What to see
What To See In Rotterdam: Top Attractions You Can’t Miss
Are you thinking of visiting Rotterdam and don’t know where to start? You’re in the right place!?
Rotterdam is a dynamic, modern city full of contrasts—perfect for those who enjoy innovative architecture, history, art, and charming places.?
Here’s everything you need to know about what to see in Rotterdam so you don’t miss anything important during your trip.
Modern architecture: the soul of Rotterdam
One of Rotterdam’s main attractions is its cutting-edge architecture.
After being almost completely rebuilt following World War II, the city became a special place for contemporary architects.
Here are some spots you can’t miss:
Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen): An icon of Rotterdam. This futuristic complex will amaze you. You can enter one of the show houses and discover what it’s like to live inside a tilted cube.
Surroundings
In the surroundings of Rotterdam there are many towns with an enormous history, and charming villages.
Architecture
After the liberation, it was decided to go for modern architecture. Rotterdam became a testing ground.
Sculptures
The city is a true artistic space with numerous sculptures around the place. There is something for everyone.
Markthal: A covered market with a spectacular arch-shaped façade and a huge artwork on the ceiling. It’s perfect for trying local foods or just strolling around.
Erasmusbrug: Known as “The Swan,” this bridge is one of the most famous symbols of the city. Its modern design connects the north and south of Rotterdam and is a great photo spot.
Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen: The world’s first fully accessible art storage facility. Its rounded, reflective shape is eye-catching, and inside you’ll find over 150,000 works of art.
Euromast: If you like city views from above, this is the place to go. Climb its 185 meters and enjoy panoramic views of Rotterdam and the River Meuse.
Monuments
Despite the destruction during the war, some buildings from the past managed to remain standing.
Docks
In addition to the large harbor located at the mouth of the river, there are several docks within the city center.
Museums
Discover the history, present and future of the city through the various exhibits and its museums.
Museums for all tastes
Rotterdam is also a cultural city with several museums worth visiting:
Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum: A major art institution.
Maritime Museum: Great for learning about the city’s naval history, with interactive exhibits and historic ship models.
Fenix Museum of Migration: One of Rotterdam’s newest and most engaging museums. It tells the stories of people who migrated from around the world through immersive experiences, art, and personal testimonies.
Living history amid modernity
Although Rotterdam is known for its modern style, there are still areas that reflect its ancient history and are well worth visiting:
Rotterdam City Hall: One of the few buildings that survived the bombings of World War II.
Chamber of Commerce and Central Post Office: These two buildings show what the city looked like in the early 20th century.
Parks
Rotterdam is the greenest city in the Netherlands. More than 20% of the city’s surface is green area.
Bridges
Rotterdam is a water city and its center, with its rivers Schie, Rotte and canals, has numerous bridges.
Harbour
The large amount of goods passing through Rotterdam, give credence to its name; Europoort (Gateway to Europe).
Sint-Laurenskerk: The only remaining medieval church in Rotterdam. You can climb its tower for great views of the city.
Het Schielandshuis: This 17th-century building is a historical landmark in itself.
Delfshaven: A dock area with canals, cobbled streets, and old houses—an open-air museum of history.
Outdoor art throughout the city
Did you know that Rotterdam is like an open-air museum?
The city’s international sculpture collection has over 200 artworks scattered throughout the streets.
Just walk around the city center to find these creations by artists from around the world.
RUTAS
WALKING ROUTES
If you like walking, take a look at our walking tours
you can do on your own
Nature and green spaces to relax
Among the modern buildings, Rotterdam also has many green spaces, parks, and canals where you can relax, exercise, or enjoy a picnic with family.
There are also more than 850 bridges to walk or cycle over, making sustainable transport easy.
Watch a video with photos with the highlights of Rotterdam, (English with Spanish subtitles).
Self-Guided Walking Routes
If you prefer exploring at your own pace, we’ve prepared three walking routes through Rotterdam.
You’ll discover the city’s most interesting spots without needing buses or public transport. Walk, explore, and get to know the city better.