Rotterdam is a vibrant, modern city with a unique blend of contemporary architecture, historical charm, and rich culture. I always seek to explore cities in-depth, uncovering their hidden gems and understanding what makes them special. Rotterdam, in particular, captivated me with its incredible sights, art, and culinary scene. In this blog, I’m going to share my personal experience visiting six of the most fascinating attractions in Rotterdam. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler like me, these attractions are definitely worth exploring.
1. The Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) – A Walk Through an Architectural Wonderland
Location: Overblaak 70, 3011 MH Rotterdam, Netherlands
How to Get There: The Cube Houses are located right in the heart of Rotterdam, just a short walk from the Blaak train station. I took a tram from Rotterdam Centraal to Blaak (Tram 21 or 24), which took about 10 minutes.
Ticket Price: €3 for the museum, which is located in one of the cubes. Entry is free to the exterior, but you’ll need a ticket to explore inside the cube house museum.
Recommendation: 9/10
I have to admit, the Cube Houses, also known as “Kubuswoningen,” were one of the highlights of my trip to Rotterdam. These quirky, yellow, cube-shaped houses are one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, designed by architect Piet Blom. The architecture is unlike anything I had ever seen before. The houses are tilted at a 45-degree angle and rest on hexagonal pylons, which creates a truly unusual and fascinating appearance.
The exterior of the houses is stunning, and it was fun to walk around the small residential area, marveling at the odd angles and innovative design. However, the best part of my visit was stepping into the Cube House Museum. Inside, you get a real sense of how people live in these peculiar structures. The museum offers a tour that explains the history of the building and how these homes are designed to maximize space despite their small size.
I highly recommend visiting the museum to get a glimpse of what life is like inside these cubes. The house I visited was modestly furnished, but the experience of being inside such an unconventional space was unforgettable. The museum also has a small gift shop where I picked up a few unique souvenirs.
If you’re into photography, this is definitely a place where you’ll get some amazing shots. The architecture is very Instagram-worthy, and there are several vantage points around the area for the perfect picture.
For discounts, I found that booking tickets online via the official website saved me about 10% compared to buying them on-site. You can also check for combo tickets that include other attractions in Rotterdam for additional savings.
2. Markthal – A Food Lover’s Paradise
Location: Dominee Jan Scharpstraat 298, 3011 GZ Rotterdam, Netherlands
How to Get There: The Markthal is conveniently located near the Blaak train station, which is just a few minutes’ walk away. From Rotterdam Centraal, it’s about a 10-minute tram ride (Trams 21 or 24).
Ticket Price: Free entry, but food and drinks are extra.
Recommendation: 10/10
If you’re a foodie like me, you can’t miss the Markthal. This enormous indoor market is housed in a stunning arched building, which is not just a place to shop but also an architectural wonder. The Markthal is located near the Cube Houses, so it’s easy to visit both in one trip.
The building itself is a modern masterpiece. Its high ceiling is covered with an enormous, colorful mural, depicting an array of fruits, vegetables, and animals. This design really gives the space a vibrant, lively atmosphere.
Inside the Markthal, you’ll find over 100 food stalls selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses, local meats, fresh seafood, and international cuisine. I had the chance to sample some traditional Dutch herring, a must-try for any first-time visitor. The fish was tender and flavorful, served with onions and pickles. It was a perfect snack while walking around the market. I also indulged in a delicious Dutch cheese platter, which was divine.
What I really loved about the Markthal was the variety of cuisines available. You could enjoy dishes from all over the world, whether you’re in the mood for sushi, tapas, or even Indonesian rijsttafel. The market also has a few fantastic sit-down restaurants where you can enjoy a meal in comfort. I had a wonderful lunch at a tapas bar, where I had a mix of small plates, including paella and Spanish chorizo, paired with a refreshing glass of sangria.
Visiting Markthal is free, so it’s a great spot to explore without spending a dime. However, if you’re like me, you’ll end up spending money on food, which is a real treat. Make sure to budget for it because the food options are simply irresistible.
3. Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen – Rotterdam’s Premier Art Museum
Location: Museumpark 18, 3015 CX Rotterdam, Netherlands
How to Get There: Museum Boijmans is located in the Museumpark area, close to the city center. I took tram line 7 from Rotterdam Centraal, which dropped me off right near the museum. It’s about a 15-minute ride.
Ticket Price: €17.50 for adults. Discounts available for students and seniors.
Recommendation: 8/10
I’ve always been a fan of art museums, and Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen did not disappoint. This museum is one of the best in Rotterdam, and its extensive collection of art spans centuries, from the Middle Ages to modern and contemporary art. I particularly enjoyed the section on Dutch Masters, where I got to admire works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and many others.
The museum’s interior is beautifully designed, and the exhibits are arranged in a way that makes it easy to navigate through. One of the highlights of my visit was the modern art section, which includes works by Salvador Dalí and Picasso, as well as temporary exhibitions showcasing contemporary artists.
If you’re an art lover, this museum is an absolute must-visit. It’s a great place to spend a couple of hours, and the atmosphere is calm and reflective. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and I found the descriptions of the artworks to be very informative.
Tickets are a bit pricey, but it’s well worth the experience if you appreciate art. The museum also offers student discounts, so check for any special deals when booking tickets online.
4. Euromast – A Bird’s Eye View of Rotterdam
Location: Parkhaven 20, 3016 GM Rotterdam, Netherlands
How to Get There: The Euromast is located in the Parkhaven area, about a 10-minute tram ride from Rotterdam Centraal. I took Tram 8 and got off at the Parkhaven stop.
Ticket Price: €10 for adults to access the observation deck, with additional charges for the glass-floored viewing area (€3).
Recommendation: 9/10
For breathtaking views of Rotterdam, you can’t beat the Euromast. This observation tower stands 185 meters tall and offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the North Sea, which is an incredible sight.
I took the elevator to the observation deck, which is at a height of 112 meters. The views from up there were absolutely stunning. Rotterdam’s distinctive skyline, with its modern architecture and winding waterways, was laid out before me, and it made me appreciate the beauty of the city from a whole new perspective.
There’s also a restaurant at the top of the Euromast where you can dine while enjoying the view. Although I didn’t eat there, the idea of having dinner with such a stunning view sounds amazing.
Euromast is a must-do for anyone visiting Rotterdam, especially if you enjoy panoramic cityscapes. I would recommend purchasing tickets in advance to avoid waiting in long lines.
5. Kunsthal – A Hub for Contemporary Art Lovers
Location: Westzeedijk 341, 3015 AA Rotterdam, Netherlands
How to Get There: The Kunsthal is located just a short walk from the Euromast. I walked there in about 10 minutes, enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Museumpark.
Ticket Price: €12 for adults. Discounts available for students and seniors.
Recommendation: 8/10
If you’re into contemporary art, then Kunsthal should definitely be on your list. This museum hosts a diverse range of exhibitions, from photography to sculpture, and covers both modern and contemporary art. I particularly enjoyed the exhibitions on fashion and design, which showcased some amazing works from up-and-coming artists.
The museum’s interior is sleek and modern, designed to accommodate large-scale installations and interactive exhibits. I found the whole experience immersive and thought-provoking, and I appreciated the fact that the museum regularly changes its exhibitions, keeping things fresh and exciting.
Kunsthal is one of the best places in Rotterdam to experience cutting-edge art. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just someone looking to explore something new, this museum has a lot to offer.
6. Rotterdam Zoo – A Family-Friendly Adventure
Location: Blijdorp, Rotterdam, Netherlands
How to Get There: From Rotterdam Centraal, I took tram line 21 to the Blijdorp Zoo stop, which took around 15 minutes.
Ticket Price: €24
for adults, with discounted rates for children.
Recommendation: 9/10
Rotterdam Zoo, or Diergaarde Blijdorp, is one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands and offers a wonderful experience for families and animal lovers. I loved exploring the different sections of the zoo, including the Oceanium, where you can see sharks and other sea creatures up close, and the beautiful African Savannah, where giraffes and zebras roam.
The zoo is well-maintained, and the animals seem to be well taken care of. It’s a great place for kids, but even as an adult, I found it to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. I particularly enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to get up close to some incredible animals.
The zoo is located a bit outside the city center, but it’s definitely worth the trip. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great way to spend a day in Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a city full of surprises, with something to offer every type of traveler. From quirky architectural wonders to world-class art museums and family-friendly attractions, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
