2025 Rotterdam Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Rotterdam, the Netherlands’ vibrant city of innovation and design, is the perfect destination for a one-day trip. Known for its cutting-edge architecture, thriving cultural scene, and modern vibe, it offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s bold vision for the future. If you’re short on time, make sure to visit these three standout landmarks: The Cube Houses (Bricks House), The Pencil Building, and the fascinating Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. Start your day at the iconic Cube Houses, a masterpiece of architectural ingenuity designed by Piet Blom in the 1970s. These tilted, yellow cubes sit on hexagonal pillars and are a visual treat, challenging traditional ideas of how homes should look. The concept represents a “forest of trees,” with each cube as a tree. You can step inside the “Show Cube Museum” to experience how these oddly angled spaces are cleverly utilized as living quarters. The surrounding area, with its lively cafes and shops, is perfect for a quick coffee break. Just steps away from the Cube Houses is the quirky Pencil Building, officially known as the Het Potlood. Its pointed, pencil-like design makes it one of Rotterdam’s most distinctive landmarks. Situated next to the Markthal, this residential building stands out with its playful architecture and adds to the creative charm of the area. While you’re here, explore the vibrant Markthal, a massive indoor market known for its colorful ceiling artwork and diverse food stalls—a great spot for lunch. Conclude your day at the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, a cutting-edge art storage facility and museum hybrid that’s as much a work of art as the pieces it houses. The Depot’s mirrored facade reflects the city’s skyline, creating a stunning visual effect. Inside, you’ll find over 151,000 artworks spanning centuries, from old masters to contemporary art, all stored and displayed in an open-access format. Take the rooftop tour for breathtaking panoramic views of Rotterdam while enjoying the rooftop garden and cafe. Rotterdam’s modern, daring architecture and artistic flair make it a standout destination in the Netherlands. Even in just one day, exploring landmarks like the Cube Houses, Pencil Building, and Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen offers a fascinating look at this dynamic city where creativity knows no bounds. #europetrip

#2024Travel Review Are you also an architecture fan? When you come to the Netherlands, don’t miss the city #Rotterdam. Rotterdam is famous for its unique modern architecture and avant-garde design. Although the city was almost razed to the ground after World War II, it was rebuilt with astonishing creativity and has become a pilgrimage site for architecture fans around the world. There are several architectural highlights in Rotterdam that you cannot miss: Cube House, Mark Tower, Fenhaus Complex, Pencil House... and many more. Since we were traveling to and from Rotterdam on the same day, we could easily roam around the city center. I particularly like the building complex composed of the Pencil House and the Cube House. These buildings can become a "small urban forest", where the Pencil House is like a "giant tree in the forest", forming a harmonious contrast with the surrounding cubic "tree houses". And the yellow and white square houses actually have residents inside~it’s so cute!!! Then, we walked to the Rotterdam Market (Markthal), which is the first indoor market in the Netherlands, integrating shopping, food and art. The entire market is located in a huge high-ceiling arched building. The interior space is spacious and bright, and residential and office spaces are integrated on both sides. There are more than 90 stalls in the market, full of delicious food from all over the world. Although Rotterdam is a modern city, it can surprise your visual senses with creativity and design at every step. Friends who like architecture and urban culture must come to experience the unique charm of this city. I guarantee you will fall in love with it! #Rotterdam #Holland Free Travel #Rotterdam Architecture Tour #European Travel #Dutch City Exploration #Architecture Fans Must Visit #City Slow Travel #Rotterdam #Travelgram

📍Rotterdam Cube House is the most famous design in Rotterdam, the Netherlands Because they are made up of blocks, they are called Cube Houses. The interior design of the cube house is also very unique It is actually a youth hostel with irregular rooms. It feels like living in a maze🏡 Many tourists come to visit And near the cube house is 📍Markthal A modern design in Rotterdam The building looks like a huge arch. The ceiling of the Markthal has beautiful frescoes Inside are various shops and restaurants, just like a shopping mall. Remember to reserve some time to enjoy the food here. Dutch fish and chips are also sold there! #GlobalTravel #HollandTravel #Rotterdam

De Markthal Market, the first indoor market in the Netherlands, is located in the heart of #Rotterdam. This arcade market is just as its name suggests. Its internal building is designed with arches and is decorated into a beautiful work of art. It is known as the most beautiful market in Europe. . As night falls, the various colorful three-dimensional paintings add a dazzling charm. When I walked into this lively market hall, the first thing I saw was the domed mural called "The Horn of Plenty". Those lovely three-dimensional paintings show vegetables 🥬 fruits 🍇 fish 🐟 cheese 🧀️ bread 🥐 and insects 🦋, etc., with their rich colors and delicate details, they capture the essence of food and nature, as if they are telling every vivid moment. The story is amazing! Looking up, you will definitely be shocked by the magnificence and splendor of the paintings. Those vivid patterns carefully created by designers echo each other with the silent night sky outside, exuding endless artistic charm. The reason why De Markthal Market has become a #popular attraction in Rodante is not only because of its unique architectural style, but also a palace of art, culture and food. It has a diverse collection of stalls, restaurants, coffee shops and shops, providing visitors with a wealth of choices whether they want to taste authentic Dutch food, handmade chocolate or international cuisine. 👍Reasons for recommending visiting #Markthal👍 #The atmosphere of the arcade market is full of vitality. The dreamy paintings and design-rich market environment make every corner like a silent "god-level painting", which not only touches the hearts of tourists, but also allows us to enjoy - A feast for the eyes and taste buds, leisurely experiencing Rotterdam’s unique modern charm and cultural pulse is an indispensable highlight for tourists. 💡Trip tips💡 📍 Grotemarkt 60, 3011 HE Rotterdam,Holland 🕙Business hours Monday to Thursday and Saturday 10:00-20:00 Friday 10:00-21:00 Sunday 12:00-18:00 🚇🚡Transportation suggestions to De Markthal Market The transportation from Rotterdam Central Station to the Markthal is very convenient. You can take tram line 23 or 25 and get off at Beurs station; or you can take the subway and get off at Rotterdam Blaak station, and you can easily reach this wonderful colorful market. . *Markthal Arcade Market is adjacent to #Rotterdam Cube House and Pencil House. It is recommended to stay for 2️⃣ hours and you can stop by to visit these scenic spots. # Popular Attractions # Netherlands Travel # Rotterdam Attractions # Food Tour # 100 Ways to Travel # Indoor Good Places

We continue with Rotterdam's quirky buildings🏘️ This time it's the Future World Museum Depot, officially named Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. ✅ This is a super special art depot in Rotterdam. It's not an ordinary museum; it's the world's first publicly accessible art depot. ✅ The design of this depot is super avant-garde, with an exterior made of 1,664 mirrored glass panels. It looks like a giant silver pot, super shiny, and very prominent in Rotterdam's city skyline. ✅ Function and Collection: Depot is not just a place to display artworks; it also plays a crucial role in preserving, restoring, and transporting artworks. It houses over 152,000 art treasures, covering various styles and periods, making it a true art treasure trove. ✅ Visiting Depot is definitely a brand-new art experience. You can see the restoration process of artworks firsthand and even put on work clothes to experience the curator's job yourself. Moreover, there is a rooftop garden with 75 birch trees, which is super beautiful. 📍 Located in the city center of Rotterdam, about a twenty-minute walk from the Cube Houses. 🎫 20 Euros

As soon as you exit Rotterdam Station, you'll see the tall arch-shaped building on your right—the Rotterdam Food Plaza. Inside, there's a highly recommended cheese shop with great quality and delicious cheese, and the owner is particularly interesting. The seafood pasta and risotto are also highly recommended, fresh and tasty. On the left side, you'll find the unique Pencil House and Cube House buildings, which house offices and hotels. This time, I was lucky enough to stay in the Cube House. Although the walls are slanted, it's actually quite nice and very special. Behind the station, there's a large square that hosts a weekend market and flea market, making it very lively. I'm sure many of you have seen Jackie Chan's movie 'Who Am I.' There's a fight scene filmed in the square between the Cube Houses. Watching it as a kid didn't leave much of an impression, but seeing it in person was quite impactful. Watching the movie again after visiting gave me a deeper understanding.

#familytravel During my summer vacation, I visited Miniworld Rotterdam, and it was a delightful experience! This indoor miniature world showcases Rotterdam and other Dutch landscapes in incredible detail. The entrance fee is about €14, which felt like a great deal given how intricate and immersive the exhibits are. The tiny replicas of landmarks, bustling city scenes, and even working trains were mesmerizing. Nearby, I took a stroll through the Rotterdam city center and marveled at the modern architecture, which contrasts beautifully with the classic miniature scenes at Miniworld. The Markthal, with its vibrant food stalls and stunning ceiling artwork, was a fantastic spot for lunch. Miniworld is a perfect blend of fun and fascination, especially if you enjoy seeing large-scale creations on a small scale! #trip #MiniworldRotterdam #Rotterdam #MiniatureWorld #TravelFun #SummerGetaway

#modernArchitecture Feel this magical architectural design, Paid admission is available. There are several small businesses, I bought some beautiful postcards here. You can look up and have a look. Look for the distinctive geometric patterns created by the houses and sky. The shape of the cube house is very interesting. Many places are very beautiful But the accommodation experience was pretty good. The bed for one person is a bit narrow. I didn't sleep well. Breakfast was okay. Eat well~ In addition, the location of the Cube House is wrong. There are good restaurants around where you can dine. You can also walk to the modern market.

#familytrips2024 #vianasjourney #awesomepic I love photography and visiting places so much. A holiday or simply a day out did not feel complete without it. So, if you share the same passion as mine, do consider these places to visit while you are in Rotterdam. 1) World Trade Center; The Sculpture immediately caught my eyes. Although I have seen plenty of sculpture before but this bronze sculpture of Gijsbert Karel Van Hogendorp is just special. He played a leading role in drawing up the New Constitution. Infront of this building, there’s a long shopping complex. 2) Stadhuis Rotterdam/ Townhall Rotterdam; This place have a beautiful garden but when I visited on the weekend, they were close. So if the garden that you are aiming for, come during weekdays. Despite that, the architecture itself quite interesting. Plenty of sculpture were attached outside of the building for you to capture. 3) Market Hall; Selling plenty of food, drinks & other items. The unique thing about this place is, the beautiful arts on it’s ceiling. 4) Cube Houses; Definitely not to miss in Rotterdam. Entrance fee is not required. It just a bit crowded that it’s a challenge to take picture without anyone in your frame. I hope you enjoy Rotterdam as much as I do. Enjoy! ps; all this location are just nearby each other.

#familytrips2024 #vianasjourney #awesomepic As its name suggests, this place is basically a modern kinda market selling plenty kind of food and drinks from not only something familiar to dutch taste but also to international customers. You can easily get your boba drinks, ramen, or kunafa in the market. Apart that most shops selling light snacks, there’s also some restaurant with bigger space where you can get some proper table and dine. WC is available in the building, you just have to take one escalator down. It was nice that I have plenty of options here.

#familytrips2024 #vianasjourney #couplestrip While in Rotterdam, be sure not to miss this cute yet unique little cube house. It’s located basically in the center of the city and super easy to get here especially if you stop at Rotterdam Blaak Station. There’s no fee required to view the whole area but if you wanna enter the museum you could pay as low as 3€ at the entry point (by card or cash) or you may also purchase ticket on their official site. It’s basically showing you a typical setup of cube house looks like and a little bit of the background. Love how creative ones mind can be :)

#Halloween2023 There are many restaurants downstairs in the Cube House. There are many people eating and drinking in each room. I think it's because of the beautiful scenery here And the Dutch guys are also very enthusiastic❤️‍🔥🇳🇱😁😆 Go inside the Cube Houses There is also an ice cream shop opened by my grandfather. Besides being delicious 😋 Grandpa 👴🏻 is also very kind and interesting❗️ No wonder people who come to the Netherlands🇳🇱 to play want to stay in this city for longer♥️ 🟨⬜️ Cube Houses Kijk-Kubus 📍 Overblaak 70, 3011 MH Rotterdam, Netherlands #Rotterdam #HollandTravel #DutchTourism #trip #rotterdam #netherlands #jmebbtrueadventure

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#Halloween2023 Take the train to another city in Rotterdam to play on the weekend Found a restaurant to eat and drink 🍴 There are both outdoor and indoor seating. Raoul 🥚🍳🧀🥞🍯 We just happen to like sweets. A person who likes salty food Both are delicious. Just ordered what I like to eat Not bad either 😋🉑️ push push Raoul 📍 Van Oldenbarneveltplaats 1, 3012 AH Rotterdam, Netherlands #trip #foodphotography #foodguide #westernfood #foodietrip #foodielife #rotterdam #rotterdam #netherlands #hollandtourism #hollandtravel

Rotterdam was completely destroyed during the Second World War, and from the ruins one of the most unique cities in the Netherlands was born. Although it is only slightly smaller than Amsterdam, it has completely different atmosphere. The largest port in Europe is located in Rotterdam. You can get to Rotterdam from Amsterdam by intercity train for 16 euros. Leave the central station and walk in any direction you like. The beauties of the city will find you. Best places to visit: The Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge, Rotterdam Central Station, Euromast Tower and Markthal #backpacking #backpacker #Rotterdam #budget

Rotterdam is a city in the Netherlands known for its unique and eccentric architecture. As a visitor, I have a great appreciation for Rotterdam's architecture and innovative design. #Rotterdam 1. Innovation: Rotterdam’s architecture demonstrates boundless creativity and innovation. Architects here are not bound by tradition and restrictions. They dare to challenge conventions and turn dreams into reality. From Marcus Rubens's Erasmusbrug to Peter Brooks's Kop van Zuid, each building demonstrates Rotterdam's leading position in architectural design. 2. Brave appearance: Rotterdam’s buildings often have a bold and edgy appearance. The buildings’ unique shapes, peculiar structures and innovative choice of materials make them highlights in the urban landscape. For example, the Bird's Nest (De Rotterdam) building on Max Haas (Maas) presents a very dynamic appearance with its interlaced vertical and horizontal lines. This bold and iconoclastic style makes Rotterdam a haven for architecture lovers. 3. Community Reshaping: Rotterdam’s buildings are not only for beautifying the urban landscape, they also play a role in reshaping communities. For example, Kubuswoningen by Dutch architect Piet Blom is a very unique residential area consisting of a series of tilted cubes. This special architectural style provides residents with a unique residential experience and has become one of Rotterdam's landmarks. This community reinvention effort enables residents to live in a unique and exciting environment. 4. Cultural Vitality: Rotterdam’s buildings are more than just buildings, they carry the city’s cultural vitality. As an international city, Rotterdam attracts artists, designers and creative talents from all over the world. The work of these talents enriches Rotterdam's art and cultural scene and makes the city a vibrant and creative place. For example, the Museum of Modern Art (Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen) is a museum with a rich art collection and its building is a work of art in itself, attracting many tourists and art lovers. Overall, Rotterdam’s eccentric architecture demonstrates the city’s commitment to innovation, bravery, and community reinvention. These buildings are not just beautiful landscapes, but also a reflection of the city’s culture and vitality. As a tourist, I can’t help but be attracted by the architectural charm of Rotterdam, which adds a unique charm and appeal to the city and leaves me with a deep impression of the city.

#hotelstaycation Found this hotel at the heart of Rotterdam and the stay confirmed it to be one to come back to. especially fascinated with the self checkout grocery store at level 2, which was well stocked with chocolates, crossiants, drinks etc. They also had an in house gym and the room i got thankfully had good views too. address the james hotel rotterdam Aert van Nesstraat 25, 3012 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands

The Markthal (English: Market Hall) is a residential and office building with a market hall underneath, located in Rotterdam. The building was opened on October 1, 2014, by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. Besides the large market hall, the complex houses 228 apartments, 4,600 m2 retail space, 1,600 m2 horeca and an underground 4-storey parking garage with a capacity of over 1200 cars. You will enjoy inside this hall, variety of foods from Asian, American, European foods are found here .The unique architectural structure and design made it so special. #netherlands #mytripvlog #tripblazers #travel

Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen the name A place nice for photo, from far you can see it as giant bowl or cup with mirror alike glass. It reflected the clear and nice sky in Rotterdam. Many people snaps there, the building as the object, or background or the reflection for selfie and wefie. It is literally something that mesmerised me the most in Rotterdam! It is a museum in fact but I didn’t go in because I only attracted by the outside. Walking further with some park and other museum as well. #rotterdam #netherland #europe #solotravel #backpacker #Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen #recommended

One of the famous house in Rotterdam Blaak is the cube house. seems like you are living in a house with an upsidedown structure from the outside. The Yellow colored house, made it also unique and how you can get inside this house. Some houses are open for viewing to experience having this kind of house, there are also shops around it, souvenirs and restaurants that you can stay around.

📍 Address: Rotterdam, Netherlands. 🌟 Highlights: Rotterdam is a vibrant city with a unique mix of modern and traditional architecture. One of the most iconic landmarks in Rotterdam is the "Yellow Cube Houses". These houses were designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the 1970s and are a true work of art. Another must-visit spot is the port of Rotterdam, which is the largest port in Europe and offers stunning views of the city skyline. If you're a bird lover, you'll want to check out the Rotterdam Zoo, which is home to a large population of parrots. These colorful birds are a delight to watch and add to the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Finally, a stroll along the River Maas is a great way to take in the beauty of Rotterdam and see the city from a different perspective. 👍🏻 Rating: Rotterdam is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a lover of modern architecture, a fan of nature and wildlife, or simply looking to explore a new city, Rotterdam is sure to impress. With its friendly people, unique attractions, and stunning views, this city is a must-visit destination in the Netherlands. 👉🏻 Motivation: If you're planning a trip to the Netherlands, be sure to add Rotterdam to your itinerary. This city has a lot to offer and is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. From the iconic Yellow Cube Houses to the bustling port, Rotterdam is a city that is sure to capture your heart. So don't miss out on the opportunity to explore this amazing city and all that it has to offer. With its diverse culture, stunning architecture, and friendly people, the Netherlands is a country that is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. 🏢🐦🚢🌊 #Rotterdam #Netherlands #CasasCuboAmarillas #Puerto #Loros #ElRio #TravelGuide #TravelInspiration #TravelTips #ExploreRotterdam #Wanderlust #TravelPhotography #CityBreak #VacationIdeas #BucketList #CulturalExperience #Adventure #Architecture #History #Foodie #LocalCulture

A little over 30 mins train ride from Amsterdam in Rotterdam! It offers a range of views differing from a huge market , farmers market and many maritime museum. I explored the city for half a day and what a delight it was! Craving for some Indian tea I went to the tiny Indian shop tucked in Market Hall. Right outside the market hall was a farmer’s market! walking around Rotterdam is a delight. ps: stay tuned for more pics in the next post! #hint: windmills #europe #2023travelwish #urbanexplorer #mytripvlog

#2023travelwish Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk or St. Lawrence Church is a Protestant church in Rotterdam. It is the only remnant of the medieval city of Rotterdam. The church was built between 1449 and 1525. In 1621 a wooden spire was added to the tower, designed by Hendrick de Keyser. It is located next to Markthal. 5 minutes walk from the Market Hall. Travel wish for #2023travelwish is to Travel around the world with my loved one.

#2023travelwish The Markthal (English: Market Hall) is a residential and office building with a market hall underneath, located in Rotterdam.[8] The building was opened on October 1, 2014, by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. We visited Markthal for their food. We saw wonderful Christmas decorations. People are gathering everywhere for this holiday season. Food are ranging from all around the world. We can get Dutch Delight, Turkish, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Latin, American and many many more. Travel wish for #2023travelwish is to Travel around the world with my loved one.

If you like architecture, Rotterdam is the city to go. Every street corner has something special that will make you want to stop and take out your camera. Whether it is the bridges that connect the two sides of the city, the train station, food market, or commercial and residential all blend in together so well. The city is totally walkable - spending a day to walk around town is absolutely worthwhile! #urbanexplorer #urbanart #architecture

Rotterdam Centrum Market 📍 Hoogstraat 107-129, 3011 PL Rotterdam, Netherlands This amazing covered market located in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The market was surrounded by residential apartments with a wonderful wall painting. 🖼️ I am sure you will be amazed!! Just 20 minutes walk from the Rotterdam central station.🥰 You can enjoy Herring “sashimi” which is really popular in Holland with a really strong fishy taste. 🐠Herring is an excellent source of lean protein with fatty acids and omega 3 oil.🐟🐟 📍 Overblaak 70, 3011 MH Rotterdam, Netherlands When walking out from the Markt, on your right there are some cube houses which you can get a ticket and visit or even book a night staying in a cube house!! 🎲 #foodie If you have a sweet tooth you can get a finger licking good caramel waffle 🧇 from a food truck. It is very popular snack in Holland with a hot caramel sauce between two thin layer of freshly made waffles🍯🧇. #awesomepic #rotterdam

A major logistic and economic centre, Rotterdam is Europe's largest seaport. I Generally all tourist attraction place in the city center. #spooktaculartrip #tripblazers #netherland #rotterdam

This line of cubic shape houses called the Cubehouse was built nearly 40 years ago and located in the center of Rotterdam. Each apartment has three levels and is accessed by steep staircase. The interior is cleverly designed and includes all the usual rooms such as bedrooms , kitchen, bathroom, and even an attic to chill out . While all of the apartments are for residential purposes, one of them is opened to visitors as a museum with a small entrance fee of £3. Definitely one of the must see buildings if you are visiting Rotterdam on an architectural journey. #urbanexplorer #thenetherlands #unique #architecture #rotterdam