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Rotterdam is a bustling port metropolis that’s shortly turning into the hip place to go to within the Netherlands. It’s the second largest metropolis within the nation and is ready up in the same method to its world-renowned neighbour, Amsterdam, with winding canals and bicycles in every single place!
However Rotterdam has extra to supply than that. In amongst the historic landmarks are some wonderful buildings of architectural and engineering wonders, it additionally has some fascinating museums and a culinary scene that foodies will swoon over.
Evidently, there are such a lot of issues to do in Rotterdam.
A lot so, that figuring out what to do in Rotterdam could be a problem, so we’ve interviewed Tom Summerfield, an Aussie who has been residing in Rotterdam since October 2011.
Tom shares with us his insider tips about one of the best sights in Rotterdam, plus just a few hidden gems, so you possibly can plan your journey to Rotterdam with ease.
Take it away Tom…
Is Rotterdam Price Visiting?
Rotterdam truly has lots to supply guests, however on first look it’s not as ‘lovely’ as its archrival Amsterdam.
There’s a purpose for that, the place received fully bombed in World Struggle II and as an alternative of rebuilding it in conventional Dutch fashion after the bombing, it grew to become a spot booming with trendy structure and funky buildings.
However that’s what makes it distinctive. There is no such thing as a different metropolis prefer it in The Netherlands and its capability to embrace the brand new with previous is one thing that units it aside, which is just one purpose why Rotterdam is price visiting.
You’ll get pleasure from Rotterdam a LOT extra if you realize the place to exit and a few fascinating issues to do off the bat.
Amsterdam might be nice to easily wander and breathe within the sights with none actual function, whereas in Rotterdam you’ll want just a few tips about the place to go.
However that’s the place we are available!
Issues to Do in Rotterdam
Now you realize just a little bit about why it’s best to go to Rotterdam, it’s time to introduce you to the highest sights within the metropolis!
1. Take a River Cruise
Rotterdam performs host to Europe’s largest port, so after all there are a variety of boat excursions you are able to do if trying out the port seems like enjoyable.
A river cruise is an effective way to get to know town, because it passes by a number of the high landmarks within the metropolis.
In addition to crusing previous landmarks such because the Erasmus Bridge, nicknamed The Swan, an enormous cable bridge that was constructed within the late Eighties.
You additionally get to witness first-hand the busy sea site visitors of one of many world’s busiest ports, while studying about its historical past from an knowledgeable commentary.
Sit again and calm down as you wander down the Rhine River and take within the Rotterdam skyline from the Willemsplein. Don’t overlook to look out for the steamship, Rotterdam, a former cruise ship from Holland America Line.
In case you’re enthusiastic about maritime historical past, be sure you wander over to the Outdated Harbour (Oude Haven) and take a look at the maritime museums there.
2. Marvel on the Unimaginable Fashionable Structure
Whereas many vacationers flock to Amsterdam to see the colorful and slender Dutch homes, individuals flock to Rotterdam to see a considerably newer development.
Rotterdam is known for not its historic structure, however its trendy structure.
In case you’re into structure, essentially the most well-known buildings in Rotterdam are the myriads of buildings generally known as the Dice Homes, which had been constructed close to Station Blaak. There are additionally some quirky buildings positioned close to Rotterdam Central Station.
The Dice Homes are the work of Dutch architect Piet Blom, who designed these intelligent tilting homes to optimize the house inside. From the surface, it seems as if the homes are bowing to guests, since they tilt at a 45-degree angle.
One other work of unimaginable engineering is the Euromast “Area Tower” one of many largest sights in Rotterdam. There’s a restaurant on high and it’s price seeing only for the view.
You possibly can even go abseiling off the aspect, however this isn’t one thing that’s out there all of the 12 months spherical.
The Witte Huis (White Home) is one other architectural gem price seeing. This nineteenth century constructing was in-built an Artwork Nouveau fashion and was the primary hoogbouw (house constructing) in Europe.
3. Have a Picnic at Het Park
In addition to taking within the panoramic views from the highest, my sizzling tip is to have a picnic within the Het Park close by.
On a sunny day it’s a gorgeous park filled with shady bushes, vibrant inexperienced grass and lazy Dutch streams.
The park was in-built 1852 and has a lush English panorama backyard design about it. You possibly can laze on a big open garden or strive your luck at miniature golf.
4. Take a look at the Museums in Rotterdam
There’s greater than a handful of wonderful museums in Rotterdam, so if you happen to’re fascinated by historical past and artwork, then be sure you spend a day hopping across the museums.
My private favorite is the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, an artwork historical past museum containing artworks from the 14th- sixteenth centuries.
It’s truly thought of to be probably the greatest museums in Western Europe and accommodates notable works by artists akin to Van Gogh, Dali and Rembrandt.
It’s positioned in “Museumplein” which interprets to “Museum Sq.” in English. As you possibly can think about, a spot known as Museumplein has a lot of museums to discover. Another nice museums within the sq. are the Pure Historical past Museum and the Kunsthal Rotterdam, a recent artwork exhibition house.
5. Discover The Neighborhoods in Rotterdam
Probably the greatest methods to get to know a metropolis is to wander across the neighbourhoods and take all of it in.
The suburb of Kralingen is nicely price a go to, because it nonetheless retains most of the conventional previous Dutch buildings and is a merry combine of scholars and the rich.
Shut by is the Kralingse Plas, an enormous lake the place individuals go ice skating in winter and calm down on its banks and parks in the summertime.
One other neighborhood price trying out is the historic Delfshaven district, which is thought for its previous harbor, vintage retailers and gin bars. It’s one of many few locations within the metropolis that also retains its historical past.
Another in style streets price visiting are Binnenrotte on Tuesdays and Saturdays when the markte is open, and Coolsingel, which has extra space for pedestrians and cyclists than vehicles, and Oude Binnenweg for procuring and eating.
6. Strive Multi-Cultural Meals in Rotterdam
Meals in Holland is exceptionally multicultural, and contemplating their historical past as merchants that is fully comprehensible. The Market Corridor (Markthal) is a good place to discover a bunch of worldwide delicacies grouped collectively.
Most Dutch individuals discover the normal Dutch fare a bit boring and usually go for Italian or Asian cuisines when eating out.
The Dutch are large on Italian meals. Take a look at OPazzo on Mariniersweg (get a wooden fired pizza) or Napoli on De Meent if you happen to’re after some very good Italian.
For one of the best Korean I’ve ever had pop into the unassuming restaurant generally known as Gamasot on Pannekoekstraat.
Good price range takeaway Indonesian might be discovered at Papaya on Groenendaal, the Rotterdam markets additionally supply quite a few delectable meals treats.
Strive a Turkse Pizza, or some extra conventional fish snacks like Kibbeling or Herring (in the event that they’re in season you MUST strive one).
In case you’re in search of quaint espresso retailers and cafes in Rotterdam, strive the breakfast at De Bazar on Witte de Withstraat, which has delicious meals (particularly if sporting a hangover).
Cafe Van Zanten on De Meent is an efficient spot for a drink within the solar or in cosy (gezellig) cafes.
The Belgium Beer Cafe in Boudewijn can also be a beautiful spot to pattern the smorgasbord of tasty beers on supply.
7. Paint The City Pink at Rotterdam’s Bars
In case you’re in search of issues to do in Rotterdam at night time, then you definitely’ll be happy to understand it has a thriving nightlife scene.
For some cracking stay music and nightlife take a look at Rotown on Nieuwe Binnenweg.
Paddy Murphy’s Irish pub can also be enjoyable for expats and locals alike – however you want to like Irish pubs (it has a sports activities bar too if you wish to see the sport).
The three important streets for nightlife, for my part, are Witte de Withstraat, Nieuwe Binnenweg and De Meent.
There are many nice cafes and pubs round these areas, strive the Zwarte Schaap or the Witte de Aap on Witte de Withstraat for 2 funky and energetic cafes.
8. Watch a Feyenoord Soccer Recreation
In case you”re in search of some distinctive issues to do in Rotterdam, then one thing enjoyable may be to go see a Feyenoord soccer sport in De Kuip (a stadium with a wealthy historical past and the dwelling floor for the Dutch group Feyenoord).
There are solely two soccer groups in Rotterdam, Sparta Rotterdam and Elite, nevertheless it’s not simple to get tickets so e book upfront if you wish to catch a sport.
9. Take a look at the Rotterdam Market Corridor
The Rotterdam Market Corridor within the metropolis (behind the Church and close to Blaak station) is AWESOME. It’s a superb market to seize fruit and greens, flowers, antiques and masses extra.
Strive a recent turkse pizza, kibbeling (deep fried fish items with delectable sauce) and even herring with onions on a bread roll (haring broodje) at one of many meals stalls, in the event that they’re in season (June/July).
The principle strip that runs by means of the centre of town (Beursplein) is the place all the garments and footwear motion is to be discovered.
Rotterdam is thought all through The Netherlands for its abundance of shoe shops, so if you happen to want some new footwear, Rotterdam is the place to go!
10. Take a look at the Festivals in Rotterdam
It’s enjoyable to be in any of the main cities on Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day). Rotterdam (and Amsterdam too after all) is exploding with orange and merriment.
Rotterdam has festivals all year long, and particularly over the summer season months. Wednesday Skate Night time is a little bit of enjoyable and usually runs each Wednesday from the top of July into August for about 6 weeks.
Museumnacht (Museum Night time), an evening the place all of the museums open up and you will get in with one cross!
De Wereld van Witte de With (artist and cultural competition), and the Romantic Music Competition in Euromast park are different notable inclusions too.
11. Take a Day Journey to the Kinderdijk’s Windmills
Once you consider The Netherlands your thoughts conjures up photos of tulips and windmills. Only a quick trip exterior of town of Rotterdam is the Kinderdijk’s windmills, a group of 19 windmills that had been in-built 18th century and at the moment are a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
You possibly can be taught in regards to the fascinating historical past of milling and the way they’re designed. They’re only one instance of how the Dutch had been far forward in the case of engineering within the 18th century.
The windmills had been created as a method to eliminate the surplus water within the polders and pump water into the rivers.
As a result of The Netherlands is so flat, this genius feat of engineering meant that agriculture was not broken, even through the wet season.
12. See the Animals at Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp)
In case you’re in search of enjoyable issues to do in Rotterdam with youngsters, then the Rotterdam Zoo (Blijdorp) is a must-see attraction.
The Rotterdam Zoo is commonly considered probably the most lovely zoos in Europe and is devoted to nature conservation.
The zoo is likely one of the high zoos on the earth that participates in breeding programmes for endangered species, and in 2023, they welcomed the delivery of a brand new child elephant!
Guests can even watch animal feedings and talks about wildlife conservation, in addition to meet over 18,000 animals within the zoo.
13. Verify Out St. Lawrence Church (Grote of Sint-Laurenskert)
One other must-see attraction in Rotterdam is the St Lawrence Church, which is likely one of the few buildings left within the metropolis from the medieval interval.
It was constructed between 1449 and 1525 however has been renovated many instances. It was the primary stone constructing to be in-built Rotterdam and was the place the place the reformation happened in 1572, when it moved from Catholic to Protestant.
It was additionally closely broken through the Rotterdam blitz, with solely the tower and partitions surviving, however Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands commissioned its restoration.
14. Escape the SS Rotterdam
The SS Rotterdam is a retired navy ship changed into a resort, nevertheless it’s extra than simply luxurious lodging, the SS Rotterdam additionally has two escape rooms that are each thrilling and academic.
Select between the Chilly Shops or The Metro, and resolve riddles designed to show you about maritime historical past and convey you and your journey companions nearer collectively.
Are you able to escape earlier than the time runs out?
Finest time to go to Rotterdam
Summer time is one of the best time to go to Rotterdam, though summer season in Holland is at all times a big gamble after all!
The Dutch love a heat summer season’s day, so that you’ll discover them out in pressure if you happen to occur to be there throughout a day of 25 levels and sunny! It at all times makes for a pleasant environment.
Spring can also be a good time to go to when the tulips are in season.
Fashionable Excursions in Rotterdam
Contemplate considered one of these hottest excursions of Rotterdam…
Getting To and Round Rotterdam
Rotterdam does even have its personal airport, and flights utilizing the airline Transavia can truly be fairly affordable.
After all, there may be additionally the practice, most trains coming from Paris or London will cease in Rotterdam in addition to Amsterdam.
Don’t hassle with buses between the primary cities in Holland – as with a number of Europe it’s all about the trains system!
In terms of getting round Rotterdam, public transport in Rotterdam is fairly good. You could have loads of choices between the practice, metro, tram, bus, water taxi and naturally the trusty bike – you’re actually spoiled for alternative.
In case you plan on being in Holland for some time, then contemplate getting an OVChipKaart (form of just like the Oyster card in London) and cargo it with some Euros.
The place to remain in Rotterdam
There may be truly a hostel proper within the Dice Homes known as Stayokay hostel. That appears like enjoyable and is likely one of the solely hostel choices for Rotterdam (it’s positioned in a fantastic spot as nicely).
The Savoy resort is an efficient mid-range possibility to research, and people eager to splash out on one thing good ought to take a look at Resort New York.
For extra locations to remain in Rotterdam select from the biggest vary of accommodations, residences, and guesthouses with our associate Reserving.com. You get free cancellation on most rooms, and typically, you solely pay if you keep.
Ultimate Ideas on Issues to Do in Rotterdam
I really like Rotterdam as a result of it’s such an underrated metropolis and sometimes individuals don’t give it an opportunity, each individuals from The Netherlands and vacationers alike – and I’m joyful I did, and I’ve found what an superior place it’s.
Rotterdam actually is a wonderful metropolis when you get to understand it.
It’s at all times constructing and has a wealthy historical past and a can-do perspective teeming with artwork and tradition, watch this metropolis over the following 20 years – I predict a increase!
BIO: Tom at present lives in Rotterdam (as you’ll have guessed). Like a number of Aussies, he loves backpacking and seeing new locations. He has a particular spot in his coronary heart for Europe and South-East Asia and his journey weblog, Lively Backpacker, displays that.
Do you could have any tips about what to do in Rotterdam? Tell us within the feedback!
Supply: Breaking Travel News
