RotterdamNetherlands · Ferry Destinations

All About Rotterdam

A flourishing riverside city, and the industrial and commercial center of the Netherlands, Rotterdam is an underrated tourist destination that will enchant you with its unassuming nature. Entirely rebuilt after the infamous Rotterdam Blitz during WWII, the city now adopts an unostentatious attitude and is overall quite different compared with Amsterdam, the most well-known Dutch city. Taking a ferry to Rotterdam is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

In Rotterdam, Dutch culture traditionality merges with contemporary thinking, resulting in a town known for its architecture, food, and shopping prospects. Lovingly known as ‘Manhattan on the Meuse’ for its striking skyline, days in Rotterdam typically pass by in a state of astonishment and euphoria as you go about discovering its hidden treasures.
 

Routes and Ferries to Rotterdam

To reach Rotterdam, you have the option of using three transport modes. The city is a standard junction in Europe’s road and rail networks. Thalys trains arrive daily from France and Belgium, while a four-hour connection on Eurostar will bring you straight from London to Rotterdam.

For an alternate trip across the North Sea from England, consider booking a ferry to Rotterdam through Ferryscanner. P&O Ferries has a daily boat from Hull that takes just over 11 hours to reach Rotterdam Europort. The other possibility is to take the Stena Line ferry from Harwich to the nearby town of Hoek van Holland.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport, 15-minutes to the north of the center, offers domestic flights from many European countries. However, international connections mostly land at Amsterdam airport, and from there you can easily take a train to Rotterdam.
 

Ports of Rotterdam

The largest in Europe, Port of Rotterdam, is ranked among the busiest in the world. Having a length of 42 km, it is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to Europe’. Technologically advanced, the port boasts of having 20 sea jetties, 105 inland jetties and handles over 29,000 sea vessels and 100,000 inland boats every single year. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Rotterdam.

Besides connecting to the North Sea, the port is linked with Germany, Switzerland, France, and Belgium through rivers Maas and Rhine. Rotterdam port is also proud to have 15 resident dolphins inhabiting its waters.

The Rotterdam ferry terminal is situated in the harbor’s Europort section, some 40 km from Rotterdam Centrum. Ferry passengers can use coach transfers from here to reach Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
 

Best Beaches

Rotterdam isn’t known for being an ideal beach destination, but lovers of sun and sand can still have a fun day by the water, both in the city and at just a short distance away.

Maasvlakte Strand

A westward extension of the Rotterdam Europort, Maasvlakte is a hot favorite with tourists and locals wanting to have an exciting time under clear blue skies. Since it takes 45 minutes to reach Maasvlakte, plan for an entire day, including a visit to the nearby Funland and a boat tour of Maasvlakte 1 and 2. The beach is family-friendly, has free parking, food stalls, but no toilets. Natural pools during low tide are ideal for children to play unmonitored. As a site near wind turbines, the beach’s windy disposition usually attracts enthusiastic windsurfers regularly.

Kralingse Plas

A city lake to the north-east of the center, Kralingse Plas is where residents indulge in water sports, walks amongst nature, or picnics in the park, on sunny days. The beach at the lake isn’t huge but sandy and amusing for the whole family. A slide on one side is ever-so-popular with kids, whereas the lake’s water is perfect for swimming. The presence of toilets and restaurants nearby means you may plan a trip at the spur of a moment.

Heijplaat

A portside district previously used to quarantine sailors with diseases, Heijplaat now has Rotterdam’s least-known beach. Ask the locals for directions to this small sandy stretch, because hardly any tourists visit here, making it a real hidden gem. A secluded piece of land where you can sunbathe and enjoy ship-spotting, avoid swimming in the water at Heijplaat. Splashing around and cooling down though, is perfectly okay.

Strand Nesselande

A lakeside beach, you can reach Nesselande by taking the metro from the city center. The shallow, calm, and usually warm water of the lake is why many Dutch families come here for their beach day. Weekends are generally crowded, but barbeque areas, lifeguards, restaurants, markets, and toilets near the beach add to the convenience of enjoying a day here.

Hoek van Holland

Most locals head to the beaches of Hoek van Holland anytime they have a moment to spare. When wanting a proper day in the sun, all it takes is a 30-minute drive to reach this vast sandy coast, which can get really busy on warm days. Amenities at the three continuous beaches include shops, food stalls, water sports rentals, toilets, showers, and beachside villas.
 

Neighborhoods

As the second-largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is bursting with exciting things to do for all ages. The city’s neighborhoods complement its unique personality as a pulsating destination with a hearty mix of culture, maritime heritage, and contemporary attractions.

Rotterdam Centrum

Rotterdam’s city center stands true to its name by being the liveliest neighborhood with plentiful options to eat, shop, and have a good time. When in the center, you can stay at one of the many branded hotels and also savor Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Dutch, or French cuisine at some of the best restaurants in town. Home to iconic landmarks such as the horseshoe-shaped commercial and residential building Markthal, the cube houses, and the first high-rise in Europe, called Witte Haus, Rotterdam Centrum continues to amaze visitors with its awe-inspiring sights.

Oude Noorden

Somewhat ironically, the ‘old north’ is slowly becoming the new face of Rotterdam. Not exactly a hipster neighborhood, Oude Noord does house a predominantly younger population. Situated next to the river De Rotte, it is famous for its nightlife, emerging café culture, art galleries, theaters, and restaurants. You’ll also find fashionable local boutiques and jewelry stores around Oude Noorden.

Blijdrop

A pretty neighborhood with several natural excursions, Blijdrop makes for a wonderful place to stay in Rotterdam when traveling with family. The Rotterdam Zoo, with its underwater viewing tunnel, polar bears, and tigers, is an exciting and educational day out for the kids. The city marina is idyllic for an evening romantic walk, whereas Vrosenpark is a beautiful spot for an afternoon picnic next to the water.

Delfshaven

Delfshaven gets its name from the nearby city of Delft and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Rotterdam. Since it escaped bombing during WWII, here you’ll find rows of old houses from the early half of the century. Among other more offbeat attractions in Delfshaven are the Dutch Pinball Museum, De Pilgrim – the only brewery in town, and De Delft, a replica of a 1783 warship, lost to the sea during the Battle of Camperdown. And for some culinary magic, try Goud, a restaurant serving contemporary dishes under the watchful eyes of celebrity chef Herman den Blijker.

Noordereiland

An island in the river Nieuwe Maas, Noordereiland, lies just south of Rotterdam Centrum. Connected via bridges, the quiet residential area is favored by photographers wanting to capture Rotterdam’s stunning skyline. Admirers of architecture will find De Hef, an out of commission metal bridge, and the Willemsburg cable bridge of much interest. With no tourist traffic, a walk around the edge of the island, and time spent in Ous Park is a lovely respite away from the busy city.
 

Transportation Around Rotterdam

Being a bustling metropolitan city, there are several choices to travel around Rotterdam on public transport. The local metro has five lines, one of which goes all the way out to The Hague. Trams and buses cover all the neighborhoods and connect Rotterdam Centrum with surrounding towns.

The water bus is an enjoyable way to travel around Rotterdam and make the most of its riverside location. If traveling in a big group, look into hiring a water taxi, available at various spots throughout the city. A water taxi can accommodate 8 people with prices depending on the distance and number of passengers.

Tourists spending anywhere from one to three days should buy the Rotterdam Welcome Card. It includes unlimited travel on public transport, one trip on a water bus, and up to 25% discount at museums and restaurants.

As is the case everywhere in the Netherlands, renting and exploring Rotterdam on a bike promises to be a pleasant experience. The city has free bicycle parking around the center and its suburbs. However, if you wish to visit nearby beaches and towns such as Gouda, Delft, and Dordrecht, it is best to rent a car during your stay.