Cheap outings in Rotterdam

Want to discover Rotterdam on a budget? With these 5 tips you can experience Rotterdam to the fullest without spending much.

Rotterdam is a vibrant, young and internationally oriented city which you can easily discover on a budget. The city was largely destroyed in 1940 by German bombs, but today little remains to remind you of this. Rotterdam is now more famous for its notable skyline with the Euromast and the Erasmus Bridge, its varied cultural offerings and the many yearly events, like the freely accessible Summer Carnival and the Rotterdam Marathon. Experience this lively city on a budget with the following tips:

Exploring the centrum on a budget

Rotterdam can easily be reached by car, but parking is a different story. Cheap parking is available in the Park&Ride car parks on the edge of the centre, from which the city itself is easily accessible by public transport. Day passes for public transport are affordable, as is the Rotterdam Welcome Card (available at Novotel Brainpark). With this card you get unlimited free travel on public transport within Rotterdam, as well as at least 25% off admission for attractions like the ‘Kunsthal’ (Art Hall) and the Museum Boijmans van Beuningn.

The architecture

Because the city had to be rebuild after the German bombardment of 1940, Rotterdam is characterised by modern architecture. Finding and admiring the city’s many remarkable structures makes for a fun and affordable way to spend the day. Be sure to check out the massive Erasmus Bridge, and don’t forget the ‘Markthal Rotterdam’ (Rotterdam Market Hall), an indoor market in a spectacular building. The Markthal also has a free exhibition on archeological discoveries which were made during its construction. Less than a 5 minute walk from the Markthal you can find architect Piet Blom’s Cube Houses. For a small fee you can even go inside one of these houses.

Discovering the Rotterdam Harbour

When in Rotterdam, you can’t afford to miss the city’s harbour, which is the largest in all of Europe. Some informative material are spread over 26 spots within the harbor, to tell the story of the ships and buildings. The Maashaven (Meuse Harbour) is closest to the city centre. This is where you can admire the SS Rotterdam, from 1958. At the time it was the largest cruise ship in the Netherlands. After many trips around the world it has now found a new purpose as a hotel, restaurant and event location. The deck of the SS Rotterdam is accessible to all.

Discovering the Rotterdam Harbour

You can find good, affordable food in the ‘Cool’ district, which is home to a wide variety of food stalls from across the world. Bazar Rotterdam in the Witte de Withstraat is more than worth checking out. The Bazar is decorated in bright colours and serves mainly North African and Middle Eastern dishes. The daily special is particularly affordable.

Botanical gardens

Rotterdam has more to offer besides enormous buildings and shops. The city also has a number of botanical gardens with a relaxed atmosphere. There are botanical gardens in the Kralingen and Afrikaanderwijk districts, and there is also the ‘Cultuurhistorische Plantentuin’ (Cultural historical plant garden). Most of Rotterdam’s botanical gardens are maintained by volunteers, and are opened daily.