Visit Rotterdam in 2 days

Where to Stay in Rotterdam

For a two-day visit, choosing the right base in Rotterdam makes sightseeing feel effortless rather than rushed. Staying close to the sights you most want to see — whether that’s the contemporary energy around OPEN Rotterdam, the public art near Nieuwe Delftse Poort - Cor Kraat, or the civic heart at Stadhuisplein — saves travel time and gives you more relaxed evenings to enjoy the city. A convenient location means you can drop bags, stroll to a museum or a café, and not waste precious hours transferring across town.

Rotterdam is compact but shaped by water and major transport corridors; the centre clusters around the old market and City Hall, lively shopping streets and contemporary architecture, while former docklands and leafy neighbourhoods sit a short tram or bike ride away. Because the city is built around key hubs rather than a single linear centre, think in terms of proximity to a tram or metro stop rather than distance in kilometres: that’s how locals get around quickly and predictably.

If you want to be in the thick of things, choose the Centrum area around Stadhuisplein for immediate access to civic landmarks, shops and restaurants and short walks to OPEN Rotterdam. For a more neighbourhood feel with cafés and the Arminiuskerk vibe, look at Oude Westen and the Nieuwe Binnenweg/Poortstraat corridor, which put art and local life on your doorstep. If you prefer waterside views and dramatic skyline shots, consider the redeveloped docklands such as Kop van Zuid or nearby Delfshaven for historic charm; these are slightly quieter but still minutes away by tram or water taxi.

Transport in Rotterdam is straightforward: the city’s tram and metro network radiates from Rotterdam Centraal, and a short walk to a tram stop is more valuable than a fancy lobby. Buy an OV-chipkaart or use contactless payment for seamless travel, and consider a bike for the short hops that make the city feel intimate. For two days you won’t need to overcomplicate transfers — prioritize a base near a reliable tram or metro line.

Finally, for a brief stay prioritize location and practical comforts: easy check-in, luggage storage, and soundproofing matter more than extra amenities you won’t use. Pick accommodation with clear cancellation and simple transport links, and you’ll have time to savor Rotterdam’s architecture, public art and lively streets without stress. With the right location, two days here feels full and unhurried.

Getting Around Rotterdam

Rotterdam is delightfully easy to explore by public transport — the network is compact, frequent and geared toward visitors as much as locals. The backbone is run by RET, which operates the metro, trams and buses, and the major train hub is Rotterdam Centraal. Stations and stops are well signed, announcements are clear, and most drivers and staff are happy to point you in the right direction, so you’ll quickly feel at home navigating the city. The atmosphere is relaxed, schedules are reliable, and maps at stops plus the friendly orange-and-white vehicles make hopping between neighborhoods intuitive 🚇.

Practical tip: grab an OV-chipkaart if you plan to ride more than once — it’s the national reloadable card and saves time at gates. You can also buy single-use tickets from machines at stations or use contactless bank cards and mobile payment where accepted; just remember to check in and out on card readers for the correct fare. If you only need a day of travel, look for a day pass for RET services — it’s often the simplest way to ride without fuss 🎫.

When planning journeys, I rely on Google Maps for rapid route options and real-time departures, but the RET app and NS app are great backups for tickets and service alerts. Google shows walking times between stops, platform information at major stations, and transfer suggestions so you can pick the easiest route. If you’re unsure about a transfer, the map view with step-by-step directions makes it straightforward to see whether you’ll walk, tram or hop on a short metro leg 🗺️.

To save money, combine walking with public transport: Rotterdam is compact and many highlights are a pleasant stroll apart. Buy multi-ride passes if you’ll make several hops in a day, avoid peak-hour ticket upgrades, and plan routes that minimize transfers. Tourists often overpay by using single tickets for every short hop; a reloadable OV-chipkaart or a day pass can keep your expenses predictable and small.

On one of my first trips I needed to get from Poortstraat to OPEN Rotterdam after visiting the beautiful Arminiuskerk. I walked a few minutes to the nearest tram stop, boarded a tram toward Rotterdam Centraal, then switched to a southbound metro that delivered me close to OPEN’s neighborhood. The whole journey felt seamless — a short walk, an easy tram, a clear transfer — and I enjoyed watching the city change from historic streets to modern riverfront in under half an hour. If I can do it, you certainly can — Rotterdam’s transport makes it friendly and fun to explore. 💡

What to Pack for Rotterdam

Short trips to Rotterdam are deceptively active — lots of strolling along the river, hopping on trams, and standing in line for great stroopwafels. I’ve learned to pack tightly but smartly for 48 hours here. Below are the essentials I actually used on a recent two-day visit, with why each one saved me time, money or comfort.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (REQUIRED — e.g., Ecco Soft 7 or Nike Air Zoom Pegasus): I once walked 15 miles (≈24 km) across the city in one long day — cobbles, bridges and modern boardwalks — and my cheap trainers gave out by evening. A supportive pair like Ecco Soft 7 (good arch support, grippy sole) kept my feet happy and prevented blisters. WHY: Rotterdam is best experienced on foot; comfortable shoes mean you actually enjoy the neighborhoods instead of nursing sore feet.

2. Cross-body bag with zip closure: I learned this on a busy tram to Markthal when a strap snagged and my phone slid — only the zip kept it inside. A small cross-body bag keeps essentials (passport, cards, phone) front and secure while you navigate trams, bikes and crowded walkways. WHY: easy access + theft-deterrent in transit and at crowded viewpoints like the Erasmusbrug.

3. Weather-appropriate layers and a waterproof shell: Rotterdam’s weather flips — gray drizzle can turn into sun in an hour. On one afternoon the rain started at 3 pm and lasted into the evening; my packable waterproof jacket kept me exploring without soggy layers. Pack a thin sweater, a windproof jacket, and quick-dry pants. WHY: staying warm and dry keeps your plans flexible (you’ll go out even if the forecast looks iffy).

4. EU power adapter (Type C/F) and a multi-port USB charger: My camera, phone and travel speaker all need charging; hotels often have only one free outlet. Bringing a small EU adapter and a 2–3 port USB charger meant I charged everything overnight. WHY: saves time and prevents the “no outlet” scramble when you need a full battery for photos or train tickets.

5. Power bank (10,000 mAh): I was out for 10+ hours one day and used my 10,000 mAh power bank to top up my phone twice — enough for maps, tickets and photos. WHY: long days, navigation and mobile payments drain batteries fast; a reliable bank keeps you connected and relaxed.

6. Optional — packable umbrella or reusable water bottle: I like a tiny umbrella for surprise showers and a collapsible water bottle to refill at cafés or stations. On a warm midday walk I avoided buying multiple plastic bottles and stayed comfortable. WHY: small comfort items that reduce cost and hassle over two busy days.