Visiting Rotterdam
As the second-largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is a key player in the Randstad, a massive metropolitan area home to over 7 million people. Located at the mouth of the Rhine and Meuse rivers, the city grew around industrial and port commerce. Today, its port stretches for 42 kilometers. Crisscrossed by numerous waterways, Rotterdam serves as a prime example of a city managing complex hydraulic engineering. In 1940, roughly 90% of the city center was destroyed by German bombardment. Since then, the city has reinvented itself through bold architectural and cultural projects.
A Modern and Lively Port City
Start your tour on Witte de Withstraat, the artistic heart of Rotterdam. Nearby, you will find the famous yellow cube houses designed by architect Piet Blom. Their design is striking, especially since they are tilted at a 45-degree angle. You can tour a show home at the Musée Show Cube, or even spend the night in one, as a hostel has opened its doors there. Soak up the energetic atmosphere of the Oude Haven, and for lunch, head to the Markthal, a massive indoor market housed under an inverted U-shaped structure.
Enjoy a cultural excursion at Museum Park. You will find the Kunsthal, which hosts a variety of rotating exhibitions. Its design was led by internationally renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, who famously incorporated actual tree trunks into the building's structure. At the center of the park sits the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, which temporarily houses the collections of the museum of the same name, featuring works ranging from the 18th century to the contemporary era.
Continue your visit a bit further west to discover the historic Delfshaven district, where you will find traditional Dutch houses. While in the area, do not miss the Pilgrim Fathers Church, known for hosting the pilgrims before their departure for the Americas. The Pilgrim brewery is another local must-visit.
Curiosities to see in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a city of contrasts. Climbing to the top of the nearly 200-meter-tall Euromast tower will give you a clear perspective on that. Afterward, cross the swan-shaped Erasmus Bridge, which connects the north and south sides of the city, to get closer to the Kop Van Zuid district.
Check out the skyline, featuring high-rises like De Rotterdam or the Maastoren, and look for the famous historic Hotel New York, where hopeful travelers once departed for the New World. Here, in the heart of the trendy Katendrecht neighborhood, you can hop on a water taxi. Swing by the photography museum, which holds over 120,000 items, and do not miss the Van Nelle Factory, a former coffee, tea, and tobacco plant that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
When to go
The best time to visit Rotterdam is during the warmer months between May and September. If you can, plan your trip to coincide with the World Port Days in September.
How to get there
Rotterdam is well-connected to Paris by the Thalys train line and is accessible by air via the Rotterdam The Hague Airport. Once you are there, make full use of the numerous water taxis that connect the city's different districts.
I don't agree with Jimmy40's review.
We never really talk about Rotterdam as a tourist destination, and I wasn't expecting much. I found it interesting to visit the areas around the port and see the modern architecture. I also found the streets to be very lively, with restaurants, bars, and shops where you can find some good deals.