Discover Rotterdam as host city
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and is well known for its port. The port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and third largest in the world. The city is becoming increasingly popular as tourist destination.
Rotterdam has been named one of the top cities in the world for travelers according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2016! Rotterdam is a cosmopolitan city with much to offer for both locals and visitors. Futuristic architecture, inspired local initiatives such as inner-city canal surfing, a proliferation of art and a surge of drinking, dining and nightlife venues make Rotterdam one of Europe’s most exhilarating cities right now. Rotterdam has a diverse, multi-ethnic community and a wealth of top-class museums like the ‘Kunsthal’ and ‘Boijmans – Van Beuningen’. Modern architecture fans will explore the cities landmark buildings such as the Erasmus Bridge, the Euromast, the Rotterdam Towers and the Market Hall. The distinctive swanlike Erasmus Bridge and The Erasmus University were named after the famous humanist, theologian and philosopher Desiderius Erasmus, who was born in Rotterdam in 1466.
Rotterdam tourist highlights
- Depot Boijmans van Beuningen
- Museum Kunsthal
- The impressive Markthal, the first indoor market in the Netherlands
- The Erasmus Bridge, nicknamed 'The Swan'
- Netherlands' largest building 'De Rotterdam'
- A short distance from the city, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kinderdijk
- The stunning revamp of the Central Station
- The Cube Houses
- The Van Nelle Factory, UNESCO World Heritage
- Witte de With, Rotterdam's coolest street
- National Museum of Photography, located in a former warehouse
- Dinner in the trendy De Hofbogen, a former train station
For more information on attractions, architecture, shopping, drinks and dining in Rotterdam, please visit rotterdam.info.
Tip! Rotterdam City Card
Get the most out of your trip to Rotterdam
Save big on must-see attractions, travel with ease and discover more for less.
A digital card that gives visitors a minimum 25% discount on attractions in the city and unlimited sustainable travel on RET public transport.
Purchase
You can buy the Rotterdam City Card from your PC or on your mobile phone. Choose a 1, 2, or 3-day card, with or without unlimited public transport.
Download the app
Download the Rotterdam City Card app from the App Store or Google Play. Once you have completed your purchase, you will receive an e-mail with the link to your card (and your City Card code).
Activate
Easily activate your Rotterdam City Card in the app. Follow these simple steps:
- Click the link to transfer your card to the app, or enter your card code manually.
- When you're ready to use the discounts and public transport, activate your card in the app.
- Simply enter your name and email address to activate the card for immediate use.
Want to start using Public Transport later? No problem! You can activate your card anytime before your first ride. In any case, make sure to activate your card before your first public transport ride.
Images via Rotterdam Partner image bank. Photographers a.o. Iris van den Broek