Rotterdam travel guide for business travelers

Traveling to Rotterdam on a business trip and wondering where to get started? Then you’ve come to the right place. This Rotterdam travel guide is designed to give you insight into the city so you can make the most of your time. Get to know the right places to visit in Rotterdam and how to get around, plus some extra tips.

Traveling to, from and within Rotterdam

Whether you travel by train, plane, car or bus, Rotterdam is easily connected within the Netherlands and internationally. You can take the train to Rotterdam Central Station and the city is connected with international cities like Antwerp, Brussels, Paris and London. Rotterdam is just around 25 minutes from Amsterdam airport and around 40 minutes from Amsterdam city center.

You can arrive by plane via the Rotterdam, the Hague or Amsterdam Schiphol airports. Ferry routes also link Rotterdam to the UK. Within Rotterdam, there is tons of public transport available such as metro, trams and buses. You can pay for transportation with OV-chip card or contactless payments.

What are the main business districts in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam has four main business districts, which we detail below:

1. Rotterdam central district (city center)

This area is perfect for easy access to high speed rail network, airports and is home to different businesses from SMEs to startups, scaleups and international corporations like Allianz. Being in the city center, it makes a great jumping off point to explore the city in your free time. 

2. Rotterdam Brainpark

Located in the Eastern part of the city, near the Erasmus University and the Management School. It’s well-located near public transportation, with modern architecture and plenty of green spaces. When traveling for business by car, it’s a great option for business meetings as it’s closer to the major highways.

3. Rivium, Capelle aan den IJssel

This area is home to larger corporate headquarters. It’s located on the outskirts of Rotterdam near Capelle aan den IIssel. This is a new modern area with housing and other public services that make it a great meeting hub. 

4. Rotterdam Alexander

This is one of the most convenient areas, located in the Northeastern part of Rotterdam. It’s easily accessible with rail and public transport.

Where to stay in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a bustling modern city with tons of cool neighborhoods, many of which are a great choice for business travelers staying overnight in the city. 

Key things to keep in mind when choosing where to sleep:

• Commute time – less time traveling to meetings, more time for you

• Nearby dining options – who wants to run around looking for a decent restaurant after a long day of work meetings? Nearby dining options are crucial for convenience
• Near reliable public transportation – Being close to public transportation means travelers are more likely to use it, which is great for travel budgets. 

Kop van Zuid / Wilhelminapier

This area is on the waterfront, where you will see many of the buildings making up Rotterdam’s modern skyline. This is a great choice for those wanting to be out of the bustling city center, in an upscale modern hotel. Business travelers can access other areas like the city center via Rotterdam Water Taxi.

Rotterdam Central District (Weena)

The main area for everything from business to pleasure, with the top visitor sites and many of the major corporate offices can be found here. Rotterdam Centraal station is also here, with great connections to Amsterdam and the Hague, making it a great choice for business travelers. It’s also very walkable.

Rotterdam Centrum & Cool District

This is a great choice for business travelers who are attending conferences or conventions at the World Trade Center, home to the conference center, office spaces and other public amenities. Here you will find conveniently located business hotels and lively restaurants. 

10 Rotterdam places to visit

For those who decide to add on some bleisure to their experience, or who simply have a little extra time to spend in the city, here is a list of the top sites to see.

1. Let your senses be overwhelmed at the Rotterdam Markthal – local market
2. The Maritime Museum 
3. Explore cube houses (Kubuswoningen)
4. Wander around Witte de Withstraat, Rotterdam’s iconic street
5. Erasmus bridge, connecting north and south of the city
6. Feyenoord Rotterdam Stadium (for soccer fans)
7. Cross the river by Watertaxi
8. Visit the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, an accessible art depot located in Museum Park
9. Ride up the Euromast by elevator for panoramic views of the city  
10. Get a sense of 17th century Rotterdam in the historic canal district, Delfshaven, one of the only areas that survived the WWII bombings