In which quarter house in Rotterdam?

Going to visit or to settle in the Netherlands: this is our mini-guide of the neighborhoods where to stay in Rotterdam!

Many European expatriates leave to try the experience of expatriation in Holland, or simply to visit the charms of the “country of tulips”. Second largest city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam , Rotterdam represents the industrial lung of the country: with 634 253 inhabitants (1.42 million inhabitants in its urban area), the city rises to the rank of 1st European port and that of 8th largest port infrastructure of the world. Located downstream of the Rhin-Meuse estuary, the city of Rotterdam is crossed by the New Meuse, the Rotte and the Schie, several canals and lakes. As in all major European cities, staying in Rotterdam can be expensive: about 700 € and 1 200 € per month for an apartment in the city center.

In 2016, more than 1.6 million people visited Rotterdam. This is the growing tourist development of the city and the interest of looking for a good neighborhood where to sleep during its stay. To guide you, here is a presentation of the best places to stay in Rotterdam.

Centrum

Centrum is the historic quarter of the city. Located on the north shores of New Meuse, the city centre paid a heavy tribute during the Second World War: from the first months invaded by the Nazis, it was shaved at 90% during the Nazi bombing of May 1940. There are only two historic buildings: the St. Lawrence Church and the Schielandshuis, a special hotel dating from the 17th century. Today there is a modern architecture with sometimes hirsute curves, from the central station to the canals and the river.

In the middle of the skyscrapers and other more modest buildings, there are several famous places and monuments: the Euromast tower, the Beurstraverse, the Beursplein, the cubic houses, without forgetting of course to go to the Binnenrotte, a shopping street and a well-known covered market of the premises: the Markthal. In the Stadsdriehoek district, many bars and restaurants, cinemas, museums, concert halls and shops and hotels where to stay in Rotterdam at various prices: there are for all tastes!

Delfshaven

If you’re looking for a sleeping accommodation in Rotterdam, go to Delfshaven, it’s one of the city’s busiest districts. An atmosphere of early 20th century reigns in the streets of the neighborhood, where we discover the Church of the Pèlerin Fathers, the brewery Pilgrim and the replica of a warship of the 18th century, named De Delft. The area was spared by the German bombings of the war, which still benefits from ancient architecture. You can't miss the Distilleerketel, a famous windmill. The area, ideal for staying in Rotterdam, offers a mirror of what life could be in the Netherlands before the war. Between bridges and canals, you can also rent a bike to discover the area.

Westelijk Handelsterrein

Built in obsolete old warehouses and completely renovated, the Westelijk Handelsterrein district is very likely to seduce you in your apartment search where to sleep in Rotterdam, especially if you like to go out in the evening: a large covered terrace, chic restaurants of refined cuisine, bars where to enjoy good summer or spring evenings. If you’re a couple or a family, it should be a good neighborhood to stay in Rotterdam.