[2025 Rotterdam Hotels] Travel Guide for Stayokay Hostel Rotterdam (Updated Jul)

#summerbudgettrip In the land of wind and water, few places capture the Dutch spirit quite like Kinderdijk—a quiet village of ancient windmills lined up along the dikes. Pair it with a short train ride to The Hague, home of Vermeer and world justice, and you have a perfect one-day journey through two sides of the Netherlands: nature and nobility. ⸻ Morning: Mist and Windmills in Kinderdijk I started early in Rotterdam, hopping on the waterbus to Kinderdijk—a scenic and affordable ride that beats any bus or train. As the boat glided down the rivers, modern cities faded and wetlands took over. By the time I stepped off, I was surrounded by reeds, sky, and windmills that looked as if they’d spun through centuries. Kinderdijk has 19 historic windmills, and many are still operational. Some paths are free to walk, while a small fee lets you enter one and climb its narrow wooden stairs. Inside, you’ll find tiny bedrooms, antique furniture, and the rhythm of blades creaking overhead. I wandered the footpaths for hours—just me, ducks, and the wind. There are few better places in Europe to feel both the power of nature and the ingenuity of people trying to control it. Bring snacks and water—there are few shops, and the stillness is part of the charm.

#hostellife Kijk Kubus, namely cube houses, is one of the Rotterdam trademark. Knowing that there’s a hostel operating just within the cube houses, I was wondering if I should give it a try, which could be a cool experience. And there I went. At RM171/night, it’s not the cheapest, but it always comes with breakfast, which was rather delicous and good in variety. Coffee was also free-flow. But the best thing about the rate is that it’s fixed, no matter how close or far the dates are, so zero anxiety involved. In terms of staying experience, I have to say it’s not as special as I would say. Coz from inside, you don’t get to feel as drastically that the walls are slanted as they really are. And if you’re sleeping on the bed near the walls, you have the chance to hit your head when you wake up (don’t ask how I know, ouch)

#budgetairlines First Landing: Architecture with Attitude After arriving at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, I hopped on the train toward the city. But before diving into The Hague itself, I couldn’t resist a quick detour to Rotterdam—a playground of modern architecture. And right near the station: the iconic Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen). These bright yellow, tilted cubes stacked like houses from a dream look more like origami than real apartments. Some are lived in, one is open to visitors. I stepped inside and climbed the slanted stairs, disoriented in the best way. Everything is at an angle, and yet… it works. It’s a reminder that Dutch design doesn’t just build buildings—it tells stories. Across the square, I spotted the famous Pencil Tower (Het Potlood)—a spire-shaped apartment block that looks like someone dropped a giant gray crayon into the skyline. Weird? Yes. Memorable? Definitely. To The Hague: Sunshine and Still Water After a short train ride, I reached The Hague, a city where politics, art, and the sea all blend into something surprisingly chill. It was a sunny afternoon, and I headed straight to the Hofvijver—the long reflecting pond beside the Dutch Parliament buildings. Locals lounged on the grassy banks, geese floated across the water, and sunlight danced on brick façades. Behind it all, the Binnenhof stood like a fortress of calm power. No ticket needed. No crowds pushing. Just sun, water, and quiet architecture watching you back.