Rotterdam-7-day-itinerary

August 7, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) or take a train to Rotterdam Centraal Station
Visit the Markthal https://markthal.nl, a unique indoor market with food stalls, restaurants, and shops. Try some local specialties like herring or stamppot.
Afternoon: Explore the nearby Kralingse Bos, a beautiful forest with walking trails and picnic areas
Evening: Head to the Witte de Withstraat https://www.wittedewith.nl, a lively street with bars, restaurants, and live music. Try some Dutch beer or wine at Café Gouda

Stay: Hotel New York https://www.hotelyork.com in the city center, near the Markthal

Day 2: Culture and History

Morning: Visit the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen https://boijmans.nl, one of the largest art museums in the Netherlands. See works by famous artists like Monet and Picasso
Afternoon: Explore the nearby Erasmus Bridge, a striking cable-stayed bridge with great city views
Evening: Head to the Kijk-Kubus https://www.kijkkubus.nl, an experimental art center with interactive exhibits and live performances. Try some cocktails at the on-site bar

Day 3: Maritime Heritage

Morning: Visit the Maritime Museum Rotterdam https://www.maritiem-museum.nl, which tells the story of Rotterdam’s maritime history. See historic ships and exhibits on shipbuilding
Afternoon: Explore the nearby Wereldmuseum, a museum showcasing the world’s cultures through art, artifacts, and exhibitions
Evening: Head to the Rotterdam Harbour https://www.rotterdamharbour.com, where you can take a harbor tour or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere

Day 4: Parks and Recreation

Morning: Visit the Kinderdijk Windmill Museum https://www.kinderdijk.nl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 19 windmills from the 18th century
Afternoon: Explore the nearby Diergaarde Blijdorp https://www.blijdorp.com, one of Europe’s oldest and largest zoos. See a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and penguins
Evening: Head to the Oude Haven, a picturesque old harbor with restaurants, bars, and live music

Day 5: Shopping and Dining

Morning: Visit the Meent, one of Rotterdam’s shopping streets with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Try some Dutch waffles or pastries at De Pijl
Afternoon: Explore the nearby Lijnbaan, another popular shopping street with international brands and local boutiques
Evening: Head to the Scheepvaartkwartier https://www.scheepvaartkwartier.nl, a lively area with restaurants, bars, and live music. Try some seafood or steak at one of the many eateries

Day 6: More Culture

Morning: Visit the Nederlands Fotomuseum https://www.fotomuseum.nl, a museum showcasing Dutch and international photography. See works by famous photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson
Afternoon: Explore the nearby Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, a stunning Gothic-style church with beautiful stained-glass windows
Evening: Head to the Witte de Withstraat https://www.wittedewith.nl, a lively street with bars, restaurants, and live music. Try some Dutch beer or wine at Café Gouda

Day 7: Departure

Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any attractions you missed earlier
Afternoon: Head to the airport or train station for your departure
Tips and Tricks: Don’t forget to validate your OV-chipkaart (public transport card) before using it. Also, be prepared for occasional rain showers in Rotterdam’s unpredictable weather

Public Transport: Use the OV-chipkaart https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl for efficient and affordable travel within Rotterdam
Biking: Rent a bike to explore Rotterdam on two wheels. Many attractions are easily accessible by bike

Currency: The Euro is the official currency in the Netherlands
Language: Dutch is the primary language, but many locals speak English fluently
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated