The ultimate guide to the top 10 Rotterdam neighbourhoods

Discover the 11 best neighbourhoods in Rotterdam and find out which one is the best based on the quality of life, safety and internationality.

Stefano

7 minute read

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Updated on 22 Aug 2024

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Living

Rotterdam is one of the most desirable cities in Europe. Its modern spirit and high quality of life make choosing the best neighbourhood in Rotterdam an exciting adventure. But before you start exploring homes for rent in Rotterdam, you need to pick the best area for you.

This is why we’ve found the 10 best and safest neighbourhoods in Rotterdam based on their quality of life, liveability, and affordability. Read on to find your future home!

Right in the middle of it all, this central buzzing area is perfect for young people who want to live in the centre of the action. Rotterdam’s city centre has gained popularity because of its unique architecture featuring buildings like the Cube Houses and the Erasmus Bridge.

The city center offers an array of leisure activities, green places to unwind, and stores to fit any budget and taste. It’s home to the famous Markthal, where you can enjoy culinary delights from around the world. Rotterdam’s city centre also hosts numerous cultural events, festivals, and activities throughout the year, so you can never be bored there.

Living in the city centre, you get picturesque views of the river Maas at a steeper price than some of the other Rotterdam neighbourhoods. Broken down by accommodation type, this is what you can expect in terms of rental prices in the City Center:

• Private room: €850 — €1,250
• Studio: €1,050
• Apartment (1 bedroom): €2,500 — €3,000

Commonly referred to as "Old North” because of its true Dutch vibe, Rotterdam Noord is the quieter neighbour of the city centre. The Noord has become a trendy and up-and-coming neighbourhood in the past few years, attracting young professionals, artists, and creatives.

Despite its modern development, Rotterdam Noord has retained some of its historic charms. The neighbourhood features traditional Dutch architecture, historic streets, and areas like the Old North Square, offering a mix of old and new.

The northern part of Rotterdam is close to natural attractions such as the much-loved Vroesenpark with its fishing pond, playgrounds, hiking trails, and places to picnic or play football. Noord is also within walking distance of the Central Station.

The neighbourhood is well connected to the rest of the city by the city’s well-developed public transport system that operates until late at night. Noord’s accommodation prices are slightly lower, so you can expect rental prices like:

• Private room: €600 — €800
• Studio: €950 — €1,000
• Apartment (1 bedroom): €1,750 — €1,850

Rotterdam Blijdorp, often referred to simply as Blijdorp, is a district in the northern part of Rotterdam known for its zoo, the Diergaarde Blijdorp. It’s the perfect neighbourhood for young families because of its peacefulness, child-friendly amenities and proximity to the centre.

Besides the zoo, Blijdorp has cultural and recreational facilities like community centres, sports, and educational institutions. Locals love the culture, along with the peace and quiet of the green spaces of Blijdorp.

The neighbourhood offers a pleasant environment with tree-lined streets, parks, and recreational areas. While Blijdorp isn’t popular for its dining out and nightlife, the neighbourhood is close enough to the centre for you to be able to go out whenever you’re in the mood for it.

Renting in Blijdorp won’t increase your cost of living in Rotterdam too much, as the prices are considered mid-range. You can expect average monthly rents in Blijdorp to vary between:

• Private room: €900 — €950
• Studio: €950 — €1,000
• Apartment (1 bedroom): €1,695 — €1,850

Kralingen is known for its picturesque surroundings, including the Kralingse Bos park and the Kralingse Plas lake. Located in close proximity to Erasmus University, Kralingen is the best district in Rotterdam for students.

Commuting is extremely simple, as you can bike to the city centre within 10 minutes or hop on one of the frequently running metros or trams. Erasmus University students can take the metro from the Kralingse Zoom stop or use tram 7 to head to Rotterdam Central.

Kralingen is packed with plenty of activities, shops, cafes, and restaurants. You’ll always find something to do in this lively neighbourhood: sail in the Kralingse Lake or run along the Kralingse Polder. You can also have a picnic in the Kralingen Bos, which is often considered the most beautiful park in Rotterdam.

Kralingen has retained some of its historic charm, with areas featuring traditional Dutch architecture, charming streets, and historic landmarks. The prices that you can expect when searching for accommodation in Kralingen are:

• Private room: €925
• Studio: €1,110
• Apartment (1 bedroom): €1,400 — €1,900

The district of Rotterdam West is a puzzle of a few large areas, each with its own unique personality. Bordering the city centre, Rotterdam West has easy connections to the rest of the city via public transport, bike, or even on foot.

The neighbourhood has become a hub for artists and creatives. Art galleries, studios, and street art create a vibrant and expressive scene. Rotterdam West is home to 2 large parks, including Dakpark, overlooking the port and the canal. There are plenty of spots to exercise outdoors, explore local markets for fresh produce, visit trendy boutiques, or enjoy a variety of dining options.

Compared to some other neighbourhoods in Rotterdam, West offers more affordable housing options, with rental prices averaging:

• Private room: €475 — €780
• Studio: €1,165 — €1,275
• Apartment (1 bedroom): €1,450 — €2,100

Located between the centre and Rotterdam Zuid, Noordereiland is an island in the middle of the city. Noordereiland offers the best of both worlds: proximity to the city's cultural attractions and business districts, tranquillity and gorgeous waterfront views of the Maas River.

You can unwind at the Ons Park, visit an art gallery or enjoy any of the annual cultural events. Being a small district, Noordereiland has a strong sense of community. The mix of old and new buildings creates a unique and charming atmosphere, attracting residents who appreciate a blend of history and modernity. It’s the ideal neighbourhood for young professionals or families.

This is a sought-after neighbourhood, making the rental prices for rooms, studios and apartments in Rotterdam's Noordereiland higher. You can expect monthly rent around:

• Private room: €850
• Studio: €2,200
• Apartment (1 bedroom): €2,400

Delfshaven, found on the western side of Rotterdam, is another waterfront district. It’s one of the few areas in Rotterdam that survived the bombings during World War II, preserving its historic architecture and old-world charm.

With its cobblestone streets and canals, Delfshaven is the perfect neighborhood for working professionals and families who prefer typical Dutch architecture and vibe.

The neighbourhood is wonderfully connected via public transport so that you can easily to the city centre and other important areas of Rotterdam. Delfshaven has a mix of local markets, shops, and boutiques, contributing to a vibrant local economy. Het Park is nearby, offering a space to relax, walk, or run.

This Rotterdam neighbourhood has plenty of accommodation options varying from mid-range to more upscale. You can expect rental prices in terms of:

• Private room: €780 — €825
• Studio: €1,100
• Apartment (1 bedroom): €1,995

If you're looking for a house with a garden and a school within walking distance for your kids, Prins Alexander is the place to be. Prins Alexander is a calm, green area with lots of families in the northeast region of Rotterdam.

Prins Alexander is known for its abundance of green spaces and parks. The Kralingse Bos park and the Zevenhuizerplas lake provide outdoor activities and relaxation opportunities. Besides green spaces, Prins Alexander offers recreational facilities such as sports clubs, swimming pools, and community centres.

The district is also near De Rottemeren, a canal that runs through several country farms, providing a place for quiet walks. It’s also close to the beach and the stores of Nesselande.

Prins Alexander has shopping centres, supermarkets, and local markets that cater to residents' daily needs. This area is connected to the rest of Rotterdam with metro lines, and it also has the Rotterdam Alexander railway station, which connects the area to many of the important areas in Rotterdam and the surrounding region.

In terms of housing prices, Prins Alexander has normal rental prices for the area. Broken down by accommodation type, the average rental prices in Prins Alexander are:

• Private room: €850 — €950
• Studio: €1,150
• Apartment (2 bedroom): €1,890 — €2,100

A green and calm area located on the northeast of the city that preserves the old village centre and elegant residential streets. Hillegersberg is well-connected to the City Center via public transportation at Station Noord, making it simple to get back and forth to the university in Kralingen and the central business districts.

Hillegersberg is proud of its commitment to its green landscape, with its mature trees, the lake of Bergse Voorplas, canals and parks, including Prinsenmolenpark and Berge- en Broekpark. It’s also home to Nesselande and Oosterhof (Alexandrium), a large mall filled with stores of many popular brands.

This area is very appealing to students or young professionals who may not want to be right in the centre of the action. Its residential feel attracts plenty of families, too! Rental prices can vary anywhere from moderate to somewhat expensive. To give you an idea:

• Private room: €500 — €800
• Studio: €1,120
• Apartment (2 bedroom): €1,695 — €3,500

Kop van Zuid and Katendrecht are 2 neighbourhoods that are located south of the Maas River and are part of the upscale section of South Rotterdam. They are hip, trendy and have a vibrant feel, making them ideal for young adults.

If you love special events, you’ll want to spend a lot of time at Luxor Theater in Kop van Zuid, experiencing everything from concerts to Broadway plays. For those who love food and socialising, head over to the Food Hallen, a spacious food court offering a range of culinary options.

Once you cross the Rijnhavenbrug, you’ll discover Katendrecht. You can visit Theatre Walhalla for local plays and comedy acts here. Dining out options you can find at the Deliplein square or Fenix Food Factory, where you can enjoy drinks and tapas by the Maas River and an amazing skyline.

The rental prices across Kop van Zuid and Katendrecht vary, but you can expect average prices around:

• Private room: €800 — €950
• Studio: €1,000
• Apartment (1-2 bedroom): €1,600 — €2,900

If you want to be at the centre of everything and surrounded by typical Rotterdam architecture, you should consider the City Centre.

Looking for the convenience of of the Central Station and one of the most popular parks in the summer? Noord or Blijdorp might be the right choice for you.

If you're looking for an international vibe and want access to beautiful parks, lakes, and a quiet and classy atmosphere, Kralingen is the place for you. If you're drawn to an exciting neighbourhood with artistic vibes, West is waiting for you.

Want to tell everyone you lived on an island in the middle of the city? Consider Noordereiland for a unique living experience.

Delfshaven, with its typical streets and houses, can be a good compromise between the typical Dutch city and the modern style of Rotterdam.

If tranquillity and large green spaces are what you're after, take a look at Prins Alexander and Hillegerberg.

Skyscrapers, international vibes, and trendy bars? Kop van Zuid and Katendrecht are the neighbourhoods for you.

If you want to live in one of the cheaper neighbourhoods and one of the most multicultural areas of Rotterdam, then Zuid could be your next home.

Now, that you know all about Rotterdam's best neighborhoods you're ready to start your search for rental homes in Rotterdam. Don't forget to check out our guide to the areas to avoid in Rotterdam to ensure you're making the right choice!