The Perfect One Day in Rotterdam: A Modern City with Deep Roots
Rotterdam is a city that wears its history with pride and resilience. Though most of the city was destroyed during World War II, it has emerged as a shining example of innovation and creativity. It makes for a great day trip so follow along for the perfect one day in Rotterdam. It feels completely unique in the Netherlands, with creative architecture greeting you from the moment you step off the train. While many of the cities and towns across the Netherlands are well preserved and look very similar, Rotterdam, because of its history, certainly breaks that mold.
Walking Tour and The Famous Cube Houses
One of my favorite things to do in any city is take a walking tour to learn more about its history and architecture. I loved the walking tour with GetYourGuide, led by a local architect. They will take you through some of the highlights of the city. It starts at Rotterdam Central, so if you will do a walking tour, coordinate to start your day with the tour.
The most interesting stop is the very strange Cube Houses (Kijk-Kubus), one of Rotterdam’s most famous architecture monuments. In the 1970s, Piet Blom designed these houses tilted at a 45-degree angle. The cube houses are actual houses, which you can imagine are impossible to plan out how your living room with everything at an angle! You can enter the show cube for 3 euros by paying on the spot, so it is worth peeking inside.
Rotterdam Markthal
If you do not take a walking tour, enjoy the 22 minute walk from Rotterdam Central Station to Markthal, enjoying the architecture along the way. Start your day in Rotterdam begins at the Markthal, a building that is more than just a market—a symbol of the city’s revival. Opened in 2014, this striking horseshoe-shaped silver mirrored structure blends 200 apartments, shops, and market stalls all under one roof. Study the massive, colorful mural that spans the entire ceiling. Known as “The Horn of Plenty,” the artwork depicts fruits, vegetables, and sea creatures in an almost surreal style—a fitting metaphor for Rotterdam itself, a city bursting with life and creativity.
Grab a fresh stroopwafel or pastry at one of the many food stalls here. I love the energy of the Markthal, where locals and tourists enjoy beautiful and delicious food from all over the world. Over 200 people live in the Markthal, so many locals are in the market. Rotterdam’s large port makes the city very international, shown in full display in the Markthal.
Rotterdam Port and Maritime Museum
The Rotterdam Port is an economic centerpiece for the Netherlands. It is over 40 kilometers long and has a throughput of 438 million tonnes of freight per year and 90,000 inland vessels annually. The Rotterdam Port alone represents 3.2% of the Dutch GDP. It is absolutely massive.
The port is great to see from by boat. Rotterdam’s Spido harbor tour takes you through one of the largest ports in the world. The 75-minute cruise offers fantastic views of the city’s skyline and iconic Erasmus Bridge—nicknamed “The Swan” for its elegant lines—and a fascinating look at the industrial heart of Rotterdam. Massive container ships, cranes, and busy workers are constant reminders of Rotterdam’s role in global trade. Seeing this up close made me appreciate Rotterdam’s port’s scale and its integral to the city and the world’s economy.
The port has a very long history, making the Maritime Museum an essential stop to understand Rotterdam. The museum is fascinating, with interactive exhibits including ship models and navigational instruments. It also includes historical ships docked outside. The port of Rotterdam has always been the city’s lifeblood, driving its economy and connecting it to the world.
Food Recommendations for One Day in Rotterdam
Lunch/Dinner: The History of Hotel New York
For a fancy lunch or dinner, check out the Hotel New York, located in the former Holland America Line Building. This historic hotel once served as the departure point for thousands of Dutch emigrants heading to America. The building is very well preserved, with cool details that make it feel like taking a step back in time. Stop in for a meal or a beer to explore this historical place.
Lunch/Dinner: Little V Rotterdam
My favorite restaurant in Rotterdam for a delicious Vietnamese meal is almost Harry Potter .ambiance. It’s lively and full of plants. I like their one-pot meals, but everything I have tried there is delicious.
Euromast Views
As the sunsets on a long one day in Rotterdam, go up the tallest building in Rotterdam, the Euromast, for a great view of the city from 185 meters up. Only go if it is a clear day, which can be rare in the Netherlands. For the observation deck, you have a great view of the modern skyline and harbor.
Recommended Order for One day in Rotterdam
- Take the train in the morning to Rotterdam Centraal.
- Start with a walking tour that leaves Rotterdam Central Station to explore the architectural highlights, cube houses, and Markthal.
- Stop for lunch
- Explore the Maritime Museum and the Port. Take the boat tour to see the true vastness of the harbor.
- End the day with a great dinner at Little V before taking the train back after a great one day in Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is truly a unique modern stop in the Netherlands. If you stay a week in the Netherlands, it is worth a day trip. The modern architecture and very impressive port make it a great day trip. A fast train from Amsterdam gets you there in only 42 minutes.
