Things to do in Rotterdam

Best Things to do in Rotterdam

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Rotterdam? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 198 activities in Rotterdam, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 287, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Rotterdam in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Best Things to Do in Rotterdam for a Memorable City Escape

About Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a city that looks forward. Known for its modern skyline, bold architecture, and vibrant port, it feels different from many other Dutch cities. Here you’ll find striking buildings, lively neighbourhoods, and an energy that makes exploring exciting.

Rotterdam is a city that surprises you with its mix of sharp modern buildings and laid-back neighbourhood corners. The Cube Houses are instantly recognisable, the Erasmus Bridge gives you skyline views, and the Markthal pulls you in with its food stalls and murals. Step away from the big sights and you’ll find small cafes, riverside paths, and green parks where locals slow down.

Even if you’ve only got a day, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Rotterdam that don’t feel rushed. Stay longer, and the mix of museums, nightlife, and waterfront walks keeps you busy without ever feeling repetitive.

Unique Experiences

Rotterdam Highlights Bike Tour

You cycle through the heart of the city, from modern architecture and street art to hidden neighbourhood corners. It’s a hands-on, immersive way to cover things to do in Rotterdam at your own pace.

• Where: Starts near Leuvehaven, Rotterdam city centre
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,400 per person
• Timing: Starts around 10:30 AM, lasts 2 hours 30 minutes
• When to Visit: Spring through autumn, when the weather is ideal for enjoying the city by bike

Rotterdam Spy Mission: City Exploration Game

Solve clues around the city on your smartphone in this fun, app-based scavenger hunt. You work through puzzles, learn Rotterdam’s history, and move through landmarks at your own pace. It’s one of the cool things to do in Rotterdam for a playful solo or group experience.

• Where: Anywhere in the city, starts at your convenience
• Pricing: It starts from INR 750 per person
• Timing: About 1 hour and 30 minutes; 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM
• When to Visit: Year-round, ideal in spring or autumn when walking feels fresh

Private Pedicab/Rickshaw Tour of Rotterdam

You ride around in a pedicab through city highlights like Cube Houses, old harbour areas, and hidden architectural gems. It’s relaxing, personal, and great for a gentle exploration of things to do in Rotterdam in a day.

• Where: Pick-up from Rotterdam hotel or central point
• Pricing: It starts from INR 13,000 per group
• Timing: From 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes; slots available from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• When to Visit: Year-round; evenings work nicely if you want that relaxed things to do in Rotterdam tonight vibe

Top Attractions in Rotterdam

Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)

The Cube Houses are hard to miss with their tilted yellow design. You can wander through the cluster, take your photos from different angles, and step into the small Show Cube to see how people actually live inside. It’s a quick stop, but one of those things to do in Rotterdam that feels genuinely different from anywhere else.

• Where: Overblaak Development, near Blaak Station
• Pricing: It starts from INR 350 per person
• Timing: Daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• When to Visit: Weekdays are quieter; weekends get busier with crowds

Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug)

Locals call it “The Swan” because of its shape, and it’s become a symbol of modern Rotterdam. Crossing it on foot or by bike gives you some of the best views of the river and skyline. If you’re noting down things to do in Rotterdam tonight, this is worth it, as the bridge lit up against the water is a simple but striking sight.

• Where: Spanning the Nieuwe Maas River
• Pricing: Free to cross
• Timing: Open 24 hours
• When to Visit: Sunset or evening, when the city lights up

Markthal

This covered market is more than just a place to eat, it’s a piece of architecture in itself. The huge arch-shaped building has apartments above and colourful murals across the ceiling, with dozens of food stalls below. It easily ranks among the top 10 things to do in Rotterdam, whether you’re here for a quick snack or a proper meal.

• Where: Dominee Jan Scharpstraat 298, central Rotterdam
• Pricing: Free to enter (food prices vary)
• Timing: Monday to Thursday & Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• When to Visit: Late morning or lunchtime for the best mix of stalls and atmosphere

Sightseeing Tours

Rotterdam Bike Tour - All the Highlights

You'll wander through Rotterdam’s standout neighbourhoods with a guide who points out striking architecture, the Cube Houses, and street art. It gives you the feel of the city and places to return to later, classic things to do in Rotterdam.

• Where: Meeting point at Rotterdam Central Station
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,900 per person
• Timing: About 2 hours and 30 minutes; slots available at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• When to Visit: Spring through autumn, when outdoor walking is most enjoyable

Private Customizable Day Trip from Rotterdam

Choose your own path and head out to Delft, The Hague, or Gouda, or bike through countryside spots. It's one of the best things to do in Rotterdam if you want outsider perspective with local ease.

• Where: Flexible starting point; covers southern/northern Netherlands
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,800 per person
• Timing: From 2 to 6 hours; slots available from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• When to Visit: Spring and summer, especially during tulip season

Day Trips

All-Inclusive Private Windmill Tour to Kinderdijk

You get private transport, a guide, and a boat ride to several UNESCO-listed windmills. It’s a serene escape and a standout among top 10 things to do in Rotterdam, giving you a taste of Holland’s timeless landscapes.

• Where: Pickup in Rotterdam city centre
• Pricing: It starts from INR 17,800 per person
• Timing: Around 3 to 4 hours
• When to Visit: Spring through early autumn, for clearer skies and boat access

Full Day Sightseeing Day Trip to Brussels From Rotterdam

Spending a day in Brussels gives you the best mix of grand squares, chocolate shops, and historic landmarks. From the impressive Grand Place to the Atomium, this trip balances culture and free time perfectly. It’s a relaxed way to see another capital city without needing to plan the details yourself.

• Where: Rotterdam, Netherlands.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 51,000 per person.
• Timing: Departs around 7:30 AM; the full trip lasts about 10 hours.
• When to Visit: Best in spring (April to June) for flowers and mild weather, or autumn (September to October) for fewer crowds.

Boat Tours

Private Tour: Rotterdam Walking Tour Including Harbor Cruise

A guided cruise that gives you the chance to see Rotterdam’s skyline, as well as explore Museumpark, the Rotterdam Centrum and the Old Harbor. Relaxing while informative, it’s one of the cool things to do in Rotterdam that lets you sit back and take in the city's scale.

• Where: Departs from Kijk-Kubus
• Pricing: It starts from INR 16,900 per person
• Timing: About 4 hours; slots available at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• When to Visit: Spring to autumn, for agreeable weather and open views

Getting Around

• Metro and trams: The metro connects central Rotterdam with nearby districts and the port, while trams are quick for short hops across the city. Both are useful if you’re lining up multiple top 10 things to do in Rotterdam in a single day.
• Trains: Rotterdam Centraal links the city to The Hague, Delft, and Amsterdam. Handy if you’re planning things to do in Rotterdam in one day but want to slip out for a short excursion.
• Buses: Cover areas the metro and trams don’t reach, especially for neighbourhood markets or spots just outside the centre.
• Cycling: Rotterdam is flat and easy to bike around. Riding along the river or out toward the Erasmus Bridge is one of the more relaxed fun things to do in Rotterdam when the weather’s good.
• Walking: The main sights like Cube Houses, Markthal, Old Harbour, are all close together. If your list of things to do in Rotterdam this weekend is centred downtown, walking will do the job.
• Taxis: More expensive but useful if you’re out late after enjoying things to do in Rotterdam tonight, or carrying shopping back from markets.

Traveller Tips

• Use mornings well: Markets like Markthal and neighbourhood cafés are quieter earlier in the day. If you’re planning things to do in Rotterdam in a day, start with food and strolls before the rush.
• Look beyond the centre: Neighbourhoods like Katendrecht or Delfshaven give you a more local feel with small bars, canals, and history. Adding these stops balances the best things to do in Rotterdam with authentic corners.
• Plan for evenings: The skyline looks its best after dark. Including a walk across the Erasmus Bridge or a riverside drink makes your list of romantic things to do in Rotterdam or social outings feel complete.
• Keep weather in mind: You’ll notice the wind more than anything here. Even in summer, a sudden gust can sweep through the streets, and rain showers come out of nowhere. Keep a light jacket in your bag so you don’t end up cutting your day short..
• Check weekend events: Rotterdam always seems to have something happening. One weekend it’s a street festival, the next an outdoor art show or food market. Leave some space in your plan so you can just follow the crowds or the music and see what’s going on.