Getting to know Rotterdam
If you want to visit the wonderful country of Holland, the port city of Rotterdam is the best choice if you want to avoid the big crowds. Most people tend to opt for Amsterdam when it comes to the Dutch experience, but Rotterdam is just as offering and it is a great destination for a city break.
What you can do for free in Rotterdam
- Walk along Rotterdam’s harbour
A very good and healthy way to spend some time in Rotterdam is to take in the beauty of the city while on a relaxing walk along its harbour. The harbour is pretty big, so you have a lot of space to wander. - Visit Het Park
Spending some time in nature is a great way to unwind even when you’re on vacation. Rotterdam is not short of open green spaces, and Het Park is one of the best places you can choose. - Go on a free walking tour
There are volunteers in Rotterdam that will guide you through the streets of the city, giving you interesting information about it. Tours usually start from Markthal.
Top spots to visit
- Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen
This is one of Europe’s most important art centres. Enjoy its fascinating collection of paintings, sculptures and applied and decorative arts originating from all over the continent. - The Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)
When it comes to architecture, Rotterdam has a lot of amazing sightings to offers. The Cube Houses are no exception, and they are clearly visible from the Old Harbour area. - The Kinderdijk Windmills
Beautiful images of windmills and lands of tulips are definitely something that instantly make people think of the beautiful Holland. 23 kilometers east of Rotterdam, visitors can find the wonderful of Kinderdijk and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Hidden spots to visit
- Park Schoonoord
Besides the more famous parks in the city, this one is also a great place to visit. This big garden dates all the way back from the year 1706! - Pedestrian Maastunnel
The oldest sunken (built on the mainland and sunken into the water after) tunnel in The Netherlands, opened in 1942 during World War II, the Maastunnel is a fascinating place to walk through to get from one side of the city to the other. - Trompenburg Gardens and Arboretum
Trompenburg has been a public park since 1958 and, in the middle of the garden, visitors will find a wonderful green house, full of cacti and succulents. Plant enthusiasts will have the time of their lives here!
Restaurants
Enjoy the European and Dutch cuisine in some of the best restaurants in Rotterdam! Try out the wonderful meals in Vader Kleinjan Cafe, Restaurant Langoest, De Ballentent, Het Eethuisje van Delfshaven or choose any of the many restaurants you can find in the city, based on your budget and location.
Recommended time for visiting
From April to October, the weather in Rotterdam is the most pleasant, although late autumn, winter and early spring months are not times of extreme or really inconvenient weather either, but there is more rainfall and wind during these periods. Prices for accommodation in Rotterdam do not see a very high rise when the weather gets better.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Avg. temp. (°C) | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 4 |
I’ve got a crush on the world // Veni, vidi, amavi
