rotterdam on a rainy day

How To Survive a Rainy Day in Rotterdam – 28 Things To Do

Heading to Rotterdam on a rainy? I know people often have a negative experience after visiting Rotterdam when it rains.

And that is understandable. Because let’s face it…

Which city is nice when it is pouring down?

If you can’t change your travel schedule (it might still rain the next day), you must make the most of your time here. And that is where I can help you. I will try to show you what to do in Rotterdam on a rainy day so you will appreciate it as much as possible.

Perhaps you will give this second-largest city in the Netherlands a second chance and return when the sun is out again.


What to do in Rotterdam on a rainy day

There are many highlights scattered throughout the city. But since it isn’t fun to be outside in the rain for too long, we suggest keeping it practical.

We start with sights close to each other, so you won’t be walking in the rain to get from one highlight to the other.

Sights and Activities at ‘Blaak’

blaak square in Rotterdam with view of the markthal and st. laurens church
‘Blaak’ has many buildings worth checking out

Many iconic Rotterdam buildings are found along the large square known as ‘Blaak’. The great thing about heading to Blaak on a rainy day is that all the buildings are practically next to each other. So you don’t have to worry about getting soaked between sights. Metros and trams stop at the station called ‘Blaak’ too.

1. Cube Houses

The most iconic building along this square (also for the city of Rotterdam) is probably the Cube Houses.

Known in Dutch as the ‘Kubus Woningen’, this unusual building was created by the Dutch architect Piet Blom in 1984.

Head to the Kijk-Kubus Museum-House if you are curious about how it looks inside. It is pretty outdated but it still gives a good idea of how people live in these cubes.

Ticket: Adult €3, Children €1,50

2. Oude Haven (Old Harbour)

view of the oldens harbour in Rotterdam with het Witte Huis and the bridge Willemsbrug
‘Oude Haven’ with a mix of modern and historic buildings

If you walk through the Cube Houses Complex you will have a wonderful view of the ‘Oude Haven’, one of Rotterdam’s oldest harbors.

You can see the red Willems bridge from here too, just as ‘Het Witte Huis’, the white building that used to be the highest skyscraper in Europe.

3. De Markthal

the Markthall Rotterdam from the inside with view from the buildngs nearby
Food lovers will enjoy the different flavors at the Markthall

Another building that immediately attracts your attention when arriving at Blaak is the popular Markthal. This horseshoe building can get extremely busy when it is raining. We too found shelter here from the rain endless times.

The Markthal means ‘market in a hall’ but you can’t find vegetable or meat stalls here such as the famous indoor market in Barcelona for instance.

Instead, the many food stalls prepare Dutch and International dishes. This is the place to try out Dutch food such as Kroket, Patatje (fries), poffertjes (small pancakes), and stroopwafel (caramel cookie).

food stalls selling cheese and more at the Markthall in Rotterdam
Local entrepreneurs sell typical Dutch delicacies such as cheese

But if you want to try more than just that, we highly suggest wandering towards the stalls preparing mouthwatering Indian, Venzualian, Turkish delights and many more. Don’t forget to keep some room for something sweet. There is enough to choose from too!

Other stalls sell products that are considered delicacies such as cheese, dried French sausages, baklava, pastries, and sweets. 

Sursprisingly seating is scarce in the Markthal, especially on a rainy day. If you want to sit comfortably double check if the stall has special seating for their customers upstairs. The Markthall stalls close at 18:00, so it is something you should visit during the day.

4. The Rotterdam Central Library

view of the library in Rotterdam, an unusual building with yellow pipes on its side
The Public Library with its neighbouring building The Pencil

The Central Library is across from the Markthal at Rotterdam Blaak station.

It looks very unusual with its huge yellow pipes sticking out of the building. But I think it goes well with its quirky-looking neighboring buildings: the Pencil and Cube Houses.

On the third floor, you have the Erasmus Experience. Erasmus is a famous scholar from Rotterdam.

During this experience, you will learn and experience how Erasmus, who lived 500 years ago thought and what your way of thinking is today. You will be surprised by the similarities despite Erasmus living hundreds of years ago.

5. Rotterdam Church

statue with a church in the back in the city center of Rotterdam
The Erasmus statue in front of the Sint Laurenchurch on a sunny day

Officially called St Laurenskerk this church is the only remains of a medieval Rotterdam city center. After the bombing in World War II in 1940 the church was severely damaged.

Soon after the people of Rotterdam ensured that the church was rebuilt. Its original features were kept and the church symbolises the resilience for reconstructing the entire city. 

Besides being a beautiful church from the in- and outside, they organize many things here.

The ‘Storybook’ exhibition tells the church’s history. But there are also music concerts and the possibility of climbing up the tower. Check their website for more information on what events are taking place.

Tickets for the tower climb: €7,50p.p, minimum age 6 years.


Museums at Museumpark

view of the green grass of Musuem park with in the far distance the tall building of Rotterdam including the Erasmusbridge
View on Museum Park with the city skyline on the back

Catch Tram 7 from Central Station if it’s raining really bad, or take a 25-minute walk to the Museum Park. At this park, you can find 6 museums which are:

  • De Kunsthal
  • Nature Historisch Musuem
  • Museum Boijmans van Beuningen
  • Nieuwe Instituut
  • Chabot Museum

If you like museums then you can easily enjoy a whole day here.

Is the museum not really your thing?

Then from all the 6 museums I still recommend going to check out the newest edition of the park: The Depot. Continue reading why…

6. Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen

(closed till 2025)

the rooftop of the musuem with Rotterdam city in the back showing a mix of old houses and new skyscrapers
View of Boijmans Van Beuningen Musuem from above

This museum is massive and it comprises three buildings. It is also the oldest museum in Rotterdam.  The main building has a huge permanent art collection from the Western Middle Ages until now.

This museum contains old master paintings, modern and contemporary art, decorative art, pre-industrial household objects, and industrial design. 

Additionally, you have prints and drawings, early Netherlandish paintings, Impressionism and Surrealism.

Unfortunately, this building is undergoing a huge renovation and is expected to open again in 2025.

7. The Depot

The Depot Building is part of the Mueum Boijmans Van Beuningen. It is an art storage facility where you can go in and see collections dating back to the 1849’s.

This building itself is probably one of my favorites in Rotterdam. The circular form and glass facades reflect the surroundings. So depending on the weather, season, or time of day, the building never seems the same. 

view of Rotterdam city from the rooftop with two people walking with an umbrella
Garden on the rooftop of the Depot Museum

Just visiting the Depot to admire the building and its interior is something you should do. The stunning staircase in the center leads you 6 stories high. On each level, you can peak in various storage facilities where artifacts are properly packed to avoid damage from external elements. 

Try to join a 30-minute tour that will take you behind the scenes.

Tickets: Adults €20, Children till 18 yrs Free


Exploring Wilhelminakade

old warehouse with the building 'The Rotterdam' in the back
A mix of old and new at the Wilhelminakade Rotterdam

You can reach the Wilhelminakade by crossing the iconic Erasmus Bridge. It is mainly known for the huge cruise ships that dock at the Cruise Port. But the great thing I like the most about this quay is the mix of old warehouses and modern skyscrapers.

Plus a lot of history has taken place here. From 1873 till WWII businessmen, tourists, and migrants boarded the ships at Wilhelminakade and headed to America.

8. Hotel New York

the former holland america line building in Rotterdam now a hotel
The Jugenstil building ‘Hotel New York’

Hotel New York is located on the tip of the Wilhelminekade. From here you can look across the river Maas and admire the skyline of Rotterdam.

But if it’s rainy you likely don’t feel like admiring the view, instead head straight into the restaurant of Hotel New York. The restaurant has a grand industrial feel and is a nice spot to escape the rain.

Hotel New York is a historic landmark with a rich heritage dating back to 1901. Originally serving as the headquarters of the Holland America Line, the Jugendstil building played an important role in the migration of European immigrants seeking a new life in North America.

9. Nederlands Fotomusuem (National Museum of Photography)

A visit to the photography museum is ideal on a rainy day in Rotterdam. Stroll past the diverse photography collections. Their permanent exhibition shows the development of the Dutch photography from 1842 until today.

Not only can you see the innovations of photography but you will get a visual impression of the social issues in Dutch society over the many decades.

Make sure you download their app to see the story behind these pictures.

Tickets: Adults €16, 18-24 years €8,50, 17 years and younger Free.

10. Food Hallen

entrance to the Foodhallen set in a old warehouse in Rotterdam
Main entrance to the Foodhallen

The Food Hallen (Food Halls) is somewhat similar to the Markthal. The 13 stands serve a variety of food such as Caribean seafood, New York Pizza, Surinams Street Food, Japanese Curry and Korean Toast.

What we mostly like about the Food Hallen is that it is located in a historic warehouse, plus it has proper seating. Something the Markthal doesn’t always have.

When we visit the Food Hallen we like to order from various stands and sit together to taste all the different flavors.

11. Lantern Venster

Lantaren Venster restaurant terrace in Rotterdam

If you love movies and music then you might want to check out Lantaren Venster to see if there is a performance you want to see when visiting Rotterdam. Many things are in English.

Movies range from documentaries and classics to world cinema and Oscar-winning films. Their matinee is ideal for escaping the heavy rain…

In the evening there is live music. You can easily enjoy an evening at the Lantern Vernster by having dinner at their cafe-restaurant followed by a live performance.

12. Water Taxi (Circle line)

water taxis docked at the water taxi office in Rotterdam
The Rotterdam water taxi stop and office at the Wilhelminakade

The ‘Cirkellijn’ is a hop-on-hop-off electric water taxi that takes you along the highlights for one hour.

You will be able to get off at Hotel New York (Kop van Zuid/Katendrecht), Boompjes (centrum/Markthal), Veerhaven (Scheepvaartkwartier/Wereldmuseum), Euromast (Het Park) en Katendrechtse Hoofd (SS Rotterdam). But you can also just stay on board the whole time. 

Ticket € 10, until 12 jaar half price. Only available on Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 11.00 to 20.00. 


Fun things to do in Rotterdam on a rainy day (indoor)

13. Dutch Pinball Museum

Imagine being surrounded by a hundred unique pinball machines on a rainy day.

That’s not bad, isn’t it?

You can find a huge collection of pinball machines in an old warehouse in the historical Delfshaven. Some are to be admired, while others are for you to play with. 

So if you remember the time you played pinball you can relive it here again. And even for those who have never seen one before (yes, the very young ones among us) they will have great fun.

A ticket to the Dutch Pinball Museum allows you to play for two full hours. My son had a blast and always suggests going there when it rains.  

Tickets: €15 for 2hours

14. Hopping on Tram #10

classic tram number 10  passing the shopping street in Rotterdam
Tour in a classic tram through Rotterdam city

Ok, touring around Rotterdam in a historic tram isn’t a real indoor activity, but you will stay dry the whole time. Tram Lijn 10 is a unique way to see the city and is highly recommended for those on a day trip who want to see Rotterdam quickly and easily.

The first ride departs at 11:00 from Willemsplein.

Tram 10 runs every 30 minutes until 16:30. A full tour takes 75 minutes. At Central Station, Tram 10 departs from stop B.

Make sure you check if the tram is operational. There are days (big events in the city) when there is no service. 

Tickets: Adults €15, 4-11 years €8, tickets can be purchased on the tram.

15. Mini World Rotterdam

checking out what is going on in the mini world of Rotterdam
There is a lot going on at Miniworld Rotterdam

As the name indicates, at MiniWorld you can see Rotterdam and its surroundings ‘gone mini’. You will be able to see in detail the highlights of Rotterdam, the trains riding through the Dutch landscape, and the Dutch daily life in a space of 535m². 

It might not be the Madurodam in the Hague, but it is still worth visiting, especially with kids on a rainy day.

Our son spent hours looking at the trains running, and tiny people busy doing their business. He especially loved it when every 24 minutes the night would set in and everything got dark so you could admire the world by night. 

Adults €14.50, 3 until 10 years €10,50

16. Remastered

Remastered is the place to be blown away by the combination of modern visual technology and art.

We had a great time being surrounded by beautiful images, colors, music, and movements. At one point we were all screaming and laughing uncontrollably when we entered the elevator and flew straight into the sky! Just go so you know what I mean. 

This 60-minute unique experience shouldn’t be missed when visiting Rotterdam. It’s not only great activity for a gloomy rainy day, but worth doing when the sun is shining too.

Adults €24.50, Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) €75, additional child €15euros Minimum age 6 years

17. Mooie Boules

playing a game of jeux de boule at Mooie Boules in Rotterdam
Enjoying a game of Jeux de Boule with our friends

This low-key yet charming place is the place to enjoy a game of Jeux de boule. You might not have played this famous French game before but that doesn’t matter at all.

Once you know the rules you will soon find yourself cheering when throwing the metal balls near the small important one. 

Before or after the game you can enjoy a drink and snacks. They even have a set of gameboards which is fun to do on a rainy afternoon.

We were there with friends and soon discovered the pingpong table upstairs. Don’t forget to try that out too because it is loads of fun. Book in advance on their website, on weekends it can get busy. 

Location: Vijverhofstraat 45

Entrance: Free. Game of Jeux de Boule: €15 for 45 minutes (max 6 people) 

18. Movies

the modern building of the Lantaren Venster, a movie theatre in Rotterdam
The Lantaren Venster building at the Wilhelminakade

Cinemas can be a different experience abroad. So why not try to go to one in Rotterdam on a rainy day? The great thing about going to the cinema in Rotterdam is that movies are in their original language, so there are many English movies too.

The biggest cinema in Rotterdam is the Pathe at Schouwburgplein. But if you want to experience a smaller setting with a historical or cultural feeling then there are 3 places you should check out:

  • Lantaren Venster shows Oscar-winning movies, documentaries, classics, world cinema, and children’s movies.
  • Cinerama at Westblaak which shows the latest movies 
  • Kino at Gouvernestraat 129-133 has arthouse to blockbusters, shorts, and classics. 

19. Hop in a Hot Tub Boat

a yellow hot tub for tours through Rotterdam by boat.
For a silly yet fun boat ride through Rotterdam

This is probably the most unusual yet fun way to explore Rotterdam and its waters. Dip into a Hot Tub boat and drift through Rotterdam while relaxing in warm water.

This warm tub is excellent for any type of weather, even in the rain. You can even jump into the water for a chilling experience only to warm up again in the comfortable tub.

A maximum of 8 people fit in the boat. It’s a great experience for couples or for the whole family.

Make sure you book on time through their website because it is fully booked quickly. Prices range (depending on number of people) from €164 to €284 for 2 hours.

20. Blijdorp Zoo

rhinoceros in their indoor enclosure at Blijdorp Zoo Rotterdam
Up close at the indoor enclosures in Blijdorp Rotterdam city Zoo

A visit to the zoo might not be the first thing you think of when planning your day in Rotterdam. But you can easily spend the whole afternoon at this zoo with little kids on a rainy day. Blijdorp Zoo has a lot of indoor enclosures and playgrounds.

When our son was little we spent hours in the Oceanium (huge aquarium), Amazonia where butterflies fly, and Riviera Hall with tropical birds flying loose and a great playground.

Of course, there is much more to see at this city zoo. If rain permits you should definitely wander around. There are other smaller indoor enclosures as well.

Entrance: Adults €25, Children 3-12 years €22 (online purchase)

21. Skateland

making new friends at Skateland indoor skatepark Rotterdam
Scooting at Skateland, an indoor skate park in Rotterdam

Traveling with kids in Rotterdam and it’s raining? Are they dare-devils or familiar with skateboarding or a scoot-step? Then head to Skateland, a well-known indoor skate park that is the place for beginners to advanced skateboarders or scooters.

Our son can spend hours here doing tailwhips, spins, and whatnot while rolling fast down the selection of ramps.

The atmosphere is wonderful and respectful here. No matter what age or skill, everybody is treated equally.

Luckily they have very nice coffee here too, so we parents can enjoy some quality time together.

Entrance: €8, Equipment rental: around €10


Enjoy Food and Drinks

Rotterdam is a melting pot of people and cultures from all over the world. And with this comes a great choice of food. Explore the different tastes ranging from Surinam Pom, Chinese noodles, Japanese Sushi or Terayaki, Indonesian Nasi Campur, and Mexican Tacos to the typical Dutch Pancake.

22. Going for lunch in Rotterdam

the interior of  vegan Copper Branch restaurant in Rotterdam
Cozy interior at Copper Branch

Here are restaurants we can highly recommend, located near the highlights we mentioned earlier. We don’t want you wandering in the pouring rain to get there!

Many places that we recommend are also great for just coffee.

When you visit the Markthal, you should try out the many little dishes served at the food stalls. Our number 1 tip when traveling as a couple, family, or group of friends is to order 1 dish from several stands and then share to experience all types of flavors.

Other great places within 10-minutes walk from Blaak and Markthal are Dudok Restaurant, Savor & Nosh, Copper Branch (vegan), and The Backyard (vegan). Further into the center of Rotterdam, you have the modern-styled Serve along the Coolsingel near the shopping street Lijnbaan,

Hoofdstraat has many places to eat and is located behind the library which has many lunch places to choose from. We enjoyed lunch at Round&Round and Amada Coffee.

If you happen to be near Hotel New York or visiting the Photo Museum at the Wilheminakade, you can enjoy the setting and lunch at the restaurant in the Hotel New York or pop in for lunch at the Food Hallen. The latter is a great option if you want to enjoy various types of dishes.

seating area at the Food hallen with a old warehouse look
It can still be quiet for lunch at the Food Hallen

Done wandering through the museums at Museumpark? Witte de Withstraat is close by. There are dozens of places to grab a bite here. We suggest heading to the restaurant Bazar and Vegan Junk Food bar.

On the weekends and public holidays, restaurants in Rotterdam fill up quickly. This is also the case on rainy days. So make sure you head to the lunch place on time, to avoid disappointment. You can also call ahead.

23. Coffee or afternoon tea to warm up in Rotterdam

small and busy coffee place in Rotterdam
Many little coffee places scattered throughout Rotterdam

There are many types of coffee places in Rotterdam. You have Cafe Bakeries, Pop-Up Cafes, Fashion Cafes (also sell clothing), Speciality Cafes and there is even a cafe in a bike repair shop. Some offer great afternoon tea options too.

On a rainy day in Rotterdam, we suggest going to one of the many cozy places near the highlights so you won’t be in the rain too long.

a case display at Jordy's bakery at Katendrecht Rotterdam
Choosing something sweet at Jordy’s Bakery

Deli Plein at Katendrecht (connected by a pedestrian bridge with the Wilhelminakade) has many coffee and lunch places such as Espressobar Kopi Soesoe and Koffiebar Nameste. The latter might not offer afternoon tea, but their sweet selection will satisfy anybody.

While the Fenix Food Factory is recommended by many (we like it too!) we prefer to enjoy this spot on a sunny day. The best way to enjoy the Fenix Factory is sitting outside along the waterfront. When it’s raining you have to sit indoors; in our opinion, there are other nicer coffee places to choose from.

Near the Markthal you have the Nieuwmarkt, a little square surrounded by shops and restaurants. Here you can find many local entrepreneurs serving the best coffee and sweets such as Crave (plant-based pastries), Lila Bakery, NOiAA (gluten-free options), and Nine Bar.

Afternoon tea

a super colourful interior design at Ami Urban Bistro Rotterdam
Ami Urban Bistro, a colorful escape on a rainy day in Rotterdam

Enjoying afternoon tea is also an excellent way to make the best of the bad weather in Rotterdam. Hotel New York has great high tea. However, also located at the Wilhelminakade is the fairytale-like Ami Urban Bistro. They serve a wonderful afternoon tea.

Other wonderful places to indulge in a high-tea moment in the city center are Anne&Max at the Korte Hoogstraat and Round&Round which offers a Japanese afternoon tea experience.


Other Rainy Day Activities in Rotterdam

24. Shopping at City Centre

shops in Rotterdam city center
Popular shopping street (Lijnbaan) in Rotterdam

In the heart of Rotterdam, you have two shopping streets (Lijnbaan & Koopgoot) that are slightly roofed making it perfect to walk along when it’s raining.

Most shops along these particular streets are international fashion brands. But sevaral are originally from the Netherlands such as HEMA and C&A.

You need to shop along the Oude Binnenweg, Pannekoekstraat (Halhof), or Hoogstraat if you are looking for boutiques, pop-up stores, or locally owned shops in the city center.

However, these shops are less attractive in the pouring rain. But then again, this can still be an option for the shopping die-hards among us with an umbrella.

25. Hop on Hop off Bus

bustop number 5 of the city sightseeing bus Rotterdam with the Erasmus bridge and The Rotterdam building in the back
One of the many hop on hop off bus stops in Rotterdam

The Hop on Hop off bus is the ideal way to get around town without figuring out public transportation schedules and getting bothered by the rain. The bus has 6 stops in the city, all near the activities mentioned in this article. 

Additionally, you must experience the water as well when visiting Rotterdam. So it’s great that you can take the Hop on Hop off Boat with the same ticket too.

Ticket: 19,50p.p

26. Rotterdam Harbour Boat Tour 

point of departure of the Spido tour boat at the Erasmus bridge Rotterdam
Spido tours leave at the foot of the Erasmus bridge

While the water taxi is a great way to see Rotterdam from the water, bigger boat tours take you a bit further towards the largest port in Europe. This is the perfect rainy day activity to see more than just Rotterdam city center. Here are the top 3 river cruises in Rotterdam:

Spido. Location: Willemsplein 85 (next to the Erasmusbridge) Duration: 75 minutes Cost: Adults €16.50, 4 until 11 years € 9.65, younger than 4 go free, Family tickets €49.95. You can purchase combination tickets on their site together with SS Rotterdam, Maritime Museum, Remastered, Mini World)

River Cruise Rotterdam. Location: Parkhaven 13 across the Euromast Duration: 1h or 1,5h Cost: Adult €14 or €16.50, 3 until 11 years €10 or €11

Harbour Cruise on a Historic Ship. Location: between Euromast and Willemsbrug, nearby ‘De Boompjes” Duration: 1,5 h Cost: Adult €15, 4 until 11 years €10

27. Splashtours

the yellow floating bus from the Splashtour together with the water taxi on the Maas river Rotterdam
A bus floating in the water: Splashtour

Is it a bus? Is it a boat? Nope. You saw it correctly, it is both. This amphibious bus will take you through Rotterdam before splashing into the River Maas from where you can enjoy the city from the water.

It does get fully booked quickly, so check a weather app to see how the weather will be in Rotterdam. This a perfect thing to do when it rains. 

Location: Parkhaven 11 Duration: 1 hour

Ticket: Adult €28.50, younger than 11 years €19.50

28. The Euromast

The Euromast is the best place to be to have a view of the entire city. The restaurant is perfect to enjoy lunch with the best views of the city. At the observation deck, you can see as far as The Hague. 

On a rainy day, the view might not be that clear, but it is still worth it to head higher up to the Euroscoop where you will be seated indoors behind glass.

The highlight of this 7-minute experience is that the floor can be transparent (optional for those who have a fear of heights). Together with the music, lights, and storytelling, it is definitely a lift-off you don’t want to miss.

Make sure you wear rain gear. There isn’t much shelter at the observation deck. An umbrella will not survive the heavy winds at 150m high.  

If the weather isn’t too bad we suggest walking through the beautiful park towards the river.

Tickets: Adult from €18,50, 4-18 years from €15, cheaper to buy tickets online. Prices differ depending on day.


Does it rain a lot in Rotterdam?

admiring the city hall in rotterdam in the rain
Rotterdam City Hall

First of all, let’s start with the chance of you being in Rotterdam on a rainy day. Well unfortunately chances are high since it pretty much rains all year round. That is the case for every Dutch city of course…

Rotterdam has an average of 815 millimeters of rainfall spread over the whole year. You would expect that autumn (Sept-Dec) and winter (Dec-Feb) would be the months with the most rain, but surprisingly it isn’t. These months are the wettest. But August has the most rainfall (88mm).

In the middle of the summer season, you can have heavy short showers (knmi.nl). So be prepared for rain, even in the summer.

These short heavy showers are nothing compared to the drizzly rain you experience during the coldest months. These can last the whole day.

view of Rotterdam skyline in bad weather
Rotterdam in July

Sadly 2023 was the wettest year in the Netherlands in 100 years.

And it was not a joke.

It rained every day in October, November, and December. As you can imagine I had enough opportunities to discover how to survive a rainy day in Rotterdam….

On top of that, the drop in temperatures and the strong wind that the Netherlands is known for doesn’t make visiting Rotterdam sound all that attractive anymore.

But don’t be disheartened. There are plenty of things to do to make a rainy day in Rotterdam one to remember.


Proper gear to enjoy a rainy day in Rotterdam

cyclists in the rain in Rotterdam city center
Dutch people don’t really mind getting soaked

It might be straightforward to bring an umbrella if you know it will be raining on your visit to Rotterdam. Yes, an umbrella can be convenient. But it needs to be a strong one if you are going to use it the entire day.

You see….the wind in Rotterdam can be crazy. The strong gush of winds will break a little foldable umbrella in seconds. I have seen bins full of them at the end of the day.

Also, when it comes to rain gear don’t take the average Dutch person as an example. They would just use regular non-waterproof clothing even if it rains every day. Somehow they don’t mind getting soaked every time they need to get somewhere.

clear skies with one big cloud above a canal in Rotterdam with historic and modern buildings
Clear skies after a whole morning rain in Rotterdam

A raincoat is the best gear for a visit to any city such as Rotterdam.

Luckily there are a lot of nice raincoats on the market that you don’t even mind using when it isn’t raining. Not only will it keep you dry from the rain, but it will protect you from the wind as well. Something pretty essential as well here in Rotterdam.


Getting around on a rainy day in Rotterdam

The great thing about any big city in the Netherlands is their public transport. Such is the case for Rotterdam as well. And when it is raining, what better way to explore the cool sights of this city than sitting nice and dry in a tram?

The Rotterdam public transportation system (called the RET) has buses, metros, and trams.

The yellow cube houses in Rotterdam with a tram passing underneath

On a rainy day in Rotterdam, I suggest going for the tram so you can take detours through the city center and around.

You will be able to see different areas and architecture. And spotting street art and murals is fun.

I bet you will be surprised that Rotterdam isn’t high-rise and modern architecture only.


Rotterdam Public Transportation Tickets

The Rotterdam Public Transporation System (RET) offers various ticket options. First, there is the Dutch OV-chipcard (€7,50) which you can top-up and use for any type of public transportation system in the Netherlands. With this card, you will pay by stretch.

You can also pay directly with your debit card, however, everybody has to have their own. This isn’t possible if you are traveling with small kids who don’t have one.

Or…

You can choose to go for the following:

1 Day Card€9,50Permitted to use tram, bus, and metro in Rotterdam till 4 AM
1 Day Child Card
4 until 11 years
€5,-Permitted to use tram, bus, and metro in Rotterdam till 4AM
2 Hours Card€4,50One-way or round-trip during a period of no more than two consecutive hours.
Tourist Day Ticket€15,50Permitted to use tram, bus, and metro in Rotterdam till 4AM

You can purchase these tickets at the vending machine at the metro stations, on the RET APP, or at Rotterdam The Hague Airport.

Make sure you ‘check in’ and ‘check out’ every time you embark and disembark from the tram by touching your card or barcode on the barcode scanners near the door.

The RET also recommends taking the bus. Two bus lines take you along the highlights and various neighborhoods of Rotterdam. It is worth checking this out when you want to shelter from the rain.

Which Rotterdam tram and metro lines should you take?

signs indicating the tram number at central station in Rotterdam
Hop on the many trams leaving from Rotterdam Central Station

When leaving from Rotterdam Central Station, the most popular highlights and the tram lines that take you there are:

  • Markthal, Library, Cube Houses, St Laurenskerk (Rotterdam Church): #21 or #24 towards De Esch disembark at Station Blaak
  • Euromast: #8 towards Spangen disembark at Euromast
  • Maritime Museum: #E towards Slinge disembark at stop Beurs
  • Museum Park (where most museums are found): #7 towards Willemsplein disembark at stop Museumplein
  • Hotel New York, Erasmus bridge, Food Hallen at the Wilhelminekade: #E or #25 towards Slinge/Feyenoord disembark at Wilheminaplein
  • Delfshaven: #8 towards Spangen, disembark at Station Delfshaven, or hop on a metro straight to Delfshaven metro station.


Conclusion: How to survive a rainy day in Rotterdam

Rain doesn’t stop us from showing our friends the best of Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a huge city that has so much to offer. You can easily spend a couple of days checking out its highlights and the different neighborhoods.

While I always try not to let rain spoil the fun, it does make wandering through the streets of Rotterdam less pleasing. You are likely trying to get out of the rain and looking for indoor activities instead of admiring the modern and historic buildings, discovering incredible murals, and taking in the wonderful views from the riverfront.

Because this is what makes Rotterdam a great city…

Luckily there is a lot to do on a rainy day in Rotterdam. We recommend sticking to one or two specific areas where you can enjoy most of the highlights. Plus we suggest moving from one neighborhood to another by metro or tram.

By doing so you will be out of the rain or any type of bad weather (the winter cold is sometimes unbearable too!) during your visit to Rotterdam.

And if you are visiting Rotterdam for the first time and the weather is bad, please give it another chance if you happen to be nearby again. Sunny clear skies will give you a totally different impression and experience.