Rotterdam has lots of free attractions and monuments to see and visit. Travelling in Rotterdam can be done by bus, metro, tram and train. Check HERE for the best deals and discounts on your train tickets in and around Rotterdam.
Markthal
The Markthal is one of the most popular attractions in Rotterdam. Opened in 2014 by Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, the Markthal is very special because of its perfect arch and adorned roof. The 3D-techniques used to decorated the roof were performed by Arno Coenen and cover 11.000 m2, creating an absolutely amazing experience.
It has more than 50 food vendors that sell Dutch classics, fish and chips, Spanish tapas and many more food and drinks. There are also more than 200 residential apartments inside the arch of this amazing building. It’s definitely one of the most emblematic buildings in Rotterdam and a nice spot to eat and enjoy the environment or just grab a bite to go.
Address: Dominee Jan Scharpstraat 298, 3011 GZ Rotterdam
Website: https://www.markthal.nl/
Opening times: Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm | Friday from 10 am to 9 pm | Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm
Rotterdam Central Station
It might sound a bit off but yes, the Rotterdam Central Station. This odd-shaped building was inaugurated in 2014 and it’s known for its futuristic architecture. Besides its obvious functionality, it has many features like the 3,000 solar panels that supply the whole station and the impressive 5,000 bike parking spots.
Rotterdam Central Station has connections to a lot of international destinations like Paris and Brussels, which can be very useful for your trip. You can check all available destinations here: Rotterdam Centraal
The Cube Houses
You have to visit Rotterdam’s weirdest, but most eye-catching attraction for over 30 years! You can find the Cube Houses next to the metro station Rotterdam Blaak and the Oude Haven.
These perfectly-shaped houses, built in 45 degrees, make you wonder how it’s possible to live in there. Architect Piet Blom designed it in the 70’s as a demonstration of the liveable-space optimisation in the modern cities. There are 38 small cubes and two so called ‘super-cubes’, all attached to each other.
You can visit it from the outside, or buy tickets (€3) for the Show Cube Museum (Kijk-Kubus) to take a look inside. To enjoy the full experience you can also book one of the available Airbnbs here.
Historic Delfshaven
In 1940 the city of Rotterdam was severely bombed by the germans, causing the destruction of several areas and infrastructures. Delfshaven was one of the areas that survived WWII and is now the most historical part of the city.
Back in the days, locals used to make a living fishing in the canals around Delfshaven. Nowadays, the area is full of bars, beer breweries and art studios where locals love to spend their time.
Witte de Withstraat
Witte de Withstraat is the most cultural and lively street of Rotterdam. It’s located in the heart of the city and a great place to stay if you are visiting town.
It’s the place where you’ll find mixed up cultures, tastes and flavours. There are great restaurants, amazing bars and little cultural shops all around Witte de Withstraat.
One my favourite restaurants in this street is Bazar, a restaurant that serves amazing Middle East cuisine. Besides good food, their very colourful decor matches the theme perfectly!
Don’t forget to try their Kofte – a dish of grilled veal meatballs that will definitely blow you away.
The Luchtsingel
The Luchtsingel is a 400-meter long pedestrian bridge that connects Rotterdam Central District with Rotterdam Noord (North).
It was a crowdfunded project that was supported by over 8,000 people. For €25, their names were immortalised into the wooden boards used for lining the edge of the bridge.
Rotterdam yellow bridge 
Museumpark
Museumpark is located in the center of Rotterdam and functions as the city’s cultural hub. It’s an urban park that has many museums like Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, Natural History Museum and De Kunsthal around it. Therefore, it owes its name.
The Museumpark is divided into four zones: a walking zone, a romantic zone, an asphalted city zone for events, and a well-tended garden. At Museumpark you will find a great cultural atmosphere on a very warmth and spacious area.
In August it’s possible to attend movie nights under the starry sky. A ticket costs only 6 euros – you can rent a seat (foldable chair) or bring your own chair or rug.
Nieuwe Binnenweg
Nieuwe Binnenweg is a great street and is full of life. It’s the street where you will be able to get the exact image of Rotterdam’s personality.
It’s an almost 2 km long street full of shops, bars, restaurants and amazing bakeries like Koekela. This is also the street where you can find dutch famous coffee shops and breakfast bars. There’s so much variety of choice, that won’t be hard to find something of your taste.
Kralingse Plas
Kralingse Plas is the perfect escape from the busy city life. This is the place to have a picnic and relax surrounded by nature. Here, you will not only find a park, but also a small beach, a kid’s playground and a place where you can rent/store boats.
On good weather days you can even take a swim! Before you go in, just make sure to check if the water is safe here.
The Koopgoot
The Koopgoot, which was officially named Beurstraverse, has been the heart of Rotterdams shopping center for over 20 years now. I love the fact that is car-free, that shops are all in walking distance and that is open-aired but still rain covered almost everywhere.
Website: https://www.koopgoot.nl
Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm (open until 9 pm on Fridays) | Monday and Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm
