Parks and nature

Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum is a botanical garden with a large collection of trees, shrubs, perennials, flower bulbs and tubers located on the edge of the center of Rotterdam. The garden covers no less than 8 hectares and is a true pearl for those seeking peace and quiet and green lovers!

One of the most idyllic places in Rotterdam is Het Park by the Euromast, which was designed in 1852 by architect Zocher and his son, inspired by the English landscape style. People walk, play football, and in the summer, they picnic and dance during festivals. Don’t forget to visit the nearby historic garden Schoonoord as well.

As the name suggests, this park designed by Rem Koolhaas houses several museums: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Kunsthal Rotterdam, the Natural History Museum, Chabot Museum, and the Nieuwe Instituut. Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is temporarily closed due to a large-scale renovation, but since 2021, part of the collection can be admired at the new Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen.

In 2018, Dakpark was included by Spotted by Locals in the list of the 25 best parks in Europe, and for good reason. This park, located 9 meters above ground, offers a spectacular view of the ports and high-rise buildings. With a length of 1,200 meters and a width of 85 meters, there is more than enough space to walk and relax.

This island, located near (Pathé) De Kuip, is actually not a park but a nature reserve with forests, meadows, open water, and ponds. The most beautiful part is located under the Brienenoord Bridge: the tidal channel, where the water flows in and out through sandbanks with the tides. While walking on the island, you might encounter Scottish Highland cattle. They are tame, but don't feed them.

Kralingse Bos is a beautiful green oasis on the edge of the city. Cycling and walking paths lead through special natural areas. The forest features playgrounds, a petting zoo, the mills De Lelie and De Ster, restaurants, and sunbathing areas. The Kralingse Plas is frequently used by sailors, pedal boaters, and canoeists, while the surrounding area is popular for skating, rollerblading, and running.

Rotterdam has not one, but two parks at great heights. On the roof of the former Hofplein Station is Luchtpark Hofbogen, a place to picnic and stroll with a view over the city. Below the park, you can enjoy a drink or dinner at venues like FG Restaurant, BIRD, and the coffee shop Man met Bril. In a few years, Luchtpark Hofbogen will provide access to the Hofbogenpark.

In one of the newest parks in Rotterdam, you can relax on the grass with a view of the Laurenskerk, the statue, and the birthplace of Erasmus. There are regularly events at the Stadspodium, giving the park a dynamic atmosphere.

This park is located near Diergaarde Blijdorp, and the stork that nests in the zoo frequently visits here in search of food. Vroesenpark is popular with locals and was included in the 2019 list of the 25 best local parks in Europe by Spotted by Locals, partly thanks to the cozy Vroesenpaviljoen.

Zuiderpark in Rotterdam South, next to Rotterdam Ahoy, is the largest park in the Netherlands, covering the equivalent of 430 football fields. The park features an adventurous playground, a small beach, a swamp, forests, and plenty of water, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature.