See Rotterdam from above. The highest vantage point is, of course, the Euromast (at 185 meters), but there are alternative rooftops offering spectacular views over the city.
EUROMAST
You can see for miles from Rotterdamβs most popular tourist attraction. From the viewing platform 112 meters up, you look out over the entry point for ships sailing into the land. But you can do better than that still; whirl your way up in the rotating Euroscoop to 185 metres. Dare devils can abseil back down the landβs highest tower for β¬55. If you canβt get enough of this amazing view, you can stay on and sleep under the stars in a suite with a private balcony.
Parkhaven 20, euromast.nl
LAURENSKERK
Although 100 metres lower than the Euromast, you can still get a fantastic view of the city from the top of the Grote of Sint Laurens Church β but you have to climb the 300-year-old stairwell first.Β During your guided climb, you pass the carillon that dates back to 1660 and three huge church bells. Because itβs quite a challenging climb, itβs not recommended for children younger than six years old. Every Wednesday at 2pm, Saturday at 12pm and 1.30pm, and during summer (until 18th August) on Friday evenings at 7pm and 8.30pm. Price: β¬5 per person
Grotekerkplein 27, laurenskerkrotterdam.nl
GROOT HANDELSGEBOUW
This notable building right next door to Central Station has a special reputation as a monument to the post-war rebuild of Rotterdam. It is the largest business complex in the land, with an enormous enclosed garden and a huge rooftop. Pay a visit to The Suicide Clubβs patio with outdoor bar and BBQ kitchen (on the eighth floor) for a great view over the city centre. A favourite hang-out for Rotterdammers and visitors. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 4pm.
Stationsplein 45, thesuicideclub.nl
NHOW
Hotel Nhow has a massive terrace on the seventh floor of De Rotterdam, the architectural tour de force of acclaimed Rotterdam architect Rem Koolhaas. Take the lift for a fantastic view over the nearby Erasmus Bridge. To the left youβll see the busy harbour in the distance. Itβs a great place to sip a cocktail and watch the sun go down, and later on in the evening when the city lights come on. Note: the terrace is only open with good weather, but when it is you can stay until 1am, or 2am on the weekends.
Wilhelminakade 137, nhow-rotterdam.com
STROOM
Stroom is located on Lloydpier, a creative district across from the Euromast, in an old electrical factory alongside the Maas river. You can sleep here, eat, drink an espresso, use the internet, buy delicious quality bread from its bakery or pick up some healthy food produced by local farmers. And they have a wonderful lounge terrace on the roof. Open till 9.30pm.
Lloydstraat 1, stroomrotterdam.nl
DAKPARK
Only 9 metres high, so not the winner in this height competition, but nevertheless a unique spot located on the rooftops of Vierhavenstraatβs shops. Watch the ships sail past on the Maas from this vantage point. You can sunbathe, fly kites (it is always windy up there), have a BBQ, do yoga, or wander through the herb garden. It can be accessed via a number of stairways outside the shops.
Vierhavenstraat, dakparkrotterdam.nl
LUCHTSINGEL
Climb the wooden steps to the location where a local train once rode; long forgotten but now coming back to life with a whole lot of cool initiatives taking off there. The wooden foot bridge that winds its way through the area is 390 metres long. Walk over the old train station from here and get a different perspective of the Hofplein Fountain and the busy traffic thoroughfare, the Weena.
Main entrances on the Hofplein and Schiekade, luchtsingel.org
