Itinerary for visiting Rotterdam on a layover or 1-day trip

About Rotterdam

Before talking about the Itinerary for visiting Rotterdam on a layover or 1 day visit; I think it is a nice idea to know a little about Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is in the southern part of the Netherlands (also know as Holland) and it got its name when a dam was constructed in the Rotte river in the 13th century. It is the second largest city in the country, after Amsterdam which is the country’s capital. It is often called “The Port City” with the Port of Rotterdam being the largest sea port in Europe and one of the 10 busiest in the world.

My first visit to Rotterdam was on a KLM layover while en route to Madrid, Spain. KLM Airline is the Netherlands’ national airline, and its flights connect through Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. As a smart part-time traveller, I love maximizing my travel time as well as budget. One way to do this is by exploring two countries on one flight, without additional flight costs!

If you find yourself on a KLM layover flight, consider booking one with at least 8 hours during the day to visit Rotterdam. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience more of the Netherlands than just the airport. You will find my Itinerary for visiting Rotterdam on a layover or 1 day visit quite useful.

Read – Maximising Travel Experience with layovers and stopovers

How to choose your layover destination on KLM flight

For a layover adventure on a KLM flight, you have several options. They are just a short train ride from Schiphol Airport:

• Amsterdam – The iconic capital city of the Netherlands, 25 minutes by train from Schiphol Airport
• Rotterdam – The second-largest city and a hub of modern architecture, 35 minutes by train
• Delft – A charming canal city known for its pottery, 45 minutes train from Schipol and 25 minutes from Rotterdam.
• The Hague – The Netherlands’ political center, approximately 40 minutes train ride from Schiphol Airport.

Rotterdam holds a fascinating history and also know for its architectural designs. It is a nice idea to choose this city on a layover visit or even a one full day visit.

Itinerary for Visiting Rotterdam

Getting to Rotterdam: Upon landing at Schiphol Airport, head to the train station in the airport arrivals area. Purchase your ticket to Rotterdam Centraal Station (about €19), and enjoy a scenic 35-minute train ride.

Exploring Rotterdam: Rotterdam’s main attractions are clustered around the Central Station, making it easy to explore by foot. Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you cover the highlights:

1. Start at Theater Rotterdam (10-minute walk from Rotterdam Centraal Station)
Begin your exploration in the vibrant Theater Square on schouburgplein street, just a short walk from Rotterdam Central station. The area has the Theater as the name suggests. It also has shops, a casino, seating area to enjoy the environment and cozy cafes just adjacent the street. It is a perfect spot for getting acquainted with the city.

2. Head to Markthal (10 minutes walk from Theater Rotterdam)
Markthal in Rotterdam is an architectural marvel with its horseshoe shape and vibrant ceiling artwork. This iconic building houses a mix of residences, offices, and an indoor food market and a 4 level underground garage. It received an European property awards for mixed-use architecture in 2015-2016 and several other awards.

You should spend some time exploring the building as well as the local food stalls both indoor and outdoor. Do not forgetting to grab a quick snack if needed.

3. Visit the Cube Houses (5 minutes walk from Markthal)
Just a few steps from Markthal, you will find the Cube Houses (The Blaaktoren). It is a unique residential complex designed by Piet Blom. Known for its eye-catching, tilted cubes, it’s one of Rotterdam’s most famous architectural landmarks. Explore the surrounding area, or visit the Show Cube Museum to get a feel for the quirky interior.

4. Walk to the Nieuwe Maas Riverfront (10 minutes from the Cube houses)
The Nieuwe Maas riverfront offers stunning views of Rotterdam’s skyline and the iconic Erasmus Bridge of Rotterdam. Stroll along the waterfront and surrounding Kop van Zuid district enjoy the scenery. Also soak in the view of the Erasmus Bridge, Willemsbrug Bridge, De Rotterdam Building, The Red Apple etc.

You may consider taking a short river cruise. It will offer a different perspective and view of Rotterdam’s modern architecture and industrial heritage.

Returning to Schipol Airport

Make your way back to Rotterdam Central Station and catch a train to Schiphol Airport. It should be about 25 minutes walking distance.

Pro Tips for Layover Explorations

• Strategise: If you are new to layover travesl, focus on exploring only one city per stopover. This helps you to make the most of your time without the mental stress of missing your connecting flight.
• Time Management: Set alarms for each location and the time to return to the train station. This helps to keep you on track.
• Plan for Security Checks: Allocate 2 hours for your return to Schiphol, including security and boarding.
• Explore in Order: If you plan to visit more than one city, then start with the furthest and work your way back to the closets location to the airport.
• Observe: Do not neglect the other tiny things you see along your walk from point A to B.

Happy Xploring!