Solo Traveling to the Netherlands?

You have to stop in Rotterdam even if it’s just for 1 day.

When you think of the Netherlands, most people imagine the canals of Amsterdam biking through the cobblestone streets, or hanging out in the park in the middle of the city, but Rotterdam might surprise you. I had one solo day to explore the city, and I’m so glad I visited to see why Rotterdam is one of Europe’s most underrated cities.

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Morning: Start at the Cube Houses and Market Hall

Begin your day at Blaak Station, one of the most interesting areas of Rotterdam. Just outside the station, you’ll find the city’s famous Cube Houses, bright yellow tilted cubes designed by Piet Blom. Walking inside them feels like stepping into an optical illusion. You can go to the museum and tour the Kijk-Kubus Museum House to see what it’s like to live inside one of the cubes. The angles are interesting and it’s fun to see how the home is decorated within the space of the cubes.

Right across the street, head to the Markthal, a giant horseshoe-shaped hall filled with food stalls, local products, and restaurants. Don’t forget to look up and check out the roof, the entire ceiling is covered in colorful murals of fruits, flowers, and vegetables. It’s a perfect spot for a late breakfast or coffee before you start exploring more of the city. It’s like a huge indoor street market with all types of food. I had some great Greek food there. (check out my post on Greece for more information about Greek food and popular things to do in Greece here.)

Early Afternoon: Visit the Windmills at Kinderdijk

After exploring the city center, make time to visit Kinderdijk, one of the most iconic sights in the Netherlands. It’s only about a 40-minute trip from Rotterdam and absolutely worth it. You can take the Waterbus from the Erasmus Bridge. I actually didn’t know about the waterbus (missed that), so I got there by taking the bus. It was a nice trip and public transport was easy to use.

When you arrive in Kinderdijk, you’ll find 19 traditional windmills lined up on along the canals. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and looks like it’s straight out of a painting. You can walk, bike, or take a boat along the river next to the windmills. I took a boat ride and it was very relaxing and peaceful. I enjoyed it. You can also go inside one of the windmills to see how they used to live. The museum is worth a stop too. It was very informative and interesting.

Late Afternoon: Wander Along the Waterfront and Museums

Back in Rotterdam, take a stroll along the Erasmus Bridge, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s called “The Swan” because of its shape. From there, you could walk to Museumpark, where several famous museums are located, including the mirrored Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility. The building is shaped like a mirrored bowl and inside, you can see thousands of artworks and even watch conservators at work. If modern art isn’t your thing, the nearby Kunsthal offers rotating exhibits ranging from photography to design and culture.

Since museums are not necessarily my thing, I prefer something more laid-back, so a walk through Oude Haven (Old Harbor). It’s one of the few historic areas that survived WWII and is lined with old boats and cozy cafes, the perfect place for a coffee break and people watching.

Evening: Dinner with a View

As the sun sets, head to the Katendrecht district for dinner or just relax, reflect on your day. The views across the river are beautiful, especially when the sun sets and the city lights come on. It’s the perfect way to end your day in Rotterdam.

Final Thoughts

Rotterdam might not have the postcard charm of Amsterdam, but that’s what makes it special. It’s possible to do it in one day, tight but possible, depending on what you want to see. I’m a squeeze in everything you can in one day kind of girl. Maybe exhausting at times, but it works for me to see everything I want while traveling. Rotterdam is a city that rebuilt itself after destruction and turned its energy toward innovation, design, and creativity. And with Kinderdijk just a short boat ride away, you get the best of both worlds, modern architecture and traditional Dutch beauty in one unforgettable day.

My favorite part of Rotterdam was the boat ride along the canal in Kinderdijk to see the windmills, worth the 40 minute bus ride. Rotterdam was definitely worth the stop for me. It was nice to get out of the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam (check out my Amsterdam post here) and have a slower and more relaxing day.

Looking for a place to stay in Rotterdam? Below are some options.

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