Europe » Netherlands » 15 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Rotterdam

15 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Rotterdam

Cool street art, nightlife, a buzzing foodie scene and futuristic architecture – it’s time to reveal the best photo spots in Rotterdam.

Other than the song by the Beautiful South, I didn’t know a lot about Rotterdam. I’ve visited Amsterdam countless times and loved it! It’s fair to say Rotterdam is Amsterdam’s lesser-visited, modern little sister. As the majority of the city was bombed during the war, it’s become a playground for forward-thinking architects. Along with the uber-cool architecture, there are plenty of fashionable restaurants, a great nightlife scene, top summer festivals and a little something I’d describe as community spirit! The best time to visit? I’d say the Summer. But don’t  just take my word for it, take a look at a few of my top pics from my recent travels.

Check out the video of my trip to Rotterdam and then scroll down to read more.

 

1. The city’s skyline is one of the most unusual I’ve seen in a while. Best place to check it out? From the tallest building – the Euromast, and be sure to visit in the evening as the lights start to illuminate the city. 

View from the Euromast, Rotterdam
View from the Euromast, Rotterdam

2. One of my favourite spots in the city is Markthal. It’s not just the city’s top food market, it’s also another architectural masterpiece!

Exterior of Markthal, Rotterdam
Exterior of Markthal, Rotterdam

3. The crazy ceiling of the Markthal was designed by artist Arno Coenen and features giant fruit and vegetables.

Inside looking out of Markthal, Rotterdam
Inside looking out of Markthal, Rotterdam

4. From fresh fruit and veg and fried fish, to huge wheels of Dutch cheese and multicoloured macaroons, there’s something for everyone in the Markthal. Plus, there are several great restaurants with terraces inside. 

Interior of Markthal, Rotterdam
Interior of Markthal, Rotterdam

5. Rotterdam’s skyline is pretty unique, with De Rotterdam being the city’s most iconic building. Home to offices, a hotel and modern apartments, the building is vast inside and actually takes the prize for being the largest building in the Netherlands.

View of Rotterdam from the Erasmus Bridge
View of De Rotterdam from the Erasmus Bridge

6. Just a short walk from Markthal is another architectural icon – Rotterdam’s famous cube houses! Piet Blom designed them at an angle of 45 degrees as an example of how to cram plenty of houses in when you don’t have a lot of room on the ground level. Most are houses, but there’s one hostel and a museum so you can check out the inside!

Checking out Rotterdam's Cube Houses
Checking out Rotterdam’s Cube Houses (Photo: @BackpackerMacca)

7. Yellow really is the colour! Rotterdam’s famous yellow bridge, the Luchtsingel, was created as part of a crowdfunding project. For just 25 Euros you could purchase a plank of wood and have an inscription put on it. Needless to say – a lot of people got involved and the brightly coloured bridge is over 800m long! 

Walking down the Luchtsingel (yellow bridge) in Rotterdam
Walking down the Luchtsingel (yellow bridge) in Rotterdam (Photo: BackpackerMacca)

8. Summer really is the best time to visit… especially if you can time your visit for Rotterdam Unlimited – the city’s cultural diversity festival. The weekend kicks off with an awesome drum battle. Check out this Rotterdam city guide for more info on festivals in the city. 

Drummers at Rotterdam Unlimited 2016
Drummers at Rotterdam Unlimited 2016

9. Colourful costumes, incredible dancers and some amazing music will certainly get you in the carnival spirit.

Dancers at Rotterdam Unlimited 2016
Dancers at Rotterdam Unlimited 2016

10. The highlight of the weekend is the Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival Street Parade, where thousands of performers and spectators line the streets.

Rotterdam Unlimited 2016 Summer Carnival Street Parade
Rotterdam Unlimited 2016 Summer Carnival Street Parade

11. It’s one big old party, so expect carnival queens, crazy costumes and ear-blastingly loud music. Don’t forget your dancing shoes… and your camera!

Rotterdam Unlimited 2016 Summer Carnival Street Parade
Rotterdam Unlimited 2016 Summer Carnival Street Parade

12. Rotterdam has a buzzing nightlife scene, and the best place to kick off your evening is on Witte de With Street. It’s packed full of cute cafes, boutiques, street art, Shoreditch-style restaurants and bars.

Witte De With Street Rotterdam
Witte De With Street Rotterdam

13. Bazar on Witte de With is a great spot for a drink and a snack. After feasting on some mezze, be sure to check out the inside with its ceiling full of colourful lanterns. 

Bazar Restaurant, Rotterdam
Bazar Restaurant, Rotterdam

14. Another great dining spot on Witte de With Street is Ter Marsch & Co. Their burgers have won countless awards, including the title of Best Burger in the Netherlands!  You may have to wait a while, but believe me, it’s worth it! 

Epic burgers at Ter Marsch & Co, Rotterdam
Epic burgers at Ter Marsch & Co, Rotterdam

15. And while we’re talking food, if the weather is nice be sure to head up to rooftop restaurant Op Het Dak. Super-healthy and super-beautiful… they grow all their own produce on the roof, then create some of the most photogenic food I’ve seen in a long time. 

Delicious salads at Op Het Dak, Rotterdam
Delicious salads at Op Het Dak, Rotterdam

Thanks to Rotterdam Partners for inviting me to visit the city and Hostel Room for providing my accommodation! Check out more photos from my trip on Instagram.

Enjoyed this post? Why not Pin It?15 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Rotterdam

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

2 thoughts on “15 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Rotterdam”

Leave a comment