10 Must-See Buildings in Rotterdam: A Guide to Modern Dutch Architecture

Rotterdam's 10 must-see architectural buildings include the Kubuswoningen (Cube Houses), Het Witte Huis (Europe's first high-rise from 1898), Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen (the world's first accessible art storage facility), Markthal (featuring the "Dutch Sistine Chapel" ceiling), and the iconic Erasmusbrug (The Swan bridge). Other highlights are Timmerhuis (mixing post-WWII and contemporary design), De Link (a leaning tower at 5.9 degrees), Rotterdam Centraal (futuristic station with Europe's largest rooftop solar project), Fabriek Delfshaven (renovated textile factory), and Pauluskerk (iconic red copper church).

Rotterdam is genuinely famous for its modern urban center, innovative skyscrapers, and high-rises. Every year, visitors and expats flock to the city to enjoy art, gourmet food, and architectural wonders. After years of visiting Rotterdam from Amsterdam, I understand why: the city has consciously rebuilt itself as a laboratory for modern design. World War II bombings destroyed much of old Rotterdam, but rather than mourn what was lost, the city embraced innovation and reconstruction as an opportunity.

For more information about expat life in the Netherlands, visit ExpatsList.org to discover local services and connect with the community.

1. Kubuswoningen (Cube Houses)

Arguably the most famous of Rotterdam's architectural wonders, the Kubuswoningen are a beautiful symbol of the city's early striving for innovation and regeneration. These unconventional cubed houses were designed in the mid-1970s by architect Piet Blom to give the city more character. Located in the Old Harbor (Oude Haven), the cubicles are tilted at 45 degrees atop hexagon-shaped bases. Each house represents a tree, collectively appearing as a forest, hence Het Blaakse Bos (The Blaak Forest). Houses are elevated to maximize space below, where you'll find a chess museum, shops, and waterfront cafés. One resident opened his house as a show cube.

2. Het Witte Huis (White House)

In the old part of town, the Witte Huis was the Dutch answer to radical American architecture in 1898. This innovative 10-story building was Europe's first high-rise office, surviving WWII bombings intact. Designed by Gerrit van der Schuijt, Herman van der Schuijt, and Willem Molenbroek, with hints of Jugendstil and Art Nouveau while retaining nineteenth-century stone construction. At 45 meters tall, it was unprecedented in Europe, with visitors able to take an elevator to the viewing platform. Today, you can visit the Grand Café inside (reservations recommended).

3. Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen

The ultra-modern Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen (2021) adds significantly to Rotterdam's skyline. Its 1,600+ mirrors reflect the Museum Park, with panoramic city views from the top. Designed by Winy Maas of MVRDV, it's the world's first art storage facility offering access to a museum's complete collection. Rather than exhibitions, you wander through to see over 150,000 artworks and get behind-the-scenes looks at conservators and restorers. It won a Special Prize of Commendation at the 2023 European Museum of the Year Awards.

4. Markthal (Market Hall)

The Markthal is more than just a shopping and dining market; its towering curvaceous design by MVRDV is gracefully out of place compared with the city's vertical lines. This 2014 building stands out with its colorful 11,000 square meter ceiling, called the "Dutch Sistine Chapel." The market is covered by a horseshoe-like structure also functioning as residential apartments. Glass panels let residents view restaurants and bars below. Visit the Tijdtrap, a free exhibition displaying medieval Rotterdam archaeological finds.

Explore more about expat experiences and resources on our blog page.

5. Timmerhuis

Rarely is old and new mixed so well. Nicknamed the "cloud of glass and steel," Timmerhuis combines post-WWII reconstruction design with contemporary architecture. Rather than standing alone, this complex beautifully complements surrounding buildings. The historic part (Stadstimmerhuis) was designed in the 1950s, renovated and extended by OMA in 2015, making it one of the Netherlands' most sustainable buildings. It houses offices, residential apartments, and Museum Rotterdam.

6. Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge)

The 802-meter-long Erasmusbrug is arguably Rotterdam's best-known skyline icon. Connecting the northern and southern banks of the Maas river, this bridge has been backdrop for many spectacles, the 2010 Tour de France start, Red Bull Air races, and DJ Tiësto concerts. Inspired by an asymmetrical 139-meter-high pylon, the bridge has many nicknames including "De Zwaan" (The Swan). Designed by Ben van Berkel, Queen Beatrix officially opened it in 1996. It links the city center to Kop van Zuid, a trendy location with hip restaurants and bars.

7. De Link

Located next to the bridge, De Link (Toren op Zuid) is a gorgeous leaning tower designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. Built in 2000, it underwent major renovations when KPN moved headquarters to Rotterdam in 2018. The expansion created space for meeting centers, restaurants, conference rooms, and auditoriums. It leans 5.9 degrees, supported by a 50-meter steel pillar, creating perfect balance. Lights on the front can transform it into a giant 90-by-40-meter billboard.

8. Rotterdam Centraal (Central Station)

The futuristic main train station offers your first experience with Rotterdam's architecture if arriving by train. Designed by three architectural firms, Benthem Crouwel Architects, MVSA Architects, and West 8, it's a gorgeous example of contemporary architecture done right. The spacious entrance hall features the original giant clock, with daylight pouring through transparent walls and roofs. Metal roofs covered with solar cells make Rotterdam Centraal one of Europe's largest rooftop solar projects. Locals endearingly call it "Station Kapsalon."

9. Fabriek Delfshaven

This hidden architectural gem started as Roeloffs' factory for textile dry cleaning. Long destined for demolition, after 30 years of neglect, it was renovated by Mei Architects and Planners in 2013. The beautiful building retained its former look with internal changes. It now contains office spaces, a wide atrium, and a coffee bar. Another beautiful example of Rotterdam's modernist architecture complementing old styles.

10. Pauluskerk (Paul's Church)

You must absolutely walk by the iconic Pauluskerk, a futuristic building with triangular façade elements in red copper. The inside doesn't look like traditional medieval churches; instead, it embraces functionality with kaleidoscopic grace. In the 1980s, the church gained fame as a shelter for society's most vulnerable. How much locals value this architecture? After burglars vandalized it in June 2023, the church's crowdfunding campaign reached its €15,000 goal within one day.

Final Thoughts

Rotterdam's architecture tells a story of destruction and regeneration, of a city that chose innovation over nostalgia. Walking through Rotterdam, you experience modern Dutch architecture at its most ambitious and experimental. From cube houses to mirrored art facilities, from leaning towers to solar-covered stations, Rotterdam demonstrates that constraints can spark genuine creativity.

If you want to list your business or connect with the expat community, visit ExpatsList.org.