Rotterdam, known for its modern architecture and edgy vibe, is not just a typical Dutch city. It’s a playground for thrill-seekers and anyone looking for crazy things to do in Rotterdam. Whether you’re into extreme sports, quirky cultural experiences, or just want to see the city in a completely different light, Rotterdam has you covered.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the most exhilarating, unexpected, and downright wild activities you can do in the city. Get ready to take your Rotterdam experience to a whole new level!
1. Ride a Bike on the Cube Houses’ Rooftop
Discover One of Rotterdam’s Quirkiest Architectural Gems
If you’ve ever seen Rotterdam’s famous Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen), you know they’re a sight to behold. These iconic buildings, designed by architect Piet Blom, are tilted at 45 degrees and look like something straight out of a futuristic sci-fi movie. But the real kicker? You can ride a bike on the rooftop!
The Cube Houses Rotterdam are not just for Instagram photos – head to the roof terrace where you can hop on a bike and cycle across a unique, slanted surface with panoramic views of the city. It’s one of the most crazy things to do in Rotterdam for architecture buffs and adrenaline junkies alike.
- Why You Should Do It: It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Rotterdam’s bold architecture up close and get a fresh perspective of the city from above.
- Where to Book: You can book a rooftop bike tour through local Rotterdam adventure companies. Be sure to check out the Cube House museum if you want to learn more about the design!
2. Try Indoor Skydiving at City Skydive
Soar Like a Bird Without Jumping Out of a Plane
For those craving a rush of adrenaline, indoor skydiving at City Skydive is one of the most crazy things to do in Rotterdam. Unlike traditional skydiving, which requires jumping out of an airplane, indoor skydiving allows you to feel the thrill of free-fall in a safe, controlled environment. All you need is a sense of adventure (and a good flight suit)!
At City Skydive, you’ll be whisked into a vertical wind tunnel that simulates the feeling of falling through the sky. Whether you’re a seasoned skydiver or a first-timer, the experience is both exhilarating and surprisingly accessible.
- Why You Should Do It: Indoor skydiving is an adrenaline-pumping activity that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned adventurers alike. It’s a unique way to experience the feeling of skydiving without the high-altitude jump!
- Where to Book: Book your session in advance on the City Skydive website to ensure availability. They offer packages for beginners and experienced skydivers.
3. Go for a Wild Ride at the Euromast
Zipline Across Rotterdam’s Skyline
If you’re looking for crazy things to do in Rotterdam, you won’t want to miss the Euromast, the city’s iconic observation tower. At 185 meters tall, it offers breathtaking views of Rotterdam. But here’s where the fun begins: You can ride a zipline from the top of the tower!
The Euromast Skyride lets you zoom across the city at high speed, soaring over the urban landscape and offering a view of Rotterdam like no other. It’s a perfect combination of adventure and stunning city views.
- Why You Should Do It: You’ll be ziplining over the city’s beautiful skyline, taking in incredible views and feeling the thrill of the wind in your face.
- Where to Book: You can book your ticket for the Euromast Skyride directly on their website. Don’t forget to check out the observation deck while you’re there!
4. Discover the Underground Graffiti Scene
Explore Rotterdam’s Hidden Art Spaces
For those who prefer to stay on the ground but still want something a bit wild, Rotterdam’s underground street art scene is one of the craziest things to do in the city. Rotterdam is home to some of the most incredible graffiti and murals, especially in areas like the Witte de Withstraat and the Markthal.
Take a guided street art tour to discover hidden gems that most visitors miss. You’ll learn about the artists, the cultural significance of the art, and the rebellious spirit that defines Rotterdam’s vibrant art scene. This is a perfect activity for anyone looking for something different from the usual tourist attractions.
- Why You Should Do It: Rotterdam has a thriving street art culture, and exploring it is an offbeat way to see the city.
- Where to Book: Join a street art tour through local art organizations or check out the Rotterdam Tourist Information (RTI) for more details.
5. Visit the Torture Museum
Dive Into the Dark History of Torture and Punishment
Not for the faint of heart, but for those who are brave enough to explore the darker side of history, the Rotterdam Torture Museum is an educational yet disturbing experience. Here, you’ll find a collection of medieval torture devices and learn about the horrific methods once used to punish criminals.
The museum offers an eerie, eye-opening look at the practices of the past and is sure to be one of the more crazy things to do in Rotterdam for history enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
- Why You Should Do It: If you’re intrigued by history and dark tales, this museum provides a unique experience that’s both educational and shocking.
- Where to Book: Tickets can be purchased on the museum’s official website, or you can simply walk in and explore.
6. Take a Ride on the Water Taxi
Explore Rotterdam from the Water
Looking for a unique and slightly unconventional way to get around the city? Take a water taxi! Rotterdam’s extensive network of waterways means you can zip around the city in a speedboat, cutting through the busy ports and providing a refreshing alternative to traditional public transport.
It’s one of the more crazy things to do in Rotterdam and offers a fun, scenic way to travel while taking in the sights from a different angle.
- Why You Should Do It: The water taxi is a fun, fast way to get around while enjoying Rotterdam’s stunning waterfront and skyline.
- Where to Book: You can book a water taxi Rotterdam via one of the local providers or use the Rotterdam Water Taxi app to plan your journey.
7. Explore the Floating Forest
An Eco-Friendly Adventure Like No Other
One of the most innovative and unique crazy things to do in Rotterdam is to visit the Floating Forest. This eco-project is a floating park on the Maas River, created to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. It’s made up of trees and plants that float on the water, creating a small, floating oasis right in the heart of the city.
- Why You Should Do It: The Floating Forest is an incredibly unique blend of nature and technology, offering a peaceful, surreal experience on the water.
- Where to Book: While it’s a free and public space, you can learn more about this sustainable project by visiting Rotterdam’s tourism website or taking a boat ride around the area.
Embrace the Crazy in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a city full of surprises, offering a range of crazy things to do that will leave you breathless, amazed, and sometimes a little shaken. From skydiving without a plane to discovering the underground art scene, there’s truly something for everyone in this vibrant Dutch city.
So, the next time you’re in Rotterdam, step out of your comfort zone and embrace the wild side. Trust us – you’ll never forget the memories you make here.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to tag your wild Rotterdam adventures on social media and share them with us at ExploreBeam! We’d love to see how you’re exploring the craziest parts of the city.
Looking for more thrilling destinations? Check out our other ExploreBeam travel guides for more off-the-beaten-path recommendations in the Netherlands and beyond. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest travel tips, or share your experiences with us on social media using #ExploreBeam for a chance to be featured in our next blog post!
