As if the world doesn’t talk about summer enough, we’re going to talk about it some more! Today, we’ll be answering all the questions that you are dying to ask if you’re in and around Rotterdam.
Are there outdoor pools in Rotterdam? What are the best parks to visit? Can I take a boat trip around the city? Where are the best places to drink? Is there a beach near Rotterdam?
We’ve got you covered!
So, without further ado, here are 6 things to do in Rotterdam in the summer. Your park-beach-swimmin’-drinkin’-cruisin’ prayers have all been answered:
1. Head to Hoek van Holland to go beaching
Ok, so technically, this isn’t INSIDE of Rotterdam. It’s considered Rotterdam-territory, and it’s pretty damn close if you’re looking to soak up some of that Dutch sun by the sea.
Hoek van Holland is only a 30-minute drive away from the centre, and you can catch a train straight to the beach from Centraal Station. Super handig! (Super convenient!) 😉
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It has a beautiful sandy beach with restaurants, bars, shops, and nature — basically everything you could want from a beach. It also doesn’t get quite as busy as some of the other popular beaches in the Netherlands, such as Scheveningen, so that’s always a bonus!
2. Take a cruise around the port and go boating
Since Rotterdam is surrounded by water, there’s only one thing to do: BOAT TRIP! Not quite the same as a quiet, slow cruise along the canals, but unique in its own way.
Rotterdam has plenty of choices when it comes to boating, from a classic river sightseeing cruise to a historic ship tour or a pancake cruise!
If you’re on the lookout for a bit of a different tour in the city, there’s also a thing called the Splash Tours bus, which is literally a bus on land that can float in the water. 👇
While it’s definitely fascinating, it does look incredibly weird from the outside when you see it in the water. So, you can expect a few head-turns riding around in that thing. 😬
3. Go picnicking in the park
Rotterdam has tons of beautiful parks with a relaxing vibe — and what’s synonymous with parks? Picnics, of course! 😊
One of the more popular parks is ‘Het Park’, which is located on the edge of the city’s centre near the Euromast.
It has lots of green space, lakes, and nature — and it’s reasonably quiet in the sense that you can grab a nice spot on the grass and enjoy a good picnic under the sun without being overcrowded by people.
After work, expect to find folks stripping down into their bikinis to grab the last bit of evening sunshine at the park.
If you’re looking to explore other great parks in the area, then these are essential to know: Zuiderpark, Kralingse Bos, Vroesenpark and Museumpark. 👌
4. Go swimming in an outside pool… on a cruise ship!
While Rotterdam isn’t exactly a city known for having outdoor swimming pools, it does possess a place where you can get your feet wet or bring your kids to have a splash about. What are we talking about here? Oh right, the SS Rotterdam!
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If you’re after something unique and want to have a quick dip with access to food and drinks, then this is your place. It’s free too!
There’s a small pool on the outside deck at the end of the ship. Of course, this won’t be the place to practice for the Olympics, but it’s better than nothing, I suppose. (If you don’t mind sitting in your bikini with a hoard of people drinking beer around you.)
5. Go drinking on a rooftop bar
Rotterdam has lots of outside space to grab some delicious food or have a couple of cocktails — but the most popular one is Witte de Withstraat (dang, talk about a tongue twister 😜). Here’s where you can sit outside and indulge in the many different bars and restaurants all along the street.
However, Rotterdam also has a variety of amazing rooftop bars. You know, with it being the skyscraper city and all that.
Rooftop bars let you enjoy your summer evenings literally feeling on top of the world. The best part is that they are so easily accessible and usually a stone’s throw away from a station or metro.
So, if you’re looking for somewhere to wind down after a stressful day at work, or want to impress a few guests, then you know where to go!
Well, there you have it! Five very summery things to do in Rotterdam during the sunny holiday period. The perfect way to get your summer fix!
(Personally, I vote number five because I turn into a raging alcoholic the minute the sun comes out. It’s the Brit in me.)
Do you have any other suggestions on things to do in Rotterdam in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!
