Rotterdam Things To Do
Considered one of the largest ports in the entire world, this is a city that truly lives by the sea. If you are coming here, you can get to know the region firsthand and see the city from both land and the regional waterways. Start at the historic harbor area and make your way around the rest of the city for a chance to experience old and new Europe in the same place.
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Start With A Boat Tour
One of the best things to do in Rotterdam is to get acquainted with the water. You can do on one of many tours in Rotterdam. A typical tour here will bring you from the Erasmus Bridge to the Brienenoord Bridge and then back again. You can also take the famous Pancake Boat. The Pancake Boat is all about two things: seeing the water and eating as many pancakes as you like. Cruises run daily and also on Saturday nights when you can take a moonlight cruise.
Visit Museums
Another popular pastime here is visiting museums. The Maritime Museum has an indoors and outdoors collection of objects. The Schielandshuis is the only standing building from the golden period of Rotterdam in the 17th century. Here is the history of Rotterdam brought to life. The Boymans van Beuningen Museum showcases modern art. The Harbor Museum is a working museum dedicated to demonstrating the workings of the harbor, complete with actual boats and cranes. Another favorite for locals and travelers alike, the World Art Museum reminds people that Rotterdam is a world class port and shows off art from all over the world. Kids and adults will enjoy the Nature Museum. Exhibits can be found on skulls, fossils, and more.
Lots of Other Places to See
Those in search of a great walk that shows off the local natural environment should check out the Bergse plassen with lots of small lakes that and grassy areas. For information about local wildlife, start off at the Het Liesvelt, a refuge for breeding storks. It’s also an ideal stopping off point for a walk or kayaking trip. For a trip to the sea, try the beach resort of the Scheveningen; it’s an easy day trip from Rotterdam. Another short and fun trip is to the Kinderdijk. This world heritage site has nineteen classic Dutch windmills grouped together in a single space. For a more modern take, see the unique and world famous Rotterdam Cubic Houses made of metal cubes.
More from SmarterTravel:
- Tips on Rotterdam Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!
- Where to Stay in the Netherlands: Lodging Tips
- Getting Around the Netherlands: Transportation Tips
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Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Rotterdam.
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