Things to Do in Rotterdam

The Markthal is Rotterdam's stunning horseshoe-shaped market hall opened in 2014, featuring the world's largest artwork on its ceiling - the "Horn of Plenty" by artist Arno Coenen. This architectural marvel combines a fresh food market with residential apartments above. Inside you'll find over 100 stalls selling everything from Dutch cheese and stroopwafels to international cuisines. The colorful ceiling depicting giant fruits and vegetables makes it a must-visit landmark.

The iconic Cube Houses designed by architect Piet Blom are Rotterdam's most photographed landmarks. These geometric yellow houses tilted at 45 degrees were built in the 1980s to represent abstract trees forming a forest. You can enter the "Show Cube" museum for €3 to experience what it's like living inside one of these architectural wonders. Some cubes are also part of the StayOkay hostel, offering a unique accommodation experience.

Standing at 185 meters, the Euromast is Rotterdam's highest observation tower offering spectacular 360° panoramic views over the city and port. Take the Euroscoop glass-bottom rotating elevator to the very top for an adrenaline rush. The tower features a restaurant at 96 meters and during summer you can zipline or rappel down for an extreme adventure. It's essential to book tickets in advance for this popular attraction.

The Erasmus Bridge is Rotterdam's iconic cable-stayed bridge shaped like a swan's neck, spanning 802 meters across the Maas River. Nicknamed "The Swan" by locals, this impressive structure connects the north and south parts of the city and is particularly stunning when illuminated at night. The bridge serves as the main connection to Kop van Zuid, the modern waterfront development, and is a symbol of Rotterdam's post-war renewal.

The Depot is the world's first publicly accessible art storage facility, opened in 2021. This mirrored bowl-shaped building houses 151,000 artworks worth $9 billion from the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen collection. Visitors can go "backstage" to see how art is stored, restored, and preserved. The rooftop garden offers panoramic views of the city and features a restaurant. The reflective exterior creates stunning photo opportunities.

Located in a historic warehouse on the Katendrecht peninsula, Fenix Food Factory is a food lover's paradise featuring local artisan producers. Sample craft beers from Kaapse Brouwers, fresh bread from Jordy's Bakery, local cheeses, and much more. The industrial setting with waterfront views creates a unique atmosphere for weekend brunches. It's the perfect spot to experience Rotterdam's thriving foodie culture away from tourist crowds.

The Maritime Museum in historic Leuvehaven harbor beautifully illustrates the Netherlands' strong connection to the sea through interactive exhibits and historical vessels. Explore 850,000 artifacts including ship models, maritime technologies, and even board historic ships moored outside. The museum tells the story of how Rotterdam became Europe's largest port and offers fascinating insights into Dutch seafaring heritage. Perfect for rainy days.

Just 20 kilometers from Rotterdam, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk features 19 authentic windmills built around 1740. This iconic Dutch landscape offers walking and cycling paths among the windmills, with some open to visitors showing how miller families lived. Best accessed by Waterbus from Rotterdam, it's an essential day trip for experiencing quintessential Dutch scenery. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.