Rotterdam Centraal Station stands as the primary railway hub within Rotterdam, situated in the South Holland region. The contemporary station complex, situated at Station Square, gained official inauguration in March 2014.

Before World War II, Rotterdam had four separate railway stations spread across the city center. One of them, Delftse Poort, was badly damaged in the Rotterdam Blitz bombings. The new Centraal station was then built slightly west of the original location, designed by architect Sybold van Ravesteyn. It was completed on 13 March 1957 and officially opened on 21 May. This station operated until 2007 and was demolished the following year, making it the first major post-war Dutch railway station to be replaced. The new station was constructed and opened in 2014.

The station's full completion was on March 13, 2014, celebrated with a reopening attended by King Willem-Alexander. It was renamed Rotterdam Centraal Station as requested by the city's residents, echoing the original typography from Architect Van Ravensteyn's design. This name change holds significance, as the station's location on the international high-speed railway connecting to Belgium positions it for global recognition.

As one of the Netherlands' main railway hubs, it connects to cities all across the country, including Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and more. It's also a key international junction, with frequent connections to Antwerp, Brussels, Paris, and even Disneyland Paris.

Constructed from 1914 to 1920 under the guidance of architect Henri Evers, Rotterdam City Hall stands as a resilient relic amid the heart of Rotterdam, having withstood the destructive assault of the May 14, 1940 bombing. A testament to its historical significance, it was officially designated a National Monument on October 10, 2000.

The initial city hall of Rotterdam was located on Hoogstraat, nestled within a timeworn 14th-century urban boarding house. However, as the 19th century drew to a close, the building could no longer adequately serve the needs of municipal endeavors. Thus, a decision was reached in 1905 to erect a new structure, dedicated to housing the council chamber, along Coolsingel. To make way for this ambitious construction project, the entire Zandstraat neighborhood, home to approximately 2,400 residents, was razed.

Henri Evers created initial plans in 1911. The final design was presented to the city council and approved in 1913. Construction began in 1914, with the foundation stone laid on July 15, 1915, in the presence of Queen Wilhelmina. The official inauguration took place after completion, during a city council assembly on September 1, 1920. Despite surviving a 1940 bombing, the building's concrete structure suffered damage from the generated heat.

Embracing a rich amalgamation of styles including Beaux-Arts, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Art Deco, the edifice sprawls across a 86 by 106 meter expanse (9,116 square meters). Its composition primarily features concrete cloaked in porous sandstone and durable stone. Dominating the principal facade on Coolsingel, the clock tower ascends from the building's central hall, reaching a height of 71 meters. At its pinnacle rests a gilded statue portraying an angel, an artistic creation by sculptor Johan Keller.

Saint Lawrence Church is Rotterdam’s only remaining medieval building. Construction began in 1449 and was completed in 1525. It was also the city’s first all-stone structure. The tower, originally added in 1621, has been rebuilt several times over the centuries.

When the Reformation reached Rotterdam in 1572, the church was converted from Catholic to Protestant worship. During the Second World War, the building suffered severe damage in the Rotterdam Blitz—only the tower and outer walls remained standing. For years, citizens debated whether to restore or demolish it, but restoration began in 1952 and was completed in 1968. The present church blends preserved medieval masonry with postwar reconstruction.

Among its notable features is the copper choir fence dating from 1713. Inside, visitors can see memorials to Dutch naval heroes such as admirals Kortenaar, Witte de With, and officer Van Brakel. The bronze doors, designed by Italian sculptor Giacomo Manzù, depict themes of war and peace and mark one of the church’s most admired details. In front of the church stands a statue of Desiderius Erasmus, the famous Rotterdam-born humanist and theologian, who remains one of the city’s most celebrated historical figures. The statue, installed in 1622, miraculously survived the World War II bombing that destroyed the surrounding area.

Religious services resumed in 1971 with the founding of the Laurenspastoraat community. Today, Saint Lawrence Church continues to serve as a place of worship for both the Laurenspastoraat and the Open Grenzen congregations. The church also houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to Rotterdam’s history. Spread across 20 side chapels, the displays combine artifacts, photographs, and audiovisual installations that trace the city’s medieval beginnings, the devastation of World War II, and its subsequent rebirth.

The square known as Binnenrotte began as part of the water-course of the Rotte River, before changes in the late 19th century transformed it into solid ground. With the arrival of the rail line between Rotterdam and Dordrecht city in 1871, a viaduct was built over this zone, effectively draining and repurposing the space for urban use. Over time this open area became host to a modest market in a corner of the square, surrounded by unassuming buildings.

Extensive bombing of the city centre in the Second World War caused severe damage here. In the decades that followed city-planners embraced the space as an opportunity to reshape the centre. In 1993 the railway viaduct was replaced by a tunnel and the square took its modern form, becoming a large new public plaza.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the Binnenrotte hosts the renowned Binnenrotte Market, with roughly 450 stalls and around 70,000 visitors each week. Shoppers can browse everything from fresh produce and fish to household wares, second-hand books, clothing and vintage finds. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early on market days to benefit from the full range of stalls, and later in the afternoon to catch closing-time bargains.

One of Rotterdam's main market squares, Blaak Markt is a bustling hub of activity that caters to an array of tastes and needs, offering an eclectic mix of goods that span food, clothing, shoes, flowers, plants, electronics, and much more. With its rich assortment of wares and its vibrant multicultural atmosphere, Blaak Markt has earned its place as a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

The market's distinct charm lies in its ability to capture the essence of Rotterdam's cosmopolitan nature. As a melting pot of cultures, the city is a true mosaic of traditions and backgrounds. Blaak Markt mirrors this diversity with its wide variation of stalls, each representing a unique cultural thread woven into the vibrant fabric of Rotterdam. The market showcases the influences of countless communities that call the city home, offering visitors a chance to explore a world of flavors, textiles, and products from around the globe.

Quality and affordability are two hallmarks of Blaak Markt. Despite the diverse array of products available, the vendors take pride in delivering goods of exceptional quality. Whether it's fresh produce, fashionable attire, or innovative electronics, customers can expect to find items that meet or exceed their expectations. What's even more remarkable is that this level of quality is maintained while keeping prices surprisingly low.

The Market Hall is a multi-use complex that combines apartments, offices, retail spaces, and one of Rotterdam’s most popular markets, all under a single monumental arch. Opened in 2014, the building is celebrated for its dramatic horseshoe-shaped arch and its massive glass facades composed of smaller window panels. A 34-metre high steel cable structure supports these glass walls, making it Europe’s largest cable-supported glass façade. Beneath it lies an extensive underground parking garage that adds to its functional design.

Inside, visitors are greeted by a space of vivid artwork covering the interior arch. Created by Dutch artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam, Horn of Plenty depicts giant fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers, and insects in dazzling colour. The digital artwork was so enormous that the artists had to borrow computing power from Pixar Studios. This spectacular mural has earned the Market Hall nicknames such as “The Largest Artwork in the World” and “The Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam”.

During the building’s construction, archaeologists unearthed the remains of a 10th-century farmstead, including a house with two stoves and several fireplaces. A small exhibition beside the central staircases displays these finds, offering visitors a glimpse of Rotterdam’s early settlement history.

Today, the Market Hall stands as the largest indoor market in the Netherlands. It hosts more than 100 produce stalls, 15 food shops, and eight restaurants. Shoppers can browse local cheeses, fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, poultry, flowers, and plants. For those eager to sample their purchases, plenty of indoor seating areas are available—making the Market Hall both a culinary destination and a modern architectural icon.

Few buildings capture Rotterdam’s spirit of creativity quite like the Cube Houses, the city’s most playful architectural experiment. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom, these yellow cubes seem to balance on their tips, tilted 45 degrees as if defying gravity. Blom’s goal was to create an “urban forest”, where each cube represents a tree and together they form a sculptural canopy above the streets below.

Built in the 1980s as part of a larger urban renewal project, the Cube Houses were conceived in collaboration with city planners who wanted to bring life and imagination back to Rotterdam. Each Cube House rises three stories high. The lower level contains a kitchen and living room, the middle floor holds two bedrooms and a bathroom, and the top level often serves as a small garden, workspace, or viewing area.

The complex also functions as a pedestrian bridge across a busy intersection, maintaining a car-free environment. Around the cubes, visitors will find a lively community of cafés, restaurants, small offices, studios, and even a playground.

Those curious about what life is like inside one of these tilted wonders can visit the Show Cube Museum, which offers a peek into their design and history. And for the truly adventurous, a few of the cubes have been converted into overnight accommodations—perfect for anyone eager to experience Rotterdam from a slightly different angle.

The Old Harbor is one of Rotterdam's oldest port areas, with its origins dating back to the early 14th century. The first jetty was constructed around 1350, marking the beginning of the city’s development as a major maritime hub. Over the centuries, the harbor played a vital role in Rotterdam’s growth, facilitating trade and commerce. However, the devastation of World War II heavily damaged much of the area, leaving only a few historical structures standing.

The Old Harbor is one of Rotterdam's oldest areas, now the city's entertainment hub. With its cafés and restaurants lining the water, the area offers a perfect mix of historic charm and modern appeal. Many of the establishments feature outdoor terraces, allowing visitors to relax and watch the boats. As night falls, Old Harbor comes alive with a nightlife scene popular for the ones looking to enjoy a drink or dance along the water.

The harbor’s rich history is still visible today through the traditional sailing boats moored along the docks. One of the most prominent landmarks in Old Harbor is the White House—standing at 43 meters tall, it was once Europe’s tallest skyscraper when it was completed in 1898. The White House, one of the few buildings to survive the bombings of World War II, can be admired for its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture.

The White House (Witte Huis) stands as a historic architectural marvel in Rotterdam. Erected in 1898, this edifice is a testament to the Art Nouveau style and holds the distinction of being a National Heritage Site. Rising to a height of 43 meters (141 feet) with an impressive 10 floors, it holds the distinction of being Europe's inaugural high-rise building. Recognized as a National Monument, its design was orchestrated by the visionary architect Willem Molenbroek.

This pioneering 10-story structure defied norms of its time, boasting an unprecedented elevation in Europe. Its location at Wijnhaven 3, merely 1 meter above sea level, raised doubts about the soft Rotterdam soil's ability to bear its weight. Addressing these concerns, 1000 piles were meticulously driven into the ground prior to commencing construction, ensuring the building's stability. Fabricated from a blend of iron, steel, and concrete, the White House incorporates two robust interior walls that enhance its structural integrity.

Notably, unlike contemporary buildings, the architects refrained from employing wood extensively due to fire-related apprehensions. The White House emerged as one of the rare structures in central Rotterdam to withstand the ravages of World War II's German bombing campaigns.

In the virtual realm, the White House assumes a role in the video game Battlefield V. Specifically, it becomes a pivotal element during the Battle of Rotterdam, a crucial chapter within the broader Battle of the Netherlands in May 1940. Within the game, the White House takes center stage on the "Rotterdam" map, set just prior to the catastrophic Rotterdam Blitz.

Why You Should Visit:
Way more impressive in reality than in the photos, and worth the stop to have a drink while appreciating the little channel & old boat-houses around.
Great for photographs – especially taken from across the Old Harbour, for a reflection in the water.

Tip:
You can also sit and enjoy the view of Witte Huis at one of the several nice cafés out front in the Old Harbour.

The Maritime Museum Rotterdam focuses on the city’s maritime and shipping history, offering visitors both modern exhibits and access to an extensive collection of artifacts. Founded in 1874 by Prince Henry of the Netherlands, it consists of two linked components: the indoor museum and the adjacent Museum Harbour.

Inside the museum, exhibitions designed for all ages include stories of ships, offshore platforms and maritime innovation. Among the standout pieces are the Mataró ship model, over six centuries old and Europe’s oldest ship model; The Itinerario by the Dutch explorer Jan Huygen van Linschoten, one of the world’s most important travel journals; pen‑and‑ink drawings by Willem van de Velde the Younger, a renowned Dutch maritime artist; and a set of sea charts by Joan Blaeu, a leading 17th‑century cartographer. The museum’s collection spans over one million objects, covering six centuries of Dutch maritime history.

The Museum Harbour offers an outdoor experience in the oldest and largest museum harbour in the Netherlands, located where the port of Rotterdam first took shape. Visitors can explore historic vessels such as steam tugs, a grain elevator, and the red cast‑iron lighthouse known as the Low Light of the Hook of Holland, which once guided ships up the New Waterway. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and special events aimed at exploring Rotterdam's pivotal role in global shipping and trade.

Tip: Some of the ships in the outer harbour section can be boarded and explored free of charge. A café and museum shop are available on site, and the museum’s library houses the Netherlands’ most comprehensive maritime‑related book collection, open by appointment for rare materials.

Witte de Withstraat Street, spanning approximately 320 meters, was named after Witte Cornelisz de With, a 17th-century Dutch naval officer. During the 1990s, its transformation into an "Art Axis" — a designated cultural and artistic district linking the Park Museum and the Maritime Museum — helped reshape its identity as one of the city’s cultural and nightlife centres.

Here, you'll find Rotterdam Bazar, a lively restaurant offering international dishes; Vivu, which serves delicious Vietnamese cuisine; and Oliva, known for its Italian fare. For a casual bite, Bagel Bakery is the perfect stop for a bagel and a quick coffee. The highly regarded burger spot Ter Marsch & Co serves some of the Netherlands’ best hamburgers. For a different vibe, the Nieuw Rotterdams Café, housed in a grand former newspaper building, offers a stylish setting for cocktails or dinner.

The shopping scene is as diverse as the food offerings. You'll discover independent boutiques like Betsy Palmer, a well-known shoe shop, and RSI The Attraction, which specializes in adventure gear such as skateboards, snowboards, and kites.

Artists and gallery-goers will feel right at home here, too. Kunstinstituut Melly hosts international exhibitions and educational programs. Other galleries in the area include Ecce Gallery and van Eijk Gallery, which features modern art, ceramics, and sculpture. Around the side streets, you’ll also encounter murals and street-art installations.

In earlier decades, the street had a rougher reputation, once home to less savory cafés and illegal gambling houses in the 1970s. However, its revival has helped shape Witte de Withstraat Street into a hub for art, design, and nightlife energy.

Erasmus Bridge crosses the Nieuwe Mass River. This combination cable-stayed and bascule bridge was completed in 1996. The modern bridge was named after Desiderius Erasmus, a Renaissance humanist and Catholic priest. Erasmus was born in Rotterdam in 1446 and is considered one of the greatest scholars of the northern Renaissance.

Erasmus Bridge is Rotterdam's most iconic landmark and is featured in the city's logo. The bridge is 802 meters (2,631 feet) long. The cable-stayed portion has a 139-meter (456-foot) asymmetrical bent pylon with an eye-catching horizontal base. This striking feature has earned it "The Swan" nickname.

The south portion of the bridge has an 89-meter (292-foot) long bascule bridge to allow large ships to pass under the bridge.

The bridge has been featured in films and events. It was in Jackie Chan's 1998 film Who Am I?. Several planes dramatically flew under the bridge during the 2005 Red Bull Air Race.

The Spido BV in Rotterdam, stands as an exceptional attraction that offers visitors an immersive and captivating experience into the vibrant essence of one of the world's most prominent port cities. Renowned for its immersive boat tours, the Spido is acclaimed as one of the premier ways to truly grasp the vitality and significance of Rotterdam's bustling port.

At the heart of this attraction lies the breathtaking panorama it unveils. As visitors embark on the Spido boat tours, they are treated to a mesmerizing view of Rotterdam's iconic landmarks that collectively define the city's character. The tour provides an unparalleled vantage point to marvel at the engineering marvel of the Erasmus Bridge, a symbol of modern connectivity and architectural prowess. Its elegant lines and graceful curves span the waterways, connecting different parts of the city while providing an eye-catching spectacle.

Another highlight of the Spido experience is the opportunity to feast one's eyes on Hotel New York, a historical gem that stands as a testament to Rotterdam's rich maritime heritage. The hotel, once the headquarters of the Holland America Line, exudes an old-world charm that transports visitors back to the city's golden era of transatlantic travel. The tour also reveals the charming Veerhaven harbor, with historic boats, offering a peaceful contrast to the city's busy port.

As the boat sails, the steamship Rotterdam appears – a window into the city's maritime history. This ocean liner turned museum lets visitors relive its seafaring days.

Euromast is an observation tower that was built for the 1960 Floriade International Garden Festival. The imposing structure was originally 101-meters (331-feet) tall and was Rotterdam's tallest building. In 1970, the Space Tower antennae was added, and the building is now 185-meters (606-feet) tall.

The tower is built on an underground 4,200,000-pound concrete block for stability. The crow's nest observation platform is 96 meters (315 feet) tall. The observation platform is home to a restaurant that serves brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Visitors can take an elevator to the Euroscoop at the top of the 185-meter-tall (606-foot-tall) tower. Adventurous travelers can even spend the night in the Euromast. There are several luxury suites.

Thrill-seekers can abseil or cable glide down the Euromast. Abseiling will allow you to walk down the outside wall in a climbing harness. Cable gliding is much more exciting. Guests hang from a cable track while zooming down at speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour).