The waterfront Delfshaven historic center
NOBLE ROTTERDAM

Cruise to Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam is Europe's biggest port and one of the Netherlands' great surprises. Hit hard by World War II, the city was rebuilt gradually from the 1950s to the '70s — today, it's a lively, thriving metropolis that's home to a diverse, multicultural population. Get a taste of what the city used to look like at the Old Harbour or Delfshaven, a historic marina that survived the 1940 bombardment. Then, visit one of the many top-class museums, such as Boijmans, Van Beuningen or the Kunsthal in Rotterdam's Museum Park. Take a gander at the extraordinary cube houses and the sparkling market hall. Cruise to Rotterdam to relax at the Kralingse Plas lake and park, and snap a photo of the windmills.
National Language Dutch
Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Rotterdam

The colorful painted arch of the Markthal

Marvel at Market Hall

The colorful painted arch of the Markthal

The colorful painted arch of the Markthal

Marvel at Market Hall

Head to the Markthal, a striking landmark that accommodates 96 stalls and several restaurants. Sample local delicacies, such as delicious Dutch cheeses or fresh fish. The ceiling bears the world's largest artwork, the "Horn of Plenty" by Arno Coenen, depicting colorful fruit tumbling from a sky, grazing cows and flowers.

View of the Oude Haven Harbor and Openlucht Binnenvaart Museum

Art En Plein Air

View of the Oude Haven Harbor and Openlucht Binnenvaart Museum

View of the Oude Haven Harbor and Openlucht Binnenvaart Museum

Art En Plein Air

Stroll through Rotterdam's Museum Park and visit the Kunsthal, designed by architect Rem Koolhaas. It hosts regularly changing experimental modern art exhibitions. Close by is the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, which displays world-class artworks by Dutch artists such as Piet Mondrian and Vincent van Gogh.

Boats docked at the Delfshaven historic district
Boats docked at the Delfshaven historic district

Charm by the Canal

Head to Delfshaven, a picturesque marina and one of the few parts of the city that survived the 1940 bombardment. Admire the historic canal houses, and browse the art studios and boutiques full of antiques and bric-a-brac. Fuel up in one of the down-to-earth eateries, or sample some local craft beer in a brewery.

Eight bitterballen on a plate with a dipping sauce
Eight bitterballen on a plate with a dipping sauce

Local Cuisine

From exotic foreign cuisine to traditional Dutch dishes, you can find something for every taste here. Rotterdam's internationally inspired comfort food is patatje oorlog, french fries covered in satay peanut sauce, mayo and diced onion. At a pub, order bitterballen, a deep-fried croquette of shredded meat and roux served with mustard. For dessert, try appeltart, a super-moist apple pie that's reminiscent of bread pudding.

An assortment of souvenir ceramic shoes in Rotterdam, Netherlands
An assortment of souvenir ceramic shoes in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Shopping

Shops in Rotterdam are open every day. The city center offers plenty of choice in the Beurstraverse, Lijnbaan and Meent, as well as the exclusive Van Oldenbarnevelt street. Witte de With is the cultural shopping street with a wide choice in art boutiques. For vintage clothes and art, go to concept store Toko 51. With your Netherlands cruise, keep an eye out for the signature Dutch trinket: a tiny set of decorative pottery clogs.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 The Euro is the official currency in the Netherlands. Many stores and restaurants also accept major credit cards.
2 You can explore Rotterdam by foot, or take the tram, metro or bus.
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