Almost entirely destroyed by the Germans in 1940, Rotterdam, the country'ssecond largest city, today offers the face of a modern city, resolutely turned towards the future, with its housing in the form of cubes balanced near the old port, its soaring buildings in the Weena, its gigantic shopping arcades and its busy port.The Old Harbour and Delfshaven are a melancholy world of historic museums, 18th-century wine warehouses and miraculously preserved old houses. Some districts seem frozen in time, with their old sailors' bars and brothels near the quays. Rotterdam is unique and has been called the "Manhattan on the Maas".

What to visit Rotterdam?

When to go to Rotterdam?

When to go to Rotterdam? Early spring is undoubtedly the best time to visit the Netherlands and Rotterdam. The air can be cool, but it is usually the driest time of the year and Holland is full of colorful flowers (the famous Dutch tulips). It is also a time when accommodation is cheaper than during the high tourist season which runs from June to September. In any season, however, due to the oceanic climate, the city receives strong winds sometimes coupled with short showers. In winter, the days are shorter and the temperatures lower, but the city is not without its charm. When to go to Rotterdam? The second largest city in the Netherlands can be visited all year round, with a preference for the blessed days of April and May.

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Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

The weather in Rotterdam can change very quickly. In general, the city has a temperate oceanic climate with high winds and short, unpredictable showers. It is therefore important to bring warm clothes and a good raincoat. Note that when the wind is strong, tall buildings sometimes increase the draft. Average temperatures in Rotterdam range from 5°C in winter to 22°C in summer.

Budget

In a few years, the hotel and restaurant sector has seen inflation and the cost of living in Rotterdam is now roughly comparable to that of Paris, although hotels are more expensive overall than in France. Youth hostels can be a good way to save money. Restaurants also have prices close to those in France. Note that drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are generally quite cheap in Rotterdam.

Procedures

No visa is required to travel to Rotterdam. European residents visiting the Netherlands must travel with a passport or national identity card, even if expired (within the last five years), while Canadian residents must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the intended period of stay. No other administrative formalities are required to visit Rotterdam.

Health

No vaccinations are required to travel to Rotterdam, and there are no diseases to worry about. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date, however. The Netherlands is known for being a clean, healthy country with a comprehensive medical infrastructure. Moreover, the proximity of France makes repatriation quick and easy. Be careful, however, because here you don't go to the doctor for a minor ailment or the flu and prescriptions are not automatic. Please note: doctors almost never visit you at home (even for toddlers). The water is drinkable in Rotterdam.

How to go to Rotterdam? Our advice & tips

Rotterdam is a city with great potential for tourism, and although a few tourism specialists have stepped into the breach, there are not many of them either. Nevertheless, there are some interesting offers combining flight and accommodation, and why not organize thematic tours together with these agencies.

Average price of a return flight from France, with a stopover in Amsterdam or London: between 150 and 250 €. Please note that the price variation depends on the airline used and the reservation period. You can also opt for the train (prices are similar to those of the plane) which allows you to reach Rotterdam in a few hours or even a personal vehicle. For accommodation, anticipation is the key!

Rotterdam is a modern metropolis with all the means of transport to get around the city: metro (5 lines), tramway, bus, cab and, as a city of water, river shuttles. You can also get around very well on foot, but, as in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands, the bicycle is the king of transportation here! Bike paths are everywhere, and the terrain is flat. So don't skimp on the bike rides!

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Pictures and images Rotterdam

Regentessebrug. Lawrence BANAHAN - Author's Image
Nederlands Fotomuseum. Lawrence BANAHAN - Author's Image
Poséidon, une oeuvre de Tom Waakop Reijers. Lawrence BANAHAN - Author's Image
Les fameuses maisons cubes (kijk-kubus) imaginées par l'architecte Piet Blom. Lawrence BANAHAN - Author's Image

Discover Rotterdam

When to travel?

When to go to Rotterdam? Early spring is undoubtedly the best time to visit the Netherlands and Rotterdam. The air ca...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

The weather in Rotterdam can change very quickly. In general, the city has a temperate oceanic climate with high wind...
Read more about it

Budget

In a few years, the hotel and restaurant sector has seen inflation and the cost of living in Rotterdam is now roughly...
Read more about it

Formalities

No visa is required to travel to Rotterdam. European residents visiting the Netherlands must travel with a pass...
Read more about it

Health

No vaccinations are required to travel to Rotterdam, and there are no diseases to worry about. Make sure your vaccin...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

Average price of a return flight from France, with a stopover in Amsterdam or London: between 150 and 250 €. Please...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Rotterdam is a city with great potential for tourism, and although a few tourism specialists have stepped into the br...
Read more about it

Getting around

Rotterdam is a modern metropolis with all the means of transport to get around the city: metro (5 lines), tramway, bu...
Read more about it

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