When most people think of the Netherlands, the first city that probably springs to their mind is Amsterdam, the second city in the country is much less known. But this rather lively and progressive city has much to offer when it comes to sightseeing and things to do, and therefore, it is definitely worth a visit. While Amsterdam is a city with rich history and stunning architecture in terms of the older buildings, Rotterdam is a different story – it is a young and modern city where new buildings are constructed side by side with the historic landmarks, and the culture life is very active. One of the biggest cities that was reconstructed after the destruction in the period of the Second World War. Rotterdam is a dynamic city where tradition intertwines with contemporary art: from the harbor to the modern museums.
Now it is high time to plunge in the most exciting and entertaining attractions and things to do in this city.
Markthal: This technique can be best described as A Feast for the Senses.
That’s true especially because one of Rotterdam’s symbols, the Markthal, is not only a unique building but also a gourmet site. This gargantuan structure has a horseshoe shape with an active food bazaar squeezed inside the oval with residential flats and business space around. The Markthal is a true food lover destination or quite simply, a sensory overload of stalls which provide you with everything from vegetables and fruits to ready to go delicious meals. Freshness and variety characterize the market, which, with its cheerful atmosphere, is an ideal spot for discovering Rotterdam’s taste.
The most distinguishing part of the Markthal’s construction is its ceiling which features a giant mural called the “Horn of Plenty,” a painting by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam that pays homage to the market by ascribing to it the curves of a giant halved fruit containing different types, varieties and forms of fruits and vegetables. This sculpture is the biggest one in the Netherlands and imparts the naive cheerful notes to the space.
Apart from the market, the Markthal also has a cultural core as well as other functions. It also includes such facilities as concert and other events, exhibitions and cooking shows, so the building is important both for people from the city and tourists. No matter whether you passion is food or simply traveling, there is no way you will not fall in love with the Markthal.
2. White House: A Vernacular High rise Building
The other important structure in Rotterdam is the Witte Huis, also known by its English counterpart – the White House. The term ‘skyscraper’ was given to this structure because it first went up in 1898 and is Europe’s first real one. Standing 43 meters in height thus it may hardly be extraordinary today; however, during the era, it was quite an engineering marvel. Fortunately, the Witte Huis escaped the extreme bombings of Rotterdam during the Second World War due to its sturdiness, although most of the structures in the area were bombed.
Nowadays, the Witte Huis is one of the most well-known national monuments and an estimated part of the architectural panorama of Johannesburg. Also the exterior and interior design of the building is of Art Nouveau style with rich ornaments at the facade of the building. Inside it has a combination of offices, cafeteria/restaurant, and a roof garden where they can look at the beautiful view of the city of Rotterdam. It is a suitable place to eat your food while observing those tall buildings in the city.
Exploring the history of Witte Huis one cannot remain indifferent to the history of Rotterdam, as it is a very good example of the city’s reborn. Of course, it is a living example of the culture of innovations that remains a determining factor for Rotterdam.
3. Boat Tours: Sightseeing in Rotterdam by boat
Rotterdam is well known for maritime tours therefore a visit to the city amounts to a boat tour. Boat tours are one of the most effective ways of excising Rotterdam because of extensive networks of canals, and booming port. Depending on the type of boat ride you take which could be a simple tour ride, water taxi these rides give you a different view of the architectural and historical structure of Rotterdam.
Regarding the boat tours, there are many varieties depending on the interest of the tourists. Others are about the contemporary city architecture featuring the Erasmus Bridge or Euromast. Some lead you through the past vibrant areas of the town such as the Delfshaven and the Oude Haven. Although if you are in a less conventional mood, you can take a Splash Tour; it’s half a bus, half a boat, and goes on the road for half of the tour then onto the water for the rest of it.
Boat tours also take you around the waterfront and give you a brilliant opportunity to observe the city’s harbor; Rotterdam is home to one of the largest harbours in the whole wide world. The scale of the port, and hence the activity is phenomenal as we find scores of massive cargo ships, cranes and docks that can barely be counted at one go. That, at least, was the case in Rotterdam, which is a key trading city in the world.
4. Museumpark: A Cultural Oasis
It is an open area which has various museum around it hence acting as a cultural hub of Rotterdam. Being a public park it is not only a park but also it an art and a culture zone where people can come and relax.
Kunsthal Rotterdam is comparatively younger in its concept with temporary exhibitions and subjects that may vary from fashion and photography to design and contemporary art The foreground of the museum was designed by the very famous architect Rem Koolhaas for the kunsthal Rotterdam which defines the uniqueness of this place.
The Natural History Museum on the other hand takes the travelers through the natural world with attraction based on fossils, animals, environment and many others. It is perfect for families and for persons who would like to marvel at the beauty of the creations of nature.
What is more, Museumpark itself is the place where there is nothing boring for a wanderer and a stroller. The park has well manicured gardens with relevant sculptures for quiet and relaxed walking around. Seemingly, Museumpark holds more cultural experience if one is to enjoy the place from the museums or the open grounds.
5. Euromast: Rotterdam from Above
This one provides some of the finest photo opportunities to capture this city and it environs and therefore cannot be missed while touring in this city.
Euromast’s observation terrace stands at 100 meters tall, and gives the visitors a panoramic view of the city. On clear days one can practically see up to the Hague, and at some times the North Sea as well. There is also the restaurant in the tower; therefore, you will have an opportunity to have food while appreciating the view. To make the experience even more adventurous one can opt for the rotating elevator that can take one up to the top of the tower that is, 185 meters.
As for the fans of extreme Tourism the Euromast offers such risky amenities as the Falling options, where people can enjoy abseiling and ziplining over the city, as for less adventurous mall visitors can admire the aerial view of the city from the top of the tower. It matters whether you go to see the beauty of the structure, taste the scrumptious meal at the top or to feel the thrill of the height, the Euromast is one of the places you should never miss to visit in Rotterdam.
6.Delfshaven: Which brings us to what Bob called A Step Back in Time.
Unfortunately, Delfshaven was not attacked by bombs during the Second World War like most of the areas in Rotterdam, which makes this place truly a gem for sightseeing. This is a beautiful ancient town that offer a rich architecture with old houses and buildings, working canals and calm atmosphere. When in Delfshaven the structures provide a historical feel of the place with a rich Dutch feel and an old-world aura.
This area is associated with such historic canal houses as many of them have been turned into shops, cafes, restaurants and other trading units. These structures’ roofs, built with complex wooden trusses, and painted ornaments in bright colors forming gables, contribute to the ‘card from the countryside’ look. Delfshaven is also rich in history with such places as the Pilgrim Fathers Church, a church which the pilgrims used in prayer before undertaking their journey to America.
Delfshaven is more traditional with canals and cobbled street as compared to ultramodern Rotterdam city center. It’s a place where one can sit, dream and savor a cup of coffee and some food at any of the available nice and warm cafes. For the history freaks out there or just those who want to sit in a quaint corner of Rotterdam, Delfshaven should not be missed.
7. Erasmusbrug: The Iconic Swan
A notable and popular bridge that connects the north and the south of Rotterdam is the Erasmusbrug or commonly known as the Erasmus Bridge. This major spectacular bridge crosses the Nieuwe Maas River and has become one of the symbols of the cities architectural façade.
Less the landmark’s aesthetics reflect history and tradition, more they resemble the image of a city for the future – Rotterdam. It looks most beautiful when they light it up at night and the mirror like water reflects the structure in a beautiful way.
beautiful scenery is possible while walking or cycling across the Erasmusbrug and observing the city and the river. Rotterdam is a city within the Netherlands and the bridge in discussion is used to link the northern and southern part of the city making it as one of the many important infrastructure available in the city. It is also frequented by photographers mainly due to the fact that it provides some of the best angles to view and photograph Rotterdam skyline.
8.Witte de Withstraat:
This vibrant street is a cultural one since it hosts a number of people, locals as well as tourists due to its laid down creative touch.
The street has a number of boutiques and small shops selling the most varied clothes, accessories, art, antiques and other items. It is a preferred shopping destination since you can get unique products from local craftsmen. There are also numerous galleries and cultural facilities on Witte de Withstraat that is why it may be considered as the center of present day art and creativity.
9. Europoort: Europe’s Gateway
Rotterdam is recognized as the harbor city of the world and Europoort is one of the contributing hubs of the enormous port establishment. Europoort occupies over fifty percent of the city’s area because this place plays an important role as a European port which deals with enormous amounts of goods and provides a connection to Europe.
One is immediately humble just by looking at the size of Europoort. A colossal place, with monstrous vessels, colossal cranes, and buildings filled, as far as one can look. Thus, the port is an important component in the supply chain, which helps Rotterdam to deliver products to global markets. Facilities and the general layout of the port are very modern, and the plans and the equipment used are top-notch.
Besides, tourists can get port area’s presents by visiting this place and taking a look at the functioning of one of the largest sea terminal in the world by using guided tours. The tours are very informative in that they explain the operation and such aspects as the technological handling of the port. Europoort is an Interesting destination for all those who are into history and maritime industry as a visit to this place will definitely be a wonderful experience.
10.Cube Houses: An example of a contemporary architectural design wonder.
Nowhere is this more apparent than at the Cube Houses, or as they are known in Dutch, the Kijk-Kubus, in Rotterdam. These structures are known to have been developed in the 1980s by architect Piet Blom and are thus accommodation structures with large yellow cubes that are rotated at a forty-five-degree angle and that stand on a hexagonal pillar. Thus, a striking architectural composition is created that breaks free from architectural frameworks and the definition of space.
These cube houses are not only a funny idea; they are comfortable homes. The set of several cubes represents several apartments, each of which is fully equipped and adapted for living; the rather non-conventional planning of the space diversifies the living experience. This is the layout and its main goal is to occupy as little space as possible using the small piece of ground. The houses are included in the list of subjects for analysis of architectural ensembles and have become an emblem of Rotterdam’s progressiveness.
People can even walk through some of these Cube Houses, both within and over it, that is the beauty of it. Among them there is the Show Cube which is for visitors and reveals the interior and organization of the people’s triangular houses. The Cube Houses are also located near a vibrant territory, which comprises of cafes, shops, and even a hostel and hence when choosing it, one is assured of excitement and creativity in Rotterdam.
11. Shopping in Rotterdam: The world of Retailing
Rotterdam, in particular, is a shopping lovers’ dream with an excellent availability of shopping facilities in different categories. A wide variety of shopping malls and centres are found in this city and they offer shopping opportunities to almost all the classes of people who visit the city.
Beurstraverse which is known as Koopgoot is another leading shopping area that marries a subterranean avenue beneath the Beurstraverse building that hosts both global and regional boutiques. A shopping mall that stands as a close competitor is the Lijnbaan, the first pedestrianized shopping area in Europe where the client can find fashion and lifestyle products, electronics and other commodities.
For a more formal shopping, De Bijenkorf, a large upscale department store has clothing accessories, beauty products and home accessories. Alexandrium is another shopping center that had created its interest due to the availability of various shops starting from fashion to electronics. It also has fashion boutiques and casual wear stores bringing up the recent trends or mementos to get as souvenirs.
12. Oude Haven: Old Port of Havannah
In fact, Oude Haven, or Old Harbor, is one of the oldest districts that define the actual Rotterdam; this place is rather picturesque and provides a deep insight into the history of the city based on its sea traditions. This is a commercialized harbor found in some cities with historic boats, foot bridges and many harbor side cafes, making it a favorite icon to most people within those civilizing cities.
The setting of Oude Haven is casual as well as friendly, it appears traditional yet looks like it is not of the present generation as well as the future. Through the old structures and the water craft, it provides a great place for a picnic or walking around or even a nice candle light dinner. The area is also has some of the buses that host the famous Maritime Museum that provides interesting information about the maritime history of the city and the evolution of the port.
The Maartime Museums is one of the biggest that devotes itself to sea affairs, which includes various tools and models, exhibit hsnd made. Tourists can learn about the great evolution that shipping has undergone, navigation, and the trade of merchandise and how the technology has changed with time. There are also game corners, which is a common practice of the museum to engage the younger generations as well as families.
13. Fenix Food Factory
Tourists especially for good food, the Fenix Food Factory should not be missed. This indoor food market is in the Katendrecht district in a building that used to be a warehouse; this is an excellent place to taste local specialty products in the form of fresh baked goods, cheeses, cured meats, beer, chocolate, and coffee. Market place is an active, crowded place which offers an opportunity to try and buy tasty things produced in the region.
Thus, the Fenix Food Factory has a wide range of stalls including confectionaries with fresh bread and pastries, cheese and meat products and beverages, including craft beers. This centre also makes it easy to get some of the traditional foods from different regions of the world for instance Dutch cheeses and herring. Just like the foods sold at the market, visitors can get fresh brewed coffee, and home brewed beer, thus getting a feel of all the sensations of the market.
It is brightly lit with open seating, and the clients social and thereby the Board is also approachable. It is also a suitable place to dine and relax as you engage in the discovery of the local food consumption practices. If you want some delicious snack or a full course meal or something in between the Fenix Food Factory is the place to be.
14.Windmills of Kinderdijk: This is a World Heritage site as classified by UNESCO.
Tourists can hardly imagine visiting the Netherlands without seeing windmills; the Windmills of Kinderdijk are among the best in the country. Kinderdijk is a village primarily famous for 19 ancient windmills, which is situated at least 20 km away from Rotterdam and is also enlisted as a part of the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
Windmills of Kinderdijk are actually an outstanding example of how powerful is the Netherlands engineering and how proud people are of their own history. These windmills were constructed way back in the 18th century and they were used in regulation of water on the flat polder landscape. Now, they are inhabited and represents the centuries-long fight of the Netherlands against water and landmark of Dutch countryside.
Tourists are welcome to go through the windmills and get more information on it from the readable materials available. A few of the windmills are used for tourism where visitors are allowed to peek into the life of the miller that once inhabited the windmills. There are several scenic views that may be toured on bicycles, rollers, and also for strolling where there are windmills mirrored in the calm water channels.
Conclusion: Guide to the Most Interesting Objects and Places of the City
Every time you get to visit Rotterdam, you will be in for a series of shocking yet pleasant surprises. From the architectural design of the buildings, beautiful and interesting history, wealthy culture to good food markets, and monuments, Rotterdam is a city that will indeed give the visitor eye service. Whether you find yourself admiring the zoom of the new building or visiting museum and explores the city’s interconnection with the sea or enjoying a cup of coffee at any local caff, Rotterdam has it all.
This list of attractions and things to do in Rotterdam presents an idea of must see destinations in the city. Some of these spectacles are perfect for novices who are visiting Rotterdam in a day, or a few, while others are perfect for those who are spending a few days or more in the city. And that’s why it is time to leave today and start exploring Rotterdam – a city that bursts with colors and ideas!
