Planning to spend 2 days in Rotterdam? You're in for a refreshing change from Amsterdam. Known for its futuristic skyline, world-class architecture, vibrant food scene, and lively waterfront, Rotterdam is one of the Netherlands' most exciting cities.

This itinerary covers the city's must-visit attractions while leaving enough time to soak in its unique atmosphere.

If you love watching travel vlogs, then tune into our complete vlog on Rotterdam here.

How to Reach Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has always been a very strategic city not only in Netherlands but all of Europe. It holds one of the biggest ports in the world, so reaching Rotterdam is very straightforward.

• Flights: It doesn't have the biggest of airports, but there are plenty of flights all day from all of Europe. But if you are travelling from outside Europe, you may not get direct flights, so reach Amsterdam, spend some days in Amsterdam and come to Rotterdam

• Trains: The most convenient way to reach Rotterdam is train. There are multiple trains from all over Europe. We took NS train from Steenwijk to Rotterdam as we spent sometime at Giethoorn - known as the Venice of the Netherlands (Watch our Giethoorn vlog here).

• Buses: Another very convenient way to travel within Europe are buses. There are many companies such as Flixbus which operates buses to Rotterdam.

DAY 1: Discover Rotterdam's Modern Icons

Morning:

• Rotterdam Central

  Begin your trip at one of Europe's most impressive train stations. Even if you didn't arrive by train, Rotterdam Centraal is worth seeing for its striking architecture.

• Mini-world Rotterdam

  Just a walking distance away from the Central station, is the Miniworld Rotterdam. If you enjoy watching miniature stuff and models, do visit this cute attraction.

  Ticket price: €15 per adult

Afternoon:

• Witte de Withstraat:

  Have a lunch at one of many restaurants and cafes here. Also explore varied boutique shops and streets full of lovely art. We loved the relaxed atmosphere all around.

• Art Depot Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen:

  Art Deport Museum is one of the iconic landmarks of Rotterdam. A huge bowl shaped mirrored building which is worth some pictures. If you are not a big museum fan, then no need to get inside. (We skipped going in!)

  Ticket price: €20 per adult (free for under 18)

Evening:

• Splash tour:

  This was one of the most enjoyable experiences of our trip to Rotterdam. Do not miss this! The tour starts with a normal bus tour, but you will soon realize there is more to the tour. The bus will turn into a boat and you will enter the Maas river with a big splash! You will soon find yourself (your bus) floating and cruising through the river. You will also witness the beautiful modern side of the city through a comic commentary on the bus. Again, do not miss it!

  Ticket price: €35 per person (€25 for under 12)

• Dinner by the river:

  Near the Euromast, there are many nice restaurants and cafes by the river, where you can relax and have early dinner. Head back to your accommodation and rest.

DAY 2: Culture and Hidden Gems

Morning:

• Lijnbaan & Koopgoot:

  Stroll through the main shopping district of Rotterdam. Lijnbaan is a pedestrain shopping street while Koopgoot offers everything from modern brands to boutique shops.

Afternoon:

• Markthal Market Hall:

  Another architectural wonders of Rotterdam is the market hall. The colourful ceiling artwork alone is worth the visit, but it's the food that steals the show. Sample Dutch favourites, fresh seafood, international street food, or simply grab a drink while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

• Cube Houses (Kijk-Kubus Museum-house):

  Cube houses are another iconic place in Rotterdam, just opposite to the market hall. The unique design makes these apartments an attraction not to miss. There are some hostels as well, if you want to stay here.

Evening:

• Hot Tug:

  This is a hidden gem experience in Rotterdam and we really enjoyed it! Ever imagined floating through the river in a hot tub? The experience is worth every penny! When we visited Rotterdam, it was quite cold, but the hot tub took care of us!

  Price: €165 for 2 (different price based on number of people)

Other Options to explore in Rotterdam:

• Marines museum near cube houses, Dutch pinball museum, Kunsthal art museum, Het park, Rotterdam zoo

• Day trip to the city of Delft famous for Delft blue pottery

Where to Stay?

Rotterdam is a well planned city, with good public transport. But choosing the right neighborhood can make your 2-day itinerary much smoother.

• Rotterdam Centrum – Best for First-Time Visitors

  If this is your first visit, stay in the city centre. You'll be within walking distance of attractions like Markthal, Cube Houses, Witte de Withstraat, and Rotterdam Centraal Station. It's also the most convenient base for sightseeing, restaurants, shopping, and public transport.

• Kop van Zuid – Best for Skyline Views

  Looking for a more upscale stay? Kop van Zuid sits across the Maas River and offers stunning skyline views, modern hotels, and easy access to landmarks like the Erasmus Bridge and Hotel New York. The area feels quieter than the city centre while still being only a short metro or water taxi ride away.

• Delfshaven – Best for a Local Experience

  If you prefer cobblestone streets, canals, and a slower pace, consider staying in Delfshaven. One of the few parts of Rotterdam that survived World War II, it offers a charming contrast to the city's modern architecture and is perfect for travellers seeking a more authentic neighbourhood atmosphere.

• Budget Tip: Rotterdam has plenty of quality hostels, boutique hotels, and serviced apartments. If you're visiting on a weekend or during the summer, book your accommodation a few weeks in advance, as the best-value stays near Rotterdam Centraal tend to sell out quickly.

Best Time to Visit Rotterdam

The best months to visit are April to October, when pleasant weather makes walking, cycling, and outdoor dining far more enjoyable. We visited Rotterdam in April, when it was on a colder side, but full of cherry blossom.

If you're visiting during spring, you'll enjoy blooming parks and comfortable temperatures. Summer brings lively festivals, rooftop bars, and longer daylight hours, while autumn offers fewer crowds and beautiful colours along the river.

How to commute?

Getting around couldn't be easier! Most attractions in this itinerary are within walking distance, while trams and the metro make longer journeys quick and affordable. We ended up walking more than 10000 steps everyday but it was very enjoyable walking through the beautiful streets.

If you're comfortable cycling, renting a bike is one of the best ways to experience Rotterdam like a local.

Final Thoughts

Rotterdam may not receive the same attention as Amsterdam, but that's exactly what makes it so special.

It's creative without trying too hard, modern without losing its history, and packed with experiences that surprise you around every corner. From iconic architecture and lively food markets to peaceful canals and riverside sunsets, this city offers a refreshing perspective on the Netherlands.

We fell in love with Rotterdam! And if given an opportunity, we would love to stay here forever. That is a big statement, but yeah we are being honest!

If you're planning a Dutch itinerary, don't make the mistake of skipping Rotterdam. Give it two days, and there's a good chance it'll become your favourite city in the country.

Important Links: Art Depot Museum Boijmans Official ticket website: https://www.boijmans.nl/en/Entry%20prices

Splash tour tickets: https://www.splashtours.nl/arrangement/splashtours/