Photos by Ben Bender. Rotterdam is full of wonderful attractions and things to do. The historic centre is certainly one of the most characteristic areas, with markets, museums and wonderful views of the river, the ideal place to stay if this is your first time visiting the city. But there are many characteristic neighbourhoods to choose from according to your needs.
So let's discover together where to stay in Rotterdam.
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
If you are visiting Rotterdam for the first time or if you have one or two nights available, the best solution is to sleep in the Rotterdam Centrum, the historic centre. This district is divided into further districts, the most recommended of which are the following: Stadsdriehoek and Nieuwe Werk for families, Cool and Oude Westen for young people and fun seekers. Obviously, as these are central areas, they are also among the most expensive in the city, with the exception of Oude Westen, where it is possible to find some cheaper accommodation.
Leaving the Rotterdam Centrum district, there are other recommended districts to stay in. If you are travelling with your family and are looking for peace and quiet, we recommend the neighbourhoods of Delfshaven, a very romantic place, and Blijdorp, the neighbourhood where the zoo is located, which is full of green areas. The latter is also great for saving money. If, on the other hand, you are looking for nightlife and fun, we recommend the Kop van Zuid neighbourhoods, an area with a cosmopolitan soul, also frequented by many international students.
Suggested areas tosave money: Oude Westen, Blijdorp
Suggested areas forfamilies with children: Stadsdriehoek, Nieuwe Werk, Delfshaven, Blijdorp
Recommended areas foryoung people: Cool, Oude Westen, Kop van Zuid
Best accommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Rotterdam. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
If you are in Rotterdam on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com
Rotterdam Area Guide
Rotterdam is one of the most important cities in the Netherlands. It covers an area of 324 square kilometres and has more than 630,000 inhabitants. In spite of this, its historic centre and mainly tourist areas are all close by and easy to explore.
The city is divided into 27 districts. The central one is Rotterdam Centrum, which corresponds to District 1. This is where the main attractions are located. Each district can in turn be divided into two or more districts. Let's see which districts are of most interest when looking for accommodation:
Rotterdam Centrum: here you will find the districts of Stadsdriehoek, Cool, Nieuwe Werk and Oude Westen
Delfshaven: west of Rotterdam Centrum, here you will find the district of Delfshaven
Rotterdam Noord: north of Rotterdam Centrum, here you will find the district of Blijdorp
Feijenoord: district south of the historic centre, here you will find the district of Kop van Zuid
Areas to avoid: in the evening it is best to avoid the southernmost districts, such as the Zuid area. There are no dangerous districts, better to avoid the peripheral areas due to the distance to the centre.
Rotterdam Centrum / Stadsdriehoek
Stadsdriehoek is definitely one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in in the city, especially if this is your first time visiting Rotterdam. Here you will be within walking distance of the main attractions, such as the distinctive Cubic Houses, the Maritime Museum, the Church of St. Lawrence and the famous Marthal, the city market.
This is a district suitable for first-time visitors but, given the cost of accommodation, not for budget travellers. This is, in fact, one of the most expensive areas of Rotterdam, given its excellent location and proximity to the most important attractions.
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around easily on foot. Moreover, the central train station is not far away and the entire area is served by a dense tram network.
Average prices in the district range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel on the waterfront. 24-hour reception, restaurant and bar, parking. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel inside one of the cube houses. 24-hour reception, bike rental, bar. Private rooms or dormitory beds. Ideal for young people | |
B&B on a tastefully decorated boat. Clean rooms with private bathroom and complete comfort. Very rich breakfast buffet. Ideal for couples | |
4-star hotel in the Old Port. Restaurant and bar, 24-hour reception, usable computer room. Ideal for couples |
Rotterdam Centrum / Cool
Photo by Ben Bender. Within the large central district is also the Cool district, we could say a name a guarantee! It is in fact one of the city's liveliest neighbourhoods, full of art galleries, clubs, designer shops and a shopping destination. Here you will find the modern art institute Kunstinstituut Melly and not far away the art museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.
Due to its lively character, this district is especially suitable for young people. Here, in fact, you will find pubs, live music venues and many clubs open until late. One of the most famous streets is definitely Witte de Withstraat, the coolest street in Rotterdam, where you can also find some coffee shops.
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around on foot. The location is really good, close to the main attractions and the riverbank. The area is also served by several tram lines and the central train station is not far away.
Average prices in the district range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel 600 m from the Markethal. 24-hour reception, small minimarket, gym, Wi-Fi. Ideal for couples | |
Flat residence with city views, 2 min. walking distance to shopping streets. Studio, room flat or penthouse. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hostel located on Witte de Withstraat. 24-hour reception, cinema room with Netflix, shared kitchen and lounge, luggage storage. Private room or dormitory bed. Ideal for young people | |
5-star hotel 7 min walk from central station. Gym, restaurant, bar, rooms with city views. Ideal for couples |
Rotterdam Centrum / Nieuwe Werk
Nieuwe Werk, also known as the Scheepvaartkwartier, is a beautiful, elegant quarter on the waterfront, surrounded by greenery and with beautiful views. It is a completely redeveloped area, where you can find the large Het Park and the Euromast, the tower with a viewing platform. From the Erasmusbrug ferry terminal, you can also take various boat tours on the river and explore the harbour.
This district is especially suitable for families and those seeking peace and quiet. With its large green areas, hotels overlooking the water and its atmosphere, it is a perfect refuge from the traffic of the city. In addition, there are numerous cafés, design venues and shops to indulge in some shopping.
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around on foot. The neighbourhood borders Cool and the main attractions are within walking distance. The area is also served by several tram lines leading to the centre or to the western districts.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €80.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the best accommodation selection on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel located on the river. 24-hour reception, restaurant, rooms almost all overlooking the river. Ideal for couples and families | |
5-star hotel with river view. Swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, gym, restaurant. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel with common area with bar, Netflix and various activities. Private rooms for 4 people or dorm beds. Ideal for young people | |
Hotel with some rooms with private bathroom and others with shared bathroom. Abundant breakfast. Perfectly served by transport and in a great location. |
Rotterdam Centrum / Oude Westen
Photo by Ben Bender. Finally, the last neighbourhood in the Rotterdam Centrum district is Oude Westen, bordering Cool and sharing its same lively, party atmosphere. There are no particular attractions here, but it is conveniently located in the most central area and inexpensive compared to the previous three neighbourhoods.
It is a district that is especially recommended for young people and those looking for nightlife. Here you can find numerous nightclubs and live music venues, especially along the lively Nieuwe Binnenweg street. It is also a recommended area for those who want to save money without giving up a good location!
Finally, by staying here you can get around on foot or by public transport. The nearby Cool district is within walking distance, as is the central station. The Markethal and Cubic Houses area is about 2 km away, so you can reach them on foot in 25 min or by tram (10 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel near the tram stop. 24-hour reception, parking, pets allowed. Ideal for couples and young people | |
Flat residence with 24-hour reception, laundry and cleaning service. Flats with kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and sofa bed. Ideal for families | |
Hostel 600 m from the central station. Garden, terrace, shared lounge and kitchen, tour desk. Private room or dormitory bed. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel with 24-hour reception, concierge service and luggage storage. Ideal for couples and families |
Delfshaven
Delfshaven is certainly one of the most charming districts of Rotterdam. This is mainly for two reasons: firstly, up to 100 years ago it was a small, detached town, and secondly, it managed to escape unscathed from the bombings of World War II, which instead destroyed Rotterdam's historic centre. The whole neighbourhood is an open-air museum, it feels like stepping back in time!
Given its charm and tranquillity, this place is definitely suitable for families and couples. The neighbourhood is very romantic, especially in the evening when the sun goes down and the lights come on. You can stay in small B&Bs and hotels in historic buildings and stroll along the canals.
Finally, staying here requires the use of public transport. The historical centre is in fact about 3.5 km away (35 min on foot). The two districts are connected by tram 8 (25 min) and the metro A, B and C (20 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €80.00 for low-cost accommodation to €170.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel with garden, canal view and rooms with private or shared bathroom. Family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hotel with luxurious, fully equipped rooms. Possibility of family rooms and rooms for the disabled. Wifi connection and free parking. Ideal for couples | |
55 sqm flat. One bedroom, full bathroom, equipped kitchen, balcony and jacuzzi. Ideal for couples | |
Hotel with bar service, parking, Wi-Fi and fully equipped rooms. Ideal for couples and families |
Kop van Zuid
Kop van Zuid is located on the opposite bank of the river and is a truly cosmopolitan district with an international atmosphere. It is connected to the historic centre by the iconic Erasmusburg, now one of the symbols of the city. Here you can find attractions such as the Nederlands Fotomuseum and the Tillemakade park.
Due to its liveliness, this area is especially recommended for young people. The district is frequented by young professionals and international students, has a trendy atmosphere and is full of clubs. It is also a particularly expensive area, with little tourist offer compared to the city centre, but many flats have a wonderful view of the city!
Finally, by staying here you can get around on foot or by transport. Crossing the Erasmusburg on foot you will reach the centre in about 15 min. Alternatively, the area is served by numerous trams, such as lines 12, 20, 23 and 25.
Average prices in the district range from around €90.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Flat in complex with garden and terrace, barbecue area, luggage storage. Up to 4 people. Ideal for families and small groups | |
Luxury hotel with panoramic views. Rooms and suites with historic charm. Ideal for couples | |
Modern hotel with gym, spa and wellness centre, restaurant and bar. Modern rooms with city views. Ideal for couples | |
Iconic 4-star hotel in Rotterdam. Traditional décor and views of the city. Restaurant, bar and room service. Ideal for couples |
Blijdorp
Photo by Marcel Douwe Dekker. Finally, the last district we recommend is Blijdorp, located north of the city centre, after Rotterdam Centraal Station. It is a residential district surrounded by greenery: here you will find attractions such as the large city zoo, the Diergaarde Blijdorp, and the beautiful Vroesenpark.
Given this, it is an ideal neighbourhood for families, both because of the attractions for children (in addition to the zoo, Miniworld Rotterdam is also nearby) and because of its tranquillity and large green areas. Given the location, it is also an ideal neighbourhood for saving money, with cheaper accommodation than in the other areas mentioned.
Finally, staying here you will have to get around by transport. The reference metro stop is Blijdorp, where the blue E line runs to the centre (6 min). The area is also served by numerous trams.
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Small hotel 350 m from the central station. WiFi, air-conditioned and non-smoking rooms. Ideal for couples, families and small groups | |
B&B 150 m from the tram. WiFi connection, terrace, shared kitchen, rooms with private bathroom. Ideal for couples and families | |
B&B in the countryside, with bike rental, garden and terrace. Ideal for couples | |
4-star hotel located in the Roel Langerakpark, close to the zoo. Restaurant, parking and Wi-Fi. Ideal for couples and families |
Countries near Rotterdam where to stay
Staying in Rotterdam is the best option if it is your first time visiting the city or if you have two days at your disposal. If you are staying longer, you might consider staying in the surrounding area. All cities are well connected by the Dutch railway system. Here are the best solutions:
Delft (16 km / 25 min): Dutch city surrounded by canals and known for its beautiful blue ceramics. It is a quiet destination, also ideal if you are travelling with your family. Connected to Rotterdam by direct train (13 min) - compare accommodation on booking
The Hague (24 km / 30 min): the country's third largest city, home of the Kings of the Netherlands, full of museums and things to do. Connected to Rotterdam by direct train (30 min) - compare accommodations on booking
Gouda (24 km / 35 min): world-famous city for its cheese, ideal for a unique experience in the tradition of the country. Connected to Rotterdam by direct train (25 min) - compare accommodations on booking
Ter Heijde (30 km / 40 min): a wonderful location on the coast, ideal for summer holidays with its large beaches and green areas. Connected to Rotterdam by train and bus (1 h 10 min) - compare accommodations on booking
