Last updated on January 04th, 2023
Rotterdam is the second-largest city after Amsterdam in the Netherlands. It has a long cultural and political history, dating back to the late 1200s. There is a lot to see and enjoy in this magnificent city. However, each of its neighbourhoods has its unique offerings.
What’s the best area to experience the city for the first time, tourists, what’s the best district for views the downtown skyline, or where to stay on a budget or when going on a cruise? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Rotterdam Holland.
Quick Overview – Contents
What is the Best Area to Stay in Rotterdam The Netherlands?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): City Centre (Centrum, Delfshaven)
If you are coming to Rotterdam for the first time, consider staying in the city centre. Centrum offers a mix of everything from upscale shopping centres and fine dining to clubs, eateries and live performances. There are so many fun activities to do. On the other hand, Delfshaven is a charming neighbourhood that has retained its shipping landmarks over the years even with the addition of modern buildings. It some awesome places to stay with amenities spread across the entire neighbourhood.
Where to Stay in Rotterdam City Centre
- Best Luxury Hotels in Rotterdam
Mainport Design Hotel • Rotterdam Marriott Hotel - Best Great Value – Top Rated Hotels
Room Mate Bruno • citizenM Rotterdam - Best Cheap Hotels in Rotterdam
The James Rotterdam • Hotel Santa Maria - Best Apartments for Rent
PREMIER SUITES PLUS Rotterdam (Aparthotel) • De With Studio’s - Best Budget Hostels
Hostel Ani&Haakien • Sparks Hostel
Best Areas to Stay in Rotterdam
Best places to stay in Rotterdam for romantic weekend? Bed and Breakfast or Small Boutique Hotel or Luxury Hotel
You have various accommodation options for a romantic trip, depending on your budget. If you are on a tight budget or are on the move, go for a B&B hotel. You will enjoy a comfortable bed with your loved one and a delicious breakfast the next day. There are also small boutique hotels across the city, given this is primarily a business city. You will get three to five-star service at great prices. Ensure that you compare offers to get the best at great prices. Another option is to stay in a luxury 5 star hotel.
What’s the best neighbourhood to stay in Rotterdam for views of skyline? Feijenoord
Feijenoord is a neighbourhood by the river across the Erasmus Bridge. This neighbourhood is best known for its high-rise buildings up to the riverbanks. It also has marvellous architectural highlights near the Kop Van Zuid peninsula. There are various city observatories and highrise hotels in the neighbourhood. These allow you to have a good look at the skyline of the large Rotterdam area. Beyond the tall buildings are eateries, cultural centres and living quarters in a mix of different ethnic backgrounds.
Most charming district of Rotterdam? Delfshaven
Delfshaven is one of the few neighbourhoods in Rotterdam that is known to have retained its architecture over centuries as it did not get the wrath of the World War II bombings. You will find buildings as early as the 16th century, historic docking lands and canals that have been maintained over the years. It is relatively charm and very charming. You can take boat tours of the canals as you enjoy a mix of cultures and cuisines from various parts of the world.
What’s the best area to stay for Rotterdam Cruise Terminal? Kop van Zuid
Kop Van Zuid peninsula boasts of a mix of historical and cultural centres with modern high-rise buildings. It is also at the mouth of the waters where cruise ships dock. It offers you the chance to view most of Rotterdam from a cruise ship. Tens of these ships dock at the Cruise Terminal each day around the year. Besides, the neighbourhood boasts of various entertainment hotspots and a vibrant nightlife. There are also various cultural centres within the neighbourhood.
Where to stay in Rotterdam on a budget? Chinatown or Central Station area
Chinatown boasts of all the amenities you would want to have at great prices. There is a mix of eateries and restaurants offering Asian, American and English dishes. You can also shop at the many antique and retail shops in the area. On the other hand, Central Station area offers a large number of boutique hotels with various amenities and food going at pocket-friendly prices. It also a good place to stay when you want to connect to other parts using the train.
The Best Neighbourhoods in Rotterdam Holland for Tourists
Here are some popular districts in Rotterdam The Netherlands.
Kop Van Zuid neighbourhood is located to the south of Nieuwe Maas River. It features many monumental historic buildings along with modern high-rise structures. It also retains its shipping history. This is quite a charming, relaxed place to stay in the Netherlands.
Delfshaven has been under Rotterdam’s administration for the last 100 years, having been a district of Delft. This neighbourhood was not bombed like the rest of the city centre. Therefore, it still spots the charming canal and dockyards of the 20th century. You will also find the pre-World War II architecture across the area.
De Stadsdriehoek neighbourhood translates to, ‘The City Triangle.’ It is bordered by three borderlines that look almost equal. De Stadsdriehoek has been in existence since the Middle Ages but was massively damaged during the Second World War. However, it was redeveloped after the war with state-of-the are architecture pieces. Some of the renowned buildings in the neighbourhood include Markthal and the Cube House Complex.
Dijkzigt is a wealthy, green leafy neighbourhood. It was owned by a wealthy Van Hobboken real estate family, which created several cultural buildings in the 20th century. Among them are museums. Today, it has Museum Park with the highest concentration of museums, including Het NieuweInstituut, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen and Kunsthal. It is a perfect place to stay if you are in the area for a historical trip.
Cool District is as cool as the name suggests. It is home to the most popular shopping locations and entertainment joints. Some popular theatres in the location include Rotterdamse Schouwburg Theatre. It also has Witte de Withstreet known for its cultural prominence. The neighbourhood existed as early as the 13th century. However, it was destroyed during the Second World War.
1. City Centre or Centrum
The City Centre is one of the hippest areas in the city. You have a large number of eateries, accommodation types, shopping malls and enjoyable nightlife. It also offers various forms of public transport to the other parts of the city as it fed by various public transport terminals.
You will also find various places in the city centre where you can relax and enjoy the great weather in Holland. Besides, there are biking paths and bikes for hire to visitors.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Hilton Rotterdam • Supernova Hotel
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: CityHub Rotterdam • Hotel Emma
2. Delfshaven
This neighbourhood is located in the southwest of the city centre and was centred on Delf’s main harbour. It is home to the Het Park, where you can go and relax, run or walk.
There are also various restaurants and cafes in the area with several offering outdoor seating options. The place has a large number of young professionals and students and, therefore, bustling with life during the night.
- Best Accommodation (Great Value): Stroom • Alberti – Bed & Bike (Bed and Breakfast)
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel Orion • Hotel Port
3. Feijenoord
Feijenoord is located at the banks of the waters. It is primarily a contemporary neighbourhood that spots modern architecture, services and amenities. It’s the home of De Kuip football stadium, home ground of Feyenoord Rotterdam.
For tourists who are not enjoying a ride in the waters on a water taxi, they are enjoying a performance at Wilhelminapier. There are great restaurants lined up around the city, the Fenix Food Factory and antique shops where you can shop. You can also visit the Afrikaanderplein markt for some fresh fruits.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Suitehotel Pincoffs • ss Rotterdam Hotel en Restaurants
4. Kop van Zuid
Kop Van Zuid is a spectacular neighbourhood by the harbour, which boasts of high-rise buildings and several cultural hotspots such as Luxor Theatre and LantarenVenster arthouse. Many renowned architectural stars designed various buildings here.
The harbour is a docking station for various cruise liners in the area, with some offering tours across the better part of Holland. You can find accommodation across the neighbourhood with 3-star to 5-star hotel services to choose from.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Hotel New York • nhow Rotterdam
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