What to see

Things to Do in Rotterdam: Must-See Attractions

Planning a trip to Rotterdam but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place.
Rotterdam is a modern, innovative city full of contrasts, where cutting-edge architecture stands alongside historic buildings, museums, parks and one of the world’s largest ports.
In this guide you’ll discover the must-see attractions in Rotterdam to help you make the most of your visit.

Rotterdam’s Must-See Attractions

If you’re short on time, these are some of the places you shouldn’t miss:

Cube Houses – Rotterdam’s most iconic architectural landmark and one of the most original buildings in the Netherlands.
Markthal – A spectacular indoor market where you can enjoy international cuisine while admiring its impressive artistic ceiling.
Erasmus Bridge – Rotterdam’s most iconic bridge, affectionately known as “The Swan” thanks to its elegant design.
Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen – The world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility, featuring a striking mirrored façade.
Euromast – The best place to enjoy panoramic views of Rotterdam from 185 metres above the city.
St. Lawrence Church (Sint-Laurenskerk) – The only surviving medieval church in Rotterdam’s city centre and one of the city’s historic landmarks.
Delfshaven – One of Rotterdam’s most picturesque districts, with canals, historic buildings and a traditional Dutch atmosphere.
Oudehaven – Rotterdam’s oldest harbour, surrounded by cafés, historic ships and some of the city’s most photographed spots.

If you have more time, keep reading this guide to discover more attractions, museums, parks, historic neighbourhoods and unique experiences that make Rotterdam such a fascinating city.

Modern Architecture: the soul of Rotterdam

Modern architecture is one of Rotterdam’s defining features.
After being almost completely rebuilt following the Second World War, the city became a showcase for contemporary architecture and innovative urban design.
Here are some of the landmarks you shouldn’t miss:

Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen): One of Rotterdam’s most famous landmarks. Visit the Show Cube Museum and discover what it’s like to live inside one of these extraordinary tilted cube houses.

Markthal: A spectacular indoor market with a striking horseshoe-shaped design and a huge artwork covering its ceiling. It’s the perfect place to sample local and international food or simply enjoy a stroll.
Erasmus Bridge: Known as “The Swan”, this elegant bridge is one of Rotterdam’s most recognisable landmarks. It links the northern and southern parts of the city and is one of the best spots for taking photos.
Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen: The world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility. Its distinctive mirrored façade makes it impossible to miss, while inside you can admire more than 150,000 works of art.
Euromast: If you want to enjoy the best views of Rotterdam, this is the place to go. Take the lift to the 185-metre-high observation deck and enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the city and the River Meuse.

Museums for every Interest

In addition to its remarkable architecture, Rotterdam offers a rich cultural scene with museums covering art, history, maritime heritage and contemporary culture.
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen: One of the city’s leading art museums, featuring an outstanding collection ranging from Old Masters to modern and contemporary art.
Maritime Museum: The perfect place to discover Rotterdam’s maritime history through interactive exhibitions, historic vessels and fascinating displays about the Port of Rotterdam.
Fenix Museum of Migration: One of Rotterdam’s newest museums, dedicated to the stories of migration from around the world. Through immersive exhibitions, artworks and personal testimonies, visitors gain a unique insight into the people who have shaped the city.

Living History in a Modern City

Although Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the city also preserves several historic buildings and landmarks that are well worth a visit.
Rotterdam City Hall: One of the few historic buildings that survived the bombing of the city during the Second World War.
Chamber of Commerce and the Central Post Office: Two impressive early 20th-century buildings that offer a glimpse of what Rotterdam looked like before the war.

St. Lawrence Church (Sint-Laurenskerk): The only surviving medieval church in Rotterdam. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city.
Schielandshuis: A beautiful 17th-century mansion and one of Rotterdam’s oldest historic buildings.
Delfshaven: A picturesque historic district with canals, cobbled streets and traditional Dutch houses that offer a glimpse of Rotterdam before the Second World War.

Public art throughout the city

Did you know that Rotterdam is often described as an open-air museum?
The city is home to an outstanding collection of public art, with more than 200 sculptures and artworks displayed throughout its streets, squares and parks.
Simply walking through the city centre is enough to discover remarkable creations by internationally renowned artists, making art an integral part of everyday life in Rotterdam.

Watch a video with photos with the highlights of Rotterdam, (English with Spanish subtitles).

Nature and Green Spaces to Relax

Although Rotterdam is best known for its modern architecture, the city also boasts an impressive collection of parks, gardens and green spaces where you can relax and escape the urban atmosphere.
Rotterdam is also home to more than 850 bridges, making it easy to explore the city on foot or by bike while enjoying its canals, parks and waterfront views.