Unveiling Rotterdam: a city guide

Are you dreaming of a European getaway that's both modern and historic? Look no further than Rotterdam, the Netherlands! Often overshadowed by Amsterdam, Rotterdam offers a unique urban experience brimming with cutting-edge architecture, world-class museums, and a vibrant nightlife. This guide has the need-to-know information, perfect for travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

The history of Rotterdam is what makes it unique amongst all cities in the Netherlands. Most Dutch cities are filled with historic buildings, such as the canals in Amsterdam. While Rotterdam still has some remaining older areas, most of the city centre was bombed at the start of World War II.

After the war, the city was rebuilt with modern architecture, the likes of which can be found no where else in the country. Today’s Rotterdam architecture features iconic sights such as the Erasmus Bridge, Cube Houses and Markthal. If you want to explore one of the older neighbourhoods of the city that wasn’t impacted as much by the bombings, we recommend a visit to Delfshaven.

The city offers several unique experiences, that should be a part of any visitors itinerary.

• Splashtours: Embark on a thrilling Splashtours adventure! This amphibious bus tour takes you on a land and water journey, showcasing Rotterdam from a unique perspective.
• Walking tour: If you prefer a more active way to explore, try a guided walking tour to discover more about the many facets of this city.
• Depot Boijmans van Beuningen: Visit the world’s first publicly accessible art depot! This is not a museum with exhibitions, instead you can wander on your own or with a guide through the building with its 154,000 art objects.
• Westersingel Sculpture Route: along the Westersingel canal stand 17 sculptures, some of which are either famous or infamous, including Pablo Picasso’s Sylvette and Paul McCarthy’s Santa Claus which is locally better known as Kabouter Buttplug.
• Kinderdijk: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is easily reached by boat, it has the largest concentration of old windmills in the world, most of them built around 1740.

As a port city, the city is located on the shore of the North Sea, which heavily influences the weather in Rotterdam. Every season feels different here. The winters are cold and wet, but not freezing, with an average temperature of 4° Celsius or 39° Fahrenheit.

The driest months (on average) in Rotterdam are February and April, and the wettest is October. But the highest temperatures occur in the summer months of July and August. The weather is highly changeable here, so you may just feel like you are experiencing four seasons in a single day.

Yes, the Rotterdam The Hague Airport sits on the northern edge of the city. It’s considered a minor international airport, and is mostly reached with budget airlines. Making your way into the city from the airport is easy, as there is a direct metro line as well as buses.

Rotterdam is a place unlike any other in the Netherlands, waiting to be discovered. From historical landmarks to cutting-edge architecture, this dynamic city offers something for everyone. Book your tickets for things to do in Rotterdam with Tours & Tickets today and unlock the secrets of this captivating city!