Top Tourist Attractions in Rotterdam – Fun In the Festival City

In this article, I will take you to the most beautiful and the second-largest city in the Netherlands, after Amsterdam. Rotterdam is a fascinating place to visit as there’s so much to explore for young and old alike. Be it underwater or high in the air, Rotterdam will never let you get bored. Being one of the greenest cities in the country, Rotterdam is home to different types of flora and fauna. The city is also known for its architectural marvels. Historic buildings, hyper-modern skyscrapers, The cube houses, Erasmus bridge etc., will make your jaws drop throughout the trip. Get a cosmopolitan vibe while inhaling the art and culture in the fertile land. Here are the Top Tourist attractions in Rotterdam that will take your trip to a whole new level. 

#1 The Old Harbour and Marine Museum

Try finding a replica of the boat featured in The Life of Pi. Rotterdam’s old harbour is a boat basin filled with restored historic boats such as houseboats lived in by locals. It is located in the city’s revitalized Maritime District. Explore the cafes and restaurants lined up on the pathway and enjoy watching people strolling around the boats being painted or repaired.

Take a short walk from the harbour to reach the Maritime Museum Rotterdam. Established in the 18th century, the museum never fails to provide a fascinating look to the city. It connects the sea and many waterways of the country. This place plays a key role in crafting the history of shipping and seafaring in the country.

Marine magic does not end there. You still have to visit the Maritime Museum Harbour to fulfil your trip. It is an open-air facility which preserves the 19th-century ironclad Buffel and an old lightship. Go for a guided tour and learn more about the 20 historic vessels that are on display here. Get to know about the new addition, SS Rotterdam which is considered as the finest Dutch-built passenger vessel ever to sail. Do not miss having lunch or dinner in this sumptuously decorated vessel which is now a hotel and a museum. Hence the Old Harbour is one of the top attractions in Rotterdam.

If you are travelling with kids, do check out the Kids Marina. Its time for them to recreate their favourite ‘Popeye-The Sailor Man’ cartoon. Allow the young ones to captain their own mini-version of cargo or passenger vessel. 

Location: Leuvehaven 1, 3011 EA Rotterdam

#2 Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen

Visit the most important art centre known for its superb collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from across the continent. Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen houses the works of super-talented artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall. The mix of ancient and modern arts and artefacts will definitely amaze you. 

Location: Museumpark 18, 3015 CX Rotterdam

#3 Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk/ Great St. Lawrence Church

St. Lawrence Church is the only building left of Rotterdam’s medieval architecture after World War 2. It is located in Grote Kerkplein which was once a marshy ground that gave the building a peculiar lean. The building was renovated and recovered after enormous destruction. Get ready to lament at the beauty of the bright interior and coloured glass windows. Witness the famous three Danish organs, that stands on the marble base inside the tower. The bronze doors of the main entrance picture the theme of War and Peace. Take beautiful pictures along with the famous statue of Erasmus outside the church. Opt for a guided tour to take in the complete essence of the church along with soothing music concerts and other events. 

Location: Grotekerkplein 15, Rotterdam

#4 The Cube Houses

Are you a fan of modern architecture? Rotterdam is home to several fine architectures which was built after the devastation of WWII. The famous Cube Houses were designed by the Dutch architect Piet Blom. It is one of the top attractions in Rotterdam that you should never miss. You can see the upper stories of these unique cube-shaped designs while walking through the Old Harbour. The Show cube is open to visitors and has a vast display of the design and history of the buildings. A museum which is solely dedicated to chess is also present here.

White House is another architectural marvel in the city. This was once the tallest building in Europe. It is a 10-storey building specially built for all the art and design enthusiasts. 

Location: Overblaak 70, 3011 MH Rotterdam

#5 Market Hall

The market hall is also known as “Koopboog”, a popular gathering point in Rotterdam. This impressive market hall is a huge office complex that acts as a kaleidoscope of fresh and prepared food. You can taste all kinds of vegetables, fish and other produce here. Treat your taste buds with every sort of fast foods and Dutch favourites like Stroopwafels, Balkan foods, Spanish tapas and exotic Indonesian dishes.

#6 The Kinderdijk Windmills

The Kinderdijk Windmills is located on the River Noord which is just 23 kilometres east of Kinderdijk. This beautiful village is one of the most visited places in the Netherlands. This world heritage site celebrates a history of the largest surviving concentration of windmills during the Mill Days. Do not forget exploring the museums located in the Blookwer the Nederwaard mills and the wisdom pumping station. Experience the vintage life in Kinderdijk which is one of the top attractions in Rotterdam

Location: Molenkade Nederwaard 1, 2961 AS Kinderdijk

#7 Coolsingel

Coolsingel, nicknamed as the city’s cool district is a 19th century Town Hall. Though you cannot visit the richly decorated interior on your own, you can book a guided tour through the city office. Pay a visit to the Stadhuisplein, a war memorial which is located opposite to the Town Hall. Do not miss the Beurs-World Trade centre and the Bijenkorf department store. When in Coolsingel, the popular shopping streets of Lijnbaan and Koopgoot will also pull you towards its side.

#8 Boat Tours of the Europoort

Rotterdam’s massive port is so huge that it occupies half the city’s total area. In the port, Europoort is a huge complex known as the “Gateway to Europe”. Have a close-up look at the city’s massive surge barrier from Maeslantkering. Enjoy the evening tours especially with Rotterdam’s most famous landmarks, including the Erasmus bridge, being spectacularly illuminated. Do not miss experiencing the boat tour of Europort which is one of the top attractions in Rotterdam.

There are many other spectacular spots in Rotterdam. Rotterdam Zoo, the Euromast, Kunsthal Rotterdam and Miniworld Rotterdam are some of the places you should never miss. Feel the richness and legacy of ancient and modern Europe in a single destination. Head to the Pickyourtrail website and start planning your trip to the Netherlands right away!