Already planned a visit to our beloved harbour city? Its skyline, amounts of water, in combination with a daring architecture makes Rotterdam one of the most interesting cities in Europe. Whenever you’re in town, make sure to keep this list close to you, cause you don’t want to miss out on these hotspots.
Witte de Withstraat
Art galleries, popular cafés, trendy restaurants and exceptional boutique shops: the cultural ‘Witte de Withstraat’ will never bore you. The great number of terraces increases the bustling and lively feeling of the area. One of our favourite spots is Café de Witte Aap, mentioned as the best bar in the world by Lonely Planet. Just across the road, you’ll find the trendy Nieuw Rotterdam Café, a striking and majestic premise that previously served as the head office of the NRC Newspaper.
Kunsthal Rotterdam
De Kunsthal is an icon when it comes to modern architecture. Architectural lovers from all over the world pay a visit to this extraordinary museum, designed and developed by world famous architect Rem Koolhaas, and located at the edge of Rotterdam’s beautiful Museum Park. Top-notch contrasting projects and controversial exhibitions keep De Kunsthal a true innovative museum.
Euromast
With a height of 185 meters, the Euromast counts as the highest tower of The Netherlands. Originally it was only 101 meter, but the competition was fierce and soon the tower didn’t count as the highest one anymore. The Euromast decided to make a comeback in 1970 by adding the so-called Space Tower. The rooftop of the Euromast guarantees you the best and most enchanting view of the city and her surroundings. When visiting on the weekends or during holidays, a guide is there to inform you about all the fun and interesting facts. For all the daredevils out there, we recommend to leave the elevator for what it is and go down abseiling!
Rib Experience
For everyone that is into speed and wants to experience the city to the fullest: book a High-Speed Harbor Tour at Rib Experience and hop on the boat from the Mainport Hotel pier. The skippers steer you through the port of Rotterdam with high speed and tell you the most interesting stories about the things you’ll see along the way. The duration of the trip varies from 15-60 minutes and departs from the Wijnhaven.
Diergaarde Blijdorp
Meet the most exquisite animals in an all-natural environment in Zoo Blijdorp; one of Europe’s most beautiful zoos, designed and developed by architect Sybold Ravesteyn. He chose to use as few railings and fences as possible, and instead exploit some natural barriers such as ditches and canals. The thrill is high when finding yourself eye to eye with the elephants. And don’t forget to visit the shark room, where you’ll enjoy a fancy lunch while sharks find their way around you.
Fenix Food Factory
At the daily fresh market of Katendrecht all products are being freshly made; on spot, the bread is being baked, the coffee roasted and the beer brewed. Tip: try the varying weekend slides: a tremendous collection of products served on a wooden shelve. And at the ‘Kaapse Bierbrouwerij’ you’ll savour a special beer while enjoying some relaxing live music.
De Tuin
One of the best places to gaze the Rotterdam skyline is restaurant De Tuin. Beautifully located near the Kralingse Bos and situated directly at the Kralingse Plas. Its terrace is the ultimate place to unwind and enjoy a refreshment on hot summer days. Though, even in winter De Tuin is recommendable. The building, a majestic mansion from 1867, serves perfectly as a stopover for a hot chocolate in between strolling. And whenever it is truly cold, put on your ice skates and enjoy!
Overnight stay in Rotterdam
Obviously, there is too much to explore in Rotterdam for only one day. A stay at Mainport Hotel or Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre makes sure you’ll have the time needed to enjoy the city to its fullest.