We all know the beautiful view from the Euromast, the highest observation tower in the Netherlands. But Rotterdam has so much more viewpoints to offer. A whole new world is hidden on top of the buildings of the city, from green rooftops to office terraces.
Escape the city streets and visit the roof terraces below! At some you can even have a bite to eat or something to drink.
Please note: a few rooftops are not public and can only be visited during the Rotterdamse Dakendagen festival.
1. The Rooftop
Soon, a new roof terrace on the iconic Groot Handelsgebouw will open. You are expected to visit the new hotspot The Rooftop here from the beginning of July!
Expect culinary dishes, refreshing cocktails and two terraces with a view of the centre of Rotterdam. Take a seat outside or, for days when the weather is bad, inside to enjoy the panoramic view from the ceiling-high windows.
In addition, there is a huge arcade with fun activities. Play fun arcade games, table football, mini golf and get lost in a life-sized maze. There is also a hidden photobooth to capture all the memories.
Read more about The Rooftop here and discover even more new hotspots.
Address
Stationsplein 45, 3013 AK in Rotterdam
2. Dak van het Depot
Foto door Ossip van Duivenbode
The Depot of Boijmans van Beuningen is the storage place for more than 151,000 works of art. This means that you do not see the artworks here as usual in a curated exhibition. Instead, the works are stored together in different volumes. This way you can see the entire collection that the Boijmans has in house, instead of just the selected works.
Depot Boijmans van Beuningen is one of the architectural highlights of Rotterdam. It is then a real eye-catcher with the mirrored exterior and unusual shape.
During your visit to the Depot it is possible to go up on the roof. Here you have a 360º view of Rotterdam. The roof itself is also a beautiful sight, with lots of greenery and the reflective walls of the building.
A visit to the roof of the Depot can be completely free! On the days that Renilde is open, you can take the lift up for free after 18:00. And admiring the sunset from here is really a gift.
Address
Museumpark 24, 3015 CX Rotterdam
3. Op Het Dak
This is a well known farm/city garden in Rotterdam, located right next to Annabel and Biergarten Rotterdam. I think this is a special part of Rotterdam, it looks like a green courtyard, but then 20 meters in the air.
The DakAkker is a roof farm of up to 1000 m2 where vegetables, fruit and edible flowers are grown and honey bees are kept. It is the largest open-air roof farm in the Netherlands and one of the largest in Europe!
You will also find the Slimdak on the roof of the roof pavilion. A test site for smart water collection.
Let yourself be guided by the roof farmers with an explanation about the DakAkker. When you’re done walking you can take a seat in the rooftop restaurant Teds All Day Brunch. Enjoy a drink, snack and of course the view.
Note: the photo above was taken a few years ago, now it is no longer possible to sit among the greenery, but you do look out on it.
Address
Schiekade 189, 3013 BR Rotterdam
4. Cloud One Bar in Motel One
Motel One, the successful budget design hotel group from Munich, opened its doors in the heart of Rotterdam in early 2023. The hotel is located on the Hoogstraat, between the Markthal and Laurenskerk.
The eye-catcher of the Rotterdam design hotel is the Cloud One bar. As a guest you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city from the fifth floor. Attached to the lamps above the bar table you will find labels of different types of gin, including the most important information about different types of gin. With ceiling-high windows, the bar has a unique view of the city from three sides.
Step outside and enjoy the view from the huge roof terrace, with a 360 degree view of the city.
You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to visit! So are you looking for a nice roof terrace where you can enjoy a drink? Then you are in the right place. While enjoying a Gin-Tonic you can end the day on the roof terrace of the Cloud One bar.
Read more about the opening of Motel One here!
Address
Grotekerkplein 70, 3011 GE Rotterdam
5. Student flat de Hoge Wiek
You won’t easily find a breathtaking 360 degree view of the entire city. This is the reason that Student Flat de Hoge Wiek is my favourite rooftop of Rotterdam.
You are at eye level with the buildings, which, in my opinion, shows Rotterdam at its best. Watch how the Willemsbrug and Erasmusbrug light up slowly while the sun goes down.
There is a spectacular view over the centre of Rotterdam. You can easily spot the Markthal, Laurenskerk and Millennium Tower from the 17th floor.
De Hoge Wiek can certainly compete with the Euromast in terms of shooting the best skyline pictures.
Please note: unfortunately this roof is not a public space, but you can visit it during the Rotterdam rooftop days.
Address
Oostmolenwerf 30-152, 3011 TL Rotterdam
6. Luchtpark Hofbogen
This former train station has been converted into a new public space: Luchtpark Hofbogen. Under this rooftop park you will find trendy restaurants, bars, shops and offices.
I think it’s a nice place where you find your peace and don’t have to leave the vibrant city centre at the same time. Take a walk through this green city park while being surrounded by the buildings of Rotterdam.
This is the longest green rooftop in the Netherlands with a length of 1.9 kilometers. So, enough space for picnics, lounging and strolling in between the vegetable gardens and fruit trees.
Address
Luchtsingel, Rotterdam
7. 42WorkSpace
This cozy office terrace positively surprised me, it’s the perfect place for unique photos of the Rotterdam skyline. You won’t get bored of the 360-degree view where you look out over the Leuvehaven, Millennium Tower and more.
Well-known Rotterdam buildings can be seen here from a unique perspective. Working or studying on this rooftop terrace seems very inspiring to me. You buy a day ticket to try out the office spaces of 42WorkSpaces or visit the rooftop terrace during the Rotterdam Dakendagen.
Did you know that they offer flexible workplaces at 42WorkSpaces? You work here for €20 per day.
Address
Schiedamse Vest 154, 3011 BH Rotterdam
8. Westewagenstraat
This work terrace has a beautiful view of the Grotekerkplein. You can finally view the beautiful Laurens church at eye level instead of from the ground floor.
You can shoot beautiful pictures and street photos of the church and the lively square. Besides a nice view, you also have a useful work terrace with shelter from sun and wind. I already know where I am going to work in the coming summer!
Please note that this is not a public space, contact the owners before you visit the terrace.
Address
Westewagenstraat 60, 3011 AT
9. Fontein Rooftop
Fountain is, as you might guess, named after the Hofplein fountain that can be found right in front of this beautiful place. Travel to the tenth floor for a special roof terrace. From the Fountain Rooftop you have a beautiful 360-degree view of Rotterdam. It is even possible to see The Hague from here!
Unfortunately (for us), Fontein has shifted their focus completely on private events and parties since April 2023. This means that it is no longer possible to join them for dinner. But if you are looking for a special place for your wedding reception, for example, then this is the perfect spot!
Discover unique wedding locations in Rotterdam!
Address
Hofplein 19, 3032 AC Rotterdam
Those were my favourite roofs of Rotterdam! In my previous blog you can find more hidden spots in Rotterdam.
What is your favourite roof in Rotterdam? Let us know in the comments!
