by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:22nd June 2018
A city full of surprises
If you were in two minds whether to visit Rotterdam or not, then just stop right there and go and book your flight.
First impressions portray a very modern architectural outlook, which initially may feel to lack the quaint charm of other Dutch towns and cities.
However, woven in between the striking contemporary lines is a city rich in history with a vibrant culture.
Why not Pin it for later?
Where is Rotterdam?
How to get to Rotterdam
- By Train
You can catch a train to Rotterdam Central. Direct services from London takes as little as 3hr 16min.
- By Air
Rotterdam is served by the 'Rotterdam The Hague Airport' (RTM) which is around 5 miles/ 7.5 km from the centre of Rotterdam.
- By Car
Like many European cities, Rotterdam has emission restrictions; for more information, check out the 'Urban Access Regulations in Europe' site. Our experience of driving in Rotterdam is easy enough, but we would recommend the Waze App to ensure you have the latest updates and traffic restrictions for your journey.
Discovering Rotterdam
An open mindGary and I have visited Holland on a few occasions, and in 2017, we headed there for a mini road trip.
However, it wasn’t until we travelled to Rotterdam for the Traverse18 Travel Creators conference that we delved deeper into Netherlands’ second-largest city.
De Splinter
World Trade Centre
Walking around Rotterdam
What did we find?As you may expect, with Rotterdam’s location being so close to the sea, it has a sizeable maritime influence. In addition to the iconic canals so often found in the Netherlands, it also has busy working waterways and harbours.
Vessel II and the Regentessebrug
Any sign of water, and I’m in my element, so watching Dutch barges, old and new, manoeuvring around the rivers and quays was calming. One of Rotterdam’s museums is dedicated to all things “maritime” and gives a glimpse into its nautical past.
Leuvehaven
If you're thinking of heading of to the land of tulips and cheese, then grab this DK Eyewitness guide to help with your planning.
I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
Historic Rotterdam
Oude HavenNot to be overlooked is Oude Haven (yes, I know another harbour), but you’ll be pleased you headed here; full of restaurants and bars, this area is a great place to relax and watch the world go by.
The Old Harbour
Rotterdam Tourist Information
If you want to know more about this vibrant Dutch city, why not check out the official Rotterdam Tourist Information site for practical help planning your trip?
Exploring Rotterdam
Witte HuisFrom here, you can’t help but notice the impressive White House (Witte Huis) built in Art Nouveau style in 1898 and one of the few buildings in Rotterdam to survive the WWII bombings on 14 May 1940.
The Witte Huis across the harbour
When the White House was built at the height of 43 metres (141ft), it was Europe’s first sky-scraper and sat only one metre above sea level.
Kijk-Kubus
Iconic RotterdamAlright, there may be another eye-catching piece of architecture around here, the Cube Houses.
The Cube houses
Designed by architect Piet Blom in 1977, the 39 houses are tilted at a 45-degree angle and are pretty amazing to see. However, I am not sure if I could live in one.
The Cube Houses from the Old Harbour
Where to stay in Rotterdam
Bilderberg Park Hotel
A very central location on the edge of the Cool District and ideal if, like us, you need an onsite car park.
Obviously, Rottterdam has a range of different types of accommodation to suit all tastes, styles and budgets. Why not look at the latest offers from Booking.com, our preferred hotel booking website?
Where to eat in Rotterdam
for a spot of lunchJust a short stroll from the Cube Houses, and you are into another vibrant part of the city, Rotterdam’s Market Hall.
The Market Hall
You must step inside to see the incredible artwork painted within the arched roof.
Inside the Market Hall
This colourful food hall was opened in 2014 and has something for everyone, especially if you are a cheese lover.
A cheese stall inside the Market Hall
A Dutch Road Trip
Discover more of Holland; you'll be amazed at how easy it is to tour around by car. Like us, you can create your own road trip and visit Keukenhof, Haarlem, Alkmaar, Utrecht and Gouda.
We also squeezed in a tour of Four Dutch Harbour Towns and visited the 19 traditional windmills at the UNESCO site of Kinderdijk.
Please take a peek at the offers at Rental Cars; they cover all budgets and allow you to pick up and drop off at different destinations.
Rotterdam's history
A reminder of the pastJust beyond the Market Hall is a significant part of Rotterdam’s history, St. Lawrence Church. After partially surviving the WWII Rotterdam Blitz, during which the church was heavily damaged, restoration was carried out as a mark of resilience to the city.
Erasmus in front of the Church
Rotterdam's Architecture
It just worksThe mix of architecture within the city is fascinating; we loved the combination of old and new, blending with each other.
The car park
The Destroyed City monument
We came across a circular multi-storey car park that would now look very out of place in many cities.
The quirky side of Rotterdam
Life of the cityIn any town or city that Gary and I visit, we love to search out their local street art & sculptures; it wasn’t difficult to find in Rotterdam.
The purple hat
Cascade - Public Art
Fikkie the dog
Santa with a surprise
The artwork brings a place alive and gives an insight into the culture behind the city.
Louis Davids broken record
Have You?
Strolled around the little harbours in Rotterdam, we’d love to know what you enjoyed about this vibrant city?
A must see in Rotterdam
The EuromastNow you’re here; you can’t miss it. Head to the tranquil Het Park to visit the Euromast observation tower with a viewing platform of 96 metres (315ft).
Euromast
Dudoks original apple pie
And for your efforts, you can stop at Dudok in Het Park for an indulgent piece of apple pie and cream.
The modern Rotterdam
And 'The Swan'From here, wander down to the riverside to get an incredible view of the iconic Erasmus Bridge (nicknamed “The Swan”), which spans 802-metre-long (2,631ft) across the river.
Erasmusbrug
It was also used in the Tour de France opening stage in 2010; however, it’s probably best we gloss over the contenders in that race.
Things to do in Rotterdam
Put on some clogsOk, so I couldn’t resist it; I’m always one for a bit of a cliché.
In clogs
The cool side of Rotterdam
Take your time to enjoy itJust like most cities, the best way to see and feel the life of a place is to stroll around, and Rotterdam is no exception.
The Cheese Shop
Wander the streets, admire the shops and boutiques, take the weight off your feet along Witte de Withstraat and enjoy a local beer.
Witte de Withstraat
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