Surroundings

In this section, you can explore places of interest in the vicinity of Rotterdam. Click on the images for more information.

Rotterdam is home to over 650,000 inhabitants. It is the second most populous city in the country, with the Rotterdam metropolitan area reaching 2.82 million people. The population density is around 2,900 inhabitants per square kilometer.

Despite its large size, Rotterdam is a remarkably accessible city to visit, as most of its points of interest are in the city center.

You’ll need a minimum of two days to explore Rotterdam, and if you have the time, consider reserving an extra day or two to visit nearby towns and villages.

The surroundings of Rotterdam are filled with rich history and charming villages that I recommend you visit if you’re spending a few days in the area.

Here’s some information you’ll need to visit some towns located within an hour of public transportation from Rotterdam.

Among the various nearby towns, we recommend:

Brielle. The first city in the Netherlands to be liberated from the Spanish in 1572, boasting over 400 historical buildings.

Delft. The resting place of the Dutch royal family and home to numerous monuments.

Hoek van Holland. A vast beach and areas of great ecological value, such as Hoekse Bosjes and the Staelduinse Bos area.

Kinderdijk. A rural complex with 19 windmills and various canals.

Hellevoetsluis. Formerly a naval base, responsible for protecting the country’s coasts.

Gouda. Internationally renowned for its Gouda cheese, with numerous historical buildings.

Schiedam. The largest producer of gin in the Netherlands, with a cityscape filled with distilleries and historic mansions.

Dordrecht. Its old port, over 800 historical buildings, and the Biesbosch nature reserve.

Vlaardingen. The third most important port in the Netherlands and a city associated with herring.

If you want more information about towns near Rotterdam, visit the city’s tourism page at this link.