Explore Rotterdam
Restaurants
Cafes
Bars
Museums
Attractions
Parks
Coworking
Neighborhoods
Day Trips
Healthcare
Schools
Shopping
Rotterdam is unlike any other Dutch city. Bombed flat in 1940 and rebuilt from scratch, it has the most ambitious and exciting architecture in the Netherlands, the largest port in Europe and a food and culture scene that has grown rapidly in confidence over the past decade.
Population
660,000
Expat residents
55,000+
1-bed rent (central)
1,400-2,000/mo
Train to Amsterdam
40 minutes
Train to Den Haag
25 minutes
Train to Utrecht
40 minutes
The city
Why Rotterdam
Rotterdam rewards those who give it a chance. The city’s architecture alone is worth the visit – the Cube Houses, the Markthal, the Erasmus Bridge and the De Rotterdam tower form a skyline unlike anything else in the Netherlands. The port stretches for kilometres along the Maas and still handles more cargo than any other European port.
The food scene has transformed over the past decade. The Markthal alone contains dozens of food stalls and restaurants. The Witte de Withstraat is one of the best streets for eating and drinking in the Netherlands. Rotterdam has a younger, more diverse and more unpretentious character than Amsterdam.
Housing is more affordable than Amsterdam and The Hague. Rents have risen significantly but remain lower for comparable space. The city attracts young professionals, creative workers and expats priced out of Amsterdam.
Practical info
Getting around and settling in
Getting around: Rotterdam has an excellent metro, tram and bus network. The RET metro connects all major areas. Cycling is good but less dominant than in Amsterdam. The city is well-connected by train – Amsterdam in 40 minutes, The Hague in 25 minutes.
Language: Dutch is the official language but English is widely spoken, particularly in the centre and international business community.
Cost of living: More affordable than Amsterdam for housing. See our cost of living guide.
Healthcare: Dutch health insurance is mandatory. Register with a GP on arrival. See our health insurance guide.
Just arrived
Your first two weeks in Rotterdam
1
Register at the Rotterdam gemeente and get your BSN
Essential for banking, insurance and employment. Gemeente guide and BSN guide.
2
Open a Dutch bank account
ABN AMRO, ING and bunq are the most expat-friendly. Full guide.
3
Arrange health insurance within four months
Mandatory and backdates to arrival. Full guide.
4
Set up your DigiD
Required for all Dutch government services online. Full guide.
5
Explore the Markthal
The best introduction to Rotterdam’s food scene and architecture in one building.