One Day in Rotterdam: Must-See Sights and Experiences
Rotterdam Netherlands is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has Europe’s largest port. The city is also one of the Netherlands’ most modern cities. Rotterdam was heavily bombed during WWII. As you explore the city watch for the 400+ red lights on the floor signaling where the bombs dropped. Today, Rotterdam is full of skyscrapers, quirky architecture, and lots of street art. Although most well known for the iconic Cube Houses and nearby UNESCO World Heritage Kinderdijk Windmills, there are many things to do in Rotterdam during a day trip.
The Netherlands is full of incredible sights to see and it is difficult to determine how to fit them all in. Rotterdam is an easy day trip from Amsterdam by train. Do not skip this unique city. This Rotterdam day trip itinerary is jam-packed with must-see sites and top attractions, including, Kinderdijk Windmills, Markthal, St. Lawrence Church, Cube Houses, the Depot, Erasmusbrug, and more. Be sure to purchase tickets online before arrival to avoid attraction closure or a disappointing sell-out! Here is how to see the best of Rotterdam Netherlands in one day. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ Complete Netherlands Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
A Perfect Day in Rotterdam: Exploring the Highlights in 24 Hours
8 AM: Take an early morning train to Rotterdam Centraal Station. Drop your bag at the luggage check near Platform 15. Arrive by 9 AM and spend the morning at the UNESCO World Heritage Kinderdijk Windmills. To save time, grab a taxi at the station. The drive is 40 minutes. Our driver waited 2 hours for us and it was a great time saver allowing more time to explore the city.
Tips: Take the boat to the end and enjoy the windmills from the water, then walk back. Be sure to visit both museums and enjoy the Poffertjes (tiny Dutch pancaked covered in powdered sugar) from the vendor. If you are spending more than one day in Rotterdam, consider taking the waterbus (a less expensive and scenic option) and renting a bike to further explore the windmills. Check the Waterbus schedule here. Be aware of cyclists! Ask the ticket office how to avoid being run over.
Noon: Return to Rotterdam and grab lunch at the Markthal. Step outside and take a photo of the Big Feet Sculpture. Consider climbing the 300 steps of the St. Lawrence Church Tower for a city view. Visit the famous Cube Houses. Be sure to tour the open house museum and take a photo of the Willemsbrug (Williams Bridge).
Walk 20 minutes across town or jump on the Tram at Blaak and get off in 3 minutes at Eendrachtsplein. Look for the Kunstwerk sculpture (it was created by Paul McCartney and is supposed to be Santa Claus holding a pine tree). Make your way to the Museumpark. Stop at the Depot for a few photos and check out the courtyard of the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. If you did not climb the church tower you have time to take a quick walk through of the museum. Check out the sculpture of Picasso’s Sylvette before walking down the café lined Witte de Withstraat toward the port and Erasmusbrug. Take a few pictures of the famous skyline. The Remastered 60-minute immersive digital art experience is nearby, check opening times and purchase tickets ahead of time (I suggest 4 PM).
5 PM: Jump on the Tram at Leuvehaven to Rotterdam Centraal. Alternatively, get off at Kruisplein to check out the Pauluskerk architecture and Giant of Rotterdam sculpture and walk a short distance to the station. Take the 6 PM train to your overnight destination. Have more time? Continue reading for the best things to do in Rotterdam Netherlands.
25 Top Things to Do in Rotterdam Netherlands During a Day Trip
Enjoy the panoramic view from the top of Euromast
Grab lunch from a food stall at Markthal or Fenix Food Factory, try Bitterballen
Spend a day museum hopping in Museumpark
Het Nieuwe Instituut: innovation in architecture, fashion, and design
Museumwoning Sonneveld: 1933 Dutch preserved house
Chabot Museum: works of Dutch painter and sculptor Henk Chabot
Natuurhistorisch Museum: thousands of fossils
Museum Bojimans van Beuningen: Dutch and European art from the early Middle Ages to the 21st century
Kunsthal: modern art exhibits
Check out the Remastered digital artist experience
Explore the Old Harbour and Marine Museums
Learn the city’s history at Museum Rotterdam
Watch a mini 24-hour day in the city at Miniworld Rotterdam
Photograph the city’s quirky architecture; don’t miss the Cube Houses (Kijk-Kubus) and the city’s refection on the Depot
Walk or bike over the Erasmus Bridge
Heck out Delftsche Poort, a modern replica of the old city gate
Photograph the Old Harbor and Witte Huis
Wander the historic Delfshaven district
Browse the stalls of the Binnenrotte Market T or Sa
Stroll through the Arboretum Trompenburg
Spend a night out on Witte de Withstraat
See the black rhino at Rotterdam Zoo
Grab your morning coffee and stroll Westersingel Sculpture Route or Boompjes Flag Parade
See the city from the water on a harbor cruise
Walk the Maastunnel under the Maas River
Check out the tower view from St. Lawrence Church
Enjoy a picnic in Het Park
Spend a night on the ss Rotterdam, a cruise liner turned 4-star hotel
Check out Sylvette, the Picasso sculpture
Shop the pedestrian-only Lijnbaan
Walk the Luchtsingel elevated footbridge
Take the waterbus to Kinderdijk’s Windmills
Be sure to check the Netherlands Tourism Board website for current events and festivals
Bookmark and Pin Top Things to Do in Rotterdam Netherlands During a Day Trip
Plan Your Trip to Rotterdam Netherlands
Netherlands Travel Guide
Pick up a Netherlands Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in Rotterdam Netherlands Now
Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
Rotterdam Netherlands Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.
Have a great vacation!