The flavors of the world come together in the Markthal - photo Iris van den broek

Taste Rotterdam in the Winter

Experience Rotterdam in winter: a destination full of culinary surprises and heartwarming discoveries. Get inspiration from sensational exhibitions such as In Search of Humanity by Ai Weiwei at the Kunsthal or enjoy the many attractions, sights, events and festivals Rotterdam has to offer. Plan your winter weekend or midweek in Rotterdam now.

Explore, taste and experience Rotterdam

Tips for a heartwarming stay

Unconventional art colours Rotterdam

To discover during a sunny walk

Parks in Rotterdam

For urban nature lovers

Five vibrant places for brunch and lunch

Spot-on for atmosphere and taste buds

Rotterdam with kids

11 x useful tips

Fine dining the Rotterdam way

The tastiest restaurants

Hungry for Rotterdam

Come to Rotterdam with an empty stomach and leave with a full heart. Enjoy new experiences and tasty moments. Explore on your own and taste the world on the West-Kruiskade or at the Markthal or enjoy local products at the Harvest Market. You can also opt for an organised (or DIY) bike tour or walking tour. There is always something to taste at De Rotterdam Tours and Bike & Bite. The special winter edition of Inside Rotterdam’s Roof Tour takes you to a culinary high with stunning 360˚ views of old and new rooftops in the city centre. Looking for more goodies this winter? Explore the Foodhallen, the Fenix Food Factory and the Stadshaven Brewery. By the way, the latter organises tours with tastings, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at Rotterdam’s most sustainable brewery.

Heartwarming shopping

Rotterdam is a world city with several shopping areas, the largest of which is in the city centre. Each area has its own character to suit the diversity of desires and people. Whether you’re looking for the latest trends, sustainable classics, local products or boutiques with a unique feel, Rotterdam won’t disappoint. Exploring the city is easy. Be amazed and consciously choose sustainable, second-hand gifts and support local businesses. After your shopping adventure, try one of these welcoming local restaurants run by passionate and ambitious entrepreneurs. At night, there’s plenty more to experience at places like Theater Rotterdam, Pop Podium Annabel, Bird, LantarenVenster or Club Haug for an evening of laughter. See below for some tips for your shopping adventure in Rotterdam.

Everything you need

Shopping in Rotterdam

Where to go?

Store opening hours

Extra Shopping Evenings Rotterdam Centre

Accessibility

Work on the railway and the road

Winter adventures

Are you tired of sitting inside and looking for something fun to do in the winter? Many attractions in Rotterdam are open and can be visited all year round, such as Blijdorp Zoo, Plaswijckpark, Miniworld and the Euromast. And although it might not be beach weather, you can take a refreshing winter walk on the beach or in the dunes of Hoek van Holland. The metro takes you from the Beurs stop to the beach and beach pavilions in just over half an hour. Or enjoy a walk in the Rotterdam parks at the Kralingse Plas, the Zuiderpark or the Park next to the Euromast. Explore them yourself or use the free Rotterdam Routes app. There are also restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy some welcoming warmth and cosiness. For some ice-cold fun, head to the Schaatsbaan Rotterdam. The ice rink, with a 400-metre tunnel, is suitable for both beginners and advanced ice skaters.

10 x attractions in Rotterdam

Rotterdam offers a variety of enjoyable activities for all ages. From exploring the city’s renowned zoo, Diergaarde Blijdorp, and encountering fascinating wildlife, to embarking on boat tours with Spido or Splashtours, where you can witness Rotterdam’s maritime heritage and iconic skyline, and visiting the Euromast for breathtaking panoramic views and thrilling abseiling adventures, there’s something for everyone. Discover the diverse range of attractions that will make your visit to Rotterdam an experience to remember.

Art and Culture

With more than 170 different cultures, diversity in Rotterdam is not an art but more a given. The many museums organise changing and intriguing exhibitions. This winter, you can visit the likes of ‘In Search of Humanity’ by Ai Weiwei at the Kunsthal, ‘The Dutch Years 1965-1970’ by Yayoi Kusama at the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam and ‘Art among the Ruins’ at the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. See our overview of all the museums and art institutions in Rotterdam!

High-profile exhibitions

More exhibitions

Ai Weiwei: In Search of Humanity

Kunsthal Rotterdam

Yayoi Kusama. The Dutch Years 1965-1970

Stedelijk Museum Schiedam

Art Amid the Ruins

Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen

More exhibitions

Tips & discounts

For personal advice during your stay, please visit the Rotterdam Tourist Information. Don’t forget to buy the Rotterdam Welcome Card. You benefit from great discounts on museums, music venues and the biggest and best attractions in Rotterdam and its surroundings with our City Card. If, as well as discounts, you also want to travel by public transport, choose the Rotterdam City Card with 1, 2 or 3 days of unlimited travel on the bus, tram and metro operated by the RET.

Get your discount!

Do it like our locals!

Do you love to deviate from the beaten paths and are you seeking authentic and unique places you won’t find anywhere else? Rotterdam, a city full of surprises and hidden treasures, has a wealth of insider knowledge to offer. So, follow in the footsteps of our locals and discover the city as it truly is. Explore the culinary delights, artistic corners, special shops, green oases, and vibrant events that Rotterdam has to offer.

DO IT LIKE FRANÇOIS

DO IT LIKE GYZLENE

DO IT LIKE ARIANE

DO IT LIKE LORENZO

More tips for your visit to Rotterdam

We regularly share tips for your bucket list on our Instagram channel. These wish lists consist of events, festivals and unique local tips that you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Rotterdam. Follow us on Instagram, and we’ll also keep you up to date on RiF010, the long-awaited surfing paradise next to the Markthal, the Nederlands Fotomuseum’s new location in warehouse Santos and the new FENIX museum on Katendrecht and Portlantis, the port’s new state-of-the-art experience centre that will replace FutureLand in 2024. Next year will also bring more greenery to the Rijnhaven, Maashaven and Hofplein areas and lots to celebrate, such as 10 years of Rotterdam Central Station and 10 years of the Markthal! See you in 2024!

Coming soon to Rotterdam

Check the agenda for more events

Schaatsbaan Rotterdam

From 25 November 2023

The National Fireworks

On 31 December 2023

International Film Festival Rotterdam

From 25 January 2024