Here’s our guide to the top attractions, landmarks and sightseeing spots you have to see visiting Rotterdam.

Markthal Rotterdam avondfoto

Visit the Markthal
The Markthal is definitely one of the most impressive architectural icons of Rotterdam. The massive horse-shoe shaped market include restaurants, food shops, apartments and the world’s largest artwork.

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Visit the Hofbogen
An old train viaduct that went to The Hague in the old days. These days the Hofbogen is a new hotspot in Rotterdam with several interesting coffee bars, clubs, shops, a beer brewery and more.

Hotel New York Rotterdam

High tea in Hotel New York
Without doubt the most famous grand cafe of the Netherlands. Experience the transatlantic journey feeling in Hotel New York, the former headquarters of the Holland America Line. Enjoy a high tea or drink at the terrace where you have magnificent views on the big river Maas.

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Views from the Euromast
The 185-meter high observation tower Euromast – still the largest tower of the Netherlands – shows fantastic views of Rotterdam and its surroundings.

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Discover Rotterdam from the river
With its iconic skyline and the biggest harbour in Europe, it’s great to see Rotterdam from a different perspective – from the water. There are a variety of options on the water including the Spido (the city’s largest boat-touring company) and of course the charming watertaxi for a short, practical trip on the water.

Stadswandeling Centrum Stationsplein

Architecture City Tour
Rotterdam is one of the most exciting architecture cities of Europe. Learn more about the modern architecture of Rotterdam from acclaimed architects like Rem Koolhaas. Must-sees include the Kunsthal and De Rotterdam (both from  Koolhaas) or the great Central Station and the Markthal. Opt for architectural walk or a bike  tours, you’ll love it!

Terras Witte de Withstraat

Eat and drink in Witte de Withstraat
In the lively Witte de Withstraat you’ll find plenty of art galleries, pubs and restaurants. De Witte de With street is also the place for a number of free music and cultural festivals.

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Visit cruiseship ss Rotterdam
Taste the luxury and grandeur of a cruiseship aboard the largest passenger ship ever built in the Netherlands, the former flagship of the Holland America Line. Take a tour or just enjoy a snack or drink on the deck that’s really great in summer.

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De Rotterdam 
The biggest architectural icon of Rotterdam: De Rotterdam. The ‘vertical city’,  designed by Rem Koolhaas, is great to have a drink in the hotel bar on the seventh floor where you can enjoy the fantastic views of the Erasmus Bridge and the river Maas.

De Tuin terras Kralingseplas

Visit the city parks
Rotterdam has some fine parks. Definitely check out Het Park under the shadow of  the Euromast and the Kralingse Bos situated in the northeast of Rotterdam in the neighbourhood Kralingen.

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Cube Houses
Still a very popular attraction in Rotterdam, Piet Blom’s striking Cube Houses. The ‘forest’ was built 1980-84. You can enter the complex for free and for a small fee you can visit a furnished Show Cube.

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Fenix Food Factory
Are you looking for a more raw foodhall as alternative for the Markthal? Check out the Fenix Food Factory in Katendrecht across from Hotel New York. The terrace that looks out over the Maas and the old harbour environment is simply brilliant.

Oude Noorden
Are you looking for an prewar Rotterdam neighbourhood without too many tourists? Check out the authentic Oude Noorden where Willem Kooning did grow up before he immigrated to New York. Or even better, immerse yourself in the Oude Noorden with a walking tour.