Frequently I visit Rotterdam because I live near this city. Many Dutch don’t like this city, because they say it isn’t a cosy place. But I like Rotterdam and think the city has something special. Rotterdam has famous museums like Boijmans van Beuningen and the Kunsthal. There is a nice mix of historical buildings and modern architecture. Furthermore a wonderful skyline and there are great attractions to visit in Rotterdam. So here is my Rotterdam top 10 attractions.
Definitely number 1 in my Rotterdam top 10, it’s my favorite attraction the Euromast! The Euromast in Rotterdam is the tallest tower in Holland that is open for public. The Euromast is 185 meters tall and easily recognizable in the Rotterdam skyline. Visit the Euromast for a great view over Rotterdam center, Rotterdam port and surrounding areas. It also is possible to have dinner in Euromast Restaurant on 92 meter altitude and there even are two hotel suites. Thrillseekers can do abseiling.
Rotterdam harbor tour
The Rotterdam harbor is one of the largest harbors in the world. Recently I did an excursion with Spido tours. During the harbor tour you see the shipyards, docks and containers. But also the impressive skyline of Rotterdam with the Erasmus Bridge, Euromast and the skyscrapers at Kop van Zuid. The harbor tour takes 75 minutes and definitely is worth it. Alternatively you can make a unique tour with Splashtours. With their tour you go by amphibious bus through the city of Rotterdam and over the river Meuse.
Rotterdam zoo ‘Diergaarde Blijdorp’
Diergaarde Blijdorp is one of the oldest zoos in Holland and located north of Rotterdam Centraal Station. In Blijdorp every continent with their animals has its own area. The Oceanium is an aquarium that opened in 2001.
Around Museumpark you find most of the famous museums in Rotterdam. Located in Museumpark are Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, the Kunsthal, Nederlands Architectuurinstituut and Natural History Museum Rotterdam. Boijmans van Beuningen is the main art museum in Rotterdam and attracts most visitors. It has a collection from medieval to contemporary art with the focus on Dutch art.
Oude Haven (Old Harbor) is the oldest harbor of Rotterdam. It is located next to the Cube houses and the White house, which was the first skyscraper of Europe. Nowadays Oude Haven is a well-known place to go out for dinner or a drink. Certainly in summer it is nice to sit on the terraces with a view over the water.
Rotterdam Cube houses
The Rotterdam Cube houses are an innovative housing project designed by Piet Blom. It is high density housing with enough space on ground level. A village in the city. One of the Cube houses in Rotterdam is a museum or ‘show cube’. Another cube hosts a hostel.
Originally Delfshaven was the harbor of Delft until it became independent in 1795. Nowadays Delfshaven is a district of Rotterdam. Delfshaven was not bombed in World War II and because of that Delfshaven has still many historical buildings along the harbor.
Shopping in Rotterdam
The main shopping area in Rotterdam is Lijnbaan and Koopgoot. Furthermore there is a large market at Binnenrotte / Rotterdam Blaak on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Maritiem Museum Rotterdam
The Maritime Museum Rotterdam was founded in 1873 and is dedicated to naval history. In the museum people can see a large collection of models and get information. One of the major attractions is the HNLMS Buffel lying next to the museum in the harbor. Other ships from the Havenmuseum can be seen too.
Feyenoord Stadion ‘De Kuip’
De Kuip is the nickname for Feyenoord Stadion. Feyenoord Stadion was completed in 1937 and nowadays has 49.000 seats. The stadium was an example for many of the greatest stadia we know today like Camp Nou. Visit De Kuip for a 90 minute tour and see places that people usually can not access.