Rotterdam: City of Architecture

Look Up for a New Perspective

Rotterdam is known for its majestic port, extraordinary architecture and impressive skyline. Its reconstruction after the bombing of 1940 resulted in a patchwork of innovative architectural styles, and it’s not surprising that the Netherlands’ largest architecture festival is organised in Rotterdam. This year, Rotterdam Architecture Month (1 to 30 June) is based at Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Museum Park and explores the past, present and future of gardens in the city. With over 125 activities including the Day and Night of Architecture and the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam, June has something for everyone, regardless of your knowledge of architecture.

You don’t have to visit during RA Month to marvel at the diversity of architecture in Rotterdam. Visit iconic locations such as the Markthal, the Cube Houses, Laurenskerk or Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen for one-of-a-kind architecture. For a different perspective, buy tickets for the Rotterdam Rooftop Days (24 to 26 May), and discover the hidden gems of the rooftop landscape high above the streets. You can also enjoy this new perspective on a tour with Inside Rotterdam. Or uniquely experience Rotterdam on a theme tour with UrbanGuides, which guarantees encounters and dialogue and offers a fresh view of the changing society. More tours and routes…

Building for a Better World

Rotterdam was innovating long before World War II broke out. The city embraced the Bauhaus principles and invested in buildings that offered better architecture and healthier living and working environments. Examples include the UNESCO World Heritage Van Nelle Factory, the Chabot Museum and the Sonneveld House in Museum Park. These historic sites are worth a visit.

The Chabot Museum, which has been in Museum Park near the Kunsthal and Nieuwe Instituut for 30 years, is the Museum of International Expressionism and a good example of Dutch Nieuwe Bouwen architecture. Huis Sonneveld, also in Museum Park, is a detached villa from 1933 that offers an insight into the life of a Rotterdam family at that time. You can take a guided tour of the Van Nelle Factory every weekend, organised by the Chabot Museum. A small visitor centre will open in the Porter’s Lodge of the Van Nelle Factory on 15 June, where you can learn more about the history and architecture of the building. This cultural exploration is sure to make you hungry, so don’t forget to enjoy the innovative culinary experiences Rotterdam has to offer.

Green City, Cool City

Rotterdam is embracing the climate challenge with innovative and climate-adaptive urban projects and the same experimental drive that rebuilt the city. Part of Rijnhaven is being filled in and developed into a new part of the city centre including housing and a park, and the roof of the monumental Hofbogen, a former train track straight through the city, is being developed into the longest rooftop park in the Netherlands. Curious? O. Festival and the Rotterdam Rooftop Days are organising Over de Bogen (17 to 26 May), a unique walking concert on the roof of the Hofbogen, a one-off experience before the transformation takes place.

Rotterdam is a green and sustainable city boasting the future National Park Hollandse Duinen in Hoek van Holland and Zuiderpark, the largest park in the Netherlands. Experience it for yourself in one of the many city parks, at Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum or during Verborgen Tuinen, when owners open their gardens to the public. Besides exploring the dunes, Hoek van Holland is a lovely place to stay whatever the season. Thanks to a direct metro connection from Rotterdam city centre, you can reach it in just over 30 minutes. And once beach season starts (9 May), you can head there for a healthy dose of vitamin D. Stay until sunset and stop by one of the many beach pavilions and beach clubs, including Uluwatu, Pele Surf Shack and eco-café PLSTK.

A city full of creativity: art in the streets

You can find art and culture everywhere in public spaces in Rotterdam. Explore the city’s lively streets and visit other notable spots with the free App from Rotterdam Routes or the Rewriters App with 6 Street Art Routes. Or opt for convenience and book an organised walking or cycling tour. Near the Museumpark at night? Be sure to visit Pipilotti Rist’s videolight installation at the Boijmans Van Beuningen Depot from sunset until midnight.

It’s not only public art that transforms Rotterdam into a creative canvas. Motel Mozaique (MOMO) does that too from April 18 to 20. Featuring the most urgent new music, art, and performances at the most beautiful venues and unexpected locations in Rotterdam. MOMO Festival presents over 100 concerts, performances, guided tours, and exhibitions by international and national artists. The festival creates a mosaic of styles, cultures, and locations with its program.

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.

Your City Break in Rotterdam

Why not catch the train 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.

There are plenty of conveniently located reliable hotels. Book a hotel like the Rotterdam Marriott Hotel, The James Hotel, Motto by Hilton Rotterdam Blaak, Sonder Rose, Hotel Not Hotel or the new The Usual Rotterdam. Or choose a hotel at the Kop van Zuid, such as nhow Rotterdam, Room Mate Bruno, Hotel New York or the luxurious Hotel Pincoffs. Book your weekend or midweek in Rotterdam now.

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. This year will also bring lots to celebrate, such as 10 years of Rotterdam Central Station and 10 years of the Markthal!