After discovering all the innovative architecture, cutting-edge art scenes, and vibrant marketplaces that are among the top things to do in Rotterdam, consider extending your journey with day trips from Rotterdam. These excursions allow you to explore the rich history, stunning landscapes, and quaint towns of the Netherlands that lie just a short distance from the city’s modern skyline.
The adventures beyond Rotterdam reveal a wider array of things to do in the Netherlands, from the historic windmills and picturesque canals of Kinderdijk to the charming streets of Delft. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into Dutch culture, history, and the natural beauty that surrounds this bustling port city.
Choosing where to stay in Rotterdam is crucial for travelers aiming to experience both the city’s dynamic urban life and the ease of exploring the Netherlands’ treasures. A well-located accommodation ensures that you’re never far from both the heart of Rotterdam’s action and the starting points for your next Dutch adventure.
Discover Best Day Trips from Rotterdam, Netherlands
1. Kinderdijk, Netherlands
Kinderdijk is famous for its picturesque 18th-century windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s an excellent example of how the Dutch have managed water in a landscape below sea level.
Distance: Approximately 16 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by car or 1 hour by public transport
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com), Train
Main Attractions: 18th-century windmills, UNESCO World Heritage site, Dutch water management history
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Windmill Museum: €9
- Boat Tour: €7
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Windmill panorama, canals, polders
Travel Tip: Rent a bike to explore the area like a local, and visit the inside of a working windmill.
2. Delft, Netherlands
Delft is known for its historic town center, beautiful canals, and as the birthplace of the famous Delft Blue pottery. The city also houses the Vermeer Center and the Royal Delft factory.
Distance: Approximately 18 km
Travel Time: Just a 15-minute train ride from Rotterdam
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Historic town center, canals, Delft Blue pottery, Vermeer Center
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Royal Delft Factory: €14
- New Church (Nieuwe Kerk): €5
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Market Square, Delft canals, Prinsenhof Museum
Travel Tip: Visit the New Church to see the burial site of Dutch royalty and take a canal tour to see the city from a different perspective.
3. The Hague, Netherlands
The Hague, the seat of the Dutch government and the International Court of Justice, offers a mix of culture, history, and modern city life. Key attractions include the Mauritshuis museum and the Peace Palace.
Distance: Approximately 26 km
Travel Time: About 20-30 minutes by train from Rotterdam
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Mauritshuis museum, Peace Palace, Dutch government seat, Scheveningen Beach
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Mauritshuis Museum: €17.50
- Madurodam: €16.50
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Binnenhof, Peace Palace, Scheveningen Pier
Travel Tip: Don’t miss Madurodam, a miniature park showcasing replicas of famous Dutch landmarks.
4. Gouda, Netherlands
Gouda is world-famous for its namesake cheese, which can be enjoyed at its lively cheese market. The city also boasts a picturesque old town with a beautiful medieval city hall and the Sint Janskerk.
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Travel Time: About 20 minutes by train from Rotterdam
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Gouda cheese market, medieval city hall, Sint Janskerk
Best Time to Visit: Summer (for the cheese market)
Entrance Fees:
- Sint Janskerk: €6
- Cheese Museum: €5
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Market Square, Cheese Market, Gouda canals
Travel Tip: Plan your visit on a Thursday morning in summer to catch the traditional cheese market in action.
5. Leiden, Netherlands
Leiden, known for its oldest university and beautiful canals lined with historic buildings, offers a rich cultural scene. The city is home to several museums, including the National Museum of Antiquities and the Naturalis Biodiversity Center.
Distance: Approximately 35 km
Travel Time: About 35 minutes by train from Rotterdam
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Leiden University, National Museum of Antiquities, Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- National Museum of Antiquities: €12.50
- Hortus Botanicus: €8
Budget: Approximately €30-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Botanical gardens, canals, Burcht van Leiden
Travel Tip: Explore the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, located near Leiden University.
6. Utrecht, Netherlands
Utrecht’s medieval city center features the Dom Tower, a symbol of the city, and lovely canals with unique wharf cellars housing cafes and terraces by the water. The city is vibrant with a rich cultural life and a young population due to its university.
Distance: Approximately 55 km
Travel Time: Around 40 minutes by train from Rotterdam
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Dom Tower, wharf cellars along the canals, Museum Speelklok
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Dom Tower Climb: €10
- Museum Speelklok: €13.50
Budget: Approximately €30-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Oudegracht canals, Dom Tower, De Haar Castle
Travel Tip: Climb the Dom Tower for a spectacular view of the city, and visit the Museum Speelklok to see a collection of automatically playing musical instruments.
7. Antwerp, Belgium
For an international excursion, Antwerp is a bustling city known for its diamond district, Renaissance art, and a fantastic fashion scene. The city’s highlights include the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Plantin-Moretus Museum.
Distance: Approximately 100 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour and 10 minutes by train from Rotterdam
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Cathedral of Our Lady, Plantin-Moretus Museum, diamond district, fashion scene
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Cathedral of Our Lady: €6
- Plantin-Moretus Museum: €8
Budget: Approximately €40-€70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Grote Markt, Meir shopping street, Antwerp Zoo
Travel Tip: Try Belgian specialties like waffles and chocolates, and visit the ModeMuseum (MoMu) for fashion enthusiasts.
8. Zeeland Coast, Netherlands
The Zeeland Coast offers beautiful beaches and unique landscapes made of dunes and polders. It’s a great destination for beach activities, cycling, and exploring small villages.
Distance: Approximately 80-100 km
Travel Time: About 1 to 1.5 hours by car from Rotterdam
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Beautiful beaches, dunes, Delta Works, small coastal villages
Best Time to Visit: Summer
Entrance Fees:
- Delta Works: €15.50
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Domburg beach, Veere village, Oosterscheldekering
Travel Tip: Visit the Delta Works, an impressive series of dams and storm surge barriers, showcasing Dutch engineering and the country’s relationship with water.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Rotterdam, Netherlands
What are some recommended day trips from Rotterdam?
From Rotterdam, you can easily visit places like Kinderdijk with its iconic windmills, the historic city of Delft, the beautiful beaches of The Hague, and the cheese market in Gouda.
Is a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens feasible from Rotterdam?
Yes, Keukenhof Gardens, famous for its stunning tulip displays, is a great day trip in spring. It’s about an hour’s drive from Rotterdam, offering a spectacular floral experience.
Can I explore the Dutch countryside from Rotterdam?
Absolutely! The Dutch countryside, with its picturesque villages, windmills, and waterways, is easily accessible from Rotterdam. Zaanse Schans and the villages around the IJsselmeer are great examples.
Are there any historical towns near Rotterdam for a day trip?
Definitely! Towns like Leiden, known for its university and historical buildings, and Gouda, famous for its cheese and traditional Dutch architecture, are perfect for day trips.
What are some nature-based day trips from Rotterdam?
The Biesbosch National Park offers a wonderful nature escape, with opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching. It’s a great way to experience the Netherlands’ natural beauty.
Is a trip to Utrecht recommended from Rotterdam?
Yes, Utrecht is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful canals, and vibrant cultural scene. It’s just a short train ride away and offers a different atmosphere compared to Rotterdam.
Can I visit a traditional Dutch market from Rotterdam?
Yes, visiting the Gouda cheese market is a popular choice. It provides an authentic Dutch market experience, where you can witness cheese trading, tasting, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Are there art-related day trips from Rotterdam?
The Kröller-Müller Museum, located in the Hoge Veluwe National Park, is an excellent day trip for art enthusiasts. It hosts a large collection of Van Gogh paintings amidst a beautiful natural setting.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/rotterdam-l37?activity_type=dayTrip
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