What is There to do in Rotterdam?

Thanks for tellin me of your adventures in Rotterdam. How many of those beers did you enjoy, laugh, laugh?

I hope that you do, also.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I printed them out & will take them with me on my cruise in August. I appreciate your reply.

We just got back from Rotterdam. A local couple we met on a cruise years ago picked us up and drove us around.

We started with coffee at the New York Cafe right next to the ship, it used to be Holland America's coporate office. Then we drove out to the windmills it is an Unesco site, can not remember the proper name. There is a shore excursion. We ended the day on the SS Rotterdam. Enjoyed a beer and walking around the old ship. Sorry the middle of the day is a blur.

Thanks for the great post! I only hope I get to use that information someday.

I'm not sure why my previous comment didn't come trough, but I'll try again :

Hi. I'm sorry no one replied before! I just joined the community and I might be able to help: I'm a local!

So if it's not too late: some things to do/recommendations:

I always wonder why tourists take the first train to Amsterdam since there's a lot to experience in Rotterdam aswell. It's known for the 'biggest port in Europe' and it's (for Dutch standards) modern architecture. Fun fact: Rotterdam has the tallest building in the Netherlands: the 'Maastoren' which can be seen from the arrival terminal. As a local I'd recommend the following:

- Visit Fenix Food Factory for lunch or a drink

- Go to the SS Rotterdam, a permanently docked cruise ship with a great terrace and very nice tours inside (highly recommend)

- Take a walk over the Erasmus bridge

- Do a Spido boat tour which will guide you trough the port

- Visit the Markthal, a huge and beautiful indoor market

- Visit the Cube houses: one of them is accessible

- Get a drink at the old harbor (called Oude Haven, located at the waterside of the cube houses)

- Visit the Euromast, viewing platform with magnificent views

- Go to the brand new train station 'Centraal Station' (an architectural art piece)

- Do an hop-on-hop-off bus tour (there's only one operator I believe, small red busses with convertible roofs)

- Visit one of the great museums like Boijmans van Beuningen, Kunsthal

- If you've got a whole day extra: visit the zoo: Diergaarde Blijdorp

And probably a lot more, take a look at the official tourist site, rotterdam.info

Als for transportation: Rotterdam has an excellent public transport service. The tram can take you nearly everywhere, the underground metro is faster but has fewer destinations. There's also a ferry to take you to different locations on the riverside, best to take when you want to go to SS Rotterdam.

These are the highlights which are worth a visit! When there's nothing left to do or explore: I'd recommend to take a look at The Hague. It's only 15 minutes by train, different than Rotterdam and so much to see and experience like parliament, Vredespaleis, Scheveningen beach, Royal Palaces and a lovely old city center.

So, Amsterdam is great and such: but Rotterdam has something to offer!

I cannot believe that no one on this site has been to Rotterdam. I will tell you all about it upon my return. How funny that I will be on the ms. Rotterdam, yet when the ship docks in Rotterdam, there are no ship-sponsored excursions. So, I am on my own. All the excursions go to Amsterdam which I have already seen.

I did contact the Visitor's Center and they told me that the Hop On & Hop Off Bus stops right near my ship. Good to know for anyone else on a ship that stops at Rotterdam. Also there is a Welcome Card that can be ordered ahead of time that can save you 25% off many attractions, including the Hop On & Hop Off bus. Sounds like something that I will order. The price is especially attractive for seniors.

Has anyone ever been to Rotterdam?