What to See in Rotterdam: 10 Must-Visit Highlights

In Rotterdam, you’ll find the world’s first public art storage facility: Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. Spread over multiple floors, you can discover 154,000 art pieces collected over 175 years. From centuries-old paintings to contemporary sculptures, you’ll find a remarkable variety of work, and you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at everything that goes into preserving and restoring these collections. The striking mirrored building also boasts a rooftop, home to restaurant Renilde: the perfect spot to enjoy surprising, seasonal dishes with spectacular views. 

Fenix tells the story of migration from within a former harbor warehouse, once a place of goodbyes, now a home for reflection. Through evocative art, the museum reveals deeply personal tales of departure, reunion, and the ever-shifting sense of home. Its most striking feature is a mirrored double-helix staircase by MAD Architects, guiding visitors to a rooftop panorama. End your visit at Deliplein just around the corner, where the flavors and sounds of Rotterdam come alive in every café and restaurant.

Tucked away from Rotterdam’s modern skyline, Historic Delfshaven feels like stepping into another century. This charming harbor district survived WWII and still tells tales of its past, once a thriving hub of herring trade and gin distilleries. You’ll find inviting canal-side cafés, the Dutch Pinball Museum, and historic landmarks. In the warmer months, board an iKapitein electric sloop to view the waterfront from a different angle. Or let Historic Tram Line 10 take you there, hopping on and off as you explore the city’s history. 

The Cube Houses are one of Rotterdam’s most photographed sights, a bold vision of urban living where each bright yellow home seems to balance on a single point. The 38 cubes were designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom as a playful response to city housing. Curious what it’s like inside? Visit the Kijk-Kubus museum or stay overnight at the Stayokay hostel within the Cube Houses. Don’t forget to grab a coffee at Kuub Coffee and pass by the bustling Binnenrotte market, just around the corner. 

Make way for a true survivor, the Laurenskerk, built between 1449 and 1525, and still watching over Rotterdam’s skyline. It’s a rare glimpse into the city’s medieval past, standing strong between modern towers. Climb the church tower for a panoramic view or admire it from the rooftop terrace of Motel One nearby. Take a moment to relax in the quiet of Grotekerkplein City Park, where Erasmus looks on from his bronze pedestal.  

Markthal is a true Rotterdam icon, an indoor market bursting with colour, flavour, and scent, all beneath apartments shaped in a giant arch. Look up and you’ll see the ‘Horn of Plenty’, a spectacular ceiling artwork by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam. Want to explore more? Book a tour or visit the Markthal on a Tuesday or Saturday to combine your trip with the lively outdoor market on the Binnenrotte, right outside.

Trompenburg Gardens and Arboretum is a hidden green oasis in Rotterdam where you can walk among special trees, flowers and plants from around the world. The gardens feature an impressive collection of rhododendrons, water lilies and exotic trees, and are beautiful to visit all year round. A botanical garden of great value for biodiversity and natural heritage. 

In early 2026, the Nederlands Fotomuseum opens its doors in the landmark Pakhuis Santos warehouse, a beautifully restored building on Rotterdam’s Katendrecht peninsula. Its vast archive, over six million photographs, will be displayed in airy halls overlooking the Nieuwe Maas River, offering space for both retrospective and contemporary work. On the rooftop, a new restaurant will serve views of the city skyline. Just a short walk away are the Fenix art museum and the historic steamship ss Rotterdam, creating a rich cultural route along the quay. 

Portlantis rises like a beacon of innovation, an eye-catching structure housing an interactive journey through the Port of Rotterdam. Inside, visitors of all ages can learn how this global port functions and evolves, from sustainability to logistics. Combine your visit with a fossil-hunting expedition, a harbor cruise past enormous sea vessels, or a guided bus tour. During the summer months, the Hoeksveer ferry offers a scenic ride from Hoek van Holland directly to the site. Fancy a walk? The Maasvlaktestrand (Beach) is close by.

In the heart of Rotterdam, RiF010 offers a 125-meter-long urban surf pool where both locals and visitors can surf, paddle, or kayak on man-made waves suitable for all levels. An innovative artificial reef generates natural-style breakers, powered entirely by green electricity. After your session, unwind at the on-site surf bar and terrace, just steps from the water.