Rotterdam 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

  • Arrive at Rotterdam The Hague Airport or Rotterdam Centraal Station.
  • Check-in at Hotel New York (a former Holland America Line office, now a hotel with a rich history).

Activities:

  1. Visit Euromast (Europe’s tallest observation tower) for a panoramic view of the city.
  2. Explore Witte de Withstraat (the cultural heart of Rotterdam, filled with art galleries, independent boutiques, and trendy cafes).

Lunch:

  1. Try traditional Dutch cuisine at Frietwinkel Vleminckx, known for their delicious Belgian-style fries.

Dinner & Evening:

  1. Savor modern Dutch dishes at De Kas (a restaurant housed in a greenhouse).
  2. Stroll around Hofbogen area, admire the unique architecture and visit the Nightwatchman Statue.

Day 2: Maritime & Architecture Tour

Breakfast:

  1. Grab a quick bite at Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs, a popular pancake house.

Activities:

  1. Visit the Rotterdam Harbor Museum to learn about the city’s maritime history.
  2. Explore the SS Rotterdam, a historic cruise ship turned museum.
  3. Discover the modern architecture of Cube Houses and Markthal.

Lunch:

  1. Taste Indonesian cuisine at Sama Seboa, one of the best Indonesian restaurants in Rotterdam.

Afternoon:

  1. Relax at Blåhøk (a rooftop bar with stunning views of the Erasmus Bridge).

Day 3: Green Spaces & Art

Breakfast:

  1. Have breakfast at your hotel or grab a coffee and pastry from a local bakery like Patisserie De Witte Hond.

Activities:

  1. Visit the Botanic Gardens, home to over 6,000 different plant species.
  2. Explore Kralingse Plas park and lake, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
  3. Visit the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum to see an extensive collection of art and sculptures.

Lunch:

  1. Try local favorites like bitterballen and herring at Van Zeggelarie.

Afternoon:

  1. Spend some time exploring the trendy neighborhood of Oude Noorden, filled with vintage shops, bars, and cafes.

Day 4: Day Trip to Delft or Gouda

Breakfast:

  1. Grab breakfast at your hotel or explore local eateries in the area.

Activities:

  1. Take a day trip to nearby towns like Delft (known for its picturesque canals, Royal Delft pottery, and Nieuwe Kerk) or Gouda (famous for cheese and medieval architecture).

Day 5: Farewell Rotterdam

Breakfast:

  1. Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or try local specialties like stroopwafel or apple pie at a local bakery.

Activities:

  1. Visit any remaining sights you may have missed, such as the Cube Houses (if not already visited) or the Harp Museum.
  2. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping in the city center.
  3. Head to Rotterdam Centraal Station or Rotterdam The Hague Airport for your departure.

Tips:

  • Rotterdam is bike-friendly, so consider renting a bike to explore the city.
  • The Dutch use the term “gezellig” to describe cozy and enjoyable situations. Seek out gezellige places like cafes and restaurants to truly experience Rotterdam’s charm.
  • The I amsterdam City Card offers free admission to many attractions, as well as public transportation, making it a great value for tourists.