20x best things to do in Rotterdam
Ready for some adventure during your stay? As locals, we've selected the best things to do in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. And we're skipping the typical tourist traps. These are the fun, simple things you can explore solo, mostly (not all) away from the usual crowds. Let's jump right in!
Try one of Rotterdam’s best breweries
Unleash your inner beer aficionado with a tour and tasting at Rotterdam’s coolest breweries such as Brouwerij Noordt.Visit the Floating Farm
Step onto the future with a visit to the world’s coolest floating dairy farm – sustainability never looked this fun (and yes, it’s delicious)Shop ‘til you drop at the Meent
Get your fashion fix strolling through the Meent, where trendy boutiques and hip cafes await your discovery.Picnic at the Maas river
Grab some Dutch cheese and chill by the Maas river. It’s picnic time with stunning views of Noordereiland and the iconic Erasmus bridge.Stroll through Kralingse Bos
Take a zen moment in the lush greenery of Kralingse Bos – perfect for a leisurely walk. Grab a coffee, try some pancakes and enjoy a typical Dutch scenery.Visit the local street market
Tickle your tastebuds at Oogstmarkt at Noordplein or hop over to the pop-up market each tuesday and saturday in front of Markthal for multicultural delicacies.Walk down Nieuwe Binnenweg
Walk the line between quirky shops and cool cafes on Nieuwe Binnenweg – urban exploration at its best.Discover historic Delfshaven
Wander through historic Delfshaven for a taste of old-world charm amidst the city’s modern rush.Hop on a boat
Pancake cruises, speedboats, and hop-on-hop-off adventures - take your pick. Jump aboard and glide through the waterways for a fresh view on Rotterdam’s stunning architecture.Join a football game
Get swept up in the excitement of one of Feyenoord’s football games and cheer like a local. “You’ll never walk alone!”Bike around town
When in Rotterdam, do as the Dutch do – bike everywhere and discover all of the city’s hidden gems. Use either your own superpowers or rent an electric bike.BBQ in the park
Buy a takeaway BBQ set at Albert Heijn and fire up the grill. Join the locals for a BBQ in Vroesenpark. Good food, ball games and great vibes.Enjoy a comedy show
Laugh your socks off at Haug Comedy Club, where the good times roll and the laughs keep coming.Visit Markthal
Feast your eyes and your appetite at Markthal, where foodie dreams come true under an architectural wonder. Don’t forget to look up!Admire more architectural wonders
Gawk at Rotterdam’s skyline and marvel at the many cutting-edge designs that define the city. Plan your route to see Rotterdam’s most iconic buildings.Play Jeux-de-boules
Okay, this one’s out of the box. It may sound boring, but trust us– it’s fun. Mooie Boules ensures an amazing time mixing games with food, drinks, karaoke and more.Explore Fenix Food Factory
A foodie’s paradise with a side of cool industrial vibes and fresh river breeze. Wander through Katendrecht for “gezellige” cafes in a cozy setting.Bar hopping at Witte de With
In for a little marathon? Visit Witte de With straat, a bar street full of quirky shops and cafes. From ice cream to cocktails and live jazz – fun is guaranteed.Do a Dutch gin tasting
Not a beer fan? Try jenever, our Dutch version of gin. Drop by the National Genever Museum in Schiedam or visit Ballroom at Witte de With straat for a next-level gin tasting.Visit an art gallery
Creativity alert! Visit art venues like the eclectic Kunsthal, the innovative Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the captivating Nederlands Fotomuseum, the forward-thinking Het Nieuwe Instituut or the contemporary TENT in Rotterdam.
There you have it! Rotterdam’s best things to do. From quirky streets to pop-up markets and joining in on a typical saturday for us locals. Enjoy!
