Rotterdam is known for its innovative modern architecture and its incredible food scene. This vibrant city is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the world, including the famous cube houses. Besides the exceptional architecture, Rotterdam is also a foodie paradise. In this Rotterdam travel guide we’ll take you on a journey through Rotterdam’s must-visit spots and the best places to eat. Get ready to discover the highlights of Rotterdam!
🇳🇱 Language: Dutch, English widely spoken
💰 Currency: Euro
⏳ Best time to visit: June to September
The best things to do in Rotterdam
Admire the world-famous cubes houses
A visit to Rotterdam is not complete without admiring the world-famous cube houses! These houses are an architectural wonder and the perfect example of the innovative architecture that Rotterdam is famous for. The houses are built in the shape of cubes tilted at a 45-degree angle, creating a visually stunning effect. No matter how long you look, you remain amazed at the visual effect the cube houses create! And, depending on how long you look up, your neck might be hurting (like it did with us).
Where: Overblaak 70
Walk across the Erasmusbrug
Another iconic landmark is the Erasmusbrug. It crosses the Nieuwe Maas river and connects the north and south parts of Rotterdam. The cable stayed bridge is a beautiful example of modern engineering and design. You can walk, cycle or ride across the bridge, taking in the panoramic views of the city and the river. There are countless spots nearby where you can sit down and picnic, with amazing views of the bridge in the background. The Erasmusbrug is so much more than a simple bridge and definitely worth admiring!
Enjoy the breathtaking views from the Euromast
Looking for the best views of Rotterdam? Make sure to visit the Euromast! This iconic tower offers breathtaking views of the city and beyond. Standing at over 180 meters tall, the tower is the highest observation point in Rotterdam, providing a panoramic vista that stretches for miles in every direction. Visitors can take a high-speed elevator to the top of the tower, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city’s skyline, the port, and the surrounding countryside.
The observation deck is also home to a hotel and a 360° view restaurant, where diners can enjoy a meal while taking in the spectacular scenery. What stood out for us, and unfortunately we didn’t know this in advance so were unable to do so, is that the Euromast can also be used to do some Abseiling (or rappelling): roping down from the 180m high tower!
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Rotterdam or a long-time resident, a visit to the Euromast is an absolute must-do. The views are simply breathtaking, and the experience is one that you’ll never forget.
Where: Parkhaven 20
Where to eat in Rotterdam
Joe & the Juice
Joe & the Juice is the perfect healthy breakfast spot. With a wide variety of delicious juices, smoothies and breakfast options, you’ll surely find something to your liking. We tried the smashed avo rye bread and the Joe’s omelet, both of which were flavorful and nutritious. We also had the Sports juice and the Energizer. The Sports juice is a refreshing blend of apple, passion fruit, and pineapple and rather sweet. If you’re looking for something less sweet, the Energizer is perfect for you! It is a zesty combination of apple, ginger, and red grapefruit. While the food and juices were undeniably delicious, we did find that the portions were rather small. Nevertheless, the quality of the ingredients, the cozy atmosphere and the beautiful interior make up for this! We looved this place because we were sure we were staying within our daily calorie intake!
Where: Meent 15C
Markthal
Markthal is a food lover’s paradise that simply cannot be missed. This indoor market is home to a wide variety of food stands and cuisines, offering something for everyone. We stopped by 21 Pinchos Tapas Bar, where we ordered some delicious pinchos and amazing sangria. This place offers countless pinchos, and if you remember our trip to Barcelona you know we love them! There are over 20 types of pinchos to choose from, ranging from cheese-only or spicy shrimps to serrano ham with a little Brie on top. They also offer Spanish specialties like patatas bravas or calamares, so you know it’s good!
Our next stop was Ramen Bar Sensei, where we tried some Japanse specialties that we had our eye on for quite a while. We had the Takoyaki (a ball-shaped Japanese snack with octopus filling) and the Okonomiyaki (a savory pancake) and we can tell you: both dishes were incredible! If you are in the mood to try something new, definitely stop by Ramen Bar Sensei, you won’t regret it!
The market itself is also a work of art, make sure to check out the stunning arched ceiling with colorful murals. The bustling atmosphere and delicious smells make for an unforgettable experience!
Pro tip: once you’re done eating, try to visit Wah Nam Hong, an amazing Asian supermarket where you can find a wide range of products from countries such as Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia etc. They offer delicious products such as Thai rice, a range of soy and chili sauces, but you can also get kitchen and tableware such as designer chopsticks, specifically for Asian cuisine and cookbooks. Even if you’re not in the market for anything Asian, we recommend just strolling around and being amazed at all Asia has to offer!
Where: Ds. Jan Scharpstraat 298
Looking for more Netherlands recommendations?
Our top 10 food favorites in Amsterdam
Breda travel guide
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