Things to do in Rotterdam
Rotterdam has an abundance of modern architecture, some of it fascinating, as can be seen at the Netherlands Architecture Institute, the Cube Houses and Euromast. Another key feature of the city is its harbour, the world's busiest, which can be cruised on a Spido Harbour Tour. In the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen and the Witte de With, Center for Contemporary Art, Rotterdam has two of the Netherlands' most innovative art museums. Most museums close Monday.
Schielandshuis
Historical museum
Futuristic Rotterdam houses part of its history museum in the Schielandshuis,
which dates from 1665. Located in the heart of the city, the museum traces
Rotterdam's growth from a tiny settlement on the River Rotte to the world's
busiest port.
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Cost
€3; under-18s free
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 11am-5pm
Address
31, Korte Hoogstraat, Rotterdam 3011 GK
Telephone
+31 (0) 10 217 67 67
Netherlands Architecture Institute
Modern architecture museum
Housed in a striking building from 1993 at the edge of the city centre's
Museumpark, Netherlands Architecture Institute is a museum that explores all
aspects of modern architecture. It houses a large archive of architectural
drawings, sketches, models, photographs, books and journals.
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Cost
€8; concessions €5; under 18s free
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm (from 11am Sun)
Address
25, Museumpark, Rotterdam 3015 CB
Telephone
+31 (0) 10 440 1200
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
Dutch and Flemish art
The city's best-known art museum, the Boijmans Van Beuningen holds paintings
by Dutch and Flemish Old Masters, along with prints, decorative art and
modern art. After viewing the city-centre collections, visitors can stroll
through the sculpture garden and Museumpark.
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Cost
€9; concessions €4.50; children free
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 11am-5pm
Address
18-20, Museumpark, Rotterdam 3015 CX
Telephone
+31 (0) 10 441 9400
Witte de With, Center for Contemporary Art
Cutting-edge art exhibitions
Despite being located in a sedate-looking building in the centre of town, the
Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art remains at the cutting edge of
modern trends. Its changing programme of exhibitions features Dutch and
international art and photography.
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Cost
€4; concessions €2; under-12s free
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 11am-6pm
Address
50, Witte de Withstraat, Rotterdam 3012 BR
Telephone
+31 (0) 10 411 01 44
Euromast
Rotterdam's highest tower
Euromast's superfast elevator takes visitors 185 metres up to the Euroscoop
platform for spectacular views of the port. On a clear day you can see for
30 kilometres, while eating lunch or dinner 100 metres above the centre's
harbour park.
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Cost
€8.70; children €5.60; under 4 free
Opening Hours
Daily 9.30am-11pm (from 10am Oct-Mar)
Address
20, Parkhaven, Rotterdam 3016
Telephone
+31 (0) 10 436 4811
Cube Houses
Oddly shaped homes
A city landmark near the Old Harbour, the elevated, tree house-like yellow
Cube Houses were designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the early 1970s.
It's possible to visit one of these quirky, lopsided little abodes, the
Kijk Cubus.
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Cost
€2.50; concessions €2; under-4s free
Opening Hours
Daily 11am-5pm
Address
70, Overblaak, Rotterdam 3011
Telephone
+31 (0) 10 414 2285
Arboretum Trompenburg Botanical Gardens
Colourful botanical gardens
A view of the changing seasons comes with admission to Arboretum Trompenburg
Botanical Gardens, east of the city centre. The gardens were first laid out
in English landscape style in 1825. Trees include oak, cedar and Dutch ash
and yew.
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Cost
€5; under 12s free
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat & Sun 10am-4pm (winter 12pm-4pm)
Address
86, Honingerdijk, Rotterdam 3062 NX
Telephone
+31 (0) 10 233 0166
Skatepark Westblaak
Skaters' haven
Skatepark Westblaak in central Rotterdam is a haven for skaters. The free
facility was conceived by skaters and caters for skateboarders, in-line
skaters and BMX enthusiasts. The striking stainless steel half-pipes, vert
ramps and quarter-pipes attract both riders and spectators.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 12pm-10pm; Sat & Sun 12pm-7.30pm
Address
107, Westblaak, Rotterdam 3012 KG
Telephone
+31 (0) 10 280 9370
Spido Harbour Tour
Cruising Rotterdam port
A Spido Harbour Tour, departing from below the city-centre's Erasmus Bridge,
takes passengers on a 75-minute cruise around the world's busiest harbour to
view the docks, ships loading and unloading, and the city's waterfront
developments. Longer cruises are also available.
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Cost
€9.50; 4-11s €5.80; under-4s free
Opening Hours
Daily, boats depart at various times
Address
85, Willemsplein, Rotterdam 3016 DR
Telephone
+31 (0) 10 275 9988
