At the heart of the Netherlands’ second-largest city is Rotterdam City Center, a buzzing district known for its innovative Cube Houses and soaring observation tower. It’s dotted with global restaurants, eclectic bars and retail stores, many of which line the pedestrianised Lijnbaan.
Things to do in Rotterdam City Center
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, which houses an outstanding collection of European works dating from the medieval period to the modern day. Get up close to paintings by Vincent Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Salvador Dali, together with iconic works by Peter Paul Rubens and Jacob van Ruisdael. Also of note is the contemporary Kunsthal Rotterdam where temporary and touring art exhibitions are showcased.
Adjacent to Blaak metro station are the iconic yellow Cube Houses that were created by the influential Dutch architect Piet Blom. Designed to optimise space, they are positioned at unusual angles and surrounded by inviting cafes. One of the houses has been opened as the Show Cube Museum for visitors wanting to experience life in these unique structures.
For panoramic views across Rotterdam City Centre, ride the elevator to the crow’s nest observation platform of the Euromast. This 185-metre-high tower is the tallest building in the Netherlands and was designed by Hugh Maaskant for the 1960 Floriade exhibition. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Antwerp! Enjoy a meal in the high-elevation brasserie or challenge yourself while abseiling to the tower’s base.
Getting around Rotterdam City Center
Rotterdam The Hague Airport is 15 minutes’ drive from Rotterdam City Center and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Subway services connect to Rotterdam Central metro station and trams travel throughout the area. Most of Rotterdam City Center’s attractions are accessible on foot.