Best Photo Spots in Rotterdam: A Photographer's Guide
Here in the Netherlands, summer has started to show up - still a bit shy, but definitely on its way. And since summer is all about going places and wandering around, I thought it’s the perfect moment to share a few articles with tips on where to head if you’re looking to put your camera to good use.
Since a big part of my readers are scattered across the Netherlands, I figured I’d start close to home - with a local gem, my personal number one among number ones: Rotterdam.
In this guide, I'll take you through some of my favourite photo spots in Rotterdam - from Katendrecht and the skyline around Kop van Zuid to the smaller streets of Delfshaven.
Consider this a continuation of the little series I started on photo-friendly locations in the Netherlands. If you’ve been following, you’ll know I’ve already covered a piece of the coast and Amsterdam.
Best photo spots in Rotterdam
Rotterdam holds a special place in my heart. No wonder it ended up as one of my top 3 cities for street photography in Europe.
I love this city - and that says a lot coming from someone who doesn’t really like cities (especially the big ones). But with Rotterdam, it was love at first sight. Long before photography ever entered the picture.
This place has it all.
And if you’re anything like me - if you’d pick good vibes over big crowds, subtle details over flashy landmarks, and if you enjoy discovering places slowly, soaking in the culture, food, light, nature, and architecture - all with a camera in hand - then Rotterdam might just be your perfect city break destination.
In this blog, I’ll give you a glimpse into some of my favourite streets, neighbourhoods and photo spots. And at the end, I’ll drop a few practical tips on how to get around.
Katendrecht
I only really discovered this part of Rotterdam recently and it’s easily one of my favorites now.
This district — once the largest Chinatown in the Netherlands — doesn’t exactly have the most polished past. It used to be known for opium dens and prostitution, a place where sailors from nearby ships would come ashore and… well, let’s say it was lively.
But since around 2010, Katendrecht has been going through a full-on transformation.
The Katendrecht waterfront feels like it was made for fans of all things industrial. Old port warehouses, steel, brick, and factory bones - I could spend hours just walking around and taking it all in. It will give you plenty of different scenes to photograph within a relatively small area.
The Fenix Migration Museum is absolutely worth a visit (pro tip: book your ticket online). The Nederlands Fotomuseum has also moved to Katendrecht, making the area even more interesting if you're into photography.
After a photo walk, definitely swing by Deliplein, where you’ll find a handful of great bars and restaurants. My top pick is Deli Bird - a small Thai place with big flavour. It’s super popular though, so make sure you book in advance.
Kop van Zuid
Katendrecht connects to Kop van Zuid via the Rijnhaven Bridge — a pedestrian and bike-friendly crossing with a great view.
This district sits on the southern bank of the Nieuwe Maas, directly across from the city center. It’s got a super New York vibe - think wide streets, towering buildings, and a certain cinematic energy - but still feels totally like Rotterdam.
No surprise there, considering this is where Holland America Line ships used to dock, and where you’ll find the iconic Hotel New York, along with a few streets that look like they were lifted straight out of the Big Apple.
The waterside is one of my favourite areas for skyline shots - with the Erasmus Bridge slicing across the view and the city rising up behind it.
It’s your go-to place if you’re into modern architecture and urban photography. The combination of skyscrapers, old harbour buildings and the Nieuwe Maas gives you plenty to work with.
Need a bit of inspiration? Head to Lantaren Venster - a cozy arthouse cinema and concert venue with just the right atmosphere.
Delfshaven
Once a port of the city of Delft, later a town of its own, and now a fully-fledged district of Rotterdam.
It’s one of the few parts of the city that wasn’t flattened during the 1940 bombing, and although it was partially hit again in 1943 by the Allies, much of its original charm survived. And you can feel it in every corner.
Today, it’s a small, laid-back residential area filled with cozy bars and tiny restaurants. With the canal running through it, houseboats along the edge, historic buildings, narrow streets and an old port vibe, it’s full of lovely details waiting to be photographed - and feels far removed from the modern Rotterdam skyline.
A few streets here genuinely feel like a mini Amsterdam - in the best way possible.
Perfect for a slow morning walk (if you’re into calm and quiet) or an evening stroll (if you prefer a bit of buzz).
Euromast
Euromast towers over Rotterdam like it owns the place - and it kind of does. For photographers, it’s one of the best places in Rotterdam to get panoramic views of the skyline, the port and the Nieuwe Maas from above.
At 100 meters, the observation deck already gives you killer 360° views of the city, but if you take the Euroscoop up to 185 meters, things get even better. It’s definitely worth timing your visit for a clear day - unless you’re into those heavy, moody skies.
If you're planning a night shoot, bring a tripod - the tower’s open until late, and there’s enough space on the deck to set up without getting in anyone’s way.
You can book tickets online, and the views are worth it - Rotterdam laid out at your feet, from the port to the skyline, with the river weaving through it all.
Museumpark
Museumpark is home to three of my favorite museums: Kunsthal, Boijmans Van Beuningen, and Het Nieuwe Instituut.
Each one has not only a great cultural offer, but also its own vibe and style. The areas around them shouldn’t be missed, whether you’re into architecture or street photography.
Museumpark is less about one particular landmark and more about the combination of architecture, open space, greenery, and people.
If you want to check out all three (they are worth photographing in their own right), get yourself a Museumkaart - an annual museum pass that gets you into over 500 cultural venues across the Netherlands. It’s a smart investment if you’re planning to visit museums or galleries regularly, saving you a good chunk of money in the long run.
Getting around in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is easy to explore by bike, public transport or simply on foot. But if you're carrying a camera, there are two options that are particularly interesting: the Waterbus and Watertaxi.
Both give you something you don't get from walking around the city - a different perspective on Rotterdam from the water.
And as you probably know, being on the water is a shortcut to some truly amazing photo opportunities.
Waterbus
First up: the Waterbus - a ferry running along the Nieuwe Maas river, from Rotterdam all the way to Dordrecht. It’s part of the public transport system, so you can use your OVpay or OV-chipkaart, just like on other public transport in the Netherlands.
Watertaxi
Even cooler is the Watertaxi. These bright yellow water taxis connect different parts of Rotterdam and the surrounding area, and they’re a fun way to see the city from the water. Booking in advance is recommended, especially on weekends. Bonus: it might be cheaper than Uber.
A final thought
Rotterdam is one of those cities where you don't really need a plan. You simply pick a neighbourhood, take your camera, and start walking.
Each part of the city feels different. Rotterdam is incredibly multicultural, and every neighbourhood has its own character. You can go from clean, minimalistic urban frames with shiny new skyscrapers and modern architecture in the backdrop to vibey, dreamy photographs among old buildings that survived the war, or were rebuilt afterwards and still carry that sense of history and character.
The obvious landmarks are there, of course, but some of my favourite photographs have come from everything in between.
And maybe that's what I like most about photographing Rotterdam. There is always something slightly unexpected around the next corner. You don't have to look for a particular picture or have a destination in mind. Just keep walking and see what catches your attention.
It’s a city that never really gets boring, and somehow I never get tired of photographing it. And the funny part is, I don't even like cities that much.
If you enjoy photographing cities, you might also like my free Project Starter Kit. It's a simple way to turn a few ideas into an actual photography project - without needing to travel somewhere new.