24 Hours in Rotterdam: What to See and Do?

In this blog, we’re serving you the best tips to see as much of the city as possible in a short time (24 hours).

Jump to:

• Rotterdam with friends or solo in 24 hours
• Rotterdam by train or car
• Stay the night in Rotterdam

We have mapped out a great route for you to make the most of your day in Rotterdam.

Start your day right and walk to Bertmans, just a few minutes from Rotterdam Central Station. This hotspot is the place for a delicious and healthy breakfast in Rotterdam. Whether you opt for avocado toast, fluffy pancakes, or a colorful superfood bowl, your taste buds are sure to be awakened. So kick off your Rotterdam adventure with a bang at Bertmans. Bet you'll be back!

Bonus: From Monday to Friday, between 8:30 and 10:00, you can enjoy a complete breakfast deal for just €10 per person. It includes coffee or tea, orange juice, a pancake, and a toast with sweet or savory toppings.

📍Bertmans, Kavel Doormanstraat 292, 3012 GP Rotterdam

Een museum bezoeken in Rotterdam mag niet ontbreken aan je citytrip! Breng een bezoek aan het Museumpark, waar je kunt kiezen uit meerdere topmusea.

• In the mood for a Van Gogh, Rembrandt, or Dalí? Then the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum is perfect for you.
• Prefer innovative and modern art? Step into Het Nieuwe Instituut.
• Or do you want to be surprised by a variety of art forms? Check out the Kunsthal!!

Good to know: The Boijmans van Beuningen museum is currently closed for a major renovation. The newly renovated museum is expected to reopen in 2026. In the meantime, you can view the collection at the Depot Boijmans van Beuningen. Trust us: it's just as much of a highlight as the official museum!

📍Museumpark, 3015 CB Rotterdam

Hop on board the water taxi and enjoy a unique and adventurous journey on the water. Along the way, you'll pass by several iconic landmarks, offering fantastic views of the city's standout feature: the Erasmus Bridge. You'll then sail past the impressive Wilhelminapier and disembark near the tall towers and the famous Hotel New York.

Want unlimited access to the water taxi? A hop-on, hop-off day pass costs €12.50. A one-way ticket is €5, and for children up to 12 years old, it's half price. You can find the schedule and other stops for the water taxi here.

📍 Departure: Water Taxi city center, Kraneschipbrug, 3011 WN Rotterdam

Time for lunch! If you've already explored the Markthal (another famous food hall in Rotterdam Blaak), why not visit the Fenix Food Factory in Katendrecht? The Fenix warehouses were the largest storage warehouses in the world around 1900, and now they've been transformed into an artisanal food hall that rivals the Markthal. The Fenix Food Factory is packed with diverse food stalls and cozy bars, offering plenty of local delicacies that are always fresh and delicious!

Tip: Take a look behind the Fenix Food Factory on Paul Nijghkade for a wide view over the Nieuwe Maas river and the Kop van Zuid.

📍 Fenix Food Factory, Nico Koomanskade 1025, 3072 LM Rotterdam.

In Delfshaven, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time! It's one of the rare places in Rotterdam that survived the devastation of World War II, allowing it to retain that charming, old-fashioned vibe. As you stroll through the area, you'll encounter quaint canals, sturdy old warehouses, and cozy pubs.

Since you're already taking a trip down memory lane, make sure to visit the Dutch Pinball Museum in Delfshaven. Here, you'll find flashy pinball machines dating back to 1900, all the way up to more modern ones that you might have had at home. And the best part? You can try them all out!

📍 Dutch Pinball Museum, Voorhaven 12, 3024 RM Rotterdam.

Are you in the mood for a culinary journey through North Africa? Then you definitely need to make a stop at Rainarai on 1e Middellandstraat! This restaurant is a true hidden gem where you can savor the flavors and aromas of Algeria. In addition to couscous, tagines, and local vegetarian dishes, they serve delicious Algerian pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven.

The specialty here is the Mezze menu: expect tables filled with a variety of shareable dishes, allowing everyone to taste the nomadic flavors. And good to know: there's a wide selection of organic and vegan dishes available!

📍 Rainarai, 1e Middellandstraat 134, 3021 BJ Rotterdam.

The Witte de Withstraat is the place to be for a lively drink in Rotterdam! This vibrant street is famous for its buzzing atmosphere, trendy bars, and cozy terraces. Whether you're in the mood for a local beer, a good glass of wine, or a creative cocktail, they’ve got you covered!

Start your bar-hopping adventure at one of the many inviting cafés along the street. At Worm, you can enjoy live music and experimental art, while De Witte Aap is known as the oldest and most iconic bar in Rotterdam. It was even once voted the 'best bar in the world' by Lonely Planet fans.

📍 De Witte Aap, Witte de Withstraat 78, 3012 BS Rotterdam.

Rotown is more than just a place; it's a legend in Rotterdam! Located in the bustling city center, it’s the hotspot for live music enthusiasts and the best parties. This iconic venue has a rich history and has hosted countless legendary performances. Whether you're into indie, rock, folk, or DJs spinning the hottest beats, Rotown has it all.

During the day, you can relax with drinks in the café or on the terrace on the lively Nieuwe Binnenweg street. In the evening, the space transforms into a concert hall, and at night, it becomes an alternative club.

📍 Nieuwe Binnenweg 19, 3014 GB Rotterdam

The best part: our hostels are always nearby!

• Stay in the famous Cube Houses
• Private and shared rooms available
• Always with a private bathroom
• Breakfast available

Check out Stayokay Rotterdam

Coming by train or prefer the car? We’ve got some handy tips for you!

Taking the train to Rotterdam

Public transport is often the easiest and most stress-free option for a day in Rotterdam.

Cheap train travel

Check the NS Spoordeelwinkel for affordable combo deals. You’ll often save money by booking a museum ticket and train ticket together.

Discounted train travel for kids

Did you know kids 3 and under travel for free on the train? And kids aged 4-12 can travel all day for just €2.50!

Park and Ride in Rotterdam

If you’re driving, using Park & Ride is the easiest and cheapest option. Park your car just outside the city, get a transit ticket, and head straight to the bustling center of Rotterdam!

P+R rates

Park your car for a low rate at one of the P+R locations on the outskirts of Rotterdam. You'll pay just a fraction of the cost of parking in the city center.

Where to park in Rotterdam?

At some P+R areas, you can park for free if you continue your journey by public transport and make a round trip back to the P+R location. You’ll need an OV-chipkaart for this. The P+R spots where you can travel for free this way include P+R Alexander, P+R Hoek van Holland, and P+R Kralingse Zoom.

Read all about the P+R locations

Parking in and around Rotterdam

Parking in Rotterdam isn’t cheap, but it’s possible. You can park at Diergaarde Blijdorp or the Admiraliteitskade for 10 euros a day.

Traveling within the city

Arrived? The best (and most fun) way to explore Rotterdam is by bike. At our Rotterdam hostel, you can easily rent bikes for €10 a day. Need a child seat? Let us know in advance, and we’ll sort it out!

Looking for even more tips for your Rotterdam city trip?

As local experts, we've been gathering the best tips for the area around our hostels for years. Unfortunately, we can’t fit all of them into one blog post. That’s why we’ve highlighted the top tips by hostel and theme. So, maybe 24 hours in Rotterdam is just a bit too short...

Check out all Rotterdam tips

Stay the night in Rotterdam

Or stay at one of our other hostels nearby (Spoiler: we have 21 hostels in the Netherlands to choose from!)