Major city · Netherlands
Rotterdam
Give Rotterdam 2 nights: one for the centre and harbour, one for Delfshaven or a day trip. Skip it only if you want canals and old gables.
Rotterdam is the Netherlands' second city and its only skyline: the centre was flattened in the 1940 bombing and rebuilt as a laboratory of modern architecture, with Europe's busiest port on its doorstep. It is a working port city, not a museum town, and it rewards two nights and a tolerance for wind and concrete.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (dark, wet, windy)
- Airports
- RTM · AMS · EIN
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Benelux ↗Dutch and Belgian police can ask anyone to show identification (in the Netherlands from age 14): carry the original passport or EU ID card — a photocopy is not accepted.
- Benelux ↗Tap-in fares, Dutch and Belgian domestic tickets and Luxembourg's free transport all stop at the border: buy an international ticket for cross-border legs, or you will be fined on board.
- Netherlands ↗The Netherlands is in the EU and the Schengen area; the EU Entry/Exit System applies to non-EU visitors. Check the official EU and Dutch sources for your passport.
- Netherlands ↗Red or marked bike lanes are for bikes: do not walk or stand in them, and look for cyclists before crossing.
- Netherlands ↗Amsterdam has local rules on public drinking, cannabis use in some areas and short-term rentals; check the city's current rules and book licensed accommodation.
- Netherlands ↗The Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Keukenhof sell timed tickets online only or mostly; book before you arrive rather than queueing.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Rotterdam112 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance (EU-wide)112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Rotterdam, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Netherlands-wide
- SIM or eSIMKPN, Vodafone and Odido run the networks; Lebara and Lyca sell cheap prepaid SIMs in supermarkets and at Schiphol.Netherlands-wide
- Tap waterTap water is among the best in Europe; restaurants may charge for it, so ask.Netherlands-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% for good service; tell the server the total when paying by card.Netherlands-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Netherlands-wide
- SafetyRotterdam is a normal big city: safe in the centre by day and on lit main routes at night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsStations charge about €0.70–1 (≈ US$1–2); cafés expect you to buy something; free urinals (and a few public toilets) in city centres.Netherlands-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, fire, ambulance (eu-wide) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums open daily; shops open on Sunday afternoon in cities but close early in villages.Netherlands-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportRTM Rotterdam The Hague Airport (6 km (3.7 mi) north of the centre; bus 33 to Meijersplein metro, then metro line E to the centre.).RTM Rotterdam The Hague Airport (3.7 mi (6 km) north of the centre; bus 33 to Meijersplein metro, then metro line E to the centre.).
- Getting aroundMetro, tram and bus are run by RET; tap in and out with a contactless bank card or an OV-chipkaart.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€2.50–4 (≈ US$3–5)
- Sit-down mealMain course, mid-range restaurant€15–25 (≈ US$18–30)
- Street or quick mealLunch (sandwich or broodje)€6–12 (≈ US$7–14)
- Beerdraught in a bar / supermarket can€4–6 (≈ US$5–7)€1–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Metro or bus rideMetro or tram ride€2–4 (≈ US$3–5) (check)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room€280 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €100 (≈ US$120) · High €180 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- RTM Rotterdam The Hague Airport (6 km (3.7 mi) north of the centre; bus 33 to Meijersplein metro, then metro line E to the centre.) · AMS Amsterdam Schiphol (58 km (36 mi) north; Intercity Direct to Rotterdam Centraal in about 27 min, with a supplement on that route.) · EIN Eindhoven Airport (106 km (66 mi) southeast; bus to Eindhoven Centraal, then intercity to Rotterdam, about 1 h 25 min total.)RTM Rotterdam The Hague Airport (3.7 mi (6 km) north of the centre; bus 33 to Meijersplein metro, then metro line E to the centre.) · AMS Amsterdam Schiphol (36 mi (58 km) north; Intercity Direct to Rotterdam Centraal in about 27 min, with a supplement on that route.) · EIN Eindhoven Airport (66 mi (106 km) southeast; bus to Eindhoven Centraal, then intercity to Rotterdam, about 1 h 25 min total.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Nov (13 rain days), driest Apr (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Rotterdam: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
12 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
12 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Metro, tram and bus are run by RET; tap in and out with a contactless bank card or an OV-chipkaart. The centre is walkable between Centraal, Blaak and the Markthal. A water taxi crosses the Nieuwe Maas faster than the bridge traffic.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
The Hague
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Intercity from Rotterdam Centraal, about 25 min
Mauritshuis and the Binnenhof; add Scheveningen beach by tram.
Delft
goDoor to door: About 35 min
Intercity or sprinter from Centraal, 15–20 min
Compact old centre and Delft Blue pottery; half a day is enough.
Schiedam
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Metro line B or C from Beurs, about 20 min
Jenever distilleries and the tallest historic windmills in the world.
Kinderdijk
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Waterbus from Erasmus Bridge to Kinderdijk, seasonal, about 30 min
UNESCO windmills; check the waterbus timetable before you go.
Vlaardingen
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min
Metro line B from Beurs, about 25 min
Historic fishing harbour; a short stop, not a full day.
Zoetermeer
skipDoor to door: About 45 min
RandstadRail from Centraal, about 30 min
Suburban; only worth it for a specific event or SnowWorld.
Maassluis
cautionDoor to door: About 55 min
Metro line B to the end of the line, about 40 min
Small historic town on the waterway; pair it with a ferry ride.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centrum
Markthal, Blaak and Centraal within walking distance; best for a first visit and short stays.
Delfshaven
Historic harbour quarter west of the centre; quieter, tram or metro ride in.
Kralingen-Crooswijk
Lake, park and Blijdorp zoo; greener and calmer, 15–20 min by metro or tram.
Feijenoord and Kop van Zuid
South bank: Erasmus Bridge views, cruise terminal, quick metro to the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €170 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 2 nights × €140 | €280 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €100 | €400 |
| RET day ticket, one day2 × €9 · check | €18 |
| Rotterdam Welcome Card, 2 days2 × €20 · check | €39 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €76 |
| Trip total≈ €208 per person per day, bed included | €833≈ US$1,000 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €2.50–4 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Lunch (sandwich or broodje) | €6–12 (≈ US$7–14) |
| Main course, mid-range restaurant | €15–25 (≈ US$18–30) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / supermarket can | €4–6 (≈ US$5–7) / €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Metro or tram ride | €2–4 (≈ US$3–5) (check) |
| Museum entry | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Wind and rain arrive fast off the North Sea: a waterproof shell beats an umbrella.
- Bicycles have priority and ride fast on dedicated paths; look both ways before crossing.
- Some harbour and port areas are working industrial zones with restricted access: check before you walk in.
- Pickpockets work the Centraal station and metro interchange at Beurs.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance (EU-wide)
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
RotterdamRotterdam
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Naar dit adres, alstublieftTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance112
Embassy
The US has a consulate-general in Amsterdam; most embassies are in The Hague. Check your own country's representation before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Schiphol → Rotterdam Centraal, Intercity Direct: about €20–25 (≈ US$25–30) with supplement, 27 min (check)
- Rotterdam Centraal → Delft, intercity: about €5 (≈ US$6), 15–20 min (check)
- Water taxi across the Nieuwe Maas: €5–15 (≈ US$6–18) depending on distance (check)
Say or show
- Hallo — Hello (hah-loh)
- Dank je wel — Thank you (dahnk yuh vel)
- Pardon — Excuse me (par-don)
- Hoeveel kost het? — How much is it? (hoo-vale kost het)
- Kan ik met kaart betalen? — Can I pay by card? (kan ik met kaart buh-tah-len)
- Waar is het toilet? — Where is the toilet? (vaar is het twah-let)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Rotterdam. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (dark, wet, windy) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for RTM and AMS: last metro and train departures, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Centrum and Markthal, Kop van Zuid and Erasmus Bridge, Delfshaven, Kralingen lake.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Markthal, Maritime Museum, Euromast, SS Rotterdam) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wind and rain fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialRotterdam official travel guide
- officialCity of Rotterdam
- officialRotterdam The Hague Airport
- officialNS (Dutch Railways)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Rotterdam, revision 5318134 (CC BY-SA 4.0)