Must-Sees in Rotterdam: An Ultimate Bucket List for 2025

In the Zalmhaventoren, Celest has opened, a new premium cocktail bar and restaurant. Located on the 57th and 58th floors of one of the tallest buildings in the Netherlands, Celest offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Rotterdam and beyond. The interior exudes luxury and style, perfectly matching the sophisticated culinary experience. The concept of Celest is inspired by the story The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall (1835) by writer Edgar Allan Poe takes visitors on a journey to the moon.

Since 22 March 2025, you can visit Portlantis, the brand-new port experience centre on Maasvlakte 2. Here, you’ll discover the dynamic world of the Port of Rotterdam through interactive exhibitions, inspiring stories and cutting-edge technology. Learn more about the port’s role in sustainability and innovation, take a thrilling 4D virtual tour of the harbour and the city, or relax in the restaurant with its panoramic terrace. Portlantis also offers direct access to the nearby Maasvlaktestrand — making it the perfect mix of education and recreation. The building was designed by MVRDV, known for the Markthal and Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen.

Man Met Bril Coffee just opened the world's very first coffee hotel in Crooswijk. Here, everything revolves around coffee, from your stay in one of the stylish rooms to workshops and tastings. The hotel offers a unique blend of hospitality and coffee culture, perfect for lovers of good coffee. 

On 14 May 2025, the 85th anniversary of the bombing of Rotterdam will transform the city into a place full of poetry during Bombing of the Poems. At this unique event, thousands of poems will be scattered around the city with messages from different parts of the world. It is an artistic and symbolic celebration of creativity, language and connection.

On 16 May 2025, Fenix will open its doors at Katendrecht. This extraordinary museum tells stories of migration through an international collection of contemporary art. One of the highlights is the Tornado, the panoramic viewing platform on top of the building, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the harbour.

From 29 May to 9 June, slide down a giant slide from the roof of the Maritime Museum. Or take the zip line for a whole new perspective on the museum, the museum harbor and its surroundings. The exhibition on the roof of the Maritime Museum brings to life a possible future for the city, where buildings, water and greenery come together in new ways. The Rotterdam Rooftop Roetsj is part of the 10th edition of the Rotterdam Rooftop Days and a warm-up for Rotterdam Architecture Month in June.

The Nederlands Fotomuseum (National Museum of Photography) will move to the iconic Pakhuis Santos on Katendrecht in autumn 2025. The monumental, eight-storey 1903 building will contain extensive exhibition spaces, a photo bookstore and library, an educational centre, community spaces, a museum café, a darkroom for both professional photographers and amateurs, and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the Rotterdam skyline.

This year, the Tramhuis and the Parkpaviljoen will also open their doors. The Tramhuis, a monumental kiosk on Eendrachtsplein, will be the place for city walks and a cup of coffee. In het Park (near the Euromast), you will soon be able to visit the renovated Park Pavilion, a modern and sustainable building with space for events and catering. Both locations will make a walk through the city even more enjoyable.