2-Day Rotterdam Itinerary: Mix of Modern and Authentic Dutch, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam may look at first like any other ordinary modern city with its skyscrapers. And that’s because the city was almost completely wiped out and rebuilt post WWII. But look closer and you see a fun take of modern architecture. The Cube Houses, Markthal and Erasmusbrug are some of the landmarks that contribute to Rotterdam being known as the architecture capital of the Netherlands. And even if you love something traditional, you can still head to the historic Delfshaven, or make a trip to windmills galore Kinderdijk. This 2-day Rotterdam itinerary will show you the way.

Do also refer to my Netherlands Travel Guide: Planning for a Unique Visit for an overview of the country, including tips on budget, safety and food.

This 2-day Rotterdam itinerary is designed generally to suit first-time visitors who want a quick overview of the city and vicinity. While it is possible to cover the city briefly in a quick day trip, 2 days will also allow you to visit one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Netherlands - Kinderdijk.

While Rotterdam is the second most populous city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam, it is actually larger by land size than the Dutch capital. Despite this, it is possible to cover the main sights of the city on just a day trip. But in case you wish to also visit Kinderdijk, the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its high concentration of traditional Dutch windmills, allocate 2 days to Rotterdam. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).