Rotterdam Travel Guide

Rotterdam Tourist Information

The modern city of Rotterdam stands as a symbol of renewal, having evolved from the ashes of what remained at the end of WWII into a living space of art and architecture. Heralding Europe into the 21st century with its innovative design and forward thinking, its achievements were recognised when awarded the title of 2007 City of Architecture.

The city houses a wide spectrum of museums and cultural attractions ranging from classical to modern art and architecture, including the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen featuring work by Degas, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet, Warhol and Salvador Dali. Other popular arts institutes include the World Arts Museum, Netherlands Architecture Institute, Maritime Museum, Historical Museum of Rotterdam and the Netherlands Photomuseum.

Euromast, the symbol of the city, looms over the port and provides panoramic views from its impressive height of 184 metres. A visit to this attraction can be combined with a tour of the world's biggest port at Spido harbour. For kids, the massive Diergaarde Blijdorp zoo and Oceanium hold a wide variety of rare species, and an exciting shark tunnel that allows visitors to walk through a corridor of live sharks and giant sea tortoises.

Rotterdam Tourist Attractions

Groothandelsgebouw, Kunsthal, Luxor Theatre, Erasmus Bridge and the Cube-Houses are just a few of the award-winning masterpieces of design Rotterdam is famous for, and can be enjoyed on a walking tour of the city or taking a tram. Tourists can stroll through the beautiful gardens of Arboretum Trompenburg, or stop to rest in one of the quaint open-air cafés of historic Delfshaven, a leisurely way to enjoy the city's vibrant atmosphere.

The city has a great nightlife as well as lots of shopping and a huge choice of restaurants serving international cuisine. Daytrips to nearby The Hague, and into the countryside to experience the real Netherlands, with its historic villages, windmills, and tulips fields, can be organised either by train or rental car.

Transport Around Rotterdam

Rotterdam is easily reachable by car, air, boat, train, or bus, with international flights serviced through Rotterdam Airport. Local transport consists of a user friendly underground metro, buses, trams, and water taxis.

Travel insurance is recommended while visiting Rotterdam. While the city is considered a safe place to visit, medical bills can be expensive when dealing with an accident or serious illness.