Rotterdam is a city of many faces; a tough port city, a trendy nightlife city, a sophisticated shopping city, and a hip artistic city. Above all, Rotterdam is an architectural marvel of Holland with an ever-changing skyline. There’s lots to do amid the city’s skyscrapers. You can go on a shopping spree, enjoy some excellent food, and visit a range of museums and attractions in and around the city centre.
Do not leave Rotterdam before doing these top things…
Shop till you drop in Rotterdam
Shopaholics who are searching to get new stuffs home; Rotterdam is a right place for you. The country boasts a wide variety of unique stores, great little shopping streets and shopping malls.
Nen: vintage pieces, accessories and timeless classics by new and talented designers
Very Cherry: retro designs and prints from the 1960s and 1970. Their store is the Brandstore of their own label, but also sells other great brands such as King Louie , Nümph, Grace & Mila , FRNCH , Gola sneakers and many more.
Ginza: exclusive sneakers, and much more. Ginza was opened in 2008 by stylist and founder Margaret West. She missed a boutique that changes their products often so that customers would love to come every week, so she created one. At Ginza, customers can shop their entire outfit at an affordable price.
Ginza is located in the most lively street of Rotterdam: De Pannekoekstraat. This street has developed into the street for boutique shopping in Rotterdam. Full of fun shops, restaurants, bars and boutiques! In addition to weekly changing brands, Ginza also sells its own Margaret West brand, founded in 2014.
Go for Splashtours
Splashtours are a great way to discover the city on land and in the water. It involves a coach that rides on land and sails on the water. So you will be driving through the city centre of Rotterdam one minute, and sailing amid other ships on the Meuse the other. The coach takes you past all of the city’s highlights, including the Erasmus Bridge, Euromast and cube houses.
Take the Harbour Tour in Spido
The Spido Harbour Tour takes you on a voyage through one of the largest harbours in the world. Amidst hundreds of ships, you will see the modern harbor’s shipyards and how the latest techniques are used to transport thousands of containers. At the same time you’ll enjoy the impressive skyline of Rotterdam and pass the grand cruise ship DeRotterdam.
Go on a voyage of discovery through Miniworld Rotterdam
Trains ride into Rotterdam Central Station and leave again. The polar bears at Blijdorp Zoo jump into the water in their cages and people are hard at work in the harbour. There is plenty to see at MiniWorld Rotterdam, the biggest indoor miniature world in the Benelux.
Ask for treasure hunt at the entrance and explore the miniature world. See the replicas of the historic buildings that were flattened by bombs during WWII. Experience night falls every 24 minutes at the Miniworld. The city and landscape look very different at night.
Eat out at cafés and terraces
Rotterdam is home to a large variety of restaurants, cafes and terraces that will gladly welcome you for tasty snacks and refreshing drinks.
De Witte Aap: an incredible selection of draft beers, wood-fired pizza, games and music—need we say more?
Dudok: A Rotterdam classic with the best apple pie, and a great terrace for watching the city below
De Zondebok Het zwarte schaap : Translates as “The scapegoat and the black sheep.” It’s open 7 days a week and serves Rotterdam’s best beer.
Information courtesy: Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions (NBTC)
Featured video courtesy : ViaTravelers
To give you a taste of the many faces of life in Holland, here’s a beautiful portrait of Delft, penned by the celebrated author Usha Akella.
