Are you thinking about visiting Rotterdam, Netherlands? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Rotterdam worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this port city for one to three days because of the many great activities. During our first trip to Rotterdam in the fall of 2022, we fell in love with its modern skyline and diverse food halls. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more. Rotterdam is a large port city that has a long running maritime history. It hosts several weekly markets and also has a large international food hall. The city's architecture has mostly been rebuilt since World War II, so you'll find many modern buildings and a modern development style.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Reasons to Visit Rotterdam
Nightlife
It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.
Shopping
You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.
Museums
Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.
Food
The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.
Authenticity
Rotterdam has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Rotterdam worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Rotterdam, so expect more visitors and higher prices. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F).
The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable port city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse through museums, discover the big city activities, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Summer Weather in Rotterdam
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| August | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| September | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Is Rotterdam worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Rotterdam. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 11°C (51°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Rotterdam
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| November | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| December | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Is Rotterdam worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Rotterdam can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 2°C (36°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Rotterdam is during the winter. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and grab some drinks at a bar. Also, you can check out the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Rotterdam
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| February | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| March | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Is Rotterdam worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Rotterdam. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Rotterdam can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 8°C (46°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and dance the night away.
Spring Weather in Rotterdam
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| June | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
Related
What is Rotterdam most famous for?
Rotterdam is most famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. People visit this impressive port city for its great nightlife and shopping. Also, it's known for museums and food. It is often described as modern, trendy, and high energy.
What is the most famous sight in Rotterdam?
The most popular sight in Rotterdam is The Cube Houses. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Rotterdam on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Cube Houses and other attractions here.
How touristy is Rotterdam? Is it a popular port city to visit?
Rotterdam is an off-the-beaten-path port city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Rotterdam Highlights Private Walking Tour: $167
- Highlights Rotterdam PRIVE bicycle tour: $108
- Hidden Gems Bike Tour Private: $217
- Private Rotterdam Highlights Bike Tour: $217
- Second World War Walking Tour in Rotterdam: $167
- Guided 3-Hour Food Tasting Experience in Rotterdam: $80
- Rotterdam Travel to the Future Walking Tour: $119
- Kinderdijk Photography tour: $217
How long should I spend in Rotterdam?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Rotterdam is one to three days. Since Rotterdam has activities such as nightlife and shopping, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Rotterdam? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Rotterdam?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.