When you picture the Netherlands, your mind might drift to cozy canals, charming windmills and the romantic streets of Amsterdam. But just an hour south lies a city unlike any other — Rotterdam. It’s bold, modern and full of surprises. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a long-term stay, Rotterdam welcomes expats and tourists with open arms, endless creativity and a future-facing spirit.
A city reborn from the ashes
Rotterdam’s story is one of resilience. After the city centre was devastated during a bombing raid in World War II, the people of Rotterdam didn’t simply rebuild — they reinvented. Instead of restoring the past, they created a radically new urban identity, one marked by daring architecture, modern skylines and a constant drive to innovate. Today, the city’s motto, Make It Happen, captures its can-do energy.
This is a place that lives and breathes ambition — from floating farms and rooftop gardens to sustainable offices built on the water. You’re not just visiting a city; you’re witnessing tomorrow being built in real time.
Architectural wonder
Rotterdam is widely recognized as the architecture capital of the Netherlands. Walk through the city and you’ll encounter an eclectic mix of styles and bold structures, each telling a different story of reinvention and ambition.
Must-sees include
The Erasmus Bridge (‘The Swan’): Sleek, graceful, and iconic.
Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen): Quirky yellow cubes tilted at unusual angles.
Markthal: A stunning indoor food market set beneath a soaring arch, complete with a massive ceiling mural.
Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen: The world’s first publicly accessible art storage, shaped like a mirrored bowl.
For the best experience, take a bike or walking tour to soak in the architectural energy of the city.
A cultural powerhouse
Rotterdam pulses with creativity. From world-class museums to buzzing galleries, this is a place where artists, designers, and filmmakers thrive. Some highlights:
Kunsthal Rotterdam: A must-visit for cutting-edge exhibitions in fashion, photography and design.
Maritime Museum: Dive into Rotterdam’s seafaring history — fitting for Europe’s largest port city.
Nederlands Fotomuseum: A favourite among photography lovers, with ever-changing exhibits.
Melly Art Institute: a gallery art house with a mission to present and discuss the ideas and work created today by visual artists and cultural makers.
Chabot Museum: A museum focusing on expressionist art, housed in a villa in the Museum Park.
And if you’re in town in January, don’t miss the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), one of Europe’s leading film events. In the summer, the North Sea Jazz Festival transforms the city into a global music hub.
Urban vibes & green spaces
Rotterdam is energetic, but it also knows how to slow down. You’ll find calm in the Museum Park, as well as in its lush parks and waterfronts:
Het Park near the Euromast is ideal for picnics and serene strolls.
Kralingse Bos and Plas: Locals love the area for lakeside jogging, sailing and relaxing in nature.
Dakpark: One of the largest rooftop parks in Europe, blending shopping with green space.
Rotte: The river Rotte is at the heart of Rotterdam; follow its meandering route from the city centre to the fields and parks outside the city.
Rotterdam’s neighbourhoods each tell a different story:
Delfshaven: Rich in history, with cobbled streets and canals.
Katendrecht: A creative hotspot full of foodie gems and artistic flair.
M4H District: A former harbour zone now buzzing with innovation and culture.
The taste of Rotterdam
Food in Rotterdam is more than a meal — it’s an experience. The city’s culinary scene reflects its diverse, multicultural population and bold outlook. From street food to Michelin stars, there’s always something new (and delicious) to try.
Visit the Fenix Food Factory for artisanal bites in a converted warehouse.
Explore Witte de Withstraat, the city’s vibrant nightlife and dining strip.
Savor international flavours from Suriname, Indonesia, Turkey and Morocco — a result of Rotterdam’s rich cultural fabric.
Europe’s gateway: the Port of Rotterdam
No visit is complete without experiencing the port — the largest in Europe and one of the busiest in the world. Spanning 40 kilometres, it’s not just an industrial marvel but a symbol of Rotterdam’s global reach. Hop on a Spido harbour tour to witness the enormous container ships and towering cranes that form the heartbeat of this powerhouse city.
A great place to live
For expats, Rotterdam is both welcoming and practical. The city is clean, safe and well-organized. Public transportation is excellent, English is widely spoken, and international schools and services are plentiful.
The lifestyle is relaxed, yet exciting. Biking is the norm, waterfront cafes abound and there’s always something happening — from open-air art shows to pop-up music events.
It’s also a city that takes on big challenges. Rotterdam is at the forefront of addressing climate change, building floating buildings and experimenting with urban farming. Living here means being part of a community that dares to make the future sustainable and inclusive.
Why choose Rotterdam?
Because it’s different. Rotterdam isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about what’s next. It’s a city of contrasts: gritty and sleek, historic and futuristic, raw and refined. It surprises you with its honesty, its energy, and its heart. It doesn’t try to be picture-perfect — it just dares to be real.
So whether you’re a curious traveller or a global citizen looking for a new home, Rotterdam offers more than just sights — it offers a way of life. Come discover it.