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The (not only recent) history of Rotterdam is full of fatal events, including violent floods (12th century) up to the bombings of the World War, which saved very little.
The 1950s began a phase of reconstruction with a watchword: innovation. Today, during a holiday in Rotterdam, you can admire its modern architecture and numerous monuments, some of which are truly unique (the Cubic Houses). And, of course, truly unique museums.
You will appreciate the lifestyle, the multi-ethnic character, its tolerant soul. What to do and what to see in Rotterdam is a collection of places and moments of pleasure.
WHAT TO SEE IN ROTTERDAM
BLAAK
A holiday in Rotterdam can only start from Blaak, the most important area of the city. An absolutely wonderful area with beautiful architecture, numerous bars, cafes, restaurants, shops.
Here are concentrated some of the main places not to be missed, including Markthal and the Cubic Houses.
Ideal for a leisurely stroll, or to have fun in the lively Oude Haven area, the old Port. Here you will find numerous places where young Dutch people meet.
The centrality of the place is also evidenced by public transport. Here, in fact, there are 3 metro lines, 2 tram lines and numerous buses.
Blaak is undoubtedly one of the must-see places on what to see in Rotterdam on vacation.
CHURCH OF SAN LORENZO
A few minutes’ walk from Markthal, a 15th century church-museum, partially rebuilt after the bombings.
It is the only medieval testimony present in the city. Today it hosts temporary and permanent events and exhibitions.
Open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 17:00. Closed on Sunday and Monday.
Admission costs €2.00 per person.
KOP VAN ZUID
Shops. Locals. Hotel. Skyscrapers. The interesting Dutch Photographic Museum.
Kop Van Zuid is an interesting neighborhood, don’t miss out on what to see in Rotterdam.
Its current open is the result of careful redevelopment work, thanks to internationally renowned architects.
Today, the Suspension Bridge and De Rotterdam are especially famous. The latter consists of three skyscrapers with shops, gyms, offices and homes, developed over 150 meters high.
Erasmusbrug is a splendid suspension bridge, of which the white dominates. Color and shape have guaranteed him the nickname of “The Swan“.
It is a futuristic and avant-garde bridge, in which the terminal part also acts as a drawbridge to allow the passage of taller boats. On the bridge there is a pedestrian crossing, a cycle path, the road with two lanes for cars and 2 tracks for the passage of the tram.
STADHUIS
The city hall is housed in this fascinating neo-Renaissance building, which dates back to the early 1900s.
In the foreground also the sculptures and the splendid courtyard.
Open Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 17:00. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
The town hall is located along Coolsingel, the lively city artery, and the real beating heart of shopping in the city.
Drop by during the month of Liglio, on the occasion of the Summer Carnival: among the best activities on what to do and what to see in Rotterdam.
MUSEUMS
The election as European Capital of Culture in 2001 represented a real turning point for Rotterdam.
A ferment that had its origins already in the previous decade.
Today, the Dutch city offers exhibitions and displays suitable for young and old. Museumpark has become a real Museum Park. Indeed, it is here that the greatest number of cultural buildings are concentrated. From this link the museums of the city not to be missed.
HET PARK
A park that is very reminiscent of the style of the English ones. It is located just south of Museumpark and Kunsthal.
Find fountains, trees, outside, benches and even a mini golf course. Ideal for refreshment, or for a picnic in nature.
On one side of the park is Euromast, the TV Tower, the highest point in the city with a 360 degree view of Rotterdam. It also houses a restaurant and two luxurious sleeping rooms (not really cheap), equipped with whirlpool tubs and unique views of the city.
Platforms and restaurant are open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 22:00.
The ticket from 12 years up costs 11.50€. Children from 4 to 11 years old pay the reduced rate of €8.00.