Fun things to do in Rotterdam in winter

Even though temperatures are close to freezing, you still want to do fun activities during the winter. Rotterdam is a place bustling with activities you can do during the cold season. Go for a walk through the city, eat pancakes while on a cruise or take a ride on the Splashtour. Read on to find out everything about the best winter activities you can do during the colder months in Rotterdam.

Wander the streets of the city

A fun activity is to take a winter walk through the city. Walking through Rotterdam is extra special because you are walking around a place which was nearly destroyed at the beginning of the Second World War. After the war, the city was rebuilt with new buildings giving the city a modern look that you will not find in other Dutch cities. Walk past spots that are characteristic of Rotterdam, and you will encounter both old and new architectural styles. Old places include Delftshaven, the historic district with buildings from the 17th century, and Het Witte Huis, one of the oldest skyscrapers in Europe. New places include the Markthal, the Erasmus Bridge and the Cube houses. The mix of historic spots and modern architecture makes Rotterdam a great city to walk around. In winter, Rotterdam takes on an atmospheric look thanks to the lights and beautiful views.

Experience Rotterdam on land and water

The next activity is a unique way to discover Rotterdam, the Splashtour is a city tour and boat trip in one, so you get to know the city not only from the water but also from land. Step into the yellow bus and the driver will take you past Rotterdam's famous hotspots, look outside and you will see the city's modern architectural design, the Maashaven and many other beautiful locations. Halfway through the city tour, you will experience the splash, prepare to be amazed as the bus drives into the River Maas! Suddenly, the bus seemed to be a boat, and the tour will continue from the water. You will sail past the large ship SS Rotterdam, Hotel New York and under the Erasmus Bridge, which you just drove over. It sounds crazy, but with Splashtour, it's possible. And believe us, it's a great experience for both young and old. Reserve your spots for the Splashtour now!

Taste the most delicious Dutch pancakes on a canal boat

Water is an important and essential part of Rotterdam and that's why we'd like to suggest another fun water-based activity. Combine a canal cruise through Rotterdam with eating pancakes. The best combination if you ask us! In 75 minutes, you will sail across the Nieuwe Maas and enjoy this Dutch delicacy while admiring Rotterdam from the water. On board the cruise, an all-you-can-eat buffet awaits you with pancakes and the most delicious toppings. Our tip: go for a pancake with bacon, top it with cheese and finish it off with syrup, it's the perfect mix of salty and sweet, and very tasty! During the cruise, you'll get to see Rotterdam's hotspots, like the Erasmus Bridge, The White House, the SS Rotterdam, Hotel New York and the harbour. You won't find a more enjoyable winter activity in Rotterdam! You can reserve a table on the Pancake Boat here.

Warm up in the Markthal

The Markthal is conveniently located in the heart of the city and is the perfect place to take a break while exploring Rotterdam. Here you can enjoy local and international delicacies, surrounded by the unique architecture of the building. The food outlets in the hall offer something for everyone. Taste an Dutch stroopwafel, Chinese bapao or Spanish tapas, discover new teas at Infinitea, warm yourself up with a cup of hot chocolate or enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants. The Markthal is open Monday to Thursday, Saturday from 10am to 8pm, Friday from 10am to 9pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm.

Visit museums when it rains outside

Rotterdam has many different museums, perfect for escaping a chilly and rainy winter day. Whether you are interested in local history, contemporary art, or experiencing different cultures, Rotterdam has it all. Discover some of the 20 changing art exhibitions in the iconic Kunsthal, see the inside of the famous yellow cube houses in the Kijk-Kubus or learn all about Rotterdam's maritime history and how it became one of the largest port cities in the world at the Maritime Museum Rotterdam. We have compiled a list of our favourite museums in the city to help you decide which one to visit.

Discover the animals of Blijdorp Zoo

For young families visiting Rotterdam, it's a great idea to visit Blijdorp Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands. You explore the park from area to area, discovering how each type of animal lives in its own piece of nature. Blijdorp Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, gorillas, flamingos, crocodiles, tropical fish, raccoons and many more. There are so many different animals to see, it almost feels like you are travelling around the world. This zoo is also home to Oceanium, the largest aquarium in the Netherlands. You can literally walk under the fish by going through a tunnel! Or step inside Amazonica, the largest butterfly paradise in Europe. Here you can admire the most extraordinary butterflies.  Overall, there is so much to explore at Blijdorp Zoo. 

Take a look at the International Film Festival Rotterdam

The International Film Festival Rotterdam is one of the best film festivals in the Netherlands with a high-quality line-up of selected films. The festival focuses on the work of new talent in the film industry from around the world, but also organises themed programmes and retrospectives. The films address pressing social issues while enchanting viewers with cinematic innovations. The programme consists of films and short films from various genres. The festival also stimulates dialogue and promotes learning through screenings, discussions, masterclasses and exhibitions. The International Film Festival Rotterdam takes place between 29 January and 8 February.

Challenge each other to a game of laser tag

Keep yourself warm and make your trip even more fun with a game of laser tag at Lasergame Rotterdam, a fun indoor activity where you can get away from the cold weather. The arena is uniquely located on the ship De Zwaarte Zwaan in the harbour. After a brief introduction to the game, you will be given a special suit and a laser gun, and you can start playing in the ship's engine rooms. You will be surrounded by water and sonar sounds while you come under fire, seek cover behind oil drums, and work out the best strategy to hit as many opponents as possible with your laser gun. After a game, you and your companions will be warm inside and ready to face the crisp winter weather. Book a game of laser tag here!

A city like no other

Rotterdam is a city that is innovative, international and modern, but has a rich history. This makes Rotterdam a great destination to spend a few days, because there is so much to do and see. It is different from other Dutch cities and is often compared to metropolises like New York or Berlin. This is mainly due to the skyline, the harbour, the architecture and the international atmosphere. So, if you are looking for a cool place to go in winter, look no further and book your trip to Rotterdam. Even in winter, this city is worth visiting!