The best things to do in Rotterdam: from neon to Nieuwe Maas
It's Friday afternoon and the group chat is exploding. "What are we doing this weekend?" Someone suggests the cinema, someone else isn't in the mood for another terrace that's already packed by five o'clock. Sound familiar? Rotterdam has so much to offer that the choice-stress is sometimes bigger than the outing itself.
Or maybe you're the parent standing at the window on a grey Saturday morning, while two kids on the sofa are loudly announcing that they're bored. The rain taps against the glass, the museum feels like a gamble with small, tired little legs, and your head is already spinning towards "what on earth are we doing today".
Good news: you're in the right place. In this guide we dive into the best things to do in Rotterdam, from active evenings to cultural mornings, from a family day out to a night with friends. We'll start with the spot we hear described most often as "secretly the highlight of the day": Gamestate De Kuip. After that, we'll take you along the city's classics, so you can build a complete day or evening in Rotterdam that works for everyone in your group.
1. Gamestate De Kuip: the best things to do in Rotterdam for gamers, families and groups 🕹️
Looking for the best things to do in Rotterdam that genuinely work for everyone, from your six-year-old niece to your fifty-year-old colleague? Then start at [Gamestate De Kuip](/en/de-kuip). Right next to the legendary Feyenoord stadium at Cor Kieboomplein 109, you'll find one of the largest arcade halls in the Benelux. Picture a neon-lit gaming floor full of high scores, cheering, and the rattle of tickets rolling out of the machines.
What makes Gamestate such a strong answer to the question "what is there to do in Rotterdam today" is its flexibility. You don't need to book anything, you simply walk in whenever suits you. Rainy Sunday? Fine. Spontaneous Friday evening after work? Also fine. That low-threshold approach makes Gamestate just as good a first choice as it is a strong plan B when the weather or the schedule isn't cooperating.
An unmatched range of games for every age
Gamestate De Kuip isn't an arcade with three pinball machines in the corner. You'll find more than ninety life-size games, spread across categories that offer something for every age and every mood. Ready for a Next Level afternoon of play?
- **Racing simulators:** race against your friends or your kids on the Mario Kart Arcade GP DX or MotoGP, complete with real steering wheel vibration and shouting when you spin off the track.
- **Virtual reality:** step into the world of Beat Saber or The Walking Dead and experience why VR has become one of Rotterdam's most popular activities.
- **Ticket games and redemption:** classics like skee-ball and the claw machine earn you tickets that you can later trade in at the prize wall, ideal for the youngest visitors.
- **Air hockey and basketball hoops:** perfect for getting the whole family playing at once, even if grandma and grandpa tag along.
- **Dance games and punch bags:** secretly a workout for mum and dad too, while the kids are convinced it's just play.
The combination of retro arcade nostalgia and modern technology is exactly what sets Gamestate apart from an average playground. Teens who "find everything boring" suddenly come alive at the racing simulators, while the little ones happily entertain themselves with the ticket games.
The convenience of the Playcard system
Instead of lugging around loose coins, Gamestate works with the [Playcard](https://gamestate.com/playcard): a rechargeable card that you use to play, earn points and collect tickets. Your balance and tickets remain valid indefinitely, even if you don't come back for a few weeks. That means a partially spent balance is never lost, handy for the family budget and for your own wallet.
If you register your card online in advance, you also get an extra bonus and can have your balance blocked if the card is lost. A small effort that saves you a lot of hassle if the card disappears somewhere between the sofa and the car.
A tip for anyone who wants to plan smart: join in on Winners Wednesday. On Wednesdays, most games are half price, making this the ideal day during school holidays or simply whenever you want a budget-friendly afternoon full of gaming fun.
Do I need to book in advance at Gamestate De Kuip?
No, that's not necessary. You simply walk in whenever suits you, whether that's a spontaneous Friday evening after work or a rainy Sunday afternoon. That flexibility makes Gamestate both a strong first choice and a handy plan B.
How exactly does the Playcard system work?
The Playcard is a rechargeable card that you use to play, earn points and collect tickets, with no hassle from loose coins. Your balance and tickets remain valid indefinitely, even if you don't come back for a few weeks. Register your card online in advance to get an extra bonus and to be able to block your balance if it's lost.
Is Gamestate De Kuip suitable for all ages?
Absolutely, from your six-year-old niece to your fifty-year-old colleague, there's something for everyone. With more than ninety life-size games, from racing simulators and VR to ticket games, air hockey and dance games, there's something to suit every age and every mood.
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