Where to stay

in Rotterdam

Visit Rotterdam

The fact that Rotterdam has Europe's biggest port, but that honor isn't the most noteworthy thing about it, is testament to this Dutch city's essential cool. Also home to Erasmus University, Rotter-dam is the new design mecca of Europe, welcoming innovation in architecture, industry, art and more. This philosophy is found no matter where you go in the city, but some hotels and accommo-dations are especially renowned for their forward-looking approach. Though the city is sprawling, Rotterdam has a good public transportation system, so pick the neighborhood to stay in based on the atmosphere, and not necessarily proximity.

Where to Stay for Design

See, or stay in, buildings designed by some of the world's most renowned architects by booking a room in Kop van Zuid - an area that overflows with art and design, not to mention a famous photography museum. Be inspired every time you step outside your hotel by basing yourself near the quirky boutiques and hip restaurants of Oude Noorden. Experience Rotterdam's famous inno-vation firsthand by staying in the restored warehouses, now rife with start-ups, of the Lloydkwartier. If you need a culture fix, the only way to even attempt to visit all the museums is to book accommodation in the Museumkwartier.

Kop van Zuid

Unique features of Kop van Zuid include the bars and river views. Make a stop by De Rotterdam or World Port Centre while you're exploring the area.

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Recommended hotels in Kop van Zuid

Best Neighborhoods for Nightlife

Rotterdam's progressive attitude to life extends into the night hours, when the city's restaurateurs and bar owners serve up innovative food and drink offerings. Stay in accommodation in the for-merly sailor-filled neighborhood of Katendrecht for an abundant supply of cafes, bars, and live music. The Pilgrims may have left from Delfshaven, but today the small inner-city harbor is a place you'll want to linger a little longer to explore its gin bars and panoramic tower. Be in the heart of the action when you book a hotel in the Centrum, with rooms that look onto striking architec-ture and a thriving nightlife.

Delfshaven

You'll enjoy the museums and churches in Delfshaven. You might want to make time for a stop at Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout or Rhine.

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Centrum

Travelers come to Centrum for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Lijnbaan and Witte de Withstraat while you're in town.

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Euromast featuring a garden, landscape views and a lake or waterhole

Recommended hotels in Centrum

Best Areas for Parks and Canals

For such a modern city, Rotterdam is also full of green neighborhoods perfect to relax in after a day in the concrete jungle. Book a hotel in chic Kralingen-Crooswijk and be close to the Botanic Garden. Get an authentic Dutch village feeling by staying in a hotel in Noord, which is zigzagged by canals. A more low-key family atmosphere reigns in Blijdorp, home to a historic zoo, or let the kids run free in the Netherlands' largest public park during a stay near Zuiderpark in Charlois. Get a room in one of the townhouses in the Scheepvaartkwartier to enjoy the park's atmosphere and the panoramic tower.