Destination Guides

What to See in Rotterdam: The 15 Best Attractions And Things to do

Rotterdam, a city once devastated by World War II bombings, has emerged as one of the most beautiful and important cities in the Netherlands. With its rich history, cultural nuances, and modern architecture, Rotterdam is a must-visit destination for any travel enthusiast. In this article, we will take you on a discovery tour of all the wonders that make Rotterdam one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The Historic Center: A Lively and Modern Hub

The historic center of Rotterdam develops from the train station to the harbor, and walking through its streets is like stepping into a different era. Most of the area is modern, with only a few historical buildings remaining, including the town hall, old post office, and St. Lawrence Church. The historic center is also the most lively part of the city, where you’ll find many attractions and services.

We recommend admiring the Delftse Poort skyscraper, 151 meters high, and visiting the Schouwburgplein square, characterized by red lamps that resemble cranes from the harbor area. Be sure to stroll along Lijnbaan, the shopping street, rich in shops, restaurants, and cafes. Finally, admire the Willemsbrug bridge, also called the Red Bridge, which offers one of the best views on the city skyline.

The Historical Significance of Rotterdam’s Historic Center

During World War II, Rotterdam was heavily bombed by the Allies. The city suffered significant damage, and many historical buildings were destroyed or severely damaged. However, in the aftermath of the war, Rotterdam experienced a period of reconstruction and growth, with a focus on modernizing the city’s infrastructure and architecture.

Today, the historic center of Rotterdam is a testament to the city’s resilience and determination. Despite the devastation it suffered during World War II, the city has emerged as one of the most vibrant and eclectic cities in Europe. The historic center is home to many cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and performance venues.

Time of Visit: 1 hour

Getting There: The historic center is easily accessible by foot from every point in the city.

Tips:

Don’t miss the stunning Delftse Poort skyscraper.
Visit the Schouwburgplein square for a unique photo opportunity.
Try some traditional Dutch food at one of the many restaurants along Lijnbaan.
Take a walk across the Willemsbrug bridge for breathtaking views of the city.

Piet Blom’s Cub Houses: A Unique Architectural Marvel

In the historic center, you’ll find one of the most unique attractions in the city – Piet Blom’s famous cub houses, called Kijk-Kubus in Dutch. This special architectural project consists of upside-down cube-shaped buildings, designed by architect Piet Blom in the 1970s. In his imagination, these houses were seen as the ensemble of trees in a forest.

What’s amazing is that these houses are actually residential apartments! Those not open to the public for visits are inhabited, surely it can’t be easy to adapt to the unique spaces of this structure, characterized by non-straight walls. Some houses are instead converted into museums and it’s possible to visit them inside.

Don’t forget to take some photos!

The History Behind Piet Blom’s Cub Houses

Piet Blom was a Dutch architect who is known for his innovative designs that pushed the boundaries of traditional architecture. Born in 1924, Blom studied architecture at the Delft University of Technology and later worked for several prominent architectural firms before establishing his own practice.

In the 1970s, Blom became fascinated with the concept of “urban densification,” or how to fit more people into urban spaces without sacrificing greenery. He envisioned a city where trees were not just a luxury but an integral part of the urban landscape.

The cub houses were designed as a response to this vision. Each house is a self-contained, cube-shaped unit that can be easily moved and rearranged to create different configurations. The idea was that these houses could be scattered throughout the city, creating a network of interconnected spaces that would promote community and social interaction.

The Legacy of Piet Blom’s Cub Houses

Despite the initial skepticism from many architects and urban planners, Piet Blom’s cub houses have become an iconic part of Rotterdam’s architecture. The project was seen as a bold experiment in urban design, one that challenged traditional notions of what constitutes a “house” or a “city.”

Today, the cub houses are recognized as a pioneering achievement in sustainable urban planning. They demonstrate how innovative design can be used to create more livable, green spaces in even the most densely populated cities.

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St. Lawrence Church: A Symbol of Resilience

In the historic center, you’ll find St. Lawrence Church, one of the few buildings that survived the bombing during World War II. The church is very old, built between 1449 and 1525, and was the first building in Rotterdam to be built entirely in stone.

Restoration after the bombings began in 1952 and was completed in 1968. The church is now a true symbol of the city, which citizens are particularly attached to. Visitors can enter the interior and climb to the campanile, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the entire city!

The History Behind St. Lawrence Church

St. Lawrence Church has been a part of Rotterdam’s history for centuries. The church was built in 1449 as a Catholic parish church, and over the years it has undergone several renovations and expansions.

In the 16th century, the church became a Protestant church during the Dutch Reformation, and it continued to play an important role in the city’s religious life. During World War II, St. Lawrence Church was heavily damaged by Allied bombing raids, but it survived largely intact.

After the war, the church underwent extensive restoration work, led by the Rotterdam architect, Hendrik Jan Witteveen. The result was a beautiful and elegant church that blended modern and traditional elements with its historic architecture.

Time of Visit: 1.5 hours

Getting There: St. Lawrence Church is easily accessible on foot from every point in the historic center.

Tips:

Don’t miss the stunning interior of the church.
Climb to the campanile for breathtaking views of the city.
Take a moment to appreciate the intricate stone carvings and stained glass windows.

Witte Huis: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Witte Huis, or White House, is a building declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Located in the historic center and overlooking the Oudehaven canal, it’s also one of the few buildings that survived the bombings during World War II.

The Witte Huis was 43 meters high and consisted of 10 floors, in Art Nouveau style: to be built on the ground, over 1,000 piers were installed, otherwise the structure wouldn’t have been able to support it! Today, a bar is located here where you can stop to drink while enjoying the view!

The History Behind Witte Huis

Witte Huis was built in the early 20th century as a luxury apartment building for one of Rotterdam’s wealthiest families. The building was designed by the renowned Dutch architect, Hendrik Jan Witteveen, and took several years to complete.

During World War II, Witte Huis suffered significant damage from Allied bombing raids, but it survived largely intact. After the war, restoration work began, led by Witteveen himself. The result was a beautifully restored building that retained its original Art Nouveau charm.

Time of Visit: All day

Getting There: Witte Huis is easily accessible on foot from every point in the historic center.

Tips:

Don’t miss the stunning views from the bar.
Take a moment to appreciate the intricate stone carvings and stained glass windows.
Try some traditional Dutch food at one of the many restaurants nearby!

Markthal: The Largest Food Market in Holland

The Markthal is the largest food market in Holland! The structure consists of 95,000 square meters, is 40 meters high, and, besides the market, houses offices and apartments. The market was inaugurated in 2014 directly by Queen Beatrix and has since become one of the most visited attractions in the city.

Inside you can spend hours!

You can find many traditional Dutch products, but also local specialties from around the world: Rotterdam is a multiracial city! Of course, we recommend trying some typical Dutch food!

The real attraction of the Market is the gigantic mural, called Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) and created by artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam. On this massive wall are represented all the products you’ll find among the market stalls!

Market Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00-20:00, Sunday: 10:00-21:00 / Individual restaurants follow different opening times, check the official website

Cost Ticket: Free

Time of Visit: 2 hours

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