Best things to do in Rotterdam

‘Must see’ in Rotterdam

A great way to discover Rotterdam is to head out and explore on foot. The city is rightly famous for its cutting-edge architecture and street art, and walking allows you to soak it all up as you wander. 

Much of the city was destroyed by bombing in the Second World War and it has been rebuilt with avant-garde design and new ways of thinking about urban space, so there’s a surprise around every corner. 

And it’s perfect for walking; the Rotterdam marathon is usually won with incredibly fast times, because the city is nearly perfectly flat. So, no huffing and puffing up and down hills as you explore.

Rotterdam is divided into a northern and a southern part by the Nieuwe Maas river. If you’re staying at our stylish nhow Rotterdam hotel, centrally located right on the waterfront of Wilhelmina Pier and in the area known as 'Manhattan on the river Maas', then a great idea to spend a couple of hours is to walk into the northern part of the city over the iconic white Erasmus bridge, this is a mandatory thing to do in Rotterdam. 

This impressive structure, the biggest drawbridge in Europe, is nicknamed ‘The Swan’ and was opened in 1996. Nhow Rotterdam is located right next to the bridge. All rooms on the river side offer breathtaking views over the city skyline and the bridge. As well as our rooftop terrace and bar! 

Once over the bridge, a little way along the river bank, another of the plans on the list about what to do in Rotterdam is to visit the stunning 185-meter-high modernist Euromast observation tower. It’s a listed monument, built for the 1960 Floriade, with incredible views over the city from the observation platform 100m up. It’s a perfect way to orient yourself in the city, from high above it. 

If you’re hungry when you get here, you can even enjoy dinner in the sky in the restaurant on the observation deck. You can also grab a snack at the ground floor Deli eatery. For the bravest there’s the possibility of going right to the very top of the spire in the Euroscoop rotating glass elevator… with views stretching over 20 miles!

Visiting Rotterdam stunning Museumpark

Once you’re back on the ground, the best thing to do in Rotterdam is to stroll up to the Museumpark urban area which is right by the Euromast and home to various institutions, including the Netherlands Architecture Institute, the Chabot Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Kunsthal. If time is short, we’d recommend the latter if you can only go to one. 

The Kunsthal is housed in a unique building, designed by Rem Koolhaas, and is an icon of modern architecture in itself. Interestingly, it has no permanent collection, but organizes a wide range of temporary exhibits. Over the years it’s hosted almost everything, from the vivid color of Marimekko, to the style and design of James Bond, as well, of course, as works by the Dutch Masters.

Where to eat in Rotterdam

Outdoor options 

Twenty minutes on foot from the Kunsthal is one of Rotterdam’s most emblematic new constructions: Markthal, probably the most architecturally daring marketplace in the world. Its huge soaring arch is the roof but also houses flats and offices. 

The Markthal has around 100 fresh food stands, along with some 15 food shops and a supermarket. And it’s a great place to eat too, with a number of restaurants. Among the things to do in Rotterdam, don’t miss the stunning, massive artwork that covers the ceiling, 'Horn of Plenty' by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam – it’s led to the Markthal being called the Dutch Sistine Chapel. 

A modern alternative 

Another hip eatery is the Fenix Food Factory, a hub of trendy restaurants with terraces, all located in a former warehouse, just a bridge away from nhow Rotterdam. There you’ll find artisanal fare and products from the likes of the Kaapse Brouwers brewery, Booij Kaasmakers cheese, Firma Bijten butchers, Jordy’s Bakery and Rechtstreex fruit and vegetables. Just across the road from Fenix is Deliplein with several delightful restaurants and shops. 

The most classic restaurants 

Another of the best plans to make within this guide on what to do in Rotterdam is going to the Witte de Withstraat area, close to the northern end of the Erasmus bridge. It’s packed with restaurants, bars and shops. Check out Gusto and Oliva for delicious Italian food. Ter Marsch & Co for the best burgers in town, Dertien for slowfood from local farmers, and Hopper for breakfast, lunch and incredible coffee. 

The staff at our hotels tell us they can’t get enough of Hofbogen, an old Railway viaduct which is now a creative hotspot for locals. They also recommend Bird for great food, drinks and a night out. 

Other tips include Restaurant De Jong and FG Foodlabs, both restaurants well known for the high quality of the kitchen and service. If you need a caffeine boost, Lokaal has stunningly good coffee, and an appetizing lunch menu.

Shopping in the Dutch city

Rotterdam, as a bustling global city, has something for every shopper. If unique fashion is your thing, one of the best things to do in Rotterdam is going to the Van Oldenbarneveltstraat area in the aptly named Cool District where you’ll find incredible boutiques and shops offering items you won’t find anywhere else. Try the Hutspot Rotterdam, where new brands and designers sell their wares. It’s got everything from clothing and jewelry to interior items, books and art. 

Local designer Daisy Kroon has her boutique in Rotterdam North, it’s well worth checking out her wearable, luxurious designs, where color and refined materials take center stage. 

And if you want everything under one roof, head to De Bijenkorf a Dutch luxury department store. It is located right in the middle of Rotterdam’s shopping area in the Centrum district, by the World Trade Center.

Rotterdam nightlife

One of the trendiest hang-outs is the Suicide Club, where you can gaze out over the serrated skyline of Rotterdam as you sample incredible cocktails and thrilling food. 

Another breathtaking rooftop terrace bar is the one atop our very own nhow hotel, located in one of the city’s most iconic buildings. As our Guest Relations manager Charlotte Gerlofsma says: "the best view of the city is from the nhow terrace!". If you happen to be staying on for the weekend, among the things to do in Rotterdam, you couldn’t miss the guest DJs who add the soundtrack to the cinematic views. 

Finally, another great place to visit is the terrace of our NH Atlanta Rotterdam, a great option to refresh yourself and enjoy an amazing atmosphere. Its beautiful Art Deco style is perfect for a relaxing drink.