Nature in Rotterdam: discover the city’s green escapes
Nature in Rotterdam? Absolutely. The city and its surroundings are rich in green spaces, making it easy to balance cultural highlights with time outdoors. Cycle along the River Maas, wander through woodland or take a refreshing dip at one of the city’s beaches.
Greenery in the city
Rotterdam is greener than many visitors expect. All across the city, parks, green squares and quieter corners offer a break from the busy streets, whether you’re exploring on foot or taking a short detour from the main sights.
Green space also plays a practical role in Rotterdam’s future. It helps keep the city cooler on warm days, absorbs rainwater during heavy downpours and supports biodiversity, while improving air quality at the same time.
Parks to visit
Rotterdam has a wide range of parks spread across the city. From historic city parks to large wooded areas, these green spaces offer room to walk, relax and step away from the busy streets for a while.
Het Park (near the Euromast)
Het Park, next to the Euromast, is one of Rotterdam’s best-known city parks. Designed in the 19th century, it features mature trees, ponds and open lawns, with plenty of space for walking, sitting or spending time outdoors in the city centre.
Kralingse Bos
Kralingse Bos is the largest green area in Rotterdam and a popular spot with locals. A path circles the lake, making it easy to walk, cycle or stop for a picnic, with room for both active outings and quieter moments.
Museumpark
Museumpark brings together several of Rotterdam’s major museums in one open green space. The park links buildings such as the Depot with lawns, paths and plazas used for events, walking and taking a break between cultural visits.
Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum
Located in Kralingen, Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum is a botanical garden with an extensive collection of trees and plants. Paths lead past ponds and plant collections, offering a calm setting away from the city’s traffic.
A city shaped by water
Water defines Rotterdam. Rivers, lakes and former harbour basins run through the city, shaping its landscape and creating open spaces where urban life slows down. Along the Maas, around inner-city lakes and at the edges of old docks, water brings light, air and a sense of scale that sets Rotterdam apart.
These waterside areas invite you to spend time outdoors, at an unhurried pace. The constant interplay between water, architecture and green space gives Rotterdam a character that feels unmistakably its own.
Rotterdam's beaches: sunbathe and relax
If you like the feel of sand between your toes and space to breathe, Rotterdam’s beaches are never far away. In and around the city, water, openness and relaxation come together, from wide beaches along the coast to smaller stretches closer to the urban edge.
Each beach around Rotterdam has its own character. In summer, they are places to slow down and enjoy long days outdoors; in winter, they offer fresh air and open horizons. Whether you come for calm, nature or simply time by the water, the beach always feels within reach here.
Cycling in Rotterdam and the surrounding area
Cycling is one of the easiest ways to explore Rotterdam and the landscape around it. With an extensive network of bike paths, the city is well suited to getting around on two wheels, whether you stay close to the centre or venture further out. What cycling in and around Rotterdam offers:
- Urban routes shaped by architecture, neighbourhoods and water
- Guided rides that reveal both well-known sights and quieter corners
- Longer rides into the surrounding countryside, with open landscapes and nature
- Flexible routes that allow you to explore independently, at your own pace
Explore on foot
Looking to spend some active time outdoors? Walking is an easy way to explore Rotterdam and the nature in and around the city. On foot, familiar places take on a different perspective, and you’ll also come across surprisingly quiet spots along the way.
In Rotterdam, there are several ways to experience the city on foot, depending on how you want to explore:
- Walking independently using marked routes
- Walking with a guide, past highlights or lesser-known places
- Themed walks, such as green Rotterdam, architecture or food
Walking and cycling in Hoek van Holland
Hoek van Holland is an ideal place to combine walking and cycling with nature and history. The wide beach, dunes and green surroundings make every route varied and engaging.
Whether you choose a short walk or a longer cycling trip, you’ll discover a different side of this coastal area, which forms part of Rotterdam.
Special routes
The Blue Connection
From Zuiderpark, the Blue Connection runs towards Barendrecht and the Buijtenland van Rhoon. This fifteen-kilometre water route contributes to nature development and clean water, and is suitable for walking, cycling and recreation on the water.The Green Connection
The Green Connection is an eight-kilometre route that passes inspiring green places in Rotterdam. Along the way, you’ll encounter community gardens, hidden parks and initiatives that show how sustainable and green the city can be. There are also shorter loops through different neighbourhoods.De Rotte boating network
With the De Rotte boating network, you choose your own route from junction to junction by canoe, small boat or cabin cruiser. Along the way, you experience the variety of the Rotte landscape, historic sluices, green riverbanks and, eventually, even the centre of Rotterdam.Skating and roller skating in Midden-Delfland
In Midden-Delfland, you can skate and roller skate using an extensive junction network that takes you through open grassland, characteristic waterways and quiet paths. The routes are easy to combine and lead through a unique landscape between the cities.
Day trips from Rotterdam
From Rotterdam, you’re quickly surrounded by nature or in another city. Catch the sea air in Hoek van Holland, cycle past windmills in Kinderdijk, or take the train to Schiedam, Vlaardingen or The Hague. Ideal for a day out.
More inspiration:
Rotterdam: City of Architecture
The story of Rotterdam, its history, the bombing, and the reconstruction, reveals the city's fertile ground for bold architecture. When everything is lost, why not rebuild on a grand and impressive scale? The courage displayed in both design and the commissioning of architects is evident throughout Rotterdam.
Rotterdam Neighbourhoods
Rotterdam is a city of many faces. From historic harbours to modern high-rises, every area has its own character, atmosphere and story to tell. Discover iconic architecture, creative hotspots and local stories. With our neighbourhood guides, you’ll get to know the city the way Rotterdammers experience it.
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These are the top 10 places to visit in Rotterdam. The city is a hub of creativity and innovation, offering a wealth of experiences. Discover attractions that highlight the diversity of its architecture and museums, including Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) and the Markthal. Click ‘Add to my list’ and easily find it again later.
Discover Art in Rotterdam: Top 10 Museums and Art Spaces
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