Most people think of Amsterdam when it comes to visiting Holland, but there’s another city also worthy of your time. Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands, and it’s a great place to explore for a few days. So if you’re thinking about heading to Rotterdam, this guide is for you. We’ve put together five fun things to do during your stay in the city known as the “Gateway to Europe“.
1) Visit the Euromast Tower
Soak up stunning views over Rotterdam with a trip to the Euromast Tower, which stands an impressive 185 meters high. It’s the tallest building in the city, and you can see the entirety of Rotterdam and beyond once you reach the top.
There’s also a restaurant, just in case you fancy a meal with a view. For the history buffs, there’s a chance to learn about the city’s past as you ascend. And for those who feel brave, why not abseil or zip line from the tower and experience some serious thrills?
2) Markthal Rotterdam
Constructed in 2009, Markthal is another piece of stand-out architecture that acts as a hybrid office space and marketplace. Head here to take a few snaps of the unique semi-circular grey facade before going inside to admire the artwork by Arno Coenen.
And let’s not forget the marketplace, which has a large selection of stores, stalls, restaurants and bars. Spend a few hours here doing a spot of shopping before sampling the tasty food and drink on offer.
3) Erasmus Bridge
Rotterdam has earned the nickname “Getaway to Europe” thanks to its extensive transport system. The waterways, in particular, are impressive, and you can book your trip to the city via ferry using Ferryscanner. And when it comes to the ports, you can’t help but notice Erasmus Bridge.
It’s a feat of modern engineering and acts as an impressive backdrop to the port of Rotterdam. In fact, Erasmus bridge is the second-largest in Holland (802 meters) and was nicknamed “The Swan”, thanks to its sizeable upright mast resembling the neck of a swan.
4) Wander the streets of Delfshaven
One of the only areas of Rotterdam to survive the bombs of World War II, Delfshaven offers you an insight into the past. Stroll around the neighbourhood while visiting places like the Old Church and snapping pictures of the quaint buildings.
Delfshaven feels somewhat like a miniature version of Amsterdam and is somewhere you can spend hours walking around. It’s such a stark contrast to the rest of the city, which has been modernised since World War II.
5) Cube House Rotterdam
Head to the Cube Houses to experience row of houses built in cuboid fashion. This bizarre and out there housing type was designed by Piet Blom, who formed the cubes at a titled 45-degree angle.
The architecture is certainly eye-catching, and there are no other houses like this in the city (maybe even in the world). One of the houses is open to the public, which means you can see what the interior is like inside while trying to figure out how people live in homes with such odd angels.
Discovering Rotterdam
If you’re looking for something a little different from Amsterdam (which is only one hour away by train) then Rotterdam is a great place to experience somewhere new in the Netherlands. From zany architecture to a vibrant atmosphere, a trip to Rotterdam provides a unique experience that you won’t forget.