Heading to Rotterdam for a quick stop and looking for things to do to make the most out of the short time? Look no further.
Here is a compilation of the best activities and sightseeing that Rotterdam has to offer:
Stroll through Het Park and amazing views from Euromast
Het Park, which was established in 1852 and landscaped in English-garden style, is a popular place for people to spend their free time.
Its picturesque scenery including winding paths, small lakes and little bridges, makes it the ideal location to just stroll around casually and relax.
Once you’ve enjoyed the peace and quiet, head to the top of the nearby Euromast for some amazing views of Rotterdam.
If you’re willing to pay a little more, climb on board the Euroscoop – a moving glass pod that allows 360-degree views.
Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)
The cube houses are likely one of the most famous attractions of Rotterdam due to their unique and bizarre architecture.
Designed by Dutch architect Pier Blom, they are made to look like conventional houses, but have been tilted at an abnormal angle.
The idea is to make each individual house resemble an abstract tree so that at the end, all houses together look like a forest.
Most of these houses are residential, but two larger cubes have been converted – one into a hostel and the other into a museum.
For a small fee, visitors are able to take a look at the inside of these fascinating houses.
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Shop and eat at the Markthal
Markthal is a residential and office building which has a market hall underneath it.
Known for its horseshoe-like shape, this market hall houses hundreds of stalls, food stalls and bars.
The Markthal is also famous for one the largest artworks in the world.
“Hoorn des Overvloeds” by the artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam is world renowned and the Markthal is commonly nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam”.
Witte de Withstraat: become part of street art
Witte de Withstraat is known for its trendy and hipster vibe with plenty of small independent stores, as well as little cafés, ice cream shops, etc.
Moreover, this street is full of artwork, some of it interactive, meaning visitors have the opportunity to become part of the art themselves.
Cross the Erasmusbrug
The Erasmus bridge is Rotterdam’s most important landmark and part of the city’s official logo.
The construction of this 802-meter-long bridge, which was named after Desiderius Erasmus, an important Christian Renaissance humanist, was finished in 1996.
It connects the north and south side of the city and is easily crossable by foot, bicycle or car.
Even though it offers an amazing view, whatever the time of day, it is particularly enjoyable to cross it at night when it is all lit up.
Fun fact: In 2005 multiple planes which were taking part in the Red Bull Air Race flew under it and it also featured in Jackie Chan’s 1998 movie “Who Am I?”.
Take a waterbus to Kinderdijk and see the Windmills
Kinderdijk is a small village and a UNESCO world heritage site which is famous for its 18th century windmills, many of which are still functioning.
Visitors can take the waterbus from the Erasmusbrug and take a short ride (approx. 25 minutes) to Kinderdijk.
The scenic views make it an ideal place for photography and in the summer it is an ideal place to go on a bicycle ride, hike or take a boat tour.
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Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk
This Roman catholic church built between 1449 and 1525 is the only remaining medieval building of Rotterdam.
This church with its stunning interior, stained glass windows and big bronze doors, is a great place to visit if one loves history and architecture.
Find the funny giant Santa statue
This huge, bronze Santa statue is arguably one of Rotterdam’s funniest sights.
It was created in 2001 by Paul McCarthy, an American sculptor who had planned a statue of Santa holding a pine tree.
But the finished statue caused so much uproar that it had to be moved across the city multiple times.
Why, you wonder? It is because the “tree” the statue is holding reminds a lot of people about something else and has seen the statue nicknamed “Buttplug Gnome”.
It may not be the most important attraction to see in Rotterdam, but surely it will be one of the most hilarious ones.
Explore the Old Harbour and Maritime Museum
The Old Harbour (Oude Haven) is the ideal location for all maritime lovers as it is filled with gorgeous, restored historic boats and picturesque walk paths.
You can also explore the Maritime Museum where you can learn plenty about the area’s history, the waterways of the city and its connection to the sea.
Visit the Museumpark
If you are a true museum lover, then the Museumpark is the place for you.
Here, you can find six museums filled with art, science and history exhibits. The Museumpark ticket grants access to all of them.
There are a lot of things that can be done in Rotterdam and this article has only scratched the surface with so many more things to see and do in this gorgeous city.
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