Summer is a perfect time to explore Rotterdam. No need to worry about wearing heavy layers or moving around under an umbrella in summer, simply put on some sunscreen, take your sunglasses and get outside and discover! Before you plan your summer break to Rotterdam, book your perfect accommodation. Our location is close to central station and a short distance from the main attractions of the city and ideal for spending sunny days exploring. Start planning what to do this summer in Rotterdam with our handy guide of the highlights.
Rotterdam’s Summer Carnival - July 26 – 30, 2022
Rotterdam’s Summer Carnival, paired with Rotterdam Unlimited, is one of the biggest festivals in the city. The Summer Carnival is dedicated to celebrating the cultural diversity of the city, this is one of the most fun days to visit Rotterdam. From July 26 – 30, 2022 enjoy an explosion of music, colour, costume, dancing and so much more with a taste of Brazil right on our streets. The parade is a 2.5km procession with more than 2500 dancers from around the world, 25 carnival groups, a great selection of DJs and some marvellous floats that set the city off into a flurry of colour and excitement. The festival and parade are free for all to enjoy.
Let’s go to the Beach
So technically this isn’t INSIDE of Rotterdam, but it’s close enough! The Hook of Holland is just 30-minutes from the centre of the city and is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. Catch a train from Central Station, enjoy the views from the window, pack a picnic and make it a day to remember on one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Enjoy the beautiful sandy beach, restaurants, bars, shops and nature before jumping on a boat for a sightseeing tour. You could also brave a dip in the sea or try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding or other water sports. The Hook of Holland doesn’t get as busy as Scheveningen so its perfect for families.
Enjoy a Boat Trip
Rotterdam is surrounded by water, so the most obvious way to spend a sunny summer day is taking a boat trip! Choose from a slow cruise along the canals or you can take the thrill-seekers Spido boat, which takes you all around Rotterdam’s port, complete with outside seats and a bar which serves food and drinks. An easier, more family-friendly option is the Splashtour bus, which literally is a bus on land, that can float in the water. It’s sure to turn the heads of those who have never seen a floating bus before! You could also take a very handy water taxi to where you’re going in style. We did say boating is popular here.
Enjoy a Picnic in the Park
Rotterdam has many beautiful and spacious parks to enjoy a sunny day. One of the most central parks ‘Het Park’, which is located by the gorgeous Euromast Bridge. It has plenty of green space, beautiful lakes and an abundance of nature to enjoy. Other great parks include Zuiderpark, Museumpark, Vroesenpark and Kralingse Bos, one of the more beautiful and largest parks in the area which is still somewhat of a hidden gem. Grab some lunch to go from Markthal and take it to one of the local green spaces. Bring your favourite book and soak up the summer sun. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Rotterdam Walking Tour
Summer is a perfect time for a walking tour to get to know our diverse and colourful neighbourhood. Enjoy a walking tour, taking 2-3 hours to explore the highlights of the city on foot with an experienced local guide. Admire the architecture, history, art and local hotspots while getting a history and heritage lesson. You will visit places like the Cubic Houses, Markthal and Rotterdam Central Station, Erasmus Bridge and the Old Harbour. Learn about WW2 history and the Port of Rotterdam, places and events that shaped our city. Walking tours are often free with a donation to the hard-working guide at the end.
Book your stay in PREMIER SUITES Rotterdam to enjoy the city like a local from our serviced apartments. Our best available rates and special offers are exclusively available on our website.
