Exciting Dutch city of Rotterdam crowned Europe’s top 2025 getaway [Image by Mark de Rooij from Pixabay]Recently, Amsterdam in the Netherlands hasn’t been particularly welcoming, but the city of Rotterdam is a different story. Where Amsterdam has “stay away” ads, Rotterdam is a welcoming and fascinating city, ideal as an alternative and great in its own right. Among other results, Timeout has released Europe‘s Top City to Visit in 2025, and coming in at No. 1 is Rotterdam.
Europe’s Top City to Visit in 2025 is Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Cube House in Rotterdam [Image by Rob van der Vloed from Pixabay]Recently, there have been reports of overtourism in Amsterdam, also outlining the fact that some British tourists have caused controversy in the city. The city’s “Stay Away” campaign has highlighted the problems. However, when visiting the Netherlands, there are plenty more great choices to visit, including Time Out’s choice, Rotterdam.
Among other “tops,” Time Out has recently revealed that Rotterdam is the top city to visit for 2025. This significant port city in South Holland, also boasts picturesque canals. However, when visiting you are far more likely to find local residents smiling at you and welcoming you to their city.
Heartbeat of the Netherlands
Aerial view of Rotterdam [Image by djedj from Pixabay]While most believe Amsterdam is a staple of Dutch culture and the Netherlands’ main tourism hub, Rotterdam is considered the country’s true heartbeat. While it hosts only around 200,000 fewer people than Amsterdam, it is a reasonably large city offering many outdoor and indoor attractions and urban delights.
When speaking of museums, Rotterdam is about to open a new, much anticipated museum that opens in May 2025. According to their website, Felix is the “first museum in the world that tells stories of migration through art.” Time Out already ranks Fenix as one of the 25 Best New Things To Do In The World in 2025.
What to do in Rotterdam
[Image by Ahmet Burak Çanakcı from Pixabay]Until that museum opens, the city has many more attractions including Katendecht. This former buzzing Chinatown, with its seedy bars and more, has now been transformed. These days Katendecht is now a hip neighborhood, offering restaurants and food halls, striking graffiti murals and a Dutch Pinball Museum.
Dutch Pinball Museum [Dutch Pinball Museum on Facebook]Meanwhile, the heartbeat of the city is Witte de Withstraat, a hub for entertainment and all things related to fun. Besides the Museum Quarter, this neighborhood is a must on any traveler’s itinerary. Foodies will welcome a vast range of cuisines, including Vietnamese and more.
Moreover, a visit to Spido Harbour is a great place to enjoy panoramic views from the only part of the city that was not bombed in WWII. From here, scenes of Rotterdam’s stunning skyline and waterways.
This is a brief introduction to this vibrant city. Learn more about Rotterdam on the official tourism website.
How to get to Rotterdam
Rotterdam [Image by djedj from Pixabay]At present, no US airports offer direct flights to Rotterdam, meaning travelers will have one connection on their journey, whether flying or traveling by train. However, major European hubs like Barcelona, Istanbul, Lisbon, and London. Alternatively, if flying into Amsterdam, a train to Rotterdam takes only 33 minutes.