Rotterdam Activities: Harbour, Surf and Museums
Rotterdam is a port city that was rebuilt after the German bombing of 14 May 1940, and it plans well around the weather. This guide groups its activities by the kind of day you have. Everything is priced in euros.
A clear day
Euromast. The 185 m tower at Parkhaven 20 is open every day from 09:30 to 22:00. The general ticket, which reaches the 112 m platforms, is €17.50 at full price and €13.50 online. A complete ticket adds the glass Euroscoop lift and costs €19.00 online. Adults and teenagers aged 16 and over can also abseil down the tower on weekends, from May into the autumn, for €73.50 including entry. Book that online at euromast.nl .
Kralingse Plas. This large lake in the east has woods around it and a sand beach on the west shore. No lifeguard has been reported, so take care. Canoe and SUP rental asks for a swimming certificate, and Zeilschool De Lelie gives sailing lessons.
Hoek van Holland. Metro line B runs to the North Sea beach at Hoek van Holland Strand, a wide sea beach for long walks, kite sports and wind sports.
A wet day
Markthal. Eat your way through the food stalls under the huge ceiling artwork. It is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 and Sunday from 12:00.
Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. Take the mirrored art depot’s walk-in tour of about 10 minutes, then explore at your own pace. An online time slot is required, entry runs from free to €20 depending on the ticket, and the doors open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00. The main Boijmans building is closed for renovation.
Kunsthal and Fenix. The Kunsthal at Westzeedijk 341 is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. The Fenix Museum of Migration on Katendrecht keeps the same Tuesday to Sunday hours.
Kijk-Kubus. Visit the furnished show cube at Overblaak 70, from €3.50, open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
On the river
Spido’s 75 minute harbour tour costs €18.75 for adults and €10.55 for children, and it runs all year from the foot of the Erasmusbrug. Look at spido.nl for the schedule. The Nieuwe Maas is a working shipping river, so only join organised boat trips there. Swimming and paddling in the river and in the harbour basins are not safe.
For surfers
RiF010 sits on the Steigersgracht, behind the Markthal area, and has a man-made wave. Reported prices run from about €35 to €60 per session, depending on wave size. It also offers SUP and canoeing, and the HANG Bar & Kitchen is open seven days a week.
Evening
Katendrecht has the Fenix Food Factory at Nico Koomanskade 1025, where the Kaapse Fenix taproom opens at 12:00 Tuesday to Sunday. The SS Rotterdam ship is nearby and its Captains Lounge opens every day.
Practical tips
- Pay for transport by tapping a contactless card or phone, and tap out when you leave.
- Red paths are for bicycles, and cyclists have priority.
- Pickpockets work crowded trams and stations, so keep bags closed.
Read more: Sightseeing in Rotterdam for the buildings. Harbour cruise options are listed on Viator .