Apart from being the second-largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is not only a major port in Europe but also one of the largest in the world. Found in South Holland province, the city is also a major tourist destination due to its wide range of awe-inspiring attractions, beautiful restaurants, and most notably, its enviable collection of contemporary and modern architectural designs. It also serves as a hub for vibrant nightlife, priceless history, and delightful international cuisines. To ensure that you stay close to all the happenings, choose to while away the nights in an Airbnb vacation rental. But if you’re inclined to conventional stays, there’s no better way to unwind than to stay in a hotel in Rotterdam. To enjoy a magical adventure discovering some of the hidden gems in this part of Europe, check out these top day trips from Rotterdam, Netherlands.
1. Brielle, Netherlands (from USD 32.46)
Brielle, also known as Den Briel, is a historic town in the Netherlands, about an hour’s drive from Rotterdam. Visiting Brielle from Rotterdam is an enriching and captivating activity that allows you to step back in time and explore the town’s rich history and charming architecture.
Brielle is renowned for its well-preserved medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, and historical landmarks. One of the highlights is the Brielle Fortress, which played a significant role in Dutch history, particularly during the liberation from Spanish rule in the 16th century. You’ll encounter delightful cafes, quaint shops, and traditional Dutch houses throughout Brielle’s town center, creating a picturesque and inviting atmosphere.
Brielle: Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame
Duration: 2.0 hour
2. Kinderdijk, Delft, The Hague and Madurodam, Netherlands (from USD 425.0)
With a knowledgeable local guide and comfortable transportation, you can choose to visit iconic landmarks like the Erasmus Bridge, Cube Houses, and Market Hall in Rotterdam. This flexible and personalized activity offers a tailor-made experience to explore Rotterdam and its attractions at your own pace. Perfect for weekend trips in Rotterdam, this tour allows you to explore nearby attractions such as the historic town of Delft, the picturesque windmills at Kinderdijk, or the charming city of The Hague.
Moreover, the private tour provides the opportunity to delve into Rotterdam’s unique culture, architecture, and hidden gems while enjoying personalized attention from your guide.
Private Customizable Day Trip From Rotterdam
Duration: 5 to 9 hours
3. Keukenhof Garden, Netherlands (from USD 109.0)
Are you feeling romantic and looking for a gorgeous place where you can share that feeling with your better half? Sitting about 58.1 km (36.1 mi) north of Rotterdam is a romantic, awe-inspiring botanical garden found in the beautiful town of Lisse – Keukenhof. Apart from being one of the world’s largest flower gardens, it is also the most colorful spring garden in the world. With more than seven million flower buds blossoming in the garden, it is easy to see why nature lovers love visiting this place. Catch a romantic vibe as you enjoy the beautiful fragrance of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths while strolling through the garden.
Keukenhof Gardens Half-Day Tour from Rotterdam
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
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4. Ghent, Belgium
Located roughly about 160.8 km (99.92 mi) south of the city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Ghent is a beautiful city in Belgium boasting a plethora of hidden gems waiting for you to uncover them. The city is perched at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers making it even more attractive to adventure enthusiasts. Tourists from Europe and around the world come to explore the beautiful canals, spires, medieval structures, cobblestone streets, among other eye-catching features. Some of the most popular attraction sites in the city include Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, Het Belfort van Gent, Gravensteen and the Saint Nicholas’ Church.
Rotterdam Tour Guide
Miriam Meda
I inspire and help you on your trips to Belgium with my project, Curiositas Mundus. My goal is to avoid you any surprises once you land in this beautiful and small country. Traveling with kids? No problem. Are you a high school teacher preparing for your next study trip? No worries. Families? Friends? Solo travel? VIP? Companies? Universities? Lost souls? Restless minds? Physical challenges or ... Read more
5. Eindhoven, Netherlands
Popularly known as the birthplace of Philips electronic devices, Eindhoven is a melting pot for technology and design. It is also the fifth-largest city in the Netherlands, tucked away in North Brabant province, 110.6 km (68.72 mi) southeast of the city of Rotterdam. The city boasts exquisite restaurants, design shops, and a vibrant nightlife, making it an excellent place to visit near Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The Van Abbemuseum is a must-visit for contemporary art enthusiasts. Take a tour of the Philips Stadium, the home to the football team, PSV Eindhoven. Learn about trucks and automobiles at DAF Museum. Lastly, make sure to explore the Philips Museum for a better overview of the technological advancements over the years.
6. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is a gorgeous vibrant city that acts as the capital of Belgium; known for its intriguing history, awe-inspiring architecture, and comic strip. The capital sits 142.7 km (88.67 mi) south of the ever-charming city of Rotterdam which makes an interesting journey for thrill-seekers. With nice food joints serving delicious local cuisines coupled with a romantic atmosphere, you’ll be able to enjoy the Belgian vibe at its best. Make a stop at the Manneken Pis as you go for shopping at Grand Place. The Atomium is a great site for science lovers, as well as lovers of unique architecture and museums. Finish your adventure exploring attractions from all over Europe at this Mini-Europe.
7. Antwerp, Belgium
Are you a vacationer, honeymooners, or just thrill-seekers staying in Rotterdam and looking for breathtaking adventure and fun? Pack your travel bags and get ready to travel 101.7 km (63.19 mi) to the lovely port city of Antwerp in Belgium for amazing discoveries. The city is the home to centuries-old structures, contemporary art, and a plethora of other attractions making it a popular tourist destination. Visit Zoo Antwerpen for some family fun, spotting various adorable animals in compounds built to look like their natural habitat. Explore the awe-inspiring architecture at Museum aan de Stroom. Travel back in time to the 17th century at the Rubens House. Enjoy a brief tour of Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp for its stunning Gothic architecture and design.
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Sitting about 78.7 km (48.8 mi) north of Rotterdam, Amsterdam is a splendid city that serves as the capital of the Netherlands and where the river Amstel ends. From popular structures like the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, beautiful architectural designs, charming art, and eye-popping facades, the city acts as a tourists’ paradise. Spend some quality time with your loved ones exploring nature at Vondelpark. View different art from all over Europe at Rijksmuseum. With an enormous collection of Van Gogh’s art collections, the Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit for art lovers. Learn about World War II history at the well-preserved Anne Frank House.
9. The Hague, Netherlands
Popularly known as the home to the UN’s International Court of Justice, The Hague is a charming city that is located along the sprawling North Sea Coastline, about 23.2 km (14.42 mi) northwest of the city of Rotterdam. It also serves as the seat of the Dutch parliament and boasts a wide range of eye-catching attractions.
If you’re looking to dedicate one day of your itinerary in Rotterdam, Netherlands, to a neighboring Dutch city, The Hague is a perfect destination. Enjoy a picnic with your family at the beautiful Madurodam miniature park. Explore the breathtaking architecture of the 13th century at Binnenhof. Explore amazing Dutch art featuring a wide collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings. Lawyers, political science enthusiasts, or just about anyone looking to enjoy an immersive experience must visit the Peace Palace.
10. Arnhem, Netherlands
Are you a historian looking to dive deeper into the history of the Second World War? The historical city of Arnhem is a good starting point for your excursion. Located about 111.6 km (69.35 mi) east of Rotterdam city, this is one of the cities where the Battle of Arnhem took place. The city is perched at the banks of the rivers Nederrijn and Sint-Jansbeek, adding to its variety of breathtaking features. Nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts will be thrilled to visit Veluwezoom National Park. Explore traditional buildings at the Netherlands Open Air Museum. You must also include the glorious Burger’s Zoo in your ever-expanding itinerary.
11. Düsseldorf, Germany
Found in the west part of Germany just about 224.3 km (139.37 mi) southeast of Rotterdam city in the Netherlands, Dusseldorf is a beautiful city famous for its sublime fashion and art industry. With the help of the Rhine River, the city is split into two; Altstadt, also known as Old Town perched on the eastern bank while the business area is on the west. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the Rhine Tower. Explore a variety of contemporary art as you do some shopping at Königsallee. Visit Altstadt, the old town, and enjoy the beautiful, vibrant vibe as you sip on some traditional beer.
12. Bruges, Belgium
Experience the charming coastal vibe as you travel south about 179.1 km (111.29 mi) from Rotterdam city in the Netherlands to the romantic city of Bruges in Belgium. Apart from serving as the capital of West Flanders, the city also floods with tourists coming to see the canals, the beautiful cobbled streets, and a whole variety of medieval structures. You can plan to go for a romantic dinner at Markt. Visit the breathtaking Belfry of Bruges and take some photos for memories. If you’re the spiritual type, you can’t miss a tour of Basilica of the Holy Blood or Church of Our Lady Bruges.
Explore Rotterdam and the surrounding area
If you’re thinking about where to go from Rotterdam, this list will surely come in handy. From honeymooners and adventure-seekers to vacationers and business people, the city of Rotterdam has always been at the heart of many travelers. This is because it boasts a plethora of awe-inspiring attractions. It also borders other countries like Belgium and Germany which are worth exploring. So bookmark this list of best day trips from Rotterdam, Netherlands, and have a trip of a lifetime.
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