Again in 2016 Rotterdam was named as one of many prime 10 cities on the planet to go to by Lonely Planet’s ‘Finest in Journey’. Town owes its place on the coveted listing to its futuristic structure, inspiring metropolis initiatives and a rising vary of artwork, tradition, eating places and leisure venues.
Rotterdam, the town of reconstruction, was additionally talked about by the New York Instances and Tough Information. Each beneficial the Maasstad (Rotterdam’s nickname) as among the best cities to go to on the planet.
Searching for extra locations to go to within the Netherlands? Click on on the hyperlink for oour full listing of the very best issues to see like: Giethoorn, Volendam, Parkstad Limburg and rather more.
Ever since Rotterdam was talked about in Lonely Planet, there appears to have been a circulation of vacationers from everywhere in the world to the Maasstad. It’s rapidly turning into a increasingly more must-see metropolis. If Lonely Planet, Tough Information and the New York Instances assume it’s price it to go to Rotterdam, let’s discover out ourselves then!
When touring to Netherlands make sure that to remain related and purchase a Netherlands sim card. Click on right here for the very best sim card at Amsterdam Airport.
Fast historical past about Rotterdam
Rotterdam is now a vibrant metropolis, however that was definitely not all the time the case. The truth is, Rotterdam has come an extended approach to get the place it’s immediately.
It was the 14th of Could 1940 when the bombings of Rotterdam occurred, carried out by German bombers as a part of the German army raid on the Netherlands. The bombings lasted for quarter-hour and destroyed virtually the whole historic metropolis heart of Rotterdam. Because of these bombings, Rotterdam has a very totally different cityscape than different Dutch cities. The middle consists largely of high-rise buildings and an outdated historic heart is lacking.
Instantly after the struggle and the devastating bombings, the individuals of Rotterdam began rebuilding their metropolis, efficiently! Rotterdam turned and nonetheless is the biggest sea port of Europe. For over years, till 2004 it was even the world’s busiest port, now overtaken by Singapore and Shanghai.
Over the previous few a long time Rotterdam has fought onerous to do away with the naked, chilly picture of the town. In a couple of years’ time, the Rotterdam skyline (greatest skyline in Holland) has modified fairly a bit. Slowly however certainly the town is regaining some attract. The mission for the ‘Kop van Zuid’ and the development of the Erasmus bridge have made an enormous distinction. The Erasmus bridge quickly turned a showcase for the brand new aptitude of Rotterdam. The north and the south of the town had been solid into one complete.
All this finally resulted in Rotterdam being ‘Manhattan on the Meuse’, and a really well-deserved spot within the Lonely Planet’s Finest in Journey!
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1. Go up the Euromast
Let’s begin our Rotterdam journey with the Euromast. This one instantly stands out if you see the Rotterdam skyline. This Rotterdam vacationer attraction was inbuilt 1960, specifically for the very first version of the Floriade, a global flower and backyard exhibition, that occurred in Rotterdam.
The Euromast, initially 112 meters in top, for a few years was the tallest constructing in Rotterdam. It shortly misplaced this place to the high-rise of the Erasmus MC, however rapidly regained it when the House Tower was added to the highest of the Euromast, including one other 85 meters.
Euromast is now the tallest tower within the Netherlands.
These days this statement tower is likely one of the hottest locations to go to in Rotterdam, and within the Netherlands. It affords really spectacular views of Rotterdam. And on a transparent day you may even see so far as Antwerp, Moerdijk and The Hague.
2020 marks a really particular yr for the Euromast. This yr the Euromast celebrates its sixtieth anniversary. To rejoice this special day, and to convey again the Floriade to Rotterdam, there was a flower discipline proper subsequent to the Euromast. Sadly, this flower discipline was solely there till Could 2020. However, additionally on the within of the Euromast this flowering theme is seen. Within the restaurant, this flower theme is mirrored within the ornament and within the dishes.
Wish to expertise the Euromast in a really particular approach? Guide a desk on the restaurant and benefit from the spectacular views over Rotterdam whereas indulging on their scrumptious meals and wines.
2. Take a tour within the ss Rotterdam
One other distinctive should do in Rotterdam, and certainly one other icon of the town is the ss Rotterdam. Often known as the Grande Dame, the ss Rotterdam is a former ocean liner and cruise ship. She was launched by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands on 13 September 1958.
For the Holland America Line she started her journey as an ocean liner from 1959 to 1969, as the recognition of air journey started to develop. After her retirement from transatlantic providers, she acquired a small makeover for everlasting cruising. And so a brand new life as a full time cruise ship started.
The ss Rotterdam cruised throughout our world till 1997, when she was taken out of service. The ship returned to her hometown Rotterdam in 2008, the place she docked to her present location. In 2010 the ship was formally opened to the general public.
You’ll be able to go to this Rotterdam vacationer attraction and piece of historical past your self. There are two excursions provided each day. These excursions present you all of the ins and outs of this former ocean liner and cruise ship. It solely takes a bit creativeness to appreciate what it will need to have been like on board of this ship again within the days.
The ship additionally affords a wine bar, restaurant and terrace. Think about having dinner or a drink on the promenade deck of this ship, these days overlooking the skyline of Rotterdam.
A enjoyable approach of visiting the ss Rotterdam is by taking the water taxi. You can provide them a name from one of many 50 places in Rotterdam and Schiedam. It’s a quick and enjoyable approach of attending to the ss Rotterdam.
However wait, it will get even higher, as a result of the ss Rotterdam is now a lodge, so you may truly spend the evening at this former ocean liner and cruise ship. How cool is that?!
Nicely, I can inform you, it’s freaking superior! It must be essentially the most cool and distinctive place to remain in Rotterdam. I used to be fortunate sufficient to spend two nights at this wonderful floating lodge. It actually looks like stepping again in time, again to the glory days of this ship.
Getting a style of what it was prefer to be a passenger on board of the ss Rotterdam. The previous cabins of the steamship are reworked to 4-star lodge rooms with a fifty’s decor.
The ss Rotterdam as a lodge is a part of the WestCord Inns. Turning into a part of this lodge group meant that two icons in Rotterdam reunited once more. The ss Rotterdam, former flagship of the Holland America Line, and Resort New York, the previous headquarters of the Holland America Line.
Each of those resorts are inside strolling distance from one another and are a part of the 100+ yr lengthy historical past of the Holland America Line.
3. Tour the Port of Rotterdam with Spido Rotterdam
This certainly is a should do when visiting Rotterdam. More than likely the easiest way to expertise the world’s smartest and most modern port and to me the very best factor to do in Rotterdam.
The Spido ticket workplace and departure level is positioned proper within the heart of the town, proper subsequent to the Erasmus bridge. So, very simply accessible by public transport and water taxi.
Spido affords a number of excursions and cruises, there’s something for everybody. I did the Rotterdam Harbor Tour. Which takes you out to the harbor space for about 75 minutes. However you even have full day excursions and cruises if that’s what you’re after.
The Rotterdam Harbor Tour provides you a novel tour by means of one of many largest harbors on the planet. At departure, you first sail proper below the Erasmus bridge, then make a fast flip, and sail below it once more. That is your second for the proper image of the Erasmus bridge.
Each at departure and arrival of the Spido tour you get some wonderful views of the Rotterdam skyline.
From the skyline you make your approach to the distinctive harbor shipyards, docks and the tremendous fashionable transshipping of 1000’s of containers. Very spectacular to sail previous all of this, it makes you are feeling very small.
In your approach again additionally, you will go the spectacular ss Rotterdam steamship. Whereas having fun with the views throughout this tour, make sure that to take heed to the audio tour as nicely, it is going to inform you a large number about what you see.
4. Play golf in the midst of the town at Midgetgolf Parkhaven
When visiting the Euromast, little doubt you’ll go the midget golf course Parkhaven, the one midget golf in Rotterdam! It’s actually positioned proper subsequent to the Euromast, so excellent to mix these two. It’s an 18-hole course proper in the midst of bustling Rotterdam. What extra would you like? Each course is totally different, and as you progress from course to course it will get tougher with enjoyable obstacles.
A part of the midget golf course is the terrace Parkhaven, providing views of the Meuse river and naturally the Euromast. Tucked away and hidden among the many foliage subsequent to the attractive park of Rotterdam. It’s a terrific place to get pleasure from a drink or a snack on their sunny terrace.
Discover Rotterdam Deal – All-in-1
The above talked about locations to go to in Rotterdam: The Euromast, ss Rotterdam, Midget Golf Parkhaven and the Spido have joined forces and created the Discover Rotterdam Deal particularly for you!
4 of Rotterdam’s favourite vacationer points of interest mixed in a single ticket, what else do you want? What precisely is included on this Discover Rotterdam Deal?
Begin your day with an audio tour on the ss Rotterdam and study all concerning the historical past of this spectacular ship. I’d suggest taking the water taxi as soon as the tour is completed, and let it take you to the departure level of the Spido. Right here you’ll enter one in all their luxurious and fashionable vessels on your 75 min Rotterdam Harbor Tour. A really fascinating tour the place you’ll study rather a lot concerning the Port of Rotterdam, one of many world’s largest harbors.
After this you make your approach in the direction of the Euromast, Your subsequent two Rotterdam vacationer points of interest are positioned right here. Hit the ball on the 18-hole midget golf course and beat your journey buddy! To complete your day, make your approach as much as the highest of the Euromast to get pleasure from some spectacular 360-degree views of Rotterdam! From above now you can acknowledge all of the points of interest and highlights you visited through the day along with your Discover Rotterdam Deal!
The Discover Rotterdam Deal can be booked with an in a single day keep on the wonderful ss Rotterdam, the place breakfast is included. What a approach to make it a whole journey to Rotterdam.
5. Erasmus bridge – Rotterdam’s iconic landmark
The Euromast and the Erasmus bridge is are likely the highest sights of Rotterdam. The truth is, they’re Rotterdam’s most necessary landmarks and the Erasmus Bridge is even the town’s official emblem!
The bridge was formally opened in 1996 by Queen Beatrix. The Erasmus bridge connects the north and the south elements of the town. The bridge has a 139-meter-high metal pylon, which is secured with 40 cables. The form of the pylon gave the bridge its nickname, the Swan.
Some enjoyable details concerning the Erasmus bridge:
- The Erasmus bridge featured within the 1998 Jackie Chan film ‘Who am I?’.
- In 2005 a number of planes flew beneath the bridge as a part of the Crimson Bull Air Race.
- The Erasmus bridge featured in 2005 because the backdrop for a efficiency of DJ Tiesto, titled DJ Tiesto @ the Bridge, Rotterdam. Hearth-fighting ships spraying jets of water into the air in entrance of the bridge, fireworks beside the bridge and multi colored spots hooked up to the bridge itself, this efficiency had all of it.
It may not be as spectacular or as in style because the NYE present on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, however the Netherlands certainly has its personal model of this NYE present. The Dutch Nationwide NYE celebrations are held yearly in Rotterdam. The Erasmus Bridge serves as the situation for this large, spectacular and spectacular fireworks present on New Yr’s Eve.
It’s undoubtedly a giant suggestion to spend NYE in Rotterdam not less than as soon as in your life, and expertise NYE the Dutch and Rotterdam approach!
6. Be amazed on the Market Corridor Rotterdam
I like to go to (road) meals markets every time I’m travelling. You usually get to strive the very best native meals at these locations. The Market Corridor in Rotterdam is one thing greater than that, however completely price a go to. The Market Corridor is a residential and workplace constructing, with the precise Market Corridor beneath. The constructing was opened in 2014 by our Queen Maxima and homes the big Market Corridor, 228 residences, retail area, horeca and a 4 storey underground parking storage.
The constructing is each spectacular from the within and the skin. From the skin the construction appears to be like like a horseshoe, with a glass façade on each side.
When coming into this Market Corridor, it’s like strolling right into a museum or artwork exhibition, I used to be amazed. The within of the constructing is adorned with an 11.000 m2 art work, exhibiting enlarged fruits, greens, seeds, fish, flowers and bugs. Simply this art work alone makes the Market Corridor already price visiting, I assure you can be amazed too!
And don’t overlook to purchase some meals of one of many 100 meals stands within the Market Corridor, you received’t remorse it.
Enjoyable Truth: Proper after the opening in 2014, the art work of the Market Corridor bought a whole lot of consideration from all around the globe. Some even referred to as it the Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam.
7. Go to the Dice homes
After visiting the Market Corridor, cross the market sq. and you will notice your subsequent should do in Rotterdam, the Dice Homes. These are one of many metropolis’s hottest vacationer points of interest. These houses are actually cubes, tilted over by 45 levels. It’s important to see it, to imagine it.
These cubes are all residential cubes, so not accessible. Aside from one. You’ll be able to study all about life within the cubes by visiting the Present Dice Museum (the Kijk Kubus). A totally furnished dice, exhibiting what it’s prefer to stay in a dice home.
You’ll be able to even spend the evening in one in all these cubes as StayOkay Rotterdam transferred one of many cubes right into a hostel.
8. Historic Delfshaven – The Remaining Previous Metropolis
The 1940 bombings of Rotterdam have destroyed a whole lot of the town, however the picturesque yacht marina of Delfshaven is likely one of the few elements that survived. Historic Delfshaven stands out between all the brand new building and high-rise buildings within the metropolis. It nonetheless provides you the pre-war environment of Rotterdam. It provides you an concept of what Rotterdam regarded like earlier than it bought bombed. It’s very simply accessible and from the Euromast only a quick 15-minute stroll even.
My secret Rotterdam journey tip: style a Rotterdammertje.
Rotterdammertjes are candies within the form of bricks that symbolize the reconstruction and structure of the town. The flavour of those candies may be very shocking, a mix of orange, mint and cinnamon. These flavors symbolize the fruit transshipment port (orange), the spice commerce, transport and the Maas (cinnamon) and Rotterdam itself (mint).
The right way to get to Rotterdam
Because of its very strategic location, Rotterdam may be very simply accessible, with each type of transportation.
By Automotive
One of many best methods to get to Rotterdam is by (rental) automotive. I like travelling by automotive because it provides me rather more freedom. There are many parking heaps to depart your automotive and benefit from the metropolis. I’d extremely suggest parking subsequent to the ss Rotterdam. A big parking zone the place you pay max €15 for twenty-four hours. Not too dangerous for a metropolis like Rotterdam.
By Practice
Most likely one of many quickest, and likewise one of many best methods to get to Rotterdam is by prepare. From just about each a part of the Netherlands you may take a prepare in the direction of Rotterdam. There are additionally very quick connections from Rotterdam to Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport. Eurostar and Thalys additionally provide worldwide connections to Antwerp, Brussels, Paris and London.
By Aircraft
Rotterdam has its personal airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport. The airport affords direct flights to a rising variety of European cities. Rotterdam The Hague Airport is the second largest regional airport of the Netherlands.
Relying on what kind of transport you utilize getting from Rotterdam airport to the town heart takes as much as 25 minutes.
Arriving at Schiphol Airport? Go right down to the prepare station under Amsterdam Airport and take the direct intercity to Rotterdam and also you’ll be within the metropolis heart inside 25 minutes solely!
By Boat
Clearly Rotterdam can also be very simply accessible by boat. From the UK you may journey to Rotterdam by ferry. P&O Ferries and Stena Line provide common ferry providers between The Netherlands and the UK.
No matter technique of transport you’ve chosen to get to Rotterdam, you’ve made it! Now let’s begin exploring this metropolis by the hand of this Rotterdam journey information. I hope all my suggestions for Rotterdam had been helpful on your upcoming journey.
This weblog was written by journey author and Traveltomtom group member Ashley. She was invited to discover Rotterdam on behalf of Traveltomtom, and wrote this weblog about her adventures within the metropolis of Rotterdam. Take a look at her Instagram: @travelashie.
