The interior of the church is quite beautiful with many decorated arches, high vaulted ceilings and a variety of stone reliefs and rich religious decoration. The church is famous for its three Danish organs, the largest of which stands on a marble base on the inside wall of the tower. Theybrighten up boring walls with high-quality street art! De Wandelwijck is where you, but especially your parents, can relax for a bit. The permanent collection of Museum Voorlinden is very cool and the museum also offers nice exhibitions. Tourists from all over the world come here to admire the beautiful windmills. A boat trip takes 15 minutes from sailing to mooring. Upon entering the church, you'll be struck by the beauty of the bright interior, an effect heightened by the colored glass of its windows. Guided tours are available, and the modest admission fee includes a very informative English-language audio guide. For instance, you can stay on the steamship ss Rotterdam. Madurodam offers all kinds of fun attractions and activities. Notable pieces include the Tower of Babel by Pieter Bruegel, and Couple with their heads full of Clouds by Dali. You can find a list of all the poolshere (only in Dutch). While walking you experience the work of art. Windmills are an iconic structure that has come to define the Netherlands and is one of the main things people associate with the country. Fun tours along the canals are also available. Free-roam VR means that you can move and walk around freely, in this case in a gigantic hall of 200 square meters. Download the Rewriters app to follow a street art route in Rotterdam. Then be sure to visit Pele Surf Shack, the first plant-based beach club in the Netherlands. It consists of Speelwijck, Dierenwijck and Wandelwijck. The Euromast Tower is an observation station that was created in 1960 to provide panoramic views of the Rotterdam Cityscape. Fortunately, there are certainly still traces of the past in our city. The great thing is that at Kidsmarina they immediately gain insight into the port and its functions and vehicles. Address: Museumpark 25, 3015 CB Rotterdam, Official site: https://hetnieuweinstituut.nl/en, Colorful painted arch ceiling at the Rotterdam Market Hall. Are you already getting hungry? In addition to its exhibits, visitors can visit Sonneveld House, an example of a modernist architectural style dating from the 1920s that's located just across the street. Consequently, its unspoiled old architecture has resulted in it becoming one of the most popular spots in this big bustling city. At the top-end of the city's many mid-range hotels, Just a short walk away from the city's Central Station and fabulous shopping, the. The bombing in 1940 destroyed a large part of the city center. TIP: check our historic route in Rotterdam. Miniworld Rotterdam is a super fun place for a day out with your kids. For instance, you can go for a ride on the watertaxi. TIP: already get your ticket for Miniworld Rotterdam! Each of its 19 perfectly preserved 18th-century windmills is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rotterdam is known worldwide for its architecture. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom, this block of houses, with their unique cube-shaped upper stories, are clearly visible from a walk through the Old Harbor. In this attraction you will be taken on an audiovisual journey for an hour and you become one with the art. Everything is surprisingly detailed. The nice thing about this pool is that you can also swim outside in the summer. Then go play inside the Huis in de Heuvel or House in the Hill. There is of course a particular emphasis on Dutch styles, but other global design movements are also featured. An example is the work Open Ended, photographed above, by American artist Richard Serra. In this route you will pass the places that really stand out in the city and are characteristic of Rotterdam. Close to half the exhibit features parts of Rotterdam, allowing the little ones in your party to recognize some of the many attractions they may already have visited. Today, it is one of the most modern and architecturally interesting places to visit in Europe. The tower features a restaurant, a conference room for business meetings, a hotel suite and of course the observation deck. Those with an interest in architecture and building design should visit the Het Nieuwe Instituut (HNI). Although almost completely destroyed by German air attacks in 1940, central Rotterdam was energetically rebuilt after the war and replanned with modern shopping streets, residential districts, and high-rises. Then to brave the rain again with your umbrella and still admireall the sights of Rotterdam! It starts off with a glass of Prosecco or jus dorange, followed by sandwiches, wraps, vegetable muffins, fresh fruit and sweet delicacies. Those with an interest in photography should plan on visiting the Netherlands Photo Museum (Nederlands Fotomuseum). Check out more Escape Rooms in Rotterdam in this article. If you are looking for a little adrenaline action you can even zip-line or abseil from the tower. Because of the clear sky, youll be able to see for miles in the distance! Here you can stay in one of the 254 rooms with a choice of six different room types. The station connects to many other destinations in the Netherlands including Amsterdam, Den Haag, Groningen and Tilburg and sees 100,000+ passengers come through its doors on a daily basis. Walk under a waterfall, go on an adventure with the unearthly creatures of Hieronymus Bosch, learn to time travel and surround yourself with paintings by Dutch Old Masters such as Van Gogh and Mondriaan. For thrill seekers looking for more than just great views there's the chance to abseil down the building, while those looking for a unique overnight stay can book one of two stunning suites located at the 100-meter point. Official site: https://laurenskerkrotterdam.nl/en/. Wave immediately to all icons: the Erasmus Bridge, Euromast and the Market Hall. The cubes are like no other type of house you will see and they really are an interesting concept; it makes you wonder how the people living here cope with the strange angles of the walls and windows. So its an educational and fun day out in Rotterdam! Erected in 1960, this 185-meter-high tower houses two restaurants with superb city views, each at the 92-meter mark. Copyright 2022 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful view over Rotterdam, its also possible to book a table and have a delicious dinner or just get some drinks. TIP:Bring a blanket, some food and drinks and enjoy a picnic in the grass during your walk! Its large collections cover the history of shipping and seafaring, including ship models, a reconstruction of a 2,000-year-old vessel, and numerous seafaring paintings. The museum is a privately funded initiative of the Dutch art collector Joop van Caldenborgh and displays his personal collection. Another fun water activity is the Splash tour. Once Europe's tallest building, this stunning 10-story Art Nouveau structure was built in 1898 and is now a National Heritage Site, with superb views from its rooftop. Do you love vintage shopping? So rain or shine, you must visit the Cube Houses! Visit the newest interactive experience in Rotterdam: Remastered. Along the way, you'll visit the Miniworld workshop and learn how the trains are controlled from the command center, including how the whole display is lit up when night falls an event that happens every 25 minutes in Miniworld Rotterdam. There are many companies that provide boat tours, but one particular tour is the Spido Harbor Tour which last approximately 75 minutes. The Markthal is a stunning piece of architecture that was constructed in 2009 and serves as both an office building and a marketplace. This really is a place full of interesting objects relating to the maritime world and the artefacts you can find here are world-class. Mooie Boules is a perfect spot for fun with friends! You will be part of the traffic around the harbor, view the shipyard, the dock and the modern handling of thousands of containers. In addition to countless large freight vessels, you'll see mile after mile of quays and storage facilities built to service the world's busiest port. It's well worth including on your Netherlands travel itinerary. Another example of the city's modern-yet-functional architecture is the Rotterdam Kunsthal, or Art Hall. Located in Grote Kerkplein, the late Gothic church dates from the 15th century and was built on once marshy ground giving the building a peculiar lean that was only halted after its foundation was rebuilt in 1650. Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. Plaswijckpark is fun for the whole family! Great for cooling off during those sultry summer days! For example, choose the Castle. Rotterdam is a city that is full of modern and unique architecture and the central station is one such building. Are you in Rotterdam for the first time and do you want to see as much as possible? The great thing is that the municipality of Rotterdam gives artists the space to create something cool. A truly unique experience, in which visitors, art, architecture and sustainability come together. In addition to tasting the typical Dutch pancakes, you will explore Rotterdam with a boat trip on the Maas. Museum Rotterdam is one of the best places to visit for those wanting to learn more about the history of this fascinating port city. Book online: 90-Minute Harbor Cruise with Live Guide. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. I like to tip the Van Maanenbad in Blijdorp. As a co-founder of Weekends in Rotterdam, Lisanne likes to keep herself busy with editorial work. If you're visiting Rotterdam for the first time and want to see some of the city's top sights, the best area to stay is in the city center. When the sun shines it is full of people barbecuing, children playing and friends enjoying a drink. Newer exhibits have been added that feature the field of digital culture. Need more inspiration for your time in our city? Kinderdijk, with its 19 windmills, has been a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Built between 1722 and 1761, together they comprise the largest surviving concentration of windmills in the country, a history that's celebrated during special Mill Days, when their sails are once again set in motion. During the tour, the bus literally takes a dip in the Maas. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Another marine-related tourist attraction is the adjoining Maritime Museum Harbor, an open-air facility that's home to the well-preserved 19th-century ironclad Buffel, as well as an old lightship. The clock and the large letters that are set in the station entrance were transferred from the old station to retain some of its memory. I already mentioned unique accommodations on the water in this article, but did you ever consider camping in a city? Rotterdam's massive port occupies half the city's total area of 247 square kilometers, much of it in turn occupied by Europoort, a huge complex known as the "Gateway to Europe." Learn more about the port during this cruise. The factory promotes fresh local produce and you can find some delightful treats here and even freshly roasted coffee and home brewed beer. So you have to leave Rotterdam for this walking spot (20 minutes by car from the center of Rotterdam), but it is definitely worth a visit, especially if you want to escape from the city. A boat tour is the perfect way to see the fantastic harbours and ports of Rotterdam. Located near the Museumpark, Central Station, and great shops and restaurants. Also known as the Diergaarde Blijdorp, the Rotterdam Zoo had stood for many years despite having to change locations during WWII to avoid bombing. The striking Art Nouveau style of this building, make it easily recognisable and the white faade, ornate turrets and decorative roof give it great character. To help you make the most of your time, be sure to read our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Rotterdam. Really a top place for a family outing in Rotterdam! Because some places are quite far apart, it is best to follow this route by bicycle or public transport. During a high tea you get unlimited cups of tea and sweet treats such as scones, pies and chocolate. Here you will find green oases with beautiful forests, landscaped gardens and historic farms. Highlights include a broad collection of historical images by a number of Dutch photographers. In this article you can find enough inspiration for a fun packed day with your friends, loved one or kids! The towers stands at 606ft and with its antenna it is the tallest building in Rotterdam. TIP:already book your ride in the Pancake boat! I will make sure Ill do everything! Villa Zebra is a childrens museum with contemporary visual art. Then I recommend the Zwaanhals in Rotterdam Noord. Official site: https://museumrotterdam.nl/en/. The ship was one of the last lavishly decorated liners and was finally retired in the year 2000. Discover IJsselmonde has listed the 5 most beautiful cycling routes for you. In the Verkeerstuin or Traffic Garden you can drive a car, in the Apenspeeltuin or Monkey Playground you can lie around on the ropes. The capital of the Netherlands, The Hague, also makes for an easy excursion, and is well worth visiting for its fine old palaces. Official site: www.miniworldrotterdam.com/ENGindex.htm, Museum Rotterdam | Maykova Galina / Shutterstock.com. This is commemorated with a memorial and bronze tablet. One of them, the Show Cube, is open to visitors and contains displays on the design and history of the buildings. Each time you enter a new world and you dont know what to expect. Book online: Rotterdam Zoo Skip-the-Line Ticket. Great St. Lawrence Church (Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk) is all that's left of Rotterdam's medieval buildings, most of which were destroyed during WWII. But thats certainly not all. While you can't visit the richly decorated interior on your own, guided tours are available and can be booked through the city's tourist office. Of these, the most important works are by Dutch painter Pieter de Hooch. To help you find your way around when you come shopping in Rotterdam, we also have a handy shopping route on offer, with which you can visit as many stores as possible in one day. Visit them all during a lovely walk! Really great list! Or rent a luxurious Cube house entirely for yourself via Airbnb. On this walking tour you first get an extensive explanation from an architect guide before the tour with the water taxi starts. Guided tours are available of the ships bridge and engine room which provide an interesting insight into how the ship operated during its glory days. The Schoonhoven Town Hall (Stadhuis), built in 1452 in Late Gothic style but much altered in later centuries, has a domed hexagonal tower containing a carillon of 50 bells. Its a fun place to go if youre looking for a fun activity with your friends. For example, in our city you can find the interactive Make It Happen artworks and there are often initiatives by Pow Wow Rotterdam and Rewriters010 (among others). Take your waste home with you, of course. Do you want to know where you can find the best swimming pools in Rotterdam? From the heart of Rotterdam you can easily reach Island IJsselmonde, a surprisingly varied and undiscovered area. Beautiful cycling routes take you across the island via dikes, woods and river paths. A restaurant and shop are located on the premises. Look out for the 17th-century pulpit with its figures of the 12 Apostles, and the tomb of Olivier van Noort, the first Dutchman to circumnavigate the globe in the early 1600s. St. Bartholomeuskerk, founded in the 13th century and notable for its tendency to lean off the vertical, has stalls carved with scenes from the life of Christ. This border shows the border of the area that was destroyed in 1940. In recent years, more and more street art can be found in Rotterdam. If you've got the time, book a fun behind-the-scenes tour. TIP: Buy your ticket for the Euromast here. Established in 1857 and one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands, Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp) is well known for its successful breeding programs. The factory has been completely transformed into a French village square. As the largest port city in Europe, the port is an important part of Rotterdam. Rotterdam is home to many fine examples of modern architecture, much of it inspired by the city's waterside setting, as well as a response to the devastation of WWII. Visit Villa Zebra for interactive exhibitions and art installations, art workshops and reading afternoons. Other Coolsingel highlights include the Beurs-World Trade Center, a high-rise building with a facade of greenish-blue glass, and the Bijenkorf ("Beehive") department store, designed by leading architect Marcel Breuer in 1958. Hopefully, after reading this article, youll have enough inspiration for a fun packed day. The market section of the Markthal contains a huge array of shops, stalls, restaurants and bars such as a Tea bar, a tapas bar, a world of drinks shop and over 70 other different businesses. And, if after your visit the kids still have energy to burn, pay a visit to Plaswijckpark. Unique in its kind and therefore an essential part during your visit to Rotterdam. Unfortunately they are closed during the winter, but the doors open again in March. Experience virtual reality in Rotterdam! Aside from the beer and coffee you can also indulge in tasty cheeses, a selection of butchers meats and bread and cakes from Jordys Bakery. Fun things to do in Leiden, one of the country's main cultural centers, include its old castle and world-class museums. Then visit Kinderdijk. Then it takes about 50 minutes from Rotterdam Centre. You can find Mooie Boules in a characteristic metal factory in the emerging ZOHO area. Just a short commute to the north is the country's porcelain center of Delft, known for its famous Delftware, a type of pottery that has graced shelves and dining room hutches around the world since the 17th century. From the best water activities to things to do on a rainy day, you can find plenty of inspiration in this article. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. The inside of the structure has some amazing artwork by Arno Coenen and shows various colourful fruits, plants, insects and flowers. The museum is located in central Rotterdam near the Markthal and the Cube houses. Withthis walking route around the Ackerdijkse Plassenyou walk around the nature reserve. There is a Picnic Pasture, a Rosarium with 40 varieties of roses and an English garden with several fountains. And to the north of Amsterdam is the city of Haarlem, boasting one of the most attractive and pedestrian-friendly city centers in the country. For visitors and travelers, Rotterdam is as popular for its vibrant entertainment options as it is for its many fine museums, splendid architecture, and maritime tourist attractions. Home Travel Guides The Netherlands 15 Best Things to Do in Rotterdam (The Netherlands). Check out these fun things to do in Rotterdam. Rotterdam is on my bucket list! Recommended tour: Markthal Tour, Meet & Taste, and Het Witte Huis. Address: Blijdorplaan 8, 3041 JE Rotterdam, Official site: www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/. Fun things to do during a rainy day in Rotterdam, Fun things to do in the surrounding areas of Rotterdam, this walking route around the Ackerdijkse Plassen. Then visit the Dierenwijck and meet the different animals that live there. Also: dont forget to bring your camera! This museum is located in one of the largest and oldest museum ports in the Netherlands and here you can learn more about the past and present of the port of Rotterdam. Built between 1914 and 1920 in Dutch Renaissance style, it miraculously escaped destruction in the bombing of the city during World War II. In addition to the practical function of the water taxi, you can also book it in combination with a tour (for example here!).