Celebrate summer in Rotterdam

Rotterdam Attractions

Rotterdam’s attractions continue to innovate alongside a changing skyline. Blijdorp Zoo, for example, is building larger habitats for the elephants, lions and tigers and actively contributing to nature conservation to discover and protect ‘faraway nature’ up close. RiF010, the long-awaited surfing paradise next to the Markthal, where you can surf or bodyboard on beautiful waves, is another example of innovation. Book a lesson on the RiF010 website or watch from the sidelines as the waves roll through the city center.

If you want to see more of the city, visit Miniworld Rotterdam. Located within walking distance of the striking Rotterdam Central Station, this beautiful miniature world combines vast polder landscapes with historic and modern architecture. After this visit, hop on Citytour Tram 10 to explore the sights on a larger scale. This historic streetcar takes you past iconic locations such as the Markthal, the Cube Houses, the Koopgoot underground shopping street and historic Delfshaven. Interested in what else Rotterdam has to offer? Check out our extensive page with an overview of all the city’s attractions.

Attractions on or next to the water

Water is everywhere in Rotterdam. The Nieuwe Maas River flows right through the city, while the Rotte River meanders to the bustling centre. With the beach at Hoek van Holland, the refreshing North Sea is just 37 minutes away. Rotterdam is actively committed to climate adaptive measures to improve water management. During the summer, water provides cooling and refreshment, evident in the numerous city parks, along the rivers and at the beaches. Did you know that the courtyard garden of City Hall also provides a cool oasis?

A summer day is, of course, the ideal time for a cruise. Step aboard the Royal Spido for a 75-minute harbour tour and cruise past highlights such as Hotel New York, the ss Rotterdam and the state-of-the-art transhipment of thousands of containers. Or combine a city tour past various sights with a dip in the water of the Nieuwe Maas River on the Splashtours’ bright yellow amphibious bus. Discover even more of the port on shore at the freely accessible Port Pavilion at Leuvehaven, the Maritime Museum and FutureLand on Maasvlakte 2. Or find entertainment along the Rotte River at Zwaanhals with its charming cafes and stores or explore the Rotterdam Harvest Market at Noordplein.

City of Festivals

Rotterdam is known worldwide for its extraordinary festival culture. This summer, you can enjoy wonderful days at the North Sea Jazz Festival from 12 to 14 July, the Summer Carnival on 27 July, the start of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift from 11 to 13 August and the World Port Days from 6 to 8 September. But there is plenty to do aside from these world-famous events; Rotterdam is constantly in motion. There is always a lively atmosphere with welcoming terraces. Visit Bar Stroom at BlueCity, Station Bergweg in Noord, Putaine in the Rijnhaven or Uluwatu at Hoek van Holland.

You can also enjoy the fun atmosphere at smaller festivals such as the pop-up rooftop park DÂK starting on 12 July, the Blijdorp Festival on 10 August and Roffa Mon Amour starting 14 August. Permanent parties, such as the Keilecafé and OASE’s beach tent without a beach in West and the Biergarten in downtown Rotterdam, are also popular. Did you know that Rotterdam is committed to sustainable festivals? The ‘sustainable deal’ covers energy consumption, waste management and the responsible use of plastic.

From vibrant city to relaxing beach

Rotterdam offers a mix of city bustle, beach fun and green parks. But there is also much to discover outside the city. For example, catch line 21 of the Waterbus to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kinderdijk, where dikes and windmills have kept feet dry for over 700 years. With a ticket, you can visit the museum mills, take a tour boat past the mills and see the Wisboom pumping station.

On the other side of Rotterdam, you will find the impressive Maeslantkering at Hoek van Holland. This storm surge barrier is a modern piece of engineering. Next to it, at the Keringhuis (Water Public Centre), you can learn more about how it works and how you can contribute to climate change. Between the beach at Hoek van Holland and Rotterdam city centre, you can also explore the charming towns of Maassluis, Vlaardingen and Schiedam, each with a unique character and rich history.

Your City Break in Rotterdam

Ready for your summer visit to Rotterdam? The intercity and high-speed trains (HSL) stop at Rotterdam Central Station in the city centre. In the main station hall, you’ll find our Rotterdam Tourist Information, for more visitors info, a free City Map of Rotterdam or Hoek van Holland and local souvenirs. Choose a reliable hotel with a convenient location. In the centre, try the Rotterdam Marriott Hotel, the Bilderberg Parkhotel, NH Atlanta Rotterdam or the Hilton Rotterdam or book Motel One opposite the new surfing paradise RiF010. Or stay at a hotel at the Kop van Zuid, such as nhow Rotterdam, Room Mate Bruno or Hotel New York, sleep on a Wikkelboat or the permanently moored ss Rotterdam. Don’t forget to register for the Rotterdam City Card and make the most of your visit to Rotterdam with exclusive discounts.

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.