Rotterdam: A Design-Lover’s Dream in the Heart of Holland

Tucked away in the Kralingen District, Arboretum Trompenburg is a beautifully landscaped garden that’s perfect for plant lovers, walkers, and anyone who just needs a little nature break. It’s home to an impressive variety of trees, bulbs, shrubs, perennials, and tubers—and the peaceful vibe here makes it super easy to forget you’re still in Rotterdam.

Highlights:

• Expansive collection of plant life, from trees to rare tubers
• Self-guided walks with paper guides
• Guided tours for kids (summer only)
• Culinary walks with garden-sourced treats
• Seasonal events like the annual Christmas Market

Pro Tip:

If you're visiting in summer, try the Culinary Walk—it ends with a tasting of fresh, garden-grown snacks that are as good as they are unique.

Honingerdijk 86, 3062 NX Rotterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31-10-2-33-01-66
trompenburg.nl

Tucked inside a striking white villa from 1938, the Chabot Museum is a must-see for art lovers, especially those into bold, expressive works. The museum honors Dutch artist Hendrik Chabot, known for his emotional paintings of everyday Dutch life—think farmers, landscapes, and powerful portraits of people during WWII. The building itself, designed by G.W. Bass, is a gem of New Objectivity architecture and totally adds to the experience.

Highlights:

• Original works by Hendrik Chabot—paintings, drawings, and sculptures
• Four main art themes: landscapes, animals, figures, and portraits
• Stunning 1938 modernist villa setting
• Works by Chabot’s contemporaries and modern expressionists
• Private group tours available by reservation (12–20 people)

Pro Tip:

While you can explore solo, booking a group tour really brings Chabot’s personal story and the meaning behind his wartime works to life.

Museumpark 11, 3015 CB Rotterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31-10-4-36-37-13
chabotmuseum.nl

Attractions for Couples

One of the wildest buildings you'll ever see, the Cube House in Rotterdam is a total head-turner—and it actually started as a clever fix to a city planning puzzle back in the 1970s. Architect Piet Blom was tasked with building homes *above* a busy street, and his solution? A bold set of cube-shaped houses tilted at 45 degrees, supported by hexagonal pillars. The complex includes 38 regular cubes and two larger “super cubes,” all part of an elevated neighborhood in the sky.

Highlights:

• Iconic cube-shaped homes tilted on their corners
• Originally built to solve a zoning issue over Blaak Street
• Designed by architect Piet Blom
• 38 standard units plus 2 larger “super cubes”
• Cube House Show Room open daily for visitors

Pro Tip:

For just a few euros, step inside the Show Cube and see how people actually live in these wild, slanted spaces—it's weirder and cooler than you think!

Overblaak 70, 3011 MH Rotterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31-10-4-14-22-85
kubuswoning.nl

One of the oldest and most beloved zoos in the Netherlands, Diergaarde Blijdorp (aka Rotterdam Zoo) has been wowing visitors for over 160 years. It’s more than just a zoo—it’s a full-on wildlife experience with botanical gardens, global animal habitats, and the Oceanium aquarium, which showcases marine life from all over the world.

Highlights:

• Massive Oceanium with sea life from the Atlantic, Galapagos, Caribbean & more
• Three continental wildlife zones: Asia, Europe, and Africa
• See species like Finnish forest reindeer, fishing cats, and Nile crocodiles
• Home to endangered Western lowland gorillas
• Beautifully maintained botanical garden and educational displays

Pro Tip:

Don’t miss the Oceanium—it’s a peaceful (and cool!) way to explore sea creatures from around the globe, and a great midday break during your zoo visit.

Blijdorplaan 8, 3041 JG Rotterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31-10-9-00-18-57
diergaardeblijdorp.nl

Recommended Activities for Families

Tucked inside an old storage house, the Dutch Pinball Museum is part retro arcade, part time machine, and 100% fun. With around 70 playable pinball machines dating from the 1900s to today, this is one museum where touching the exhibits is totally encouraged. Just pay the entrance fee and you’re free to play—and learn—as much as you want.

Highlights:

• 70+ vintage and modern pinball machines
• Hands-on experience—play as much as you like
• Educational info on each machine’s history
• Exhibits organized by decade, from 1900s to present
• Packed with nostalgic gaming memorabilia

Pro Tip:

Keep an eye out for the oldest machines—some go all the way back to the early 1900s and still play like a charm. It’s fun *and* surprisingly educational!

Paul Nijghkade 19-K, 3072 AN Rotterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31-62-1-46-46-97
dutchpinballmuseum.com

For unbeatable views and a serious “wow” moment, head to Euromast, Rotterdam’s iconic observation tower. Designed by Hugh Maaskant and built for the 1960 Floriade, this architectural landmark has been turning heads ever since. At just under 607 feet tall, it offers 360-degree city views from its observation deck and a revolving glass elevator that takes you even higher for the full experience.

Highlights:

• Stunning observation deck at 328+ feet
• Panoramic views of Rotterdam and beyond
• Revolving glass elevator ride to the top
• Brasserie and cocktail bar with a view
• Hotel suites on the deck for an overnight stay in the sky

Pro Tip:

Feeling brave? Ziplining and rappelling from the Euromast are only offered on weekends—book early and get ready for a serious adrenaline rush with an unbeatable view.

Parkhaven 20, 3016 GM Rotterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31-10-4-36-48-11
euromast.nl

The stunning Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk is a true piece of Rotterdam’s history—literally the only surviving building from the city’s medieval days. Built between 1449 and 1525, this historic Protestant church was lovingly restored after WWII thanks to Queen Juliana’s efforts. Today, it’s a striking blend of Gothic architecture, bronze artwork, and musical marvels.

Highlights:

• Iconic bronze doors by sculptor Giacomo Manzù
• Home to the largest organ in the Netherlands (7,600 pipes!)
• Vault honoring Dutch sea heroes
• Elegant chandeliers and four unique organs
• Guided tours and tower climbs available April–October

Pro Tip:

Book a guided tour and climb the 213-foot tower—the views from the top are absolutely worth the stairs, especially on a clear day.

Grotekerkplein 27, 3011 GC Rotterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31-10-4-13-14-19
laurenskerkrotterdam.nl

Right next to the Euromast, Het Park is one of Rotterdam’s greenest gems—and its second oldest public park. Designed in the 1850s by the father-son landscape duo Jan David Zocher Jr. and Louis Paul Zocher, it’s a peaceful blend of themed gardens, historic buildings, and sculpture in the heart of the city. It became a national monument in 2010, and it’s the perfect spot to relax, picnic, or take a scenic stroll.

Highlights:

• Lush landscaped gardens and walking paths
• Historic Norwegian Church (1914) and Mansion ‘De Heuvel
• Euromast located on-site
• Statues of Queen Wilhelmina and poet Hendrik Tollens
• Great picnic spots with stunning views

Pro Tip:

After visiting the Euromast, stroll through Het Park with a coffee and check out the Queen Wilhelmina statue—it’s a peaceful, photo-worthy corner of the city.

Westzeedijk / GR, Parkkade, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31-1-40-10
hetparkinrotterdam.nl

If you're into bold design and ever-changing art, the Kunsthal is a must-visit. Designed by architectural legend Rem Koolhaas and Fuminori Hoshino, this modern marvel opened in 1992 and immediately grabbed global attention. Known as the "collection-less museum,” its ever-rotating exhibitions and smart use of ramps and light make every visit feel brand new.

Highlights:

• Designed by Rem Koolhaas (OMA) with striking architecture
• Rotating exhibitions across multiple open, flexible gallery spaces
• Features everything from modern art to photography to industrial design
• Unique building layout with ramps, unexpected angles, and cool materials
• Located right in Museumpark near other top museums

Pro Tip:

Exhibits change frequently, so check the schedule before you go—you might catch something completely unexpected, like kinetic art or retro design pieces.

Museumpark, Westzeedijk 341, 3015 AA Rotterdam, Netherlands
Phone: +31-10-4-40-03-00
kunsthal.nl