First time in Rotterdam

Want to visit Rotterdam for the first time? Curious to discover the city, but clueless to what this ‘Manhattan on the Maas’ has to offer? This brief introduction offers an initial impression of Rotterdam and what you can see, do and experience in this vibrant city.

City of architecture

Rotterdam is truly a world city. The impressive skyline can be seen from afar, enhancing the city’s imposing appearance. Rotterdam is known in the Netherlands and abroad as a city of great architecture, featuring many examples of innovative construction. The famous Cube Houses are certainly worth a visit, and the special Museum House offer you a look inside.
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Arts & Culture

A major exhibition in the Kunsthal, an enthralling concert in De Doelen or that fun little art gallery in Witte de Withstraat: the full scope of arts and culture is an intrinsic part of the city’s allure. The city offers top museums that present exceptional exhibitions, such as the Kunsthal and Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, but also boasts numerous smaller galleries. Feast your eyes and ears on the great shows in the many concert halls and theatres in Rotterdam.
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Entertainment for everyone

Climb high into the sky, look living sharks in the eye or enjoy the peace and quiet of nature: there’s always something for everyone to do in Rotterdam's attractions. Top attractions like the Rotterdam Zoo, Spido boat tours and the Euromast guarantee fun times all day long for young and old.
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Get a taste of Rotterdam

Take a moment to relax and have a drink on a sunny terrace or in a grandcafé like Dudok. Conclude your day with a fantastic dinner in one of many restaurants that Rotterdam offers. From classic French cuisine to spicy and exotic dishes, this vibrant city has it all. That is why restaurant guide SpecialBite has named Rotterdam the Culinary Capital of 2010.
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Dive into the Rotterdam nightlife

Rotterdam’s nightlife is metropolitan and alluring, catering to every taste. Whether you love dance, pop or salsa, Rotterdam is always playing your favourite music somewhere. Rotterdam clubs like Off_Corso set the party scene in the Netherlands and far beyond. In May 2010 Rotown was elected best pop stage in the Netherlands.
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Shop till you drop in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a fabulous shopping city any season of the year. Even on Sunday, when many shops in this country close their doors for a day off, shopaholics can indulge themselves in Rotterdam. The shops in the city centre are open seven days a week. From exclusive to popular, from megastore to small boutique, situated in an arcade or a bustling street, Rotterdam has it all.
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City of water on the Maas

The Maas river runs through the city centre, crossed by the now-famous Erasmus Bridge which has become the symbol of Rotterdam. Countless small harbours are situated along the banks of the Maas, each with its own unique character. Further downstream the industrial port of Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe. Explore the waterfront and walk along the Veerhaven and the Boompjes, take a sailing tour through the port with Spido, or take the water taxi for a quick trip to the other side.
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Experience the festivals in Rotterdam

As host city for the Ortel Summer Carnival, the Bavaria City Racing and the North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam is the ultimate festival city of the Netherlands. But are you also familiar with Motel Mozaïque, the Ortel Dunya Festival and Camping Rotterdam? Rotterdam is lively all year round, hosting festivals and events that show the best of the city’s international culture, sports and music.
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Spend the night in an unique location

Enjoy the many advantages that the Rotterdam hotels have to offer: pure luxury and magnificent views. Spend the night at unique locations like in the famous Cube houses or on top of the Euromast. Or choose for locations that exude a nostalgic atmosphere like Hotel New York or Stroom.
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Download the Rotterdam City Guide App

Explore Rotterdam on-the-go with the free Rotterdam application on your mobile phone. This mobile city guide highlights the very best that Rotterdam has to offer, from attractions and museums to hotels, restaurants and shops. With an offline city map and a dynamic events calendar to find out what to see &do.
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Want to know more?

The expert staff at the city promotion centre ROTTERDAM.INFO know everything about the city and will be happy to help you on your way. The comfortable reading table and the computers offer a nice place to take a seat and decide for yourself how you want to spend your day in the city.
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