Rotterdam-6-day-itinerary

Rotterdam 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Rotterdam and check-in to your hotel. Recommended hotels:
    • Hotel New York (luxury)
    • citizenM Rotterdam (budget-friendly)
  • Afternoon: Start at the Erasmusbrug, a iconic bridge with great city views. Walk to the nearby Kop van Zuid, a trendy neighborhood with shops and restaurants.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Bistro Bijentuin, serving French-inspired cuisine.

Day 2: Cultural Delights

  • Morning: Visit the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, featuring an impressive art collection. Afterwards, stroll through the adjacent Museumpark.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Markthal, a bustling marketplace with food stalls and shops. Don’t miss the impressive architecture!
  • Evening: Enjoy a performance or concert at the De Doelen concert hall.

Day 3: Waterfront and Architecture

  • Morning: Take a harbor tour to admire Rotterdam’s skyline and maritime history.
  • Afternoon: Visit the SS Rotterdam, a historic ship turned hotel, restaurant, and museum. Explore the nearby Katendrecht, a charming waterfront neighborhood.
  • Evening: Dine at The Park, offering international cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 4: Modern Architecture

  • Morning: Visit the Van Nelle Factory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former factory turned cultural hub. Take a guided tour to learn about its history.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Oude Noorden, a neighborhood filled with modern architecture, art galleries, and trendy cafes.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at FG Food Labs, offering innovative, plant-based cuisine.

Day 5: Day Trip to Kinderdijk

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Kinderdijk, a picturesque village famous for its windmills (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
  • Afternoon: Explore the Netherlands Water Museum, showcasing the country’s water management systems.
  • Evening: Return to Rotterdam and enjoy dinner at De Zuid, serving seasonal, locally sourced dishes.

Day 6: Markets and Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the Waterloopleinmarkt, a bustling outdoor market selling fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Lijnbaan, a popular shopping street lined with boutiques and department stores.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Werf, offering international cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Things to Know

  • Rotterdam is easily navigable by bike, foot, or public transportation. Consider purchasing an OV-chipkaart for convenient travel.
  • The city has a vibrant cultural scene; be sure to check event calendars for museums, concert halls, and festivals during your visit.
  • Don’t forget to try some of Rotterdam’s famous stamppot, a hearty dish made with mashed potatoes, vegetables, and sausage.

Transportation

  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM): Connected to the city center by bus (30 minutes) or taxi (20 minutes).
  • Trains: Frequent services connect Rotterdam to Amsterdam, Utrecht, and other Dutch cities.
  • Buses: An extensive network of buses connects the city; use the 9292 app for routes and schedules.

Tips

  • Be prepared for unpredictable weather; pack layers and waterproof gear.
  • Learn some basic Dutch phrases to show respect for the local culture.
  • Take advantage of Rotterdam’s many parks and green spaces for a relaxing break from sightseeing.