1898, one of the few buildings to survive the 1940 bombing.
Can I walk through the Maastunnel?
Yes, you can walk or bike through this historic underwater tunnel, a unique experience.
Is there a good place for a picnic?
The Kralingse Bos and Het Park (near the Euromast) are great spots for a picnic.
What’s the best way to see the city’s skyline?
From a boat on the Maas River, from the top of the Euromast, or from the southern bank (Kop van Zuid).
Is Rotterdam a good city for families with kids?
Yes, it has many family-friendly attractions like the Diergaarde Blijdorp (zoo), the Maritime Museum, and the Cube Houses.