Rotterdam is a quirky city in the Netherlands that’s packed full of character. As most of the city was destroyed by the bombings of World War II, what’s sprung up since is both exciting and modern – offering a pleasant alternative to touristy Amsterdam.
Stroll along colorful graffitied streets, past post-war buildings and contemporary architecture. There are pretty canals to discover and beautiful green parks to explore. Not to mention plenty of hipster bars and popular restaurants you can add to your bucket list!
Wondering where to stay in Rotterdam for one night? We’ve outlined the best neighborhoods to stay in this trendy city, from family-orientated areas to budget-friendly districts. Here’s everything you need to know:
- Where to Stay in Rotterdam
- Rotterdam Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Rotterdam
- Top 5 Rotterdam Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Rotterdam
- What To Pack For Rotterdam
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Rotterdam
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Wondering where to stay in Rotterdam for one night? Here are our top two recommendations for the best places to stay in Rotterdam:
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
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Hotel Orion | Best Hotel in Rotterdam
Situated in the best neighborhood to stay in Rotterdam, Hotel Orion offers a choice of private rooms sleeping one to three people. Each room comes with a flat-screen cable TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and a private bathroom. Other facilities include parking, a bar, as well as free daily breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
Designed Room in the Heart of Rotterdam | Best Airbnb in Rotterdam
This comfortable private room built in an architectural award winning complex comes with a bathroom and a toilet, and also has access to a roof patio. Located in an urban area in the heart of Rotterdam, it’s ideal for those who want to visit the best of the city. You will definitely feel cosy and home, and will have access to tea, coffee and a TV including Netflix.
Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel | Best Hostel in Rotterdam
The best way to experience Rotterdam is to stay in one of its unusual hotels. Spend the night in a titled cube at the Overblaak development opposite the Markthal. You’ll enjoy free daily breakfast, free Wi-Fi and drinks at the on-site bar. Packed lunches can be arranged for days out.
Sometimes the best way to experience a destination is from a good dorm room with good people. Book one of these sweet hostels in Rotterdam and get ready for the time of your life!
Delfshaven
Trying to decide where to stay in Rotterdam for your first time? Delfshaven is one of the oldest areas in Rotterdam. It’s also the only area to have escaped the World War II bombings.
Rotterdam West
Wondering where to stay in Rotterdam on a budget? Rotterdam West is one of the most affordable areas to stay in this vibrant city. As Rotterdam West is a large, multicultural working-class neighborhood, it encompasses a lot of smaller districts such as Chinatown and Delfshaven.
Centrum
Wondering where to stay in Rotterdam for nightlife? Staying in Centrum, the city center, will put you right in the heart of the action. As the main tourist hub in Rotterdam that covers the area between Rotterdam Central Station and the Blaak Station, Centrum is always buzzing.
The Cool District
Looking for the coolest place to stay in Rotterdam? The aptly named Cool District in the city center is one of the best areas to stay in Rotterdam.
Rotterdam Noord
Wondering where to stay in Rotterdam with kids? Rotterdam Noord, or Rotterdam North, is a quieter alternative to the city center. Yet it’s still close enough to the action should you seek it.
As we mentioned above, Rotterdam was pretty much flattened during World War II. In the years following the war, the city was rebuilt into the Rotterdam you’ll recognize today.
Because of its modern rebuild, the city is home to a range of progressive architecture, unlike the older places to stay in Amsterdam. It’s one of the most new-age cities in Europe! Sadly, very little is left of the ‘old Rotterdam’ – Delfshaven is the only area where some of the city’s old medieval charm still remains.
Split into two sections by the river Nieuwe Maas, Rotterdam is a cosmopolitan city. About 175 different nationalities call it home. There are plenty of unique areas to explore. You’ll find the city center on the northern banks of the river, the commercial center to the east of that, and the city’s historic buildings to the west.
Filled with all sorts of character-filled, overlapping neighborhoods, you’re bound to find the right area to suit your needs. Whether you’re wondering where to stay in Rotterdam on a budget, or where to stay in Rotterdam for families, you’ll find a range of options available to you.
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Top 5 Rotterdam Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Let’s take a closer look at the five top neighborhoods in this delightful city. We’ve narrowed down the options to include the best neighborhood in Rotterdam to stay in for families, budget travelers, and more!
#1 Delfshaven – Where to Stay in Rotterdam for Your First Time
Trying to decide where to stay in Rotterdam for your first time? Delfshaven is one of the oldest areas in Rotterdam. It’s also the only area to have escaped the World War II bombings. Thus, it’s the best place to get a feel of what medieval Rotterdam was like before the war.
Once the main harbor of Delft, it’s now a largely residential neighborhood with lovely hotels and apartments set along quaint streets and canals. Most of the Rotterdam accommodation here varies from mid-range to more expensive. However, you’re still able to find some great budget-friendly options.
Located to the southwest of the city center, a metro stop makes traveling to and from the center easy. Especially if you’re not planning on hiring a car. Delfshaven is one of the best areas to stay in Rotterdam if you’re interested in history, architecture, and museums.
Designed Room in the Heart of Rotterdam | Best Airbnb in Delfshaven
This amazing Airbnb in The Netherlands is built in an architectural award-winning complex and comes with an en-suite and a roof patio. Located in an urban area in the heart of Rotterdam, it’s ideal for those who want to visit the best of the city. You will definitely feel cosy and home, and will have access to tea, coffee and a TV including Netflix.
Hostel ROOM Rotterdam | Best Hostel in Delfshaven
ROOM offers a choice of dorms and private rooms with free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and lockers. Guests have access to rental bikes and a communal lounge with games and Netflix. Perks include weekly music nights, free walking tours, and weekly foodie nights!
Hotel Port | Best Hotel in Delfshaven
This 3-star hotel offers rooms for one to four people just a short drive from the city center. Rooms come with satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and a private bathroom. Facilities include an airport shuttle, parking, an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a good daily breakfast.
Apartment with City views – Best Airbnb in Delfshaven
This bright spacious apartment comes with some pretty mean views over the city. Enjoy a cosy living room and comfy bedroom ideal for relaxing after a busy day exploring and if you want to save a few quid and make your own meals, there’s a fully equipped kitchen. You’re in a great location, next to the tram stop and have cafes and restaurants within walking distance.
Things to See and Do in Delfshaven
- Admire the old architecture that remains along the Nieuwe Maas River.
- Visit the Pilgrim Fathers Church (Pelgrimvaderskerk), dating back to the 1400s (open on Fridays and Saturdays only).
- See De Distillerketel, a historic 18th-century windmill that still works to this day.
- Sample the specialty beers at De Pelgrim, Delfshaven’s only brewery.
- Go for a walk or jog through the nearby Het park.
- See De Delft, a replica of an 18th-century warship.
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View on Osprey View on REI#2 Rotterdam West – Best Neighborhood to Stay in Rotterdam on a Budget
Wondering where to stay in Rotterdam on a budget? Rotterdam West is one of the most affordable areas to stay in this vibrant city.
As Rotterdam West is a large, multicultural working-class neighborhood, it encompasses a lot of smaller districts such as Chinatown and Delfshaven. Depending on what area of Rotterdam West you’re looking to stay in, the accommodation varies from affordable to more expensive. So, you’re bound to find something that suits your wallet.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
If you’re looking for a sociable place to stay with an easy commute into the center, the area around Nieuwe Binnenweg is up and coming with local shops and restaurants just a 10-minute walk from the center.
Staying around this trendy street is the best area in Rotterdam to stay in if you’re on a budget as it offers some affordable hotels and hostels to choose from.
Sam’s Place | Best Hostel in Rotterdam West
If you’re looking for the best budget stay in Rotterdam West, Sam’s Place is the perfect fit. A comfortable room at an absolute steal of a price, not only that but you are in a prime location to get out and explore the city.
Hotel Orion | Best Hotel in Rotterdam West
Situated in the best neighborhood to stay in Rotterdam, Hotel Orion offers a choice of private rooms sleeping one to three people. Each room comes with a flat-screen cable TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and a private bathroom. Other facilities include parking, a bar, as well as free daily breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Baan | Best Hotel in Rotterdam West
Hotel Baan offers a choice of affordable guest rooms sleeping one to four people. Each room comes with complimentary Wi-Fi, a cable TV, free tea and coffee, and either a shared or private bathroom. Hotel features include parking, a garden and a bar with views of Coolhaven harbor.
Rotterdam City Loft | Best Airbnb in Rotterdam West
This home has been transformed to provide a comfortable place to perch up. This one-bedroom loft has all the charm and comforts to make you feel at home and you’re in the heart of the city with everything you need a short trott away.
Things to See and Do in Rotterdam West
- Watch a movie at Kino arthouse cinema in Gouvernestraat.
- Tuck into an excellent pizza at LUX, an Italian restaurant on ‘s Gravendijkwal.
- Have farm-fresh lunch at the Uit Je Eigen Stad city farm where the ingredients are sourced from the farm’s fields.
- Go for a stroll through the Dakpark, a beautiful green space with a view of the port.
- Visit the Rotterdam zoo and oceanarium.
- Stroll across the iconic Erasmasburg.
- Admire the European artwork at Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.
#3 Centrum – Best Places to Stay in Rotterdam for Nightlife
Wondering where to stay in Rotterdam for nightlife? Staying in Centrum, the city center, will put you right in the heart of the action. As the main tourist hub in Rotterdam that covers the area between Rotterdam Central Station and the Blaak Station, Centrum is always buzzing.
Photo: Roaming Ralph
Home to a range of exciting areas, such as the Cool District, with its buzzing bars, cafes, and restaurants, there’s so much to do here when the sun goes down.
However, due to its fantastic attractions and central location, Centrum does tend to be on the pricier side of Rotterdam’s neighborhoods. But as you’ll be right in the center, you’ll be able to walk or cycle just about anywhere, saving money on transport costs.
Comfortable Private Room in the Heart of Rotterdam | Best Airbnb in Centrum
This comfortable and private room is in the attic and has access to a roof patio, and is in a well-appointed typical Dutch house originating from 1907. Located in the heart of Rotterdam, you’ll be just a short walking distance to all the main tourist sights. It comes with a private bathroom and toilet with all the essentials. The common spaces are shared with the hosts.
Cityhub Rotterdam | Best Hostel in Centrum
This central hostel offers the best of both worlds: your own private hub inside a sociable dorm room. When I stayed for an amazing festival in The Netherlands, it had everything I needed. Each hub comes with a double bed, free Wi-Fi (plus a hotspot for the entire city), and an audio streaming system. Facilities include shared bathrooms, a communal lounge and bar, free maps, and more.
Hotel Bazaar | Best Hotel in Centrum
This 2-star hotel in Centrum offers a range of Oriental, African, and South-American-styled rooms for guests to choose from. Each room comes with a TV, minibar, a private bathroom, and some have their own balcony. A fantastic breakfast is included in your stay.
Hotel Unplugged | Best Hotel in Centrum
Okay if you; ‘re looking for a funky hotel with clean rooms this one is for you. Hotel Unplugged is in the centre of Rotterdam with everything you need on your doorstep making it an ideal base for exploring the city. The rooms are compact but cosy with a decent bathroom and there’s even a shared kitchen which is a nice touch for us broke backpackers.
Things to See and Do in Centrum
- Go shopping at Markthal, the Market Hall – the ceiling is home to the world’s largest artwork.
- Admire the unusual tilted architecture of the Overblaak Development.
- Browse the Tuesday and Saturday market at Binnenrotte Square.
- Stop for a lazy lunch at Picnick.
- Explore Het Park, home to a mini-golf course and walking and biking paths.
- Sip on beer at Bokaal, a unique beer bar.
- Get social at Biergarten Rotterdam where you can enjoy BBQs and live music.
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Grab an eSIM!#4 The Cool District – The Coolest Place to Stay in Rotterdam
Looking for the coolest place to stay in Rotterdam? The aptly named Cool District in the city center is one of the best areas to stay in Rotterdam. Filled with trendy bars, quirky cafes, and sociable bars and restaurants, this neighborhood is full of personality.
Dating back to the 13th-century, the Cool District’s historical buildings were mostly wiped out during the war but the area now features a much more modern scene. While it’s not actually pronounced ‘cool district’ but instead ‘coal’ in Dutch, the essence is the same. You won’t find a more sociable and trendy district!
There’s so much to keep you busy in this hip urban quarter, whether its high street shopping or bar-hopping you’re after. Take a stroll through the Cool District and you’ll come across all sorts of street art. It’s a colorful quarter that’s perfect for Instagram.
Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel | Best Hostel in the Cool District
Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel is one of the coolest places to stay in Rotterdam. Guests can look forward to free daily breakfast, free Wi-Fi and drinks at the on-site hip hostel bar. Packed lunches can be arranged so you can make the most of exploring the city.
EasyHotel Rotterdam City Center | Best Hotel in the Cool District
Take your pick of rooms for two, three or four people at this 2-star hotel in the heart of the Cool District. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, and a private en-suite bathroom. A variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants are within easy walking distance.
The James Rotterdam | Best Hotel in the Cool District
If you’re looking for more of a splurge, this 3-star hotel has an enviable location on lively Coolsingel street. All rooms offer free Wi-Fi, air-con, and a private bathroom with toiletries. Facilities include 24-hour reception, a lounge with a 24-hour food market, and on-site parking.
Beautiful Apartment with a Garden | Best Airbnb in the Cool District
Are you searching for a home away from home? Well, look no further. This beautiful apartment is located in the most popular neighbourhood of Rotterdam: Blijdorp. This apartment has a well-equipped kitchen, a cosy bedroom and a living room. Not only that but you can enjoy a peaceful garden ideal for an evening drink after exploring the city.
Things to See and Do in the Cool District
- Stroll the streets and admire the funk street art, from a top-hatted man to a topless woman.
- Take part in a classic Rotterdam pub crawl.
- Have a drink at Ferry Store.
- Suss out at the vibe at Café KeerWeer, a trendy gay bar.
- Enjoy Shisha and tapas at Tapas Club.
- Savor a gin and tonic at Ballroom, a trendy gin bar.
- Watch a show at de Rotterdamse Schouwburg theatre.
#5 Rotterdam Noord – Best Area in Rotterdam to Stay in for Families
Wondering where to stay in Rotterdam with kids? Rotterdam Noord, or Rotterdam North, is a quieter alternative to the city center. Yet it’s still close enough to the action should you seek it. It’s close to Central Station; public transport is easily accessible and runs late into the night.
You’ll find fewer students hanging out here as you would in Centrum. However, Rotterdam North is still home to some hip and happening nightlife venues. There are plenty of exciting restaurants and jazz bars to enjoy, particularly along Zwaanshals street.
As most of the Rotterdam accommodation here is moderately priced, it’s a popular neighborhood for families and young professionals. Why? Well, the area is home to loads of green space – take your pick of Het Park or the more popular Vroesenpark.
Hotel Bienvenue | Best Hotel in Rotterdam Noord
It’s not the fanciest hotel in the world but has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Enjoy a simple yet comfy room that’s good for the budget. Hotel Bienvenue is a two-minute walk from the station making exploring the city a breeze, plus there are some tasty restaurants and cool cafes nearby.
Bed & Breakfast Walenburg | Best Hotel in Rotterdam Noord
Settle into your modern suite at this central B&B. Perks include free daily breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an en-suite bathroom, and a private garden terrace. The tram stop is 450 feet away. You’ll also have access to BBQ facilities, a communal kitchen, and several restaurants within walking distance.
2 BDR Apartment | Best Airbnb in Rotterdam Noord
This spacious apartment is ideal for families visiting Rotterdam. Only a short walk to the central station, it’s ideally located to explore the surroundings and has supermarkets, shops, restaurants, bars and night shops nearby. The home comes with two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a cosy living room.
Hostel Ani & Haakien Rotterdam | Best Hostel in Rotterdam Noord
If you’re looking for a social hostel to meet new travel buddies and explore the city, this is the place to be. Five minutes from the central station you couldn’t be in a better location to hop on the train and go adventuring around the city. The dorms are comfy with private rooms available if you’re feeling fancy.
Things to See and Do in Rotterdam Noord
- Challenge the family to a round of mini-golf at Het Park.
- Have a picnic or a family BBQ at Vroesenpark – the kids will love the playgrounds.
- Indulge in beer on tap at Cafe Anders.
- Take the kids to Blijdorp Rotterdam Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands.
- Browse the shops along Zwaanshals and Zaagmolenkade streets.
- Go for coffee or bunch at Man Met Bril, located beneath the railway arches.
- Hire bikes and cycle through this pretty neighborhood and across Erasmus Bridge.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Rotterdam
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Rotterdam and where to stay.
What To Pack For Rotterdam
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
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Sea To Summit Micro Towel
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Rotterdam
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Rotterdam is an exciting and modern metropolis waiting to be discovered. Each district brings something different so you’re bound to find one you like. Whether you’re wondering where to stay in Rotterdam with kids, as a couple or going solo.
While we love all of Rotterdam’s charming districts, if we had to choose the best neighborhood to stay in Rotterdam, we’d choose Delfshaven. Why? It’s close enough to the city center and it’s the only place in Rotterdam to still hold onto its medieval history. There are plenty of cool architecture and old side streets to explore.
We hope our Rotterdam neighborhood guide has been helpful for planning your trip. If we’ve missed anything out, please do let us know in the comments below. Have fun!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Netherlands.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Rotterdam.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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