Rotterdam Travel Guide
Unlike many historic cities in the Netherlands, which sport Gothic churches and Renaissance buildings, Rotterdam is a gleaming cluster of high-rises, some of which are marvels of 20th-century architecture. Public parks, spacious streets and slick shopping malls dot this efficiently designed city, making it the perfect destination for travellers who lean more towards the modern than the classical.
Many parts of the city were bombed in World War II. In fact, only three buildings in Rotterdam's historic centre survived the onslaught, namely, the art deco City Hall, the iconic White House, and St Lawrence Church. The Delft Harbour area also escaped destruction. Extensive rebuilding has given the city a unique personality when compared to the rest of the country. Travellers should view it from the iconic Euromast Space Tower, which has a revolving sit-down elevator.
Rotterdam hasn't forgotten its roots, though, despite its modern look and feel. Its museums cover art, World War II, architecture, photography, maritime history, natural history, and the Netherlands' rail system. Rotterdam is also a multicultural city, with larger immigrant populations than most of the Netherlands.
That said, the city is roughly 16 miles (26km) away from a prominent cluster of windmills, which are an enduring symbol of the Netherlands. Located in the small town of Kinderdijk, these structures are fully functioning and drain water from the Alblasserwaard polder. They're also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most popular attractions in the region.
Things to do in Rotterdam
Getting Around
Travellers will need to buy an 'OV-Chipkaart' (Public Transport Chip Card) to use public transport in Rotterdam. It's usable for all bus, tram and metro lines operated by RET. Tourists can also buy an anonymous OV-Chipkaart from ticket machines in all train and metro stations. Arriva and Connexxion buses operate outside the metropolitan area.
Taxis are available from taxi ranks or by telephone; Uber and Bolt operate in the city. The Thai-influenced tuk-tuks operate on a zone system and are a cheaper option.
Like most Dutch cities, Rotterdam is very bicycle-friendly, and has separate lanes and traffic lights for cyclists. Bicycles are often the fastest way to travel in Rotterdam, and can be hired near the Central Station.
Rotterdam Climate and Weather
Like most of the Netherlands, Rotterdam has a temperate oceanic climate, though its position on the coast gives it slightly milder weather than cities further inland.
Summers (June to August) are warm but rarely get too hot, with average temperatures staying between lows of 54°F (12°C) and highs of 72°F (22°C). The city sees roughly ten rainy days per month. Days are long and sunny, and many residents head to the beach.
The temperature cools off a bit as autumn gives way to winter, but it stays fairly mild and doesn't often dip below 32°F (0°C). Late autumn and early winter (October to December) tend to be the wettest months, while April and May are the driest.
The best time to visit Rotterdam is in late spring (May and June). However, the weather is usually unpredictable and visitors should always be prepared for sudden showers or swings in temperature.
Netherlands travel info
Electricity
The electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin round European-style plugs are used.
Language
Dutch is the official language, but English is widely spoken. Frisian (as well as Dutch) is spoken by the people of Friesland Province.
Money
The official currency is the euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency can be changed at banks or bureaux de change (usually indicated by the letters GWK), though banks are closed on weekends. ATMs are widely distributed and generally open 24 hours a day; major credit cards are widely accepted.
Tipping
Service charges are included in hotel rates, restaurant bills and taxi fares, usually at about 15 percent. Tipping for good service is always appreciated but not necessary. It's customary to tip taxi drivers and waiters about 10 percent.
Health
There are no health risks associated with travel to the Netherlands and no vaccinations are required for entry into the country. Visitors will also find that the standard of health care is very high, but the necessary health insurance provisions must be made before travelling. A reciprocal agreement exists with other EU countries, which entitles nationals to low-cost emergency medical treatment. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is necessary for this purpose. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Although medication is widely available in the Netherlands, it's always best to take along any prescribed medication in its original packaging, and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what it is and why it's needed.
Safety
Travel in the Netherlands is fairly safe and the vast majority of trips are trouble-free. Travellers should, however, always exercise caution in empty streets at night and be aware of pickpockets, particularly in central Amsterdam and at Central Station. There have been several incidents on trains from Schiphol Airport where heavily laden passengers have been targeted by thieves. As in all Western countries, there's a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks.
Travellers should also watch out for a scam whereby tourists will be approached by 'plain clothes policemen' who claim to be investigating credit card fraud and counterfeit currency. Tourists are shown fake identification in the form of badges, and asked to hand over credit cards and money. If approached, travellers are advised to ask for proper identification or to accompany them to the nearest police station.
Local customs
The use of cannabis is tolerated in designated 'coffeeshops' in major cities, though trafficking in hard or soft drugs outside licensed premises is illegal. Visitors should also note that the possession of soft drugs in public places will incur a prison sentence. Everybody from the age of 14 is required to show a valid identity document to law enforcement officers on request.
Doing business
Business in the Netherlands is conducted in an efficient and professional manner. Punctuality is important, dress is usually formal (suits and ties are standard), business cards are exchanged and greetings are made with a handshake. Titles and surnames are used, unless otherwise indicated. Women tend to be well received in Dutch business and it's not uncommon for women to hold high positions. Most Dutch people speak excellent English; business hours are usually 8.30am to 5pm.
Duty free
Duty free items for travellers to the Netherlands include 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco; 1 litre spirits, 2 litres spirits or aperitifs made of wine or 2 litres of sparkling wines, liquor wines or still wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette; 500g of coffee; 100g tea. Prohibited items include the import of all birds.
Communications
The international access code for the Netherlands is +31. Hotels, cafes and restaurants that offer free WiFi are widely available; travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support them on their networks.
Passport & Visa
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All of these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple-entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, non-EEA visitors to the Netherlands must hold confirmed return or onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country.
It is recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Netherlands. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Netherlands. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Netherlands. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Netherlands. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Netherlands. A visa is required.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in the Netherlands. No visa is required for holders of Irish passports.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in the Netherlands. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Useful contacts
Netherlands Tourist Office, The Hague: +31 70 3705 705 or www.holland.com
112 (General)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 244 5300.
Royal Netherlands Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7590 3200.
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 237 5031.
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 26 220 9400.
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 425 4500.
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 269 3444.
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 471 6390.
Embassies / consulates in Netherlands
United States Embassy, The Hague: +31 70 310 2209.
British Embassy, The Hague: +31 70 427 0427.
Canadian Embassy, The Hague: +31 70 311 1600.
Australian Embassy, The Hague: +31 70 310 8200.
South African Embassy, The Hague: +31 70 392 4501.
Irish Embassy, The Hague: +31 70 363 0993.
New Zealand Embassy, The Hague: +31 70 346 9324.