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Rotterdam – a brief overview
Amsterdam may have the cutesy canals, but Rotterdam is the Dutch city with the most cosmopolitan vibe. Its character is based around a confident melange of futuristic architecture and a long history of harmonious multiculturalism. This creates an exciting blend of young and old, bold and brash. The constantly changing high-rise skyline has given rise to its nickname: ‘Manhattan-on-the-Maas’.
But the city isn’t all steel and glass towers. Historic Delfshaven escaped war damage and retained its charming character. Europe’s most important port also boasts great museums, top shopping opportunities and vibrant nightlife, making it a must-see destination.
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Top 10 sights in Rotterdam

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
3015 CX Rotterdam
Netherlands
Tel: +31 10 441 9400
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1100-1700
One of the Netherlands’ best art collections houses works by practically everyone, from Rembrandt and Van Gogh to Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol.
Kunsthal
3015 AA Rotterdam
Netherlands
Tel: +31 10 440 0301
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Opening times:
Tue-Sat 1000-1700
Sun 1100-1700
This large art space hosts up to half a dozen changing exhibitions at any one time, with no permanent collection, in a building designed by architect Rem Koolhaas.
Euromast
3016 GM Rotterdam
Netherlands
Tel: +31 10 436 4811
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Opening times:
Daily 0930-2200 (Apr-Sep)
Daily 1000-2200 (Oct-Mar)
Head to the top of this 180m tower for a panoramic view across the city and the sprawling Europoort beyond, the world’s busiest harbour.
Nederlands Architectuurinstituut (NAi)
3015 CB Rotterdam
Netherlands
Tel: +31 10 440 1200
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Opening times:
Tue-Sat 1000-1700
Sun 1100-1700
Befitting a city that prides itself on architecture, NAi tells the history of urban and spatial planning, as well as interior design.
Het Park
Rotterdam
Netherlands
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Rotterdam’s largest park – filled with trees and small lakes – is a relaxing place to stroll, and at its best on a sunny weekend.
Kop van Zuid
Rotterdam
Netherlands
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Some of Rotterdam’s most adventurous architectural statements cluster to the south of Erasmus Bridge, in the former docklands, Kop van Zuid. One notable building is Toren op Zuid, created by Renzo Piano, with a facade that leans at 6 degrees.
Wereldmuseum
3016 DM Rotterdam
Netherlands
Tel: +31 10 270 7172
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1030-1730
Celebrating the many non-European cultures that have had a major influence on Rotterdam, the permanent collection here features art objects from every corner of the globe.
Maritiem Museum Rotterdam
3011 EA Rotterdam
Netherlands
Tel: +31 10 413 2680
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Opening times:
Mon 1000-1700 (Jul-Aug only)
Tue-Sat 1000-1700
Sun 1100-1700
The Maritime Museum pays tribute to Rotterdam’s nautical history. On the ground floor is a large model of the Europoort, but the prize exhibit, the 1868 warship De Buffel, is moored on the harbour outside.
Delfshaven
Rotterdam
Netherlands
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The open-air museum of Delfshaven is filled with gabled houses lining a historic waterfront. Voorhaven is the main and prettiest street. At one end of it is a working mill, Korenmolen de Distilleerketel (open Wed and Sat).
Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk
Netherlands
Tel: +31 78 691 2830
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Opening times:
Daily 0900-1730 (mid Mar-Oct)
Daily 1100-1600 (Nov-Dec)
A few kilometres southeast of Rotterdam, the sight of the 19 Kinderdijk windmills in full sail is quintessential Netherlands. It’s the romantic stuff that launched a 1,000 jigsaws. The mills date to around 1740.
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Country Information
Country overview
A small country with a big profile, the Netherlands offers a beguiling blend of rural, traditional beauty and vibrant culture. Occupying a delta at the confluence of three major rivers where they empty into the North Sea, it is truly a water world: canals, coast and lakes are never far from view. Flat as a pannenkoek, it also makes an ideal destination for cycling, an integral mode of transport among the Dutch themselves.
Holland (as the country is alternatively referred to) is also a deeply cosmopolitan place where museums overflow with paintings from its Golden Age, and a cavalcade of festivals showcase performing artists from within and beyond its borders.
Geography
The Netherlands shares borders to the south with Belgium and to the east with Germany, while the North Sea lies to the north and west. Large areas of The Netherlands have been reclaimed from the sea and consequently one-fifth of the country lies below sea level. The country is flat and level and is criss-crossed by rivers and canals.
Areas reclaimed from the sea, known as polders, are extremely fertile. The landscape is broken by the forest of Arnhem, the bulb fields in the west, the lakes of the central and northern areas, and coastal dunes that are among the most impressive in Europe.
General Information
Key facts
Population: 16805037
Population Density (per sq km): 405
Capital: Amsterdam
Language
Dutch is the official language. Frisian is spoken in the northern province of Friesland. English, German and French are widely spoken.
Currency
Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin European-style plugs are in use.
General business opening hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Public holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December 2021.
2020
Nieuwjaarsdag (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2020
Goede Vrijdag (Good Friday): 10 April 2020
Paasen (Easter): 12 and 13 April 2020
Koningsdag (King’s Day): 27 April 2020
Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day): 5 May 2020
Hemelvaartsdag (Ascension Day): 21 May 2020
Pinksteren (Whitsun): 31 May and 1 June 2020
Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas Day): 25 December 2020
Tweede Kerstdag (Boxing Day): 26 December 2020
2021
Nieuwjaarsdag (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2021
Goede Vrijdag (Good Friday): 2 April 2021
Paasen (Easter): 4 and 5 April 2021
Koningsdag (King’s Day): 27 April 2021
Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day): 5 May 2021
Hemelvaartsdag (Ascension Day): 13 May 2021
Pinksteren (Whitsun): 23 and 24 May 2021
Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas Day): 25 December 2021
Tweede Kerstdag (Boxing Day): 26 December 2021
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Rotterdam
At night Rotterdam bubbles with energy. Its thriving nightlife ranges from traditional ‘brown’ cafés to trendy dance clubs.
At the weekend many regular bars also host DJs.
Reijngoud
3012 BG Rotterdam
Netherlands
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One of Rotterdam’s best modern bars has 120 craft beers in a revamped industrial location.
Locus Publicus
3063 CD Rotterdam
Netherlands
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A favourite pub with beer enthusiasts, as the menu offers 250 choices.
NRC (Nieuw Rotterdams Café)
3012 BN Rotterdam
Netherlands
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Modern grand café in the former editorial offices and print room of a national newspaper.
De Witte Aap
3012 BE Rotterdam
Netherlands
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Lively and popular café that transforms into a club at weekends.
Rotown
3014 GB Rotterdam
Netherlands
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All-in-one popular Rotterdam meeting point: café, restaurant, and on many nights also a live music venue.
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Restaurants in Rotterdam
Rotterdam has hundreds of restaurants in every price range serving virtually every cuisine imaginable.
From high-end fine dining to cheap and cheerful bagel bars, you’ll find it here.
FG
3024 EA Rotterdam
Netherlands
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Price: Expensive
Exclusive retreat serving innovative double-Michelin-starred food – the chef learned his craft at The Fat Duck in the UK.
Wereldmuseum
3016 DM Rotterdam
Netherlands
Tel: +31 10 270 7172
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Price: Expensive
Fashionable Michelin-starred restaurant in the like-named museum, with great harbourside views.
Zeezout
3016 CL Rotterdam
Netherlands
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Price: Moderate
Stylish modern restaurant with a focus on exquisite fish and seafood.
Loos
3016 BM Rotterdam
Netherlands
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Price: Moderate
Traditional grand café with both an upmarket restaurant and a cheaper bar menu.
Bagel Bakery & Burgers
3011 ER Rotterdam
Netherlands
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Price: Cheap
Queues outside bear testimony to the popularity of this ‘bakery-plus’.
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Calendar of events
International Film Festival Rotterdam
Filmmakers compete for prestigious Tiger Awards in this 12-day festival. The awards recognise first or second feature films, with a separate contest for shorts. Movie fans can enjoy plenty of out-of-competition screenings too, along with parties, kids’ activities, exhibitions and director discussions.
ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament
With its impressive line-up of top-tier international tennis players, this is one of the most popular tournaments on the ATP World Tour. Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors, Bjorn Borg and Boris Becker are all former winners.
Ronde van Katendrecht
This epic bike race has been attracting cyclists for over 60 years, with riders zipping around central Rotterdam in pro races, fixed-gear bike contests and kids’ competitions. Whether you’re battling round the course in a bid for the finishing line or sipping beer on the sidelines, it’s terrific fun.
Poetry International Festival
World-famous poets land on Rotterdam every year for the city’s poetry festival, which has been going strong for over 40 years. Expect a lively programme of readings, debates, lectures, interviews and book signings, as well as an exploration of poetry reflected in art, music and film.
CHIO Rotterdam
Fast approaching its 70th anniversary, this international equestrian event features extraordinary displays of showjumping and dressage. Aside from a packed programme of nail-biting competitions, visitors can enjoy outstanding horse demonstrations, fantastic kids’ activities and live concerts performed by world-famous artists.
Port of Rotterdam North Sea Jazz
12 – 14 July 2019
Website
Venue: Ahoy Rotterdam
This three-day jazz extravaganza is a formidable force, with a truly stellar line-up that’s previously included the likes of The Buena Vista Social Club, Stevie Wonder and Natalie Cole. Around 1,000 musicians perform on a variety of stages within the Ahoy Rotterdam arena.
Robin Rotterdam Unlimited
Rotterdam is party central for five days in July, boasting a jam-packed roster covering everything from street dance shows and acoustic guitar performances to contemporary poetry readings and striking art installations. The highlight is the kaleidoscopic summer carnival with its drum battle, flamboyant street parade and crowning of the queen.
OVG Veerhaven Concert
Small boats jostle bow to stern in pretty Veerhaven harbour, while crowds pack the shore for the late-summer open-air concert performed by Sinfonia Rotterdam. Audiences are treated to a programme crammed with favourite classical tunes. If you can’t make the Sunday night, the Saturday afternoon rehearsal is also free.
Pleinbioscoop (Open-air Cinema)
Hundreds of film fans gather beneath the stars each night in the second half of August for the annual Pleinbioscoop open-air cinema festival. The majority of films are in English, but check the website first, as a few are in Dutch or other languages with Dutch subtitles.
World Port Days
Rotterdam celebrates all things maritime at this three-day festival in and around the city’s port. From spectacular nautical demonstrations and exhibitions to ship visits and excursions to local companies, the event is packed with fun festivities. Don’t miss the magnificent fireworks display on the Saturday night.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
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Hotels in Rotterdam
Rotterdam accommodation covers every base from budget to top-end luxury.
Since the city is mainly business-oriented however, those at the bottom end of the scale are thinner on the ground.
The Manhattan Hotel Rotterdam
3012 CN Rotterdam
Netherlands
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Category: Expensive
High-rise luxury with large modern rooms and great city views.
Mainport Design Hotel
3011 EA Rotterdam
Netherlands
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Category: Expensive
Swish ultra-modern design option with an unbeatable location and harbour views.
SS Rotterdam Hotel
3072 AM Rotterdam
Netherlands
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Category: Moderate
Relive the grand old days in this former transatlantic liner, now permanently moored.
NHOW Rotterdam
3072 AP Rotterdam
Netherlands
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Category: Moderate
Panoramic glass windows dominate the rooms in this new chic design hotel.
The Student Hotel
3063 ER Rotterdam
Netherlands
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Category: Cheap
Despite the name, anyone is welcome to stay in this modern-built budget place.
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Best time to visit
Today: Friday, 15.01.2021 05:00 UTC

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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute max | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
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Jan | 12 °C | -20 °C | 5 °C | 0 °C | 89 % | 71 mm | 14 | 1.3 h |
Feb | 16 °C | -19 °C | 5 °C | 0 °C | 86 % | 41 mm | 8 | 2.7 h |
Mar | 23 °C | -12 °C | 9 °C | 1 °C | 85 % | 69 mm | 12 | 3.2 h |
Apr | 26 °C | -4 °C | 12 °C | 3 °C | 81 % | 39 mm | 8 | 5.2 h |
May | 31 °C | -1 °C | 16 °C | 7 °C | 79 % | 53 mm | 9 | 6.7 h |
Jun | 36 °C | 3 °C | 19 °C | 10 °C | 81 % | 69 mm | 9 | 6.1 h |
Jul | 35 °C | 5 °C | 21 °C | 12 °C | 80 % | 67 mm | 10 | 6.3 h |
Aug | 34 °C | 6 °C | 21 °C | 12 °C | 81 % | 65 mm | 9 | 6.0 h |
Sep | 34 °C | 1 °C | 18 °C | 10 °C | 84 % | 75 mm | 11 | 4.3 h |
Oct | 24 °C | -5 °C | 14 °C | 7 °C | 87 % | 87 mm | 12 | 3.0 h |
Nov | 19 °C | -7 °C | 9 °C | 3 °C | 88 % | 81 mm | 13 | 1.9 h |
Dec | 13 °C | -13 °C | 7 °C | 2 °C | 90 % | 74 mm | 13 | 1.0 h |
year | 36 °C | -20 °C | 13 °C | 5 °C | 84 % | 790 mm | 128 | 4.0 h |
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Phone calls & Internet
Telephone
Country code: +31
Mobile telephony and Internet
Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-EU state do not benefit from the new arrangement.
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
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Shopping in Rotterdam
Key Areas
Rotterdam’s main shopping drags are the streets heading off and around Beursplein. Pedestrianised Lijnbaan will be a particularly happy hunting ground for high-street names and department stores. Witte de Withstraat has trendy galleries, while most high-end fashion outlets centre around Van Oldenbarneveltstraat.
Markets
Vast Binnenrotteplein, just east of Blaak station, transforms regularly into one of the Netherlands’ largest street markets. Every Tuesday and Saturday around 500 stalls sell fruit and veg, meat and fish, books, clothes, household goods, general bric-a-brac, and of course flowers. A smaller market sets up on Sundays except in the winter months.
Shopping Centres
The city’s largest shopping mall is Alexandrium (Korte Poolsterstraat 2), located a couple of kilometres east of the centre and close to Rotterdam Alexander railway station. It has around 200 outlets covering every daily need from food to household accessories.
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Traveller etiquette
The Dutch are a tolerant breed and there is little you can do or say to ruffle them (except perhaps to display your own intolerance of, say, ethnic minorities or alternative lifestyles). Their straightforwardness can sometimes strike foreigners as blunt, if not plain rude. Conversely, the Dutch will expect you to be direct as well: yes means yes, not ‘maybe.’
It is customary to shake hands when seeing someone you know or when being introduced to someone; women and men or women and women may kiss each other on alternating cheeks three times.
You may be fashionably late for social gatherings but not for business meetings. Casual wear is generally acceptable, except for business functions or at smart restaurants, bars and clubs.
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Health
Main emergency number: 112
Food & Drink
According to Oxfam, The Netherlands is the best country in the world for having the most plentiful, nutritious, healthy and affordable diet. Suffice to say, then, travellers couldn’t be in a better place as far as food quality and hygiene is concerned. As in most developed nations, tap water in The Netherlands is safe to drink.
Other Risks
People visiting The Netherlands have a low risk of contracting diseases, but medical professionals advise travellers to make sure they are up-to-date on routine vaccinations before every trip.
Hepatitis A and B are present around the world and can be transmitted through contaminated food, sexual contact and contaminated needles. Speak to your doctor to see if vaccinations are right for you. Rabies is present in bats in The Netherlands, but is not found in dogs. If you are planning to go caving in The Netherlands or work with bats, it may be worth having a rabies vaccination.
Perhaps the biggest health risk in The Netherlands is that of sunburn. It might not always feel hot during the summer months, but the UV rays are still strong – be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and make sure you stay hydrated.
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Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.