Visit Rotterdam: what are the best things to do and see in this avant-garde city, true jewel of the Netherlands?
A city with multiple facets, Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands. Founded in the 12th century, the Dutch port city has one of the largest ports in the world, and seduced by its modern and avant-garde architecture, but also for its historical and cultural wealth. The aspect of the city, resolutely modern, is simply fascinating. Are you wondering what to do in Rotterdam? This is where:
For your visit to Rotterdam, think about booking your Pass Rotterdam which gives you access to public transport and discounts in more than 50 attractions of the city.
1. Le Kijk-Kubus, ou Maison cube
Photo credit: Flickr – YELLOW Mao
A must if you go to visit Rotterdam, it is the famous cubes! The creator of this place, Piet Blom, wanted each dwelling to represent a tree and the whole lotion, a forest. Intriguing and fascinating because of their exterior appearance, these houses with out-of-the-clock appearances necessarily attract curiosity. One of them is reserved for the public, and you can visit it. You will admire the prowess of the architect!
2. The Euromast
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – W.Bulach
Visiting Rotterdam is also a detour by the famous Euromast. This incredible tower, imagined and made by Hugh Maaskant in the 1960s, will impress you by its height (a little less than two-cent meters with a diameter of nine meters). It was built at the base to host the Floriade, an international flower exhibition. If you climb to the top, in addition to a breathtaking view of the city, and even the Hague and Antwerp in Belgium, you can also enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant, perched 120 meters above the ground.
3. The Erasmus Bridge
Photo credit: Flickr – Abdessamad Farazdag
Not to be missed too, the Erasmus bridge. And if you are recommended for a moment of the day, it will certainly be at night, to enjoy all the splendour of the beautiful lights tamed from the buildings. You will notice that this bridge over 800 meters reminds the shape of a swan. It is located on the new Meuse and connects both parts of Rotterdam.
4. The Kinderdijk
Photo credit: Flickr – Alex DROP
It is impossible to miss the show described as one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Netherlands: the village of Kinderdijk. Located only 20 kilometers from Rotterdam, this charming town is accessible by bike. You will appreciate the particularly rustic charm of the twenty mills that seem to ornate the places and that were built in 1740. Note that you can go see the Kinderdijk mills by boat from Rotterdam .
5. Delfshaven district
Photo credit: Flickr – JeHu68
It’s probably the most beautiful neighborhood in Rotterdam. It would therefore be a shame to visit Rotterdam without strolling into this very pleasant neighborhood. It is the district of the city that corresponds most to the image of the Netherlands: canals, boats, mills and houses respecting traditional architecture. Visit Voorhaven or Achterhaven, among the most beautiful streets in the neighborhood!
6. Museums of the city
Photo credit: Flickr – Hans Splinter
Are you culture enthusiasts and wondering what to do in Rotterdam? The World Museum (Wereldmuseum) is one of the most famous monuments in the city. You will find pieces from different cultures of the world through a hallucinating collection. Art and culture lovers, your stay in Rotterdam will be an opportunity to admire beautiful works of illustrious artists such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet and Magritte. For this, visit the largest Museum of the city, the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. Consacré à la peinture et à la sculpture de la demi du XVIII siècle à l’ère contemporaine, c’est un must. As for Maritime Museum , the oldest in the Netherlands, it will seduce lovers of ship models, drawings, maps, paintings... More than 500,000 shipping objects are presented. Finally, to discover the history of the city, go to the historical museum Schielandhuis which retraces the highlights that marked the city and its inhabitants.
7. Rotterdam Zoo Blijdorp
Photo credit: Flickr – Frans de Wit
If you’re travelling with your family, don’t hesitate to visit Zoo Blijdorp , probably one of the most beautiful zoos in Europe. You will discover wild animals in their natural habitats, as well as beautifully realized landscapes from African savanna to the Amazon jungle, as well as underwater landscapes such as Australia’s great coral barrier.
8. Boat cruise
Photo credit: Flickr – Jonas Grossmann
Visiting Rotterdam is also going through its emblems! A beautiful way to admire the must-sees of the city and to enjoy all its beauty, it is also from the water. What better than a cruise in the port on a fly boat? Learn more about the cruises to be made in Rotterdam and its port .
9. Have fun in Rotterdam
Photo credit: Facebook – Scapino Ballet Rotterdam
Rotterdam has an unusual architectural heritage, but this city is also the dream destination of all travelers looking for entertainment. With nearly 500 performances a year, the Rotterdamse Schouwburg is the ideal place to attend a dance show ranging from ballet to contemporary dance. There are several local and international companies. Among them is the Scapino Ballet Rotterdam. In the Luxor theatre, several successful productions are on display. Depending on your tastes, you have the choice between musical, opera, theatre and many others, all in an elegant setting.
How to get to Rotterdam?
To get to Rotterdam, you can choose between the train and the plane! Rotterdam is connected to Paris Nord several times a day by Thalys in 2 h 36 minutes, and many flights from Paris or the province fly to Rotterdam-La Hague airport. If you want to fly there, you will find a cheap flight on our partner's website Ulysses .
Where to stay in Rotterdam?
If you choose to visit Rotterdam, several neighbourhoods offer you according to your desires! Rotterdam is divided into six distinct neighbourhoods, the main features of which are: The Triangle, the original centre of Rotterdam, Kralingen, perfect for taking a dose of nature, Noordereiland, a small island located in the middle of the Meuse, South Bank, the chic district and West, rather popular. It is quite easy to stay in this city that has many hostels and hotels, you can find a cheap hotel in Rotterdam by doing a search on this Compare hotels .
Go for an exceptional stay in Rotterdam, discovering the artistic, historical and cultural curiosities of the country, but also the authentic atmosphere of a young and dynamic city. So you still wonder what to do in Rotterdam?
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