The Top 10 Things to Do in Rotterdam

Explore the world’s wildlife at Diergaarde Blijdorp zoo, one of Europe’s oldest and most sustainable zoos. Wander through themed zones like the Oceanium, home to sharks and sea turtles, or visit elephants, tigers, and rare species in carefully designed natural habitats. Don’t forget to check out the 21 national heritage monuments on site, including the iconic Rivièrahal. Kids can enjoy interactive play areas, and the free “Expeditie Blijdorp” app helps guide your visit with fun facts and activities. 

The Euromast is Rotterdam’s original high-rise landmark and still towers above the city at 185 meters. Your visit begins on the ground floor with the new “The Rise of Rotterdam” experience, an interactive journey through the city’s history, guiding you from the first dam in the Rotte to the Euromast’s construction at the 1960 Floriade. Ride the Euroscoop to 180 meters for panoramic views that stretch far beyond the skyline. A must-see for your Rotterdam city trip. Afterward, stroll through Park Schoonoord or unwind with a laid-back lunch at café Parqiet, tucked in the middle of the greenery. 

Visit the world’s first floating farm in the innovative M4H district. Home to 40 cows, this sustainable dairy uses circular systems to produce fresh milk in the middle of the city. Learn how urban farming works and browse the farm shop of the Floating Farm for fresh cheese and other products.  

See Rotterdam from a different perspective on a Spido harbor cruise. From the water, you’ll pass landmarks like the Euromast, Hotel New York, and the towering cranes of Europe’s largest port. The 75-minute tour reveals the city’s history, architecture, and maritime power all in one go. 

Portlantis is the official visitor center of the Port of Rotterdam, with an interactive exhibition inside a striking MVRDV-designed building. Discover how the harbor works, changes, and adapts, from shipping to climate challenges. Kids can hunt for fossils or hop on a boat tour nearby. Afterwards, enjoy the coastal views with a walk along Maasvlaktestrand.

At RiF010, you can ride real waves in the heart of Rotterdam. This 125-meter-long sustainable surf pool uses an artificial reef to create natural-style waves, up to 1.5 meters high. Great for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Discover other options like stand-up paddleboarding or canoeing, or simply relax at the surf house as you watch others try their hand. Explore the many other water activities in the Wijnhaven area.

Explore Rotterdam in the yellow amphibious bus of Splashtours. Start with a city tour on land, then splash into the river for a boat ride with skyline views and surprising stories. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to discover the city.

Step aboard the legendary ss Rotterdam, once the flagship of the Holland-America Line. Tour the decks, bridge, and engine room to get a taste of ocean life in its heyday. Stay for lunch at Lido Grill or enjoy skyline views with a drink at the Ocean Wine Bar.

Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum is a tranquil botanical escape on the edge of central Rotterdam, located in the Kralingen district. Spanning eight hectares, the gardens offer a rich variety of landscapes, from classic English garden design to a developing urban food forest and a desert greenhouse. With thousands of plant species, including trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs, it’s a paradise for plant enthusiasts and plays an important role in preserving biodiversity and natural heritage. You can easily get there by tram from the city centre.

At Kinderdijk, see how the Dutch have mastered water for centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site features 19 historic windmills, open landscapes, and a visitors center with hands-on exhibits. You can walk, bike, or take a boat through the area. Easily reached by Waterbus line 21 from central Rotterdam.