The best things to do in Rotterdam: from action to culture

Rain is tapping against the window again, the kids are bored on the couch, and it's only Wednesday afternoon. Sound familiar? Rotterdam is a fantastic city, but under grey skies you still find yourself wondering where you can take the family, your date or your group of friends without everyone starting to whine within ten minutes.

Or maybe it's Friday night and you and your friends still don't have a plan. The pub feels a bit predictable, you've already been to the cinema twice this month, and honestly, everyone just wants some action. Where do you go in Rotterdam when you want to be surprised without endlessly scrolling through tips from friends?

Good news: we've rounded up the best things to do in Rotterdam for you, from pure adrenaline to culture and great food. What's there to do in Rotterdam today, whatever the weather or time of day? Spoiler alert: at the top of this list is a place you can always walk into, rain or shine, day or night. No reservation needed.

1. Gamestate De Kuip: the best things to do in Rotterdam for young and old 🕹️

When we talk about the best things to do in Rotterdam, the list starts at Gamestate De Kuip. This arcade hall at Cor Kieboomplein 109 is fully covered and climate-controlled, so rain, wind or blazing sun never stand in the way of your visit. For families, teens, couples and groups of friends alike, this is the place where everyone finds something to do.

A game floor for every age and every mood

With more than 90 life-size games under one roof, Gamestate offers something for absolutely everyone. Think racing simulators like Mario Kart Arcade GP DX and MotoGP for the speed demons, and virtual reality experiences like Beat Saber and The Walking Dead for anyone looking for a good scare or a dance. For the little ones there's a spacious ticket redemption corner with skee-ball and claw machines, while teens and adults challenge each other at air hockey, dance games like Pump It Up, or a round of the punching bag.

This mix of nostalgic classics and high-tech gaming fun makes Gamestate more than just an arcade hall, it's one of the most complete outings the Rotterdam area has to offer. The company is also the market leader in family entertainment centers in Europe, so you know the quality is spot on. Next Level, basically.

Playcard instead of hunting for loose change

One thing visitors mention time and again is how convenient the Playcard system is. You top up your [Playcard](https://gamestate.com/playcard) once, use it to play every game, and collect tickets for the prize wall. Got credit left over? It doesn't disappear, it simply stays on your card for your next visit. Handy if you're not sure how much budget you'll need, or if the kids want to squeeze in one more round without you having to top up again.

A tip for anyone who likes to plan smart: join in on [Winners Wednesday](https://gamestate.com/winners-wednesday), when most games are half price. Ideal during school holidays or whenever you want a budget-friendly night out in Rotterdam.

Opening hours and getting there near Stadion Feijenoord

Gamestate De Kuip is within walking distance of Stadion Feijenoord, with plenty of parking nearby and good public transport connections towards the centre of Rotterdam. No need to reserve, so whether you drop in spontaneously after a match or plan an evening in advance, you simply walk right in.

| Day | Opening hours |

| --- | --- |

| Sunday through Thursday | 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM |

| Friday and Saturday | 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM |

Planning a birthday party or team outing? Gamestate De Kuip also organizes [birthday parties and team events](/en/de-kuip), including supervision and your own spot in the hall. For the latest information and the full range of options, check out the [Gamestate De Kuip location page](/en/de-kuip).

2. Euromast: the best things to do in Rotterdam with a view 🚁

If you want to see Rotterdam quite literally from above, the Euromast is an obvious stop. From 96 metres up you look out over the Maas, the harbour and the skyline that makes the city so recognizable. On a clear day you can even see all the way to The Hague, and for the daredevils there's the Euroscoop or abseiling down the outside.

From tower to arcade hall: the perfect combo day

The Euromast is best enjoyed during the day or early evening, since the tower closes earlier than the average night out lasts. Combine your morning or afternoon here with a visit to Gamestate De Kuip, and you've got a day that starts with calm and a view and ends with action and competition. While museums and tourist attractions in Rotterdam often close their doors around 5 or 6 PM, Gamestate stays open until midnight on weekdays and until 1 AM on weekends. That makes it the perfect way to close out your day.

3. Markthal and cube houses: fun things to do in Rotterdam for culture lovers 🍔

No list of fun things to do in Rotterdam is complete without the Markthal and the famous cube houses. The Markthal combines architecture with a lively food market, where you can sample everything from fresh oysters to Surinamese snacks. Walk on for a few more minutes and you'll find yourself among the yellow cube houses that have become world famous.

Culture by day, competition by night

This neighbourhood is perfect for a stroll in the morning or early afternoon, followed by lunch right in the Markthal or at Fenix Food Factory a bit further along in Katendrecht. Want to round off the day with a bit more action? A short ride to Gamestate De Kuip makes for a great transition from leisurely wandering to teaming up on the racing simulators.

4. Diergaarde Blijdorp: activities in Rotterdam for the whole family 🦁

For families with younger children, Diergaarde Blijdorp often tops the list of activities in Rotterdam. The zoo has covered halls such as Oceanium and the Rivièrahal, which makes it a pleasant outing even in less-than-perfect weather. Kids can wander for hours among elephants, penguins and tropical birds here.

A day out that suits every age