It is a short distance, but there is so much to see. One of the advantages of using a Daytrip private driver over a train or bus is the ability to customize your trip. Stop by little towns forgotten to time, see UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or visit artisan farms. The choice is yours, but we’ve included the most popular options!

What is a trip to the Netherlands without a visit to the windmills? A stop you should definitely add to your itinerary is the Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can book a tour and explore two museum mills, take a boat ride along the canals that feed the windmills, and learn about the intricate network of dikes and canals that have safeguarded the Netherlands from flooding for hundreds of years. This engineering system is being studied today as a means to combat losing land to climate change as well, so while it is historic, it is also very relevant for the modern day.

Are you a foodie? If so, make a detour to Gouda, home of the famous cheese. If you are taking your trip on a Thursday between April and August, you can go to the Gouda trading market and see farmers buying and selling their cheese the old-fashioned way. Another stop to make is the Clara Maria Cheese and Clog Farm. Either way, you won't leave hungry!

Rotterdam’s History

The story of Rotterdam begins in the late 13th century when a small fishing village emerged at the confluence of the Rotte River and the Nieuwe Maas. Its strategic location near the North Sea soon led to the development of a bustling port, laying the foundation for Rotterdam's sea-faring legacy.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Rotterdam flourished as a hub of trade and commerce, gaining city status in 1340. By the 17th century, the city had become one of Europe's busiest ports. Its success helped fuel the Dutch Golden Age of exploration and economic prosperity.

Rotterdam Rebuilt

Like many areas of Western Europe, Rotterdam was unfortunately not spared during World War II. In May 1940, German forces bombed Rotterdam, leveled much of the city center, and inflicted widespread destruction on the region. In the aftermath of the war, Rotterdam faced the monumental task of rebuilding and reinventing itself from the ashes.

Rotterdam is now the capital of cool buildings, and much of its modern architectural innovation can be attributed to the post-war rebuilding period. Architects and city planners embarked on ambitious projects to reshape the cityscape, giving rise to iconic structures like the Cube Houses and the Euromast.

Amsterdam may have charmed you with its cute classical buildings, but in Rotterdam expect to see mid-century-style buildings that push the limits of modern design and engineering stability. Sharp angles, exposed scaffolding, and mirrored facades are tell-tale signs of Rotterdam’s post-war revival style. It is a far cry from Amsterdam’s historic style.

Rotterdam Today

In recent decades, Rotterdam has undergone a cultural renaissance, with a thriving arts scene and a hotbed of innovation and creativity. The city's commitment to sustainability and resilience is evident in projects like the Rotterdam Climate Initiative, which aims to combat climate change and promote sustainable urban development.

Odds are even if you haven’t been to Rotterdam before, some of your stuff definitely has! Spanning 40 sq. miles (105 sq. km), Rotterdam is still Europe’s largest port. It handles 450 million tons of cargo from over 28,000 ships per year. It is a vital artery of global commerce and trade. From its historic maritime roots to its cutting-edge architecture and vibrant culture, Rotterdam continues to captivate visitors with its unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Book your tours ahead of time

While our drivers can get you where you need to go, the last thing you want is to arrive at your stop and find out that the tour you wanted is sold out or that an exhibition is closed for renovations. There may even be a Dutch holiday you weren’t aware of and the whole attraction will be closed. Booking your tickets ahead of time helps ensure your added detours go exactly as you would like them to go.

Also, make sure you double-check what language the tour is in, as sometimes your desired language may be sold out or only available on certain days. Don’t assume every tour will be in English, especially for more remote destinations.

Amsterdam to Rotterdam by Train

Head to the Amsterdam Central Station and hop on one of the frequent intercity trains bound for Rotterdam. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the Dutch landscape whizzing by outside your window. With a travel time of around 40 to 50 minutes, you'll arrive in Rotterdam in no time, ready for your next adventure. About 100 trains travel between these two largest Dutch cities per day. This frequency allows you to make last-minute plans and you won’t have to worry about booking tickets ahead of time. The only thing to be aware of would be if you have a lot of luggage or would like to make diversions to smaller towns and points of interest.

Amsterdam to Rotterdam by Bus

Amsterdam’s central bus terminal has various bus operators offering comfortable and affordable rides to Rotterdam. These cities are not far apart, so the bus is a cost-effective option for people who are comfortable riding on buses for short distances. When you book your ticket, make sure to have your luggage accurately counted and paid for to avoid any confusion and possible fees, and that the bus will have enough space!

Amsterdam to Rotterdam by Bike

Perhaps the lowest-cost option to get from Amsterdam to Rotterdam would be by bike! Is there any more Dutch way to travel? Covering this distance of 50 miles (80 km) should take about 4 hours, and the well-marked cycling paths are easy to follow. Once you’re in Rotterdam, park your bike at one of the endless parking spots for bikes and enjoy your trip!

Eat at the Markthal (Market Hall)

Indulge in all your senses at Rotterdam's Markthal. This food hall was opened in 2014 and has almost 100 stalls selling fresh produce, gourmet delicacies, and international foods. Pick up some local cheese fromage, stroopwafels, herring, and bitterballen (breaded meatballs) while you’re here. If you’d rather have a sit-down meal, it also has 20 restaurants and shops. Make sure while you are there to look up! This stunning horseshoe-shaped building has the world’s largest artwork on the ceiling - it's the size of two football fields.

Be Charmed by Rotterdam’s Delfshaven District

Wander through the historic district of Delfshaven. This neighborhood miraculously survived the bombings of World War II. Admire the beautifully preserved 17th-century architecture, stroll along cobblestone streets lined with cozy cafes and artisan boutiques, and visit the Pilgrim Fathers' Church, where the Mayflower set sail for America in 1620. Go along with this maritime theme and book a ferry tour on the riverfront and see Rotterdam from a different perspective!

See Rotterdam’s Wild Side at the Zoo

Go on a wild adventure at Rotterdam Zoo! It is home to over 2,000 animals and has species from far-off places all around the globe. With immersive habitats like the Oceanium, you can observe marine life in a vast underwater tunnel. Or maybe you want to visit the Amazonica, a tropical paradise teeming with exotic plants and animals. Check the schedule ahead of time so you don't miss the daily animal feedings and educational presentations.

Get a Bird’s Eye View of Rotterdam at Euromast

Ascend to new heights at the Euromast, Rotterdam's iconic observation tower offering panoramic views of the city and into the countryside. Take the high-speed elevator to the top observation deck, where you can enjoy Rotterdam's skyline, the bustling port, and the scenic countryside. If you aren’t afraid of heights and are feeling particularly brave, then make a reservation to rappel down the side of the Euromast.

Spend Your Evenings on Witte de Withstraat

Witte de Withstraat, the “art axis of Rotterdam,” is in the Rotterdam Centrum district. It is the center of Rotterdam's vibrant nightlife scene, with trendy bars, cafes, and eclectic art galleries. Join locals and visitors alike as you hop from one venue to the next, sampling craft beers, cocktails, and delicious street food. Take this energetic atmosphere inside and visit one of the many nightclubs while you are there.

Sail the Seven Seas in Rotterdam

Step aboard the SS Rotterdam, once the flagship of the Holland-America Cruise Ship Line. Explore the cruise ship's luxurious interiors, including elegant lounges, ballrooms, and cabins through interactive exhibits and guided tours. You can even have dinner in one of the restaurants or book a room and spend the night aboard!

Take advantage of Rotterdam’s river access! Although the SS Rotterdam has been stationary for years and no longer sails, if you would like to take a ferry to the UK or other Dutch cities, it is possible on other ships and water taxis.

If you plan to visit during the summer, do not fret too much about the summer heat. The Netherlands has calmer and cooler summers than many other parts of Europe. Whenever you visit, bring an umbrella. The Netherlands experiences about 130 rainy days a year, and October is the wettest month.

Rotterdam hosts several annual festivals throughout the year, including the International Film Festival Rotterdam (January and February), Rotterdam Unlimited (July and August), North Sea Jazz Festival (July), and World Port Days (September), offering visitors unique cultural experiences and vibrant celebrations. No matter which time of year you visit Rotterdam, there is always something to do!