When you sail from Hull to the port in Rotterdam there are loads of fantastic places that you can drive to in under an hour, so even if you only have one day to explore a destination you’ll find plenty of day trips from Rotterdam to choose from.
Whether you are looking for fascinating museums, beautiful canals, stunning architecture, or delicious food, there is somewhere within easy driving distance of Rotterdam that you will absolutely love, and here we share some of our favourites.
Day trips from Rotterdam: Amsterdam
One of the most popular places to visit in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a fun and vibrant city with an atmosphere like no other, and you can drive there in around an hour from Rotterdam. With plenty of bars and restaurants, museums, and activities to choose from during your time here, you’ll want to make sure that you can fit as much into your day trip as possible.
See the city from a different perspective and opt for a canal cruise. Not only will you be able to see all of Amsterdam’s top landmarks, but it will give you a break from wandering around too. There are loads of canal cruises to choose from, and we suggest researching and pre-booking your favourite before you travel, to save time.
Amsterdam is home to some of Europe’s best museums, including the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and the Van Gogh Museum, and you should definitely visit at least one of these during your day trip from Rotterdam.
The Rijksmuseum is perfect if you are interested in Dutch history and culture, the Anne Frank House offers a moving experience based on Anne’s fascinating story, and the Van Gogh Museum is a must-see if you are a fan of this world-famous artist.
Day trips from Rotterdam: The Hague
Holland’s political powerhouse, The Hague, offers a great day trip destination as there’s loads to see and do, and you can drive there in just 40 minutes from the port in Rotterdam which makes it very convenient too.
Art enthusiasts will love the chance to visit Mauritshuis, as this art museum is home to work from a number of amazing Dutch artists, including Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’. To save time, arrive early to avoid queues as this museum gets very busy throughout the day.
Visit the Peace Palace, which is the seat of the International Court of Justice, and take a look at its impressive architecture before heading inside and learning all about its history in the Visitor Centre. From here, take a 25 minute walk to Madurodam, a world of Dutch miniatures that will make you feel like you have seen the whole of the Netherlands.
Between April and October, Madurodam is full of beautiful flowers that make this attraction look even more spectacular, so don’t miss out on a visit here if you are travelling during this time.
Day trips from Rotterdam: Delft
If you dream of wandering along beautiful canals and admiring stunning Dutch architecture, drive just 35 minutes from the port in Rotterdam and you will arrive in the picture-perfect city of Delft.
Full of independent shops, amazing bakeries, cosy cafés, and fabulous buildings, a day trip to Delft offers the perfect chance to relax and unwind as you wander around its pretty streets, stopping off for coffee and pastries along the way.
For unbeatable panoramic views of the city, climb up the 376 stairs that lead to the top of the New Church and enjoy the surrounding scenery from the 85m high tower. You may also like to admire the Oude Kerk (Old Church) which boasts lovely stained glass windows and a large bell, or the City Hall which is located on the Markt just across from the New Church.
Don’t forget to take a look at some of the city’s famous Delftware, charming blue and white pottery that you will spot in different shops as you are exploring, and maybe buy a piece to take home as a souvenir.
With so many great day trips from Rotterdam to choose from, book your crossing from Hull with a car or Motorhome today and visit some of these wonderful cities for yourself, and if you don’t have a car, or would prefer not to drive in the Netherlands, try one of our Mini Cruises which include coach transfers to Amsterdam or The Hague instead.