It was once the largest port in the world. It is now the largest port in Europe and the second largest metropolis in the Netherlands, bustling with futuristic architecture and innovation. It may not look like the rest of the Dutch cities, but the high-level architecture combined with the intense nightlife and Art element, ranks it among the cities that you should definitely visit.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +31
Nearest airports from city center: Rotterdam The Hague Airport (8km), Amsterdam Airport (60km), Antwerp Airport (102km), Eindhoven Airport (107km), Brussels Airport (140km), Dusseldorf Airport (159km), Maastricht Airport (190km) and Liege Airport (220km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** CUBE HOUSES (Overblaak 70, 3011 MH Rotterdam)
The eccentric housing complex designed by Piet Blom (the cubes are tilted at an angle of 45 degrees) is the city’s trademark. It is an impressive creation, which raises questions about how the people who live inside the cubes deal with the strange angles of the walls and windows.
*** MARITIEM MUSEUM ROTTERDAM (Leuvehaven 1, 3011 EA Rotterdam)
Visit the Museum to see a huge collection of naval artefacts, from charts to memorabilia, uniforms, flags from naval battles and exhibits such as of the Battle of Trafalgar.
*** NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM (Westzeedijk 345, 3015 AA Rotterdam)
It opened its doors in 1922 and you will have the opportunity to see a collection of about 400 thousand exhibits. It’s worth a visit.
*** MUSEUM BOIJMANS VAN BEUNINGEN (Museumpark 18, 3015 CX Rotterdam)
It is one of the most important museums in the Netherlands, as it includes exhibitions of sculpture, painting and decorative arts by leading artists such as Van Gough and Dali.
*** LAURENSKERK ROTTERDAM (Grotekerkplein 27, 3011 GC Rotterdam)
The construction of Saint Laurence’s church began in the mid-15th century and opened its doors in 1525. Its unique Gothic architecture will leave you speechless!
*** EUROMAST (Parkhaven 20, 3016 GM Rotterdam)
The tower was built in 1960 and is the tallest building in Rotterdam. Climb the observatory for panoramic views of Rotterdam’s city and harbors. You can also enjoy your lunch or dinner as it has a restaurant.
*** MARKTHAL (Ds. Jan Scharpstraat 298, 3011 GZ Rotterdam)
It includes shops, restaurants, stables, bars and dozens of businesses. Ιts architecture with its large semi-circular facade and huge window facing the courtyard ranks it as one of the top architectural masterpieces. For this reason, it is one of the most important attractions of the city. Inside see a wonderful piece of art by Arno Coenen.
*** WITTE HUIS (Geldersekade 1C, 3011 WB Rotterdam)
It was the first multi-storey building in Europe (10 floors in total and 43 meters high), built in 1898 in Art Nouveau style and is a Dutch heritage monument. The building “survived” the Second World War and depicts the History of Rotterdam.
*** ROTTERDAM ZOO ((Blijdorplaan 8, 3041 JG Rotterdam))
The Royal Zoo is divided into various themed areas such as China Garden, Crocodile River, Mongolian Houses, Malaysian Jungle and many more. You will see every kind of animal that you would hardly find in any other zoo. Also, visit Oceanium.
*** STADHUIS ROTTERDAM (Coolsingel 40, 3011 AD Rotterdam)
Some people rank it among the attractions of the city and they are not wrong. Its masterpiece construction dating back to 1914 and the Neo-Renaissance style of the building, with its elegant courtyard and sculptures, are apt to lead you there to take plenty of photos.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** If you have time, you can visit the Museum Kunsthal Rotterdam.
*** Cross the impressive Erasmusbrug, which is the city’s trademark.
*** Visit Fenix Food Factory to sample local produce, cheeses, meats, roasted coffee and beers, and participate in tasting events.
*** We would highly recommend a boat trip to see the fantastic ports.
*** An excellent choice for a walk is the Museumpark.
*** The World Trade Center Rotterdam which is a famous office tower and built in 1987, is an ideal choice to take your photos.
FOOD AND DRINK
In Rotterdam you can find everything: Asian, European and American cuisines. Try the traditional foods like AVG’tje, Stamppot or Hachee. Also, Kapsalon and of course Croquettes are eaten a lot in Rotterdam. Don’t forget to eat the traditional sweets (Poffertjes, Stroopwafel). For drinks you have many options, with beer of course being in the foreground.
WHERE TO STAY
Τhere are hotels in the city center for all budgets. It is a city where you can find hotels or apartments in every corner of the city.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** Dutch Pinball Museum is a must visit, not only to learn the history of Pinball, but also to play on the 100 machines it has!
*** If you want to be kids again, then visit Plaswijckpark.
*** Walk the famous shopping street Lijnbaan to do your shopping.
*** Central Plaza, Bijenkorf, Alexandrium Shopping Center or Koopgoot are ideal options for shopping whatever you want.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bike, by bus, metro, tram and… watertaxi!
CITIES NEAR ROTTERDAM
Major cities close to Rotterdam are Delft (15km), The Hague (24km), Utrecht (61km), Amsterdam (78km), Tilburg (83km), Antwerp (105km), Eindhoven (110km) and Ghent (160km).
