Witte Huis Rotterdam
Apr 5, 2025

Witte Huis Rotterdam

First skycraper in Europe

""Witte Huis" in Rotterdam, built in 1897, was the first skyscraper in Europe. I just love looking at it at night - it's wonderfully illuminated..."

It may not look high nowadays, but the Witte Huis (White House) was the first highrise building in Europe. The historical skyscraper is the eye catcher of the Oude Haven ever since it was built in 1897 and it still towers proudly over the neighboring buildings.

Eleven stories high (43 meters) this building is famous for its white brick façade and Art Nouveau style. The architects were inspired by the American skyscrapers and wanted to build a European version. Since everything is big in the United States, the height was adapted to European standards.

Miraculously, the Witte Huis survived the bombing and the prior fighting (although there are still some bullet impacts visible). Since the war it is restored numerous times. Unfortunately for us the building isn’t publicly accessible. You can only enter the café on the ground floor, where you could eat or drink something.

My favorite time to have a look at the Witte Huis is at night. During the night the building is wonderfully illuminated and you’ll understand the impact it had on people who saw this building as their first skyscraper.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Geldersekade 1

no-price

Find your way with 146 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Rotterdam guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Rotterdam

CEO Baas van het Vlees Rotterdam

CEO Baas van het Vlees

Carnivores rejoice!

"CEO Baas van het Vlees" restaurant in Rotterdam calls itself the CEO of meat. It might come across as arrogant, but these guys can really back it up...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 23, 2025
Strand De Esch Rotterdam

Strand De Esch

A hidden beach on the Maas

This beach along the Maas River is perfect as a quiet, secluded, sandy beach. It's taken over by nature and even has some willow trees! Just bring a towel.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Nour

Nassar

Apr 22, 2025

Al-Malek Sweets

Syrian baklava

If you are strolling through the area of Delfshaven in Rotterdam and craving something sweet, you have to try the baklava at "Al-Malek Sweets"...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Nour

Nassar

Apr 21, 2025

Park Schoonoord

City zen moments

"Park Schoonoord" in Rotterdam is one of my favorite hidden secret spots. Once I enter this park, all the noise from the city just disappears - so zen...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Davy

Baas

Apr 20, 2025
Aji Rotterdam

Aji

Culinary adventure travel

"Aji" is a South-American and Asian fusion restaurant in Rotterdam. Wait, don't stop reading! The combinations here are truly excellent...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 18, 2025
By Ami Urban Bistro Rotterdam

By Ami Urban Bistro

Colour your day and plate

"By Ami Urban Bistro" is my happy place. It's like no other in Rotterdam. This restaurant is colourful, instagrammable, hip, funky & industrial all in one!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 18, 2025

Jan Bussing Boulangerie

A touch of France

"Jan Bussing Boulangerie" in Rotterdam has delicious French bread. I love the roast beef sandwich and I never leave without a fig & almond bread.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 18, 2025
Kralingse Plas & Bos Rotterdam

Kralingse Plas & Bos

Skyline seen by nature

"Kralingse Plas" and the woodland surrounding it is the largest recreational area in Rotterdam. There's something fairy-tale-like in some of its paths...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 17, 2025

Mouterbrug

Hangout spot

Mouterbrug is a little floating deck in a canal in Delfshaven, Rotterdam. There's lots to explore around, and the neighborhood shared garden is here, too!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Nour

Nassar

Apr 16, 2025

Shaami Huis

The taste of Syria

Shaami Huis in Rotterdam makes shoarma exactly like they do in the Levant! Not a fancy place, but not to miss - their kubba is one of my favorites...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Nour

Nassar

Apr 16, 2025
Het Kasteel Rotterdam

Het Kasteel

SP-AR-TA!

Surrounded by a residential area, Het Kasteel creates an electric atmosphere that extends beyond its historical significance...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Floor

Sonneveld

Apr 15, 2025
Poffertjes Salon Seth Rotterdam

Poffertjes Salon Seth

True Dutchie treats

In a life where everything changes, Seth has managed to stay the same: the best quality poffertjes and many other Dutchie favorites.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 11, 2025

Heading to Rotterdam?

146 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Rotterdam?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

146 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Rotterdam

Get to know our other Spotters from Rotterdam

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
40
Filters