The Atlas Obscura Guide To Rotterdam

35 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Updated May 26, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Rotterdam

Cube House

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Cube Houses

These slanted cubic abodes are a creative if odd solution to a zoning pickle.

Trompenburg Gardens in winter

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Trompenburg Arboretum

A true Valhalla for cactus and succulent lovers.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Floating Farm

The world's first floating farm is staffed by one human, three robots, and 35 cows.

The Giant of Rotterdam.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

The Giant Of Rotterdam

A statue of the second-tallest Dutchman in history.

Looking through Tovertunnel

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Tovertunnel (Magic Tunnel)

This colorfully-painted tunnel links two distinct parts of a historic neighborhood.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

The BMW

A dramatic art installation features a BMW flying out of a building in Rotterdam.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Het Badkonijn

A giant floating rubber duck-bunny painted with a different design every year.

The Luchtsingel

Rotterdam, Netherlands

The Luchtsingel

Built by crowdsourcing, this wooden foot bridge saved a part of Rotterdam that was languishing in wait of city funding.

See All 35 Things To Do in Rotterdam

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Rotterdam

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Floating Farm

The world's first floating farm is staffed by one human, three robots, and 35 cows.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

West Kruiskade Teapot

A huge teapot illuminates a home for the elderly.

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Art 9

Sculptures 4

Public Art 4

History & Culture 4

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Stories About Rotterdam

The depot has glass cases, open shelves, and sliding racks to display the 150,000-plus objects in the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen's collection.

The Museum Where Everything Is on Display

The new Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam takes visitors "backstage" to see its entire $9 billion art collection.

by Amy Crawford

January 21, 2022

A sleek side view of the farm, with the shrubby cow garden on top.

All Aboard the World's First Floating Dairy Farm

More sustainable food production may call for plopping cows on the water.

by Abbey Perreault

August 22, 2018

The human impact on animals is tangible.

A Dutch Exhibit Highlights Startling and Unusual Animal Deaths

Preserved specimens include the McFlurry Hedgehog and the CERN Weasel.

Barges in the Oude Haven, Rotterdam.

The Barge Dwellers of Rotterdam's Old Harbor

Living on a boat isn't bad, but tourists will accidentally walk into your home.

by Olga Mecking

Lists Featuring Rotterdam

The nave has been repurposed to include the reception, restaurants, and guest spaces.

Cube House

8 of the Most Unusual Hotels in the Netherlands

Proof the Dutch can convert nearly anything into a place to stay the night.

Including Hotel de Vrouwe van Stavoren, Kruisherenhotel , and Cube Houses

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