21 epic day trips from Rotterdam: the ultimate guide

Rotterdam — a city where everyone loves to rave about the quirky new-age architecture, its multicultural quotient, and the resilience and ‘realness’ of the Rotterdammers.

But living in a city you love should not stop you from exploring places around it, because you never know what you’ll find.

I’ve been living here for the past few years, so here’s my list of the 21 best day trips you can take from Rotterdam! 

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Day trips less than 30-minutes from Rotterdam

Perhaps you’re in the mood for a quick and refreshing jaunt to clear your head in the middle of a stressful week?

Well, you’re in luck, because these day trips are less than 30 minutes away from Rotterdam and are sure to give you a much-needed mood boost! 💪

1. Delft: a city steeped in history

Delft is one of the most easily accessible day trip destinations from Rotterdam. Don’t be fooled by its seeming similarity to other Dutch towns — Delft really is something special.

The city has a lot to offer to people who are looking for a bit of history (after all, it is the place where Willem van Oranje was shot), a bit of old Dutch architecture, and a whole lot of fun.

There are plenty of things you can do for free, making it the perfect day trip destination for those trying to travel on a budget.

You can even cycle (or walk) here from Rotterdam to save some extra cash! 🤑

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2. Dordrecht: the oldest city in Holland

Did you know that Dordrecht is the oldest city in Holland? (Yes, Holland, not the Netherlands).

It’s also the fifth largest city in the province of South Holland — but still has that typical Dutch small-city charm.

You’ll find quintessentially Dutch things here, from long winding canals and row houses to interesting monuments and museums giving testament to the prosperous history of this city on the water.

There’s plenty to explore on your day trip to Dordrecht!

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3. De Biesbosch: one of Europe’s largest freshwater tidal wetlands

Located just outside of Dordrecht, De Biesbosch is one of the Netherlands’ biggest national parks.

The park is basically a freshwater delta that is made up of 8,000 hectares of small streams and rivers — and one of few freshwater tidal wetlands in the world.

You’ll find hundreds of bird species, including kingfishers, ospreys, white-tailed eagles, and De Biesbosch’s icon: the beaver.

You can discover the park on foot or by bike, or inspect the wildlife up close in a canoe.

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4. Schiedam: the gin capital of the world

Have you ever taken a day trip to Schiedam from Rotterdam? Not yet?

That is hard to believe because it is one of the easiest to get to and the closest places to visit from the city!

If you just hop on the green, yellow, or red metro line at Beurs, you’ll reach Schiedam city centre in about 15 minutes!

The town has some of the best windmills, and it’s the gin capital of the world. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

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5. Plaswijckpark: Rotterdam’s backyard

Another fun day trip from Rotterdam option can be found pretty much right here on the outskirts of the city and is guaranteed to be one of the best places to spend a day with your family.

It’s on the very edge of Rotterdam North — so it’s very easy to reach.

Founded in 1923, Plaswijckpark has evolved into one of the most fun dagje uit activities when the sun is shining.

While this small-scale amusement park doesn’t have the extravagance of Efteling, it does have everything you need to make sure it’s an interesting day for you and your little ones.

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Day trips less than one hour from Rotterdam

Perhaps you’ve got a bit more time on your hands and are looking for the perfect way to spend an afternoon?

We feel you, so we’ve compiled a list of day trips less than an hour away from Rotterdam’s bustling heart! 👇

6. Hoek van Holland: Rotterdam’s very own beach

Hoek van Holland is technically part of the Rotterdam municipality. However, the vibe couldn’t be more different from the one in the city itself.

Think cute coastal town with a vast beach, amazing sand dunes, and beach bars and clubs to enjoy a drink or two. It’s a great place to unwind and escape the busyness of day-to-day city life.

Take your fiets with you and cycle around to get a proper taste of the area. Hoek van Holland is also a great day-trip destination for a little hike or nature walk.

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7. Kinderdijk: the iconic windmill park

Who doesn’t have windmills on their list of things to see in the Netherlands? Well, Kinderdijk is the perfect place to go to to check this item off that list.

Windmill parks have long existed in the Netherlands to harness sustainable energy — and Kinderdijk is one of the two most well-known parks in the country, with thousands of visitors flocking to the site every year.

A lot of people debate on whether it’s better than Zaanse Schans (as did we), so why don’t you do a little day trip from Rotterdam and find out for yourself?

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8. The Hague and Scheveningen: a great summer getaway

No list of day trips from Rotterdam is complete without a mention of The Hague.

A city known for embassies and government buildings, the political capital of the Netherlands is just a stone’s throw away from Rotterdam.

Want to see not only The Hague but the entire Netherlands in one day? Dat kan.

The interactive miniature park Madurodam will give you a small taste of a country that is already arguably rather small and let you immerse yourself in the history and culture of the lowlands.

If the sun is shining, make sure to pack your swimsuits! Scheveningen is one of the best beaches in the Netherlands, and you don’t want to miss it.

Stroll along the busy pier and gaze out into the sea on a warm day, or enjoy some of the other free things The Hague has to offer.

If you’re interested in the underwater world, visit Sea Life, a huge aquarium where you can learn about 150 different species of fish they have in there.

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9. Voorlinden: the famous museum in Wassenaar

A really interesting day trip you can take from Rotterdam is to Museum Voorlinden — a contemporary art museum surrounded by beautiful forests, a carefully landscaped garden, a restaurant, and amazing art to really open up your mind.

Like with any other museum, there are permanent as well as temporary exhibitions. You can easily get to this stunning area by car or by public transport.

Simply head to the museum’s website for all the practical information you’ll need to get there.

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10. Leiden: the city of arts and sciences

We have a personal bias when telling you about this cosy student town (after all, it is our headquarters), but Leiden truly has a lot to offer to its visitors.

This quintessential Dutch town is packed with great museums, such as the Naturalis, the National Museum of Antiquities, and the Volkenkunde Museum, just to name a few!

You can also sign up for the Rembrandt Experience, a specially curated route to learn about all things Rembrandt from times when he lived in Leiden.

READ MORE | A local’s guide to Leiden: the best places to eat, drink, and shop

If you’re more into innovation and entrepreneurship, check out PLNT Leiden (our home base with a killer rooftop with chickens).

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11. Keukenhof: the Garden of Europe

Thousands of tourists always flock to the Netherlands to experience the famous tulip season — and what better place to do this than the famous Keukenhof, one of the largest flower gardens in the world?

Beautiful fields filled with thousands of colourful bulbs are a real treat for the eye, and should not be missed by anyone!

If you’re more of a budget traveller, there are also countless tulip fields around Keukenhof that you can enjoy for free.

How? You’ll have to travel there to find out! 😉

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12. Gouda: home of the delightful cheese

If you’re looking for a day trip from Rotterdam that even the Wikipedia page recommends, then Gouda is the place for you.

The city is famous for various things like its cheese (of course, you’ve heard of Gouda, the cheese!) and its amazing Dutch architecture.

The city is easily reachable by car or public transport and if you’re feeling particularly fit, you can even hop on a bike for one and a half hours, and you’re there!

Go to the Gouda cheese market and relish in one of the Dutch addictions or wander around the city centre and explore the Sint Janskerk and the famous city hall.

Gouda also has plenty of other gorgeous buildings.

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13. Utrecht: the city of literature

The city that is the hardest to pronounce, Utrecht is your perfect getaway if you are tired of visiting crowded tourist places.

We like to call it mini Amsterdam — Utrecht is a great alternative for those wanting to sail along canals, ride through small Dutch streets, and enjoy a drink on the terraces without the hustle and bustle of the capital.

The city has been dubbed the UNESCO City of Literature and spoken word events and book readings happen almost daily.

On top of that, Utrecht has the iconic Dom Tower with amazing views. It’s currently under renovation, but you can still go inside.

Venture outside the city and head to one of the Netherlands’ iconic castles, the neo-gothic De Haar.

The oldest building dates back to the 14th century, and the castle gardens stretch out for acres and host several events throughout the year.

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14. Amsterdam: the famous Dutch capital

Aah, good ol’ Amsterdam! A city that’s on everyone’s “Dutch cities to visit” list, the capital has evolved into a top tourist destination.

It is a burgeoning city that continues to grow, attracting tourists, Dutchies, and expats alike.

Take a boat ride around the city, visit the many museums (such as the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum), check out the botanical gardens, or enjoy one of the many parks.

There are so many things to do in Amsterdam!

You can also discover the best coffeeshops (of course, following the rules for smoking weed! 😉) and ease those munchies in one of the many great restaurants in Amsterdam.

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15. Tilburg: city with a hip urban scene

Tilburg may be small, but it sure is a dynamic day trip destination.

The city is known for repurposing its old buildings in the edgiest ways — like the LocHal, an old industrial locomotive hall turned into one of the best libraries in the world.

Whether you’re after cultural experiences, like festivals and museums (it has three great ones!), lush nature walks, or even a longer staycation, Tilburg has it all.

Our personal tip? Rent an e-scooter and discover Tilburg’s magical murals — you’ll never look at graffiti the same.

End your day with a cocktail at the Doloris rooftop bar or add an extra fun factor to your day trip from Rotterdam by experiencing their out-of-this-world maze.

Not your thing? Venture to the largest wildlife zoo in the Benelux, the Safaripark Beekse Bergen.

It’s open all year round and easily explored by boat, bus, your own car, or even on foot.

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16. Efteling: a fairytale paradise

Who loves a good fairy tale? 🙋‍♀️ If you do, then Efteling is the place for you.

This popular theme park is centred around well-known fairy tales with plenty of activities on offer, whether you have kids — or you’re just a child at heart yourself.

Ride the roller coasters, enjoy theatre performances, or try out the 18-hole golf course!

Efteling also has its very own holiday resort, so you could always turn it into a weekend trip.

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Day trips over an hour from Rotterdam

Of course, we couldn’t conclude this article without a little something for your weekend away bucket list. 😉

17. Oosterschelde: Netherlands’ largest national park

The largest national park in the Netherlands is just an hour-long drive away from Rotterdam!

What makes it so special? Every time you visit, it will look completely different because of the changing tides.

Even better, the park is home to various animals and plants, making it a place no nature-lover should miss.

Oosterchelde has cruises to take you around as well as plenty of walking trails — so get out your hiking boots, there’s a whole lot for you to explore.

You might even spot some porpoises out in the waters if you’re lucky! 🐬

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18. Hoge Veluwe: a national park in the east of the Netherlands

Hoge Veluwe is one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the country.

It has a varied topography with everything from lush green forests to high sand dunes and is home to a diverse collection of flora and fauna.

As you would expect, the place has a great infrastructure for cyclists.

Drive to one of the entrances at Otterlo, Hoenderloo, or Schaarsbergen, and then make your way through the park with your bike.

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19. Nijmegen: the oldest city in the Netherlands

A city whose history goes back over 2,000 years, Nijmegen is definitely one of the most unique destinations for a day trip from Rotterdam.

Follow the traces of the Romans or savour a walk through one of the local vineyards (with small breaks to also enjoy this drink, of course). 🍷

If you’re more into trendy boutique shops, Nijmegen has that too!

After a long afternoon of shopping, head to the Kronenburgerpark to relax or take in some views of the city from the popular Waalkade.

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20. Maastricht: a place to see medieval monuments

A popular student city, Maastricht is located on the southernmost edge of the lowlands. It’s a great day trip destination with cute cobbled streets, medieval monuments, and pretty parks.

From a Roman settlement to a medieval centre of religion to a thriving cultural hub, the capital of Limburg has plenty to offer, whether it’s architecture, great food, or tranquil nature spots.

READ MORE | A day trip to Maastricht: what to see, do, and eat

Enjoy a cruise on the river Maas or discover the famous caves of Mount Saint Peter from the 13th century.

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21. Belgium: a road trip to the neighbour

Looking for a quick road trip outside of the Netherlands for a day? The great thing about living in a small country with good infrastructure is that you can easily visit the neighbours.

Belgium is famous for great waffles, refreshing beer, and of course, the chocolate! Whether it’s Antwerp, Mechelen, or Brugge, there are several beautiful towns to choose from.

The best part? They are all just a short drive from Rotterdam — and easy to get to by bus or train as well, especially if you travel with Eurostar.

Some other cities you shouldn’t miss include, of course, Ghent and Brussels.

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How to get around the Netherlands for day trips

Wondering how to get to all these epic day trip destinations from Rotterdam? With the country’s great infrastructure, you’ve got multiple options:

Going with OV — the Dutch public transport system

One of the easiest ways to get around the Netherlands and tackle distances that aren’t manageable by bike is public transport.

The majority of Dutch cities have trains, trams, and buses, and some even have metro and ferries.

A great option is to get a day ticket which sometimes combines travel to a particular destination with, for example, a visit to an attraction or a meal.

Another great way to travel is with an OV chip card. Simply top up your balance and use the card on all forms of public transport.

With a personal OV chip card, you may even be able to snag some extra discounts.

Driving around Dutch cities, towns, and national parks

For places that are a bit further away and not easily accessible by public transport (such as many of the Netherlands’ nature spots), a car might be your best bet.

You can make use of one of the five major car rental companies — Avis Budget, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt — or see what other options are out there.

Perhaps you can even carpool!

Though be aware, for certain destinations, going by public transport or bike is actually faster than going by car.

Hop on your bike and explore Rotterdam’s surroundings

No article about day trips from Rotterdam would be complete without mentioning the good ol’ fiets — and with good reason.

Cycling is the cheapest way to get around most Dutch cities and villages, and it ensures the true Dutch experience.

If you have extra time and want to get some fitness in, head to places like Delft, Hoek van Holland, or Kinderdijk by bike.

Don’t have your own? Geen problem! With a personal OV chip card, you can pick up an OV-fiets from one of the many Netherlands train stations and rent it for a few hours at a time.

Rotterdam also has a wide range of shared e-bikes and scooters.

Day trips from Rotterdam: frequently asked questions

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If you don’t feel like travelling far, there are also plenty of fun and free things to do in Rotterdam itself, as well as hidden gems and little nature escapes to keep you busy for the day.

What’s your favourite day trip from Rotterdam? Tell us in the comments below!

This article was a team effort between Jana Vondráčková and Kavana Desai.