Architecture
The 12 tallest buildings in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture. Some even refer to it as 'Manhattan on the river Maas.' Of all the buildings,…
The bridges of Rotterdam - interesting facts and details
Rotterdam is a city of crossings. With around 1,100 bridges in all shapes and sizes, water is never far away, and neither is a…
Portlantis: An educational port experience in Rotterdam
Portlantis, Rotterdam's interactive port experience centre, offers visitors an engaging insight into one of the world's largest…
Markthal Rotterdam: Architecture meets culinary delight
What makes the Markthal in Rotterdam more than just a market? How does this architectural gem intertwine the past, present, and…
Rotterdam Centraal: A modern icon of sustainability and design
How does a train station become a city's defining feature? Rotterdam Centraal offers more than transit—it tells a story of…
Historic landmarks in Rotterdam and the stories behind them
Rotterdam's history lives on in its most cherished landmarks. From Europe's first skyscraper to medieval churches, each site…
The weird Dutch nicknames for iconic Rotterdam architecture
Rotterdammers love their city, in all its architectural drama. So, when things get named top-down, Rotterdammers tend to name…
Best photography and instagrammable spots in Rotterdam
Without a doubt, Rotterdam is among the most photogenic cities in Europe, and for various reasons. The city has an eccentric mix…
Windmills - Dutch icons of Rotterdam
Ever wanted to visit a windmill and take a peek inside? You can and you don't need to leave the city to do it. Rotterdam has…
Culture, Food & Traditions
Dutch borrel culture explained
The Dutch borrel is one of those rituals you only truly understand once you have stood near a bowl of bitterballen while…
How and where to learn Dutch - Dutch courses in Rotterdam
Whether you have just arrived in Rotterdam or have been here long enough to know your favourite tram stop by heart, learning…
Easter in the Netherlands is mostly about brunch and downtime
ROTTERDAM, 30 March 2026 – Easter in the Netherlands is looking more relaxed than strictly traditional in 2026, with brunch,…
Ten Rotterdam brown cafés named city heritage
ROTTERDAM, 19 November 2025 – Ten traditional brown cafés in Rotterdam have been recognised as part of the city’s heritage. The…
Top 7 Foodie Areas in Rotterdam - Where to find food
So, you're in Rotterdam and you want to grab a nice bite for lunch, but you're too hungry to do lengthy research? No problem,…
Fenix migration museum in Rotterdam’s Katendrecht
Fenix in Rotterdam’s Katendrecht district explores migration through art, personal stories, and history, all within a landmark…
Sinterklaas - the original Santa Claus - Dutch traditions
Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands every November. He sails all the way from Spain in a steamboat with loads of gifts and…
Why oliebollen are a must-try in Rotterdam
Oliebollen, a beloved Dutch New Year’s treat, hold a special place in Rotterdam’s festive traditions. Mobile stalls across the…
Top 10 museums to visit in Rotterdam
Rotterdam’s museums offer a rich journey through art, history, and global culture. Whether you’re a fan of maritime tales or…
Peper/Kruidnoot, Oliebol and Stroopwafel - Dutch icons
Pepernoot/ Kruidnoot, Oliebol, and Stroopwafel - the winter trinity of deliciously Dutch baked goods you need to know! Some are…
Five great books about Rotterdam for adults and children
Whenever holidays draw near, it's a good idea to check if you need to big up on books. Why not learn more about the city you live…
Coffee? - Understanding Dutch culture
In the Netherlands, coffee is the thing you get offered practically anywhere you are invited to. However, coffee isn't always…
Rotterdam’s best cheese - Dutch icons of Rotterdam
One of the iconic Dutch things is cheese. Yes, more countries are claiming that cheese is their unique thing, but then again,…
Live, Laugh, Love
Beaches of Rotterdam - best spots for swimming and chilling
Rotterdam, a vibrant cosmopolis known for its largest port in Europe, also boasts a treasure trove of beautiful beaches. Just…
How to rent a home in Rotterdam - room, apartment, house
Thinking about renting a house or apartment in Rotterdam? Whether you are planning a long stay or a shorter assignment, and…
Top shops for books, comics & magazines in Rotterdam
Books have been around for centuries and even though the medium has been called old-fashioned and obsolete, it keeps coming back…
Summer pop-up terraces in Rotterdam
Rotterdam’s warm months bring life to unexpected corners of the city. From riverside hangouts to creative courtyards, pop-up…
Best swimming pools in Rotterdam: a complete guide
Rotterdam offers a variety of swimming facilities, providing options for competitive training, family activities, and wellness…
Rotterdampas - how to have fun and save money in Rotterdam | Rotterdam Pass
If you are the sort of person who likes your weekends with a side of bargain, the Rotterdampas might be your best friend in…
Food aid in Rotterdam: guide for expats
Rotterdam's food bank system offers structured, discreet aid to those facing financial hardship, including expats. Applications…
Valentine’s Day in Rotterdam: your complete guide
If you are spending Valentine’s Day in Rotterdam, you have more options than just roses and a crowded restaurant. You can cruise…
Trompenburg Gardens: green escape in Rotterdam
Tucked away in Kralingen, Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum blends nature, culture, and science in a living landscape. With…
Skateboarding, inline skating and BMX in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is built for street sports. From street skate spots in the centre to pumptracks, BMX lines and smooth park routes, the…
Best salsa, bachata, kizomba, and konpa schools in Rotterdam
Discover the best schools for learning salsa, bachata, kizomba, and konpa in Rotterdam, along with a brief historical context of…
Golfing in and around Rotterdam: all options explained
Rotterdam and its surroundings offer more golfing options than many people expect. From easy-going mini golf for families and…
Ice skating in Rotterdam - locations, information and prices
Winter in Rotterdam is built for ice. Whether you want fast laps on a 400 metre track, a gentle first wobble with the kids, or a…
Winter sports in Rotterdam: skiing, snowboarding, ice skating
Discover top spots for winter sports around Rotterdam, including year-round indoor skiing and snowboarding, plus seasonal ice…
Vintage and second‑hand clothing in Rotterdam: your guide to the best shops
Timeless fashion never goes out of style. Rotterdam’s vintage scene spans curated designer pieces, bargain-friendly kilo events…
Where to buy vinyl in Rotterdam: The essential record shops
ROTTERDAM, 6 November 2025 – From long-running institutions on the Binnenweg to a fresh opening on the Zaagmolenkade, Rotterdam’s…
Rotterdam City Card: best way for tourists to discover Rotterdam
The Rotterdam City Card offers tourists discounts on top attractions and unlimited public transport. This convenient pass makes…
Top kid-friendly activities in Rotterdam
Rotterdam offers a wide array of activities that cater specifically to children, blending fun with educational experiences. From…
NL-Alert: The Netherlands' public warning system
Discover NL-Alert, the Netherlands' robust public warning system. Learn how it works, its effectiveness, and how it aids in…
Pets in Rotterdam - shops, animal shelters, breeders, owners
Looking for a pet? In Rotterdam, there are various ways to find yourself a furry (or fishy) friend. From pet shops to breeders…
8 simple rules for barbecuing in Rotterdam parks
Planning a barbecue party in the park? Don't let the cops rain on your parade. Here are eight rules you need to keep in mind when…
Facts & Stats
Remembering the Rotterdam Blitz: 14 May 1940 bombardment
The worst event in Rotterdam's history is also the catalyst that led to its incredible rise as one of the most amazing cities in…
Why Rotterdam is a great city for international students
Rotterdam is one of Europe’s most interesting student cities. It is the Netherlands’ second-largest city and home to Europe’s…
How many millionaires live in Rotterdam?
Ever wonder how many millionaires live right here in Rotterdam? Our port city might not be Beverly Hills, but the wealth is…
A Brief History of Gabber in Rotterdam and the Netherlands
Rotterdam was both the birthplace and epicentre of the music genre and youth subculture known as gabber. Check out this brief…
A history of Rotterdam - from fishing village to metropolis
To appreciate the future, one must know the past. The city of Rotterdam has a long and interesting history. This city has seen…
Hilton Rotterdam is a national monument
The Hilton Rotterdam hotel on the corner of Weena and Coolsingel is a landmark building. The iconic structure, which opened its…
Areas
Charlois Rotterdam: historic district in the city’s south
Charlois is one of Rotterdam’s most varied areas: historic, green, working-class, creative and unmistakably South. Spread across…
Beaches of Rotterdam - best spots for swimming and chilling
Rotterdam, a vibrant cosmopolis known for its largest port in Europe, also boasts a treasure trove of beautiful beaches. Just…
Witte de Withstraat: Rotterdam’s art and nightlife hub
Witte de Withstraat remains one of Rotterdam’s most recognisable cultural streets: short, lively and packed with galleries, bars,…
Delfshaven - the old, historic part of Rotterdam
Don't be fooled by the fancy modern architecture and by catchy nicknames like “Manhattan on the Meuse.” Rotterdam has an old and…
Rozenburg: Rotterdam’s green village in the harbour
If you think you know Rotterdam, try Rozenburg. This former island village sits in the middle of Europe’s busiest port landscape,…
Overschie: Rotterdam’s village by the Schie, with parks, history and a Friday market
Overschie sits on Rotterdam’s northwest edge, where the city loosens its tie and lets you breathe. You get water, trees, and an…
Exploring Veerhaven in Rotterdam’s Scheepvaartkwartier
Veerhaven, a 19th-century harbour in Rotterdam’s Scheepvaartkwartier, remains a rare intact piece of the city’s pre-war maritime…
Westersingel: Rotterdam’s cultural and historic canal
The Westersingel canal is a key part of Rotterdam’s cultural and historical identity. Combining pre-war architecture, public art,…
Noordereiland: Rotterdam’s island of history and charm
Nestled in the heart of Rotterdam, Noordereiland is a unique urban retreat with a rich maritime history. Once an industrial hub,…
Het Park: Rotterdam’s historical green space
Located in the heart of the Scheepvaartkwartier district, Het Park serves as both a recreational haven and a cultural landmark in…
Meent in Rotterdam: Shopping, dining, and culture
ROTTERDAM, 24 October 2024 – Meent is a unique shopping destination in Rotterdam, blending history and modern commerce. Located…
Rotterdam Centrum: The vibrant and bustling city heart
Photo credit: Iris van den Broek. Rotterdam Centrum, the heart of Rotterdam, is where the city's hustle and bustle comes to life.…
Feijenoord: Rotterdam's iconic and diverse district
Photo credit: Vera Bos. Feijenoord is a lively district in the south of Rotterdam, characterized by its waterfront location,…
Hillegersberg-Schiebroek: Rotterdam's picturesque leafy district
Photo credit: Dennis Wisse. Hillegersberg-Schiebroek is a peaceful district in the northern part of Rotterdam, known for its…
Hoek van Holland: Rotterdam's beautiful coastal gem
Photo credit: Iris van den Broek. Hoek van Holland is a coastal district in the western part of Rotterdam, known for its…
Hoogvliet: Embrace nature in Rotterdam's green oasis
Photo credit: Dietmut Teijgeman-Hansen. Hoogvliet is a tranquil district in the southern part of Rotterdam, known for its…
IJsselmonde: Rotterdam's island district with heritage
Photo credit: Arjen-Jan Stada. IJsselmonde is a vibrant district in the eastern part of Rotterdam, known for its rich history,…
Kralingen-Crooswijk: Experience Rotterdam's cultural heart
Photo credit: Arnoud Verhey. Kralingen-Crooswijk is an elegant district in the eastern part of Rotterdam, known for its beautiful…
Noord: Delve into Rotterdam's lively northern area
Photo credit: Ossip van Duivenbode. Noord is a bustling district in the northern part of Rotterdam, characterized by its creative…
Pernis: Rotterdam's unique industrial village
Photo credit: Peter Schmidt. Pernis is an industrial district in the southwestern part of Rotterdam, characterized by its…
Prins Alexander: Rotterdam's vast and diverse district
Photo credit: Amanda de Jong Bouwens. Prins Alexander is the largest district in Rotterdam, known for its diverse attractions,…
The explorer's guide to Coolsingel Rotterdam
The Coolsingel is one of the most famous streets in all of Rotterdam. On this boulevard, you will find shops, restaurants as well…
Kingdom of the Netherlands
The Netherlands: Foundation and heart of the kingdom
Often mistaken for the whole, “the Netherlands” is both the heart and the backbone of the Kingdom. It's a land of rivers,…
Elections & Referendums
Cathelijne Bouwkamp appointed as Rotterdam coalition scout
ROTTERDAM, 20 March 2026 – Cathelijne Bouwkamp has been appointed as the scout, or verkenner, in Rotterdam’s coalition formation…
Preliminary Rotterdam election result 2026 in full
ROTTERDAM, 19 March 2026 – Rotterdam’s preliminary 2026 municipal election result shows GroenLinks/PvdA and Leefbaar Rotterdam…
Rotterdam adds night voting and Laurenskerk events on election day
ROTTERDAM, 19 February 2026 – Voting day in Rotterdam on 18 March comes with two standout extras: night voting at The Capital and…
D66 survey asks international students what Rotterdam should fix
ROTTERDAM, 12 February 2026 – D66 Rotterdam has published a survey aimed at international students ahead of the Rotterdam…
Rotterdam municipal council elections 2026: 21 party lists confirmed
ROTTERDAM, 6 February 2026 – The candidate lists for the Rotterdam municipal council elections 2026 (gemeenteraadsverkiezingen)…
Rotterdam confirms 829 candidates for wijk- en dorpsraadverkiezingen
ROTTERDAM, 3 February 2026 – Rotterdam has confirmed the final candidate list for the district and village council elections…
Rotterdam district and village council elections draw 910 candidates
ROTTERDAM, 20 January 2026 – A total of 910 Rotterdammers have signed up to stand in the district and village council elections…
Rotterdam voter turnout 63.4% – D66, GroenLinks-PvdA top poll
ROTTERDAM, 30 October 2025. The municipality of Rotterdam has released the preliminary results of the 2025 Tweede…
Rotterdam's 2024 European Parliament election: voter turnout and results
ROTTERDAM, 9 June 2024 – The final results for the European Parliament election in Rotterdam have been released, showing a 33.9%…
Rotterdam 2019 European parliamentary election results
Curious how Rotterdam voted in the 2019 European parliamentary elections? Of the 460,651 eligible citizens, only 155,506…
Final result of the Rotterdam municipal elections in 2018
The 2018 Rotterdam municipal elections took place on Wednesday, March 21st. On Friday morning, March 23, Mayor Aboutaleb, as…
