Just forty minutes from Amsterdam, Rotterdam is a totally different city from the famous capital. Destroyed by the bombings of the Second World War, Rotterdam has reinvented itself with futuristic and experimental architecture. That’s how Rotterdam becomes the cradle of contemporary art and innovation. Because of that it has earned the nickname of “Manhattan on the Meuse” from the name of the river that crosses it. The city proudly preserves its maritime tradition which still makes its port one of the largest in Europe nowadays.
Let’s find out the Rotterdam itinerary in 3 days.
DAY 1
Starting from the Blaak district, the ideal first stop is the covered market of Markthal. Here you can both appreciate the innovative architecture of the inverted horseshoe structure and enjoy the typical dishes of the city.
Just outside the Markthal market you will come across one of the symbols of the city: the cube houses designed by Piet Blom. The houses tries to replace kind of a set of trees. They are supported on a pillar that represents the trunk, while the houses themselves are the crown. Each house stands side by side and touches at the corners to give the idea of an urban forest.
Before leaving the area, walk to the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. The Gothic-style church is the only testimony of medieval Rotterdam.
Let’s return to the south of the cubic houses and explore the Oudehaven, or the Old Port. Nearby, there is also a maritime museum and you can see some of the most ancient and historic boats.
Walking east to the river, you come across the Witte Huis, an impressive art nouveau building dating back to 1898, credited as Europe’s first skyscraper. Actually, it was one of the few buildings to survive the German bombings.
A few steps further on is the Willemsburg, one of Rotterdam’s iconic bridges, which stands out over the river for its bright red color.
DAY 2
The second day at Rotterdam starts from Stadhuis. Here you can admire the wonderful art deco style Town Hall building. The bell tower of the Standhuis houses a carillon of 63 bells.
Our journey continues from the central station until reaching Miniworld, a park with miniature landscapes well cared and appreciated by both residents and tourists. Then, during this second day you can visiti Het Park: a huge green space immersed in modernity.
Not to be missed is a visit to the Euromast, the observation tower located in the west of the park. At sunset, it could be exciting reach – in a short walk – the Delfshaven district with a welcoming and historic atmosphere. Also, keep in mind that the riverfront is full of restaurants and pubs!
DAY 3
On the third and last day of this itinerary, let’s head towards what is probably the most important city museum, the Boijmans-van Beuningen.
Another very fascinating museum is the Dutch Fotomuseum, which hosts photographic collections from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
After that, go to Katendrecht, a spit of land surrounded by the river. In the past, this was the location of Rotterdam’s Chinatown; now it is an avant-garde tourist and gastronomic destination. The SS Rotterdam, also known as the Grande Dame, is docked at one of the quays of the peninsula. It is a cruise ship now permanently used as a museum and restaurant, suggestive even just from the outside.
