Rotterdam
Rotterdam is located in the western part of the Netherlands. With a population of over 650,000 people, it is the second-largest city in the Netherlands. Rotterdam is known for its vibrant port, and its iconic landmarks such as the Euromast observation tower and the Cube Houses. The city is also famous for its modern architecture, with several innovative buildings such as the Markthal and Rotterdam Central Station. Rotterdam is a hub for business and innovation, with a strong focus on logistics, energy, and sustainability. The city is also a cultural hub, with several museums, galleries, and theatres, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Rotterdam is located on the banks of the Nieuwe Maas river and is a gateway to the nearby natural landscapes of the Dutch coast and the Kinderdijk windmills.
The Port
The Port of Rotterdam is the largest seaport in Europe, and the world’s largest seaport outside of East Asia. From 1962 until 2004, it was the world’s busiest port by annual cargo tonnage
High-rise building
The Witte Huis, at 43-metres tall, was the first high-rise building to be built in Europe. It is now a national monument.
Rotterdam is culturally diverse
Rotterdam is home to more than 170 nationalities.
Population
As of 2022, the metropolitan population of Rotterdam is 1,014,675. Of course, this number is constantly changing.
Local Attractions
Kubuswoningen - Overblaak 70, 3011 MH Rotterdam | 1.7km from city centre
The Cube Houses are one of Rotterdam’s most iconic attractions. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom, the houses are tilted over by 45 degrees. Most of the houses are used as residences, but it is possible to visit the Kijk-Kubus Museum house to see what living in one would be like.
Museum Park - Museumpark, 3015 CB Rotterdam | within city centre
This park houses six museums, including the Natural History Museum. There are also works of art in the park itself.
Laurenskerk - Grotekerkplein 27, 3011 GC Rotterdam | within city centre
This Gothic church has a large, bronze entrance door, and the largest church organ in the Netherlands. It is possible during the summer, with a guide, to climb the 300 steps to the top of the tower.
Air and Rail Connections
Rotterdam the Hague Airport
Although classed as a minor airport, it serves 50 European destinations.
Additionally, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is under an hour from Rotterdam by road.
Rotterdam Centraal Station – Stationsplein 1, 3013 AJ Rotterdam
Departure point for other Dutch cities, as well as local and international services, include the Eurostar to London.
Housing and living costs
Monthly average rental costs are calculated based on apartments both inside and out of the city centre.
- 1 Bedroom – 950 Euros
- 2 Bedroom – 1075 Euros
- 3 Bedroom – 1300 Euros
For further information, click here.
To calculate Dutch tax click here.
For information about the Dutch tax system click here.
International Education
Rotterdam is well-served by international schools. We have given a couple of examples below.
Harbour International
A state-funded Dutch primary school that offers education in English.
Rotterdam International Secondary School (RISS)
For students aged 11 to 18, a wide range of extracurricular activities is run alongside the alongside the academic programme. The school offers iGCSEs, then the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is followed in the senior years.
Activities
Het Natuurhistorisch - Westzeedijk 345, 3015 AA Rotterdam | within city centre
The Natural History Museum has both permanent and temporary displays, including an exhibition of its most famous dead animals (including the stone marten that inadvertently shut down the CERN particle accelerator in 2017!).
Euromast Rotterdam - Parkhaven 20, 3016 GM Rotterdam | 1.8km from city centre
Built for the 1960 Floriade, this observation tower is home to a restaurant. It is also possible to book an overnight stay in a suite on the viewing platform, ascend to 185m in a glass-bottomed elevator, and, in the summer, abseil from the viewing platform at 112m.
Kinderdijk - Nederwaard 1b, 2961 AS Kinderdijk | 14km from city centre
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is well worth a visit. It is possible to visit two of the 19 preserved windmills, spot rare birds, and take a boat tour.
Events, Festivals and Holidays
North Sea Jazz Festival
The largest indoor jazz festival in the world hosts performances by world-famous jazz, soul, funk and hip-hop artists
Rotterdam Roof Days
This festival makes the most of Rotterdam’s many flat roofs, and incorporates art, music and a rooftop walk.
Food & Drink Options
Markthal - Ds. Jan Scharpstraat 298, 3011 GZ Rotterdam | 1.6km from city centre
Rotterdam’s state-of-the-art market hall. The hall’s ceiling features a gigantic artwork called Horn of Plenty and its interior houses dozens of stalls and stores.
By Ami Urban Bistro - Antoine Platekade 983, 3072 ME Rotterdam | 3km from city centre
A funky bistro with a colourful interior, serving fusion cuisine. There are a number of vegan options.
Het Eethuisje van Delfshaven - Matthenesserdijk 436, 3026 GV Rotterdam | 0.8km from city centre
A very cosy restaurant, serving traditional Dutch food at reasonable prices.
Hotels
Hilton Rotterdam | 5-star hotel within city centre
Address: Weena 10, 3012 CM Rotterdam
Phone: +31 10 710 8000
Bastion Hotel Rotterdam Alexander | 4-star hotel 5.5km from city centre
Address: Hoofdweg 40, 3067 GH Rotterdam
Phone: +31 10 420 3439
Urban Design Hotel Rotterdam | 3-star hotel 1.4km from city centre
Address: Nieuwe Binnenweg 171, 3014 GL Rotterdam
Phone: +31 10 311 8570
Getting Around The City
Public Transport
Rotterdam has an extensive public transport system, comprised of buses, trams and a metro system. There are also water taxis, and a ferry crosses the Maas.
Click this link for maps, timetables and journey planners.
Taxi Companies
Rotterdam Taxi Service | +31 10 237 2018
Primo Taxicentrale | +31 10 262 2540
Shopping Malls
Central Plaza - Plaza 2-29, 3012 CW Rotterdam | within city centre
Located opposite the Central Station, this mall offers a wide range of shops and eateries
Alexandrium Shopping Centre - Korte Poolsterstraat 2, 3067 LZ Rotterdam | 11.5km from city centre
Home to a supermarket, plus a range of shops suitable for all budgets.
Local Football Teams
Feyenoord
Feyenoord play in the Eredivisie, the top tier in Dutch football.
Sparta Rotterdam
Sparta is the oldest professional football club in Rotterdam, and is currently competing in the Eredivisie.
Pharmacies
Wegovy Kopen Apotheek
Address: Binnenrotte 159, 3011 HB Rotterdam
Apotheek Westblaak
Address: Westblaak 34, 3012 KM Rotterdam
Phone: +31 010 414 0846
Drugstore Zuyderwijk
Address: Stadhoudersplein 134E, 3038 EA Rotterdam
Phone: +31 010 465 3762