Discover the Best Things to Do in Rotterdam
Looking for the best tours, attractions, museums, harbour cruises, day trips, and local experiences in Rotterdam?
This guide brings together the most popular activities for cruise passengers, city visitors, and travellers staying in Rotterdam before or after their cruise.
Whether you have just a few hours in port or several days to explore, Rotterdam offers a unique mix of modern architecture, maritime heritage, cultural attractions, world-famous landmarks, and unforgettable excursions.
From harbour cruises and walking tours to Kinderdijk windmills, museums, food experiences, and architectural highlights, this page helps you find the best activities in one place.
Many attractions are located within easy reach of Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, making them perfect for cruise visitors with limited time ashore.
Why Visit Rotterdam?
Rotterdam is one of Europe’s most exciting and innovative cities.
Known for its impressive skyline, modern architecture, vibrant food scene, and Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam offers a completely different experience from Amsterdam and other Dutch cities.
Visitors can:
- Explore world-famous architecture
- Cruise through Europe’s largest port
- Visit historic ships and maritime museums
- Discover local food and markets
- Experience Dutch culture and history
- Take day trips to Kinderdijk, Delft, and The Hague
- Enjoy guided walking and cycling tours
- Visit family-friendly attractions and museums
Most Popular Rotterdam Attractions
Euromast Observation Tower
Enjoy spectacular panoramic views over Rotterdam from the city’s most famous observation tower.
Photo suggestion:
- Euromast skyline view
Link to:
Euromast Observation Tower Ticket
Rotterdam Harbour Cruise (Spido)
One of the most popular excursions in Rotterdam. Discover Europe’s largest port from the water and learn how Rotterdam became one of the world’s leading maritime cities.
Photo suggestion:
- Spido harbour cruise
- Rotterdam skyline from the water
Link to:
Rotterdam Harbour Cruise – Spido
Splash Tour Rotterdam
A unique sightseeing experience by both road and water.
This amphibious vehicle takes visitors through Rotterdam before splashing directly into the harbour.
Photo suggestion:
- Splash Tour entering the water
Link to:
Splash Tour Rotterdam
Pancake Cruise Rotterdam
Combine sightseeing with a traditional Dutch pancake buffet while cruising through Rotterdam’s harbour.
Photo suggestion:
- Pancake Cruise ship
- Dutch pancakes
Link to:
Pancake Cruise Rotterdam
Feyenoord Stadium Tour
Go behind the scenes at De Kuip, one of Europe’s most famous football stadiums.
Photo suggestion:
- Feyenoord Stadium
- Players tunnel
Link to:
Feyenoord De Kuip Stadium Tour
SS Rotterdam
Visit Rotterdam’s legendary former ocean liner and discover its fascinating maritime history.
Photo suggestion:
- SS Rotterdam exterior
- Historic ship interiors
Link to:
SS Rotterdam & Audio Tour
Museums & Culture
Fenix Museum
Discover stories of migration and human journeys in Rotterdam’s newest museum.
Link to:
Fenix Museum Ticket
Dutch Photo Museum
Explore world-class photography exhibitions.
Link to:
Dutch Photo Museum Ticket
Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen
Visit the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility.
Link to:
Depot Boijmans Ticket
Maritime Museum Rotterdam
Discover Rotterdam’s deep connection with shipping and maritime history.
Link to:
Maritime Museum Ticket
Miniworld Rotterdam
Explore the Netherlands in miniature.
Link to:
Miniworld Rotterdam Ticket
Rotterdam Zoo (Blijdorp)
One of the most popular family attractions in the Netherlands.
Link to:
Rotterdam Zoo Ticket
Walking Tours in Rotterdam
Walking tours are one of the best ways to discover Rotterdam.
With many highlights located close together, visitors can explore architecture, history, hidden gems, local culture, and waterfront districts on foot.
Popular tours include:
Rotterdam Highlights Walking Tour
Perfect introduction to the city.
Rotterdam Highlights & History Walking Tour
Discover how Rotterdam rebuilt itself after World War II.
Rotterdam Walking Tour with a Local
Experience the city through the eyes of a Rotterdam resident.
Rotterdam Architecture Walking Tour
Explore world-famous architecture and urban innovation.
Rotterdam Private Walking Tour
Flexible itinerary with your own guide.
Rotterdam Rooftop Tour
Visit exclusive rooftops with spectacular skyline views.
Rotterdam Food Tours
Taste local specialties and discover Rotterdam’s culinary scene.
Walking Tour in Spanish, French or Italian
Explore Rotterdam in your own language.
View all Walking Tours →
Bike Tours
Rotterdam is one of the best cycling cities in Europe.
Popular options include:
Rotterdam Highlights Bike Tour
Explore the city’s major landmarks by bicycle.
Culinary Bike Tour
Combine sightseeing with local food experiences.
View all Bike Tours →
Food & Drink Experiences
Discover Rotterdam’s growing food scene through guided culinary experiences.
Popular tours include:
- Rotterdam Food Tour
- Culinary Walking Tour
- Culinary Bike Tour
- Food Tasting Experiences
- Markthal Food Experiences
- Brewery Tours & Beer Tastings
Stadshaven Brewery Tour
Visit one of Rotterdam’s most exciting breweries and enjoy beer tastings.
View Brewery Tour →
Kinderdijk & Day Trips
For many visitors, Kinderdijk is the number one excursion from Rotterdam.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site features 19 historic windmills and offers one of the most iconic Dutch landscapes.
Popular excursions include:
Kinderdijk Windmill Ticket
Visit independently.
Water Shuttle to Kinderdijk
Travel directly from Rotterdam by water.
Kinderdijk & Delft Tour
Combine windmills with one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful historic cities.
Kinderdijk, Delft & The Hague Private Tour
Perfect for cruise passengers seeking a comprehensive Dutch experience.
Rotterdam & Dordrecht Private Day Tour
Discover two historic Dutch cities in one day.
View all Kinderdijk & Day Trips →
Recommended for Cruise Passengers
Only a Few Hours in Rotterdam?
Choose:
- Harbour Cruise
- Euromast
- Markthal
- Cube Houses
- Rotterdam Highlights Walking Tour
One Full Day in Rotterdam?
Choose:
- Harbour Cruise
- Architecture Tour
- SS Rotterdam
- Depot Boijmans
- Food Tour
Staying Before or After Your Cruise?
Choose:
- Kinderdijk
- Delft
- The Hague
- Dordrecht
- Full-Day Private Tours
Start Exploring Rotterdam
Whether you’re arriving by cruise ship, staying in Rotterdam for a few days, or simply looking for the best things to do, this guide helps you find the perfect activity.
Browse all tours, attractions, museums, harbour cruises, walking tours, food experiences, and day trips to create your ideal Rotterdam itinerary.
Find the best Rotterdam activities, compare options, and book your next experience today.
[VIEW ALL ROTTERDAM TOURS & ACTIVITIES]