If you’re a lover of film and travel, we’ve got the perfect way to join the two! A trip to the International Film Festival in Rotterdam lets you see some of the hottest new releases before anyone else does.
The IFFR is also the ideal way to see Rotterdam’s incredible architecture – screenings are held in some of the most stunning cinemas in Europe. Find out more about each venue with our guide to start dreaming of your marvellous movie adventure.
This annual celebration of the global film industry was founded in 1972 and 2023 will be its 52nd edition. This amazing event will run from January 25th to February 5th and is the first in-person event since 2020! So if you’ve been missing your cultural fix of film festivals or want to go to one for the first time, Rotterdam Festival is a great place to start.
Travelling to Rotterdam with P&O Ferries is also simple thanks to our regular crossing from Hull – if you’re planning to drive onboard you can enjoy a super flexible way to bring everything you might need!
Kino Rotterdam
Our first Rotterdam film fest venue was founded in October 2016 but was a renovation of a historic building in the centre of Rotterdam that had served the city for more than a hundred years. Inside you’ll find four screens, a bar and NIKO’s restaurant! This food spot serves up amazing burgers so you can get a bite to eat after seeing the latest arthouse hit.
You’ll find this cinema at 129-133 Gouvernestraat, 3014 PM – we definitely recommend visiting on a Rotterdam day trip or mini break. This venue is open seven days a week and the building serves as a meeting place for film lovers from all over the Netherlands. So if you’re in town for the film festival be sure to stop off at Kino Rotterdam.
Kinepolis Cinerama
Our next pick for your Rotterdam visit started in 1960 and was rebuilt in the 1980s. With seven screens and a retro exterior that’s great for taking photos next to, Kinepolis Cinerama is a much-loved part of the IFFR film festival.
This venue also plays a part in the Arab Film Festival and Nature Film Festival so if you’re visiting check out what might be on before you get to Rotterdam! You’ll find this unique venue on Westblaak 18, 3012 KL – it’s just a short walk from Beurs metro station so easy to get to from anywhere in Rotterdam.
Nearby, Tensai Ramen is a great option to stop off for a warming bowl of broth if you’re visiting during January for IFFR
Pathé Schouwburgplein
Our next stop for the IFFR is located just next to Chinatown in Rotterdam. So if you fancy checking out some amazing cuisine at Takumi Ramen Kitchen before seeing what’s on offer at Pathé Schouwburgplein, it’s just a short walk away.
This cinema was completely renovated in 2018 and has 7 screens that range from 139 to 533 seated capacity. In every screen, you’ll find luxurious seating with amazing legroom for ultimate comfort.
This venue is on Schouwburgplein 101, 3012 CL and is also easy to get to as it’s just 5 minutes walking distance from Central Station. If you’re driving to Rotterdam you’ll be pleased to know that parking is available under the cinema.
LantarenVenster
Cinema sightseeing in Rotterdam wouldn’t be complete without a visit to LantarenVenster. The original site opened in 1949 at Gouvernestraat. More recently it moved to its current site in October 2010.
It is now on the Wilhelmina Pier that’s at the heart of the Kop van Zuid district. This means you can expect amazing views over nearby Rijnhaven Harbour. Once you’ve seen a film in this venue, remember to check out some of their simple and delicious dishes at the restaurant in the foyer – you can even dine on their outdoor terrace!
You’ll find LantarenVenster at Otto Reuchlinweg 996, 3072 MD – this is a short two-minute walk from Wilhelminaplein metro station and there are multiple car parks near this Rotterdam old harbour landmark.
Theater Rotterdam Schouwburg
As one of the major Annual Film Festivals in Europe, IFFR needs the space of plenty of amazing venues and the Theater Rotterdam Schouwburg is nestled within walking distance of the Pathe Schouwburgplein.
With a varied programme of dance, theatre and much more alongside films, it’s worth taking a look at what’s on here at any time of year on a visit to Rotterdam. For some delicious and easy eating near this Rotterdam must-see, we’d suggest stopping off at SUGO Pizza – Aert van Nesstraat.
As you wander Rotterdam’s streets, you’ll discover that most attractions are easy to get to and this top pick at Schouwburgplein 25, 3012 CL is just a 7 min walk from Stadhuis or Beurs stations!
Oude Luxor Theater
Our final Rotterdam must-see cinema was opened all the way back in 1917! It was later rebuilt in 1928 and renovated in the 1970s in the modernist style you’ll see today. This attraction was extremely lucky during World War II as it was the only cinema that avoided heavy bombing.
Originally, an incredible 1,600 people could fit across its floor and balcony level. While this pick of our things to do in Rotterdam has now been made more compact but is still just as magnificent.
At just a short stroll from Rotterdam Stadhuis station, be sure to visit this amazing cinema at Kruiskade 10 3012 EH Rotterdam.
