Everything You Should Know About Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a bustling port city located in the Netherlands, on the north coast of the province South Holland. It’s a popular destination for tourists, business travelers and students alike, thanks to its unique vibe, vibrant cultural life and stunning architecture. But, what is it that makes Rotterdam so special? In this guide, we’ll go through all the info you need to know about Rotterdam, including the best attractions and activities, where to eat and where to stay. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend visit or a longer trip exploring all that Rotterdam has to offer, you’ll find everything you need to know here.

History of Rotterdam

The history of Rotterdam as a port city dates back to the 12th century when fishermen used the river Rotte as an outlet for their catches. Over the centuries, the city managed to outlast various disasters such as floods and fires, while the importance of its port only increased, leading Rotterdam to become the most important port city in the world and the largest in Europe. Rotterdam is often nicknamed “the Gateway to Europe’ due to its pivotal role of being a hub for international trade, finance and culture. In addition to trade, the city has become an important center for investment, education and tourism. Currently, it’s home to more than 630,000 people and also one of the most multicultural cities in Europe.

Attractions and Activities

Rotterdam is a great city for tourists and locals alike; it has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with friends, or a more educational experience, you’ll find plenty of things to occupy your time in Rotterdam.

Culinary Experiences

The city is known for its adventurous food scene, with plenty of restaurants from different cuisines offering culinary experiences you won’t forget. Many dishes are prepared with fresh organic ingredients from local markets. Rotterdam even has its own food hall at Markthal, a popular destination for both tourists and locals looking to experience an exciting culinary journey.

Museums and Art Galleries

Rotterdam is home to several art galleries and museums with large collections on permanent display. Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is one of the highlights; it displays around 150 million items ranging from art from all ages, including classic old masters to contemporary works from contemporary artists. On the other hand, Europe’s last standalone maritime museum -Maritime Museum Rotterdam- is located in Rotterdam. There, visitors can explore displays about maritime history, dating back over 6 centuries. In addition to these two popular collections, Rotterdam is also home to the natural history museum Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam and the Middelheim Museum of contemporary art.

Parks and Nature

Although Rotterdam is highly urbanized, there are plenty of green spaces within the city limits. One of these is the Kralingse Bos park in the northern part of Rotterdam – one of the largest parks in south Holland with an area of 545 hectares. Apart from enjoying the lush greenery and nature that Kralingse Bos offers; visitors can also hike or rent a boat to explore its two main lakes, Park Boi and Zandzee. The Euromast Tower is another famous Rotterdam attraction located in Park Houthaven at the Wilhelminakade. Standing 185 meters tall, this observation tower offers sweeping views of the City from its signature viewing platform at 320 meters above sea-level – an adrenaline-pumping experience for those with a love for heights!

Getting Around & Exploring

Rotterdam is very compact and easy to explore. The city center is pedestrian-friendly so you can get around on foot without any problems. One of the best ways to explore the city however is by hopping on and off trams using an OV-Chipkaart, or public transport card. You’ll need one to get around on public transport in and around Rotterdam; they are available in supermarkets or at certain ticket machines throughout the city.

Where to Stay

Rotterdam has plenty of accommodation options depending on what your preferences are and budget. Hotels near Rotterdam Centraal Station are popular among tourists looking for easy access to public transport. According to TripAdvisor , some of the best ranked hotels in this region include; The Nazareth Hotel, Hotel Mainport and The James Hotel by Pendle – all located within walking distance from Rotterdam Centraal Station and various attractions such as Markthal and shopping malls. For visitors seeking more of a budget-friendly option could stay in one of Rotterdam’s hostels or rent an AirBnB apartment close to their work or study place in Rotterdam.

Conclusion

Whether you plan on spending just one day in Rotterdam or you have longer plans to stay in the city or live there, there are plenty of options to explore all that this unique Dutch city has to offer. From its vibrant cultural scene and delicious gastronomy to its stunning architecture and industrial port – there’s something for everyone in Rotterdam!