Known for its world-class seaport and modern architecture, these are my recommendations for a one-day itinerary to Rotterdam.
Table of contents
Traveling around Rotterdam + tips
Getting around in this dynamic city in the south of the Netherlands couldn't be easier. There are a few options:
To walk:
Many of Rotterdam's main attractions are very close to each other, so they can all be reached on foot.
Cycling:
In true Dutch style, Rotterdam is a very bicycle-friendly city and well prepared for cyclists. There are plenty of rental and parking spaces all over the city. The average price to rent a bicycle is €14 per day.
You can also pick up public transport bicycles (shared bicycles) at bus and metro stops and in other public areas of the city..They cost about €3.85 for 24 hours.
Renting a bike also gives you the opportunity to go a little further than on foot and a little faster.
With the underground:
The metro system is a fast and easy way to get around Rotterdam. There are five lines, each marked with its own letter (A-E), its own color and their final destinations.
By tram:
The following tram lines8, 7, 21, 23, 21, 23, 24j25they all travel through the center of Rotterdam.
With the bus:
The RET offers bus lines that connect the center with various city districts, neighborhoods and the metropolitan region.
(RET is the main public transport company in Rotterdam, operating buses, metros and trams. You can buy a disposable card for short use for all these modes of transport.)
By water taxi:
A great and unique way to get around this city, the water taxis stop all over the city at 50 different stops! Within the center of Rotterdam it is possible to travel from € 4.50 per person.
For those who have little time, or prefer to have everything arranged for themselves, there are fantastic toursget your guidebookable in advance.
what to pack
erasmus bridge
A must-see, and definitely one for your 1-day Rotterdam itinerary, is the spectacular Erasmus Bridge.
Considered an architectural work of art, the Erasmus Bridge spans the Nieuwe Massa and forms an important connection between North and South Rotterdam.
Completed in 1996 and located in the center of Rotterdam, this unique harp-shaped structure towers over Europe's largest port.
The 802 meter long bridge is wide enough for road traffic, trams, bicycles and pedestrians, so you have the option to cross.
However, many people say that the bridge is best viewed from the river to fully appreciate its design.
A recommended way to do this isRotterdam: Harbor tour. The journey costs around £14 per adult and lasts around 75 minutes with the added bonus of audio commentary.
Shop hall
Located in the historic Laurenskwartier in the heart of Rotterdam, theShop hallIt is an impressive piece of modern architecture.
Opened in 2014, this impressive building consists of 228 apartments arranged in a large arch with a covered square below.
On the covered square you will find a huge market, designed to look like a typical Dutch market but with a very modern twist.
Filled with a variety of approximately 96 food stalls and shops offering a diverse selection of goods, it's a great place for some retail therapy along with great food!
With its own underground parking garage and close to metro and tram connections, it is a very easily accessible place and definitely worth a visit.
This amazing hybrid structure, where people can live, park, shop, eat and enjoy a drink, is a great complex and should be on your 1-day Rotterdam itinerary.
If you have a passion for architecture, then theWalking tour through the architecture of Rotterdamit's a 2 hours tour with a local architect who will take you to the Market Hall along with other local architectural gems.
Cube houses
Another iconic and eye-catching attraction of Rotterdam are the uniqueCube houses. Located next to the Rotterdam Zwart train station in the center of Rotterdam, they are easy to find.
Built in the 1970s by architect Piet Blom, these striking houses are cubes tilted 45 degrees to one side to make the most of all available space.
The houses have 3 floors with the entrance on the ground floor, kitchen and living room on the first floor and bathroom and two bedrooms on the second floor.
One of the houses has been converted into a Showkubus museum, so it is possible to view one of the houses fully furnished. This gives you great encouragement for the challenges of living in a house without straight walls!
Entry to the Cube Museum costs around €3 per adult and you can take some really interesting photos in this unique setting.
But even if you only see them from the outside, these cube houses should be on your 1-day Rotterdam itinerary.
You can also reserve 2 hoursGuided tour of Rotterdam with access to the cube houseIt also takes you to the Markthal and other architectural sights.
Euromast
When you arrive in Rotterdam, don't miss the Euromast lookout tower. Located in the Scheepvaartkwartier of the city, it is one of the tallest towers in the Netherlands.
With a height of 183 meters, this impressive tower offers the most spectacular 360 degree view of Rotterdam. So put this on your 1-day Rotterdam itinerary, because it's really worth it for the view alone.
Tickets cost approximately €10.50 for children aged 12-64 and €7 for children aged 4-11. If you want to book in advance, you can book your ticket viaAccess to the Euromast lookout tower.
The viewpoint is divided into two areas. The main viewing platform and then a raised platform continuing up the spire.
If you want to go all the way to the top, you can take the Euroscoop. This revolving elevator will take you to the top of the tower, but it's not for the faint of heart!
In addition, there is a restaurant about 100 meters away. Here you can enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner while enjoying the beautiful view.
Where to stay in Rotterdam
Luxe -how Rotterdam
Located on the Wilhelminakade in the 'De Rotterdam' building with a view of the river Maas and the city skyline, the nhow Rotterdam offers rooms with free Wi-Fi. This modern design hotel by Rem Koolhaas/OMA also features a terrace on the seventh floor and a gym.
All rooms are brightly decorated and have air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bath or shower and a toilet. There are also tea and coffee making facilities and a TV.
Breakfast is available every morning in the breakfast room. There is an à la carte restaurant. Guests can relax and have a drink at the bar, which offers a wide range of wines, beers and cocktails. You can also dance the night away at the hotel's rooftop bar.
Average Budget –MotelOne Rotterdam
Conveniently located in the center of Rotterdam, Motel One Rotterdam offers free WiFi throughout and a bar. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is allergy-free and is situated 4.3 km from Erasmus University.
All hotel rooms have a flat-screen TV. The private bathroom has a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At Motel One Rotterdam, all rooms include bed linen and towels.
Breakfast is available every morning and includes buffet, continental and vegetarian options.
Budget -ibis budget Rotterdam The Hague Airport
This 2-star hotel is located in Rotterdam's Overschie district, 200 meters from Rotterdam The Hague Airport. It features a shared lounge, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site.
The hotel rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. At ibis budget Rotterdam The Hague Airport, all rooms also include bed linen and towels.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast.
The ibis budget Rotterdam The Hague Airport has a business center and vending machines for drinks and snacks. Staff at the reception speak German, English, Spanish and Hungarian.
For more accommodation options in Rotterdam, you can view the latest prices atBooking. com.
More blogs from Europe
11 best things to do in Brussels
Top 10 things to do in Paris
London Bucket List: 22 Best Things to Do in London
6 best things to do in Berlin
Pin it for later!
