Optica Quantum 2.0 Conference and Exhibition

Welcome to Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is a dynamic and modern city in the heart of the Netherlands. Known for its innovative architecture, Rotterdam is a city that beautifully blends historic charm with cutting-edge design. With its bustling port, it is easy to see why the city is often referred to as the "Gateway to Europe." 

Things to Do

Museums & Attractions

Museumpark
The ultimate arts and culture street in Rotterdam, de Witte de Withstraat, is known for its artistic, multicultural and lively character. Referred to as the city's “Axis of Art,” it runs from the Maritiem Museum to the Museumpark and is lined with galleries, avant-garde fashion boutiques, restaurants and art cafes. 

National History Museum Rotterdam
The permanent collection of birds, mammals, fish, insects, shells and plants shows earth's biodiversity in all its variety. 

Rotterdam Zoo Blijdorp
Diergaarde Blijdorp is located in the Blijdorp district of Rotterdam Norht. Stroll over the African Savannah and come face to face with giraffes. Visit gorilla Bokito and his family, walk on the seabed in the fully covered Oceanium and meet stingrays and sharks. 

Chabot Museum
The Chabot museum manages one of the most important collections of painter and sculptor Henk Chabot (1894 - 1949), a Dutch expressionist. As a painter of farmers and horticulturists, the Dutch landscape and in the war years of refugees and people in hiding, Chabot has his own place in Dutch modern art. 

Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen
The first art storage depot in the world that offers access to a complete collection without the intervention of a curator. As opposed to a museum, no exhibitions are held here, but the public can browse independently or with a guide. 

Trompenburg Botanical Gardens & Arboretum
A botanical garden with a large collection of trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs and tubers in Rotterdam on the edge of the city center. 

Outdoor Activities

Het Park and the Schoonoord Gardens
The park, a Valhalla for birds, bats, and insects, is one of Rotterdam's loveliest spots. Once you reach the edge of Het Park you are welcomed into Schoonoord Historic Gardens where ornamental chickens scrounge and, if you're lucky, kingfisher pass by. 

Euromast
The highest watchtower in the Netherlands offers a 360 degree view over Rotterdam and its surroundings. The elevator takes you to a height of 100 meters, where the viewing platform and the Brasserie are located.

UNESCO Werelderfgoed Kinderdijk 
They are world famous for the 19 windmills of the UNESCO World Heritage Kinderdijk. In the northwestern tip of the low-lying Alblasserwaard, the windmills are located along the overwaard and Nederwaard boezems. The windmills are among the most important Dutch monuments. 

Purchase an all-in ticket online in advance for a specific day and time. >

Find a list of similar activities and attractions. >

Shopping and Dining

While shopping in Rotterdam, each area has a different character to suit the diversity and desires and people. From the latest trends to sustainable classics, you will find it hard to leave empty handed. 

Rotterdam's wonderful food culture stems from the enormous cultural diversity in the city. Walk along the West Kruiskade with all its shops and eateries and at the outdoor markets where fresh herring and Surinamese snacks are advertised in many languages, especially at the famous Markthal.