Exploring Rotterdam: A Guide to Its Must-See Attractions

On our last visit to The Netherlands back in 2023 when we were touring Western Europe by train we had planned to visit the city of Rotterdam but we were coming to the end of our travels and to be honest we were somewhat citied out. We decided instead of visiting Rotterdam to take a day off and watch the Coronation of King Charles III on Dutch TV!

Returning to the country on this revisit we had, therefore, spotlighted the city as one of our “must-do’s”.

Key Facts About The City:
I would normally give you a brief history of the city but on this occasion I’ll keep this quite brief because there was an awful lot to see in Rotterdam and I don’t want my post to be too long and lose your attention!
Rotterdam:

1. Is the second largest city in The Netherlands after Amsterdam having developed from it’s beginnings as a small fishing village on the banks of the River Rote in 1250
2. It lies 19 miles away from the North Sea and is connected to this major trading waterway via The New Waterway Canal . This makes it the largest port in Europe and currently one of the largest in the world as a whole. A large percentage of the city’s economy is still based upon shipbuilding.
3. It was a major target for the Germans during World War II and as a result had to be rebuilt after the war had ended. This has made it one of the most modern cities in The Netherlands characterised by its modern architecture and impressive harbour.
4. One of the only areas not flattened during the war was Delfshaven. As a result this area has a rich architectural history with beautiful buildings from the 1920s and 1930s, many of which are still in their original state and which we went to following our central Rotterdam visit.
5. A sign of its modernity is its love for unconventional art. The city reserves space for experimental artwork standing out maybe for it’s size or even it’s subject.

Key Highlights Of Our Walk Around The City:
If you have read any of my previous posts you will already be aware that a large proportion of our visits to cities are based upon walking, with sometimes as in this case, an element of public transport. We are not the type to do “hop on, hop off” bus trips or similar. It’s each to their own but we prefer discovering a city for ourselves with a self guided walk.
Having caught the train from Utrecht (which was our base), see previous post –https://amidlifeadventure.org/2025/05/03/discover-utrecht-must-see-attractions-and-shopping-spots/
we exited the main train station and walked via Binnenrotte Square and St Lawrence Church to
Markthal (Market Hall):

This magnificent structure opened in 2014 and is the largest indoor market in The Netherlands. It has an unusual arch design similar to a horseshoe. It houses apartments, offices, retail space and of course the daily market. It has a glass facade made up of smaller glass windows which is supported by a 112 foot high steel cable structure, the largest of its type in Europe.

When they were excavating for the build a 10th century farm was discovered along with a house containing two stoves and several fireplaces, all of which are now displayed near the central staircases.

Inside visitors are often so bewitched by the 100+ stalls and food outlets to choose from that they actually fail to ever look up which is such a shame as there are 11,000 square meters of artwork above their heads. Designed by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam and named “Horn of Plenty” pictures of vegetables, fruit, flowers, insects and enlarged fish adorn the ceiling.
These were created digitally and the file was so large that the artists had to turn to the Pixar Studios to actually store it! Separating it into 4000 pieces they then printed each section on perforated aluminium panels and thus decorated the inside of the market hall. They are beautiful to behold and ironically made me feel as if I was inside one of Pixar movies like “Bug’s Life”!

Leaving the market behind us we then headed off to Kubuswoningen or The Cube Houses:

These are one of the most iconic landmarks in The Netherlands. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom and originally built in the 1970’s these very unique homes are cubes tilted at a 45 degree angle in order to optimise space.
You can, for a small fee, view one of these houses from the inside. Climbing initially up a fairly narrow staircase from the ground floor, where there appeared to be storage space, we arrived on the first floor with a living room and kitchen. The second floor houses two bedrooms and the bathroom.

They are no doubt unique and very cleverly designed to maximise the space but I’m not sure I could get used to the slanting walls or to be honest the interior size.

Not far from the Cube Houses we then wandered down to the Old Harbour or Oude Haven:

This area is an integral part of the city with the first jetty being built here in 1350. However in the modern era this is now Rotterdam’s entertainment centre. Overlooking the tranquil waters, with some boats still moored up alongside, you will find cafes and restaurants, each allowing you a choice of tables that nestle alongside the waters edge. We were fortunate that even though it was still Spring, the weather was quite warm and so a break for some lunch and an accompanying drink was very much in order.
You can still spot some traditional sailing boats which may perhaps remind you of days gone by and the city’s history. Should you want to know more the Maritime Museum is sited just a short walk away.

If you want to explore more bars, restaurants or even the odd art gallery Witte de Withstraat Street is just a bit further along from the museum. If, however, a city exploration isn’t complete without browsing the shops then head to Lijnbaan Street or Beurstraverse Street
The former was actually the first purpose built pedestrian street in Europe post the war, and opened in 1953.Today it is beautifully landscaped with flower beds, statues, trees and benches.
The latter, with it’s 40+ shops, is also unique in that it was built under the Main Street in an excavated passageway that leads to the Beurs metro station.

We opted not to go shopping and instead took the metro in order to complete a second self guided walk around Delfshaven but that walk is for another day, so join me on my next post when I introduce you to this beautiful part of the old city of Rotterdam

This post forms part of a series based upon a recent trip we took to The Netherlands. Please feel free to continue reading this series and contact me should you want any more information.