City Guide to Rotterdam, Holland’s Urban Haven

Rotterdam is a city I have visited over 10 times over the past 30 years. There is something about it that keeps calling me back. Every time it does there is always something new, cool and exciting to discover. Rotterdam has often been an overshadowed city. However, over the past few years, this major port city and urban haven in South Holland has become the go-to destination in Holland.

This is for many good reasons. Having been witness to Rotterdam’s growth and development over the years, I am pleased that so many people are now seeing what I have always seen in this wonderful and diverse city. It is a city that I could never tire of visiting. It is also one that I’m sure will continue to evolve and I cannot wait to see how.

Rotterdam was destroyed during World War II. Yet this resilient and determined city has risen from the ashes and is now a super cool and cosmopolitan place to visit. Many different styles of architecture together with repurposed buildings, skyscrapers and bridges can be found across the city, which is often referred to as ‘Manhattan on the Meuse’, because of its modern skyline. Therefore, if you like contemporary spaces and quirky design, Rotterdam is a great option if you’re looking for a European city break. Here is my guide to Rotterdam and some of the best things it (currently) has to offer.

How To Get To Rotterdam

Flight

I flew to Holland with KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij if you’ve ever wondered what the abbreviation meant), from my local airport, Humberside. KLM is currently (2019) celebrating their 100th year in aviation, making it the world’s oldest operating airline. If you are a regular reader of the blog you will know that I always struggle to find flights from Humberside.

This usually means at least a two-hour drive to my closest big airport before the start of any foreign jaunt. Therefore, the fact that KLM flies from there, together with 17 other UK airports, makes getting to Holland super easy and also in my case super convenient too. Plus as a nervous flyer, the fact that the flight takes less than an hour gets a massive thumbs up from me.

Train

I love trains in Holland – they are reliable and cheap, especially compared to the ones in the UK. As Holland is a relatively small country getting anywhere via train is usually pretty quick and simple. As soon as I’d landed at Amsterdam Schipol and passed through passport control I headed to the train station located under the airport itself.

Prebooking tickets is always advised. Especially if you plan to travel a distance and want to ensure that you have a seat reservation. However, you can also buy them once at Amsterdam Schipol from the ticket machines at the top of the escalators before heading down to the train platforms. Or if you have a Eurail pass and are travelling via train through Europe, you are also covered.

There are over 90 trains daily from Amersterdam Schipol to Rotterdam Centraal. Therefore the likelihood is, if you miss one, you won’t be waiting too long until another train passes through. The journey takes a mere 26 minutes and costs approximately £13.

Where To Stay

As with any major city, there are a number of options when it comes to where to stay. These include hotels, apartments, Airbnbs and with hostels starting from £11 per night, Rotterdam is a great option for even the most budget-conscious traveller. However, if you are looking for accommodation that has that something extra then the 5 star designed Mainport Rotterdam Hotel is the perfect choice. Its unique location, on the banks of the river Maas ensures amazing views over the water and the skyline of Rotterdam.

This luxurious and modern hotel is located within walking distance of most of Rotterdam’s main attractions. That is if you can tear yourself away from the on-site restaurant, bar, gym, pool and spa. Also if you opt for a waterfront sauna room, not only with you be rewarded with the amazing views I mentioned before, but also your own personal sauna. Yes, an actual sauna in your bathroom. What better way to relax after a full day exploring everything Rotterdam has to offer?

Not only is this hotel beautiful but it is also has a Surprisingly Sustainable program in place. The program sets out ambitious sustainable goals for the hotel to meet. From eco-friendly care products and LED lights to charging points for electric bikes and cars, Mainpoint Rotterdam is extremely environmentally conscious. Couple that with the high levels of comfort and professional hospitality and it obvious why this hotel is such a popular choice in Rotterdam.

How To Get Around

My favourite way of getting around any city is to walk and Rotterdam is a very walkable city. In fact, there are a number of guided walking tours you can book if you want to ensure that you do not miss any of the key sites. However, if you fancy something unique or you are simply short on time, Rotterdam has some great other options for you to consider.

Watertaxi Rotterdam

There are 50 landing stages throughout the city. Therefore taking a water taxi is a quick way to zip from one point in Rotterdam to another. Whizzing through the water is also extremely fun. If you decide to sit outside, remember to hold on. Also bear in mind that you may get a tad wet from the spray. Taking a water taxi not only allows you to see Rotterdam from a different vantage point, but it also allows you to see other buildings/attractions that you may have missed.

Depending on how many people are sharing the taxi, prices start from €4.50 pp. All you have to do is book in advance on the Watertaxi Rotterdam website. Failing that you can simply call on the day you want to travel using the number which can be found at each landing stage. If you have booked in advance, it’s important that you are ready and waiting for your water taxi as it will not hang around for you.

Rotterdam Metro

Again, if time is not on your side and you have to be somewhere quickly then the Rotterdam metro, which is the oldest metro system in Holland, is a great and easy to use option. Simply buy a RET day-ticket from Rotterdam Centraal, any metro station or even book online for just €8. It provides you with a full day of unlimited travel through Rotterdam, both during the day and at night. The best part is, you can also use your ticket on trams and buses operated by RET too.

Bike

Bikes are synonymous with Holland. With great cycle paths and routes, it’s easy to see why many locals go for the two-wheel option to get around. Hiring a bike is also a great way for tourists to get around too as it gives you the option to ride around the city and stop whenever you fancy or see something that piques your interest.

Because it is such a popular thing to do in Rotterdam, there are a number of bike hire companies operating in the city. Some hotels offer the option to hire bikes from them too. There are also a number of guided bike tours on offer in Rotterdam which provide a comprehensive overview of the city, ideal for first-time visitors.

Where To Eat

There are numerous places to eat in Rotterdam and certainly something for everyone’s taste and budget. Having visited on so many occasions, I’ve lost count of (and forgotten the names of – sorry!) the amazing places I have eaten at over the years. However, here are some of the places I managed to grab a bite at on my most recent trip. All of which I would highly recommend trying out for yourself.

Aloha Bar

The Aloha Bar can be found in the old Tropicana waterpark complex. Having visited Tropicana a few times when it was operational it was great to see that the building, from the outside at least, is exactly as it was the last time I visited, approximately 10 years ago. Inside, the existing structure has been utilised to create a city greenhouse allowing sustainable entrepreneurship. With the Aloha Bar setting up in the former WildWaterbaan and the outdoor area of ​​the swimming pool.

It is a great spot for lunch and/or dinner. Especially on a nice day because of the sun terrace over the River Maas. Mouthwatering food, including a great selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, a glass of local beer and views of the Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge), what’s not to like about that.

Foodhallen

The Foodhallen in Rotterdam is my kind of place and a food lovers delight. With 15 stands all serving different cuisine and drinks, everyone in your party can choose something different. Yet you can all sit together. From sushi to burgers and not forgetting sweet treats, there really is something for everyone without anyone having to compromise. Open daily, 12:00 – 23:30 Sunday to Thursday and 12:00 – 01:00 Friday and Saturday, the Foodhallen is definitely worth dropping by.

De Matroos en Het Meisje

If fine dining in a traditional Dutch setting sounds like a perfect evening’s dinner plans than a visit to De Matroos en het Meisje (The Sailor and The Girl) is highly recommended. Behind the curtain, at the door, you will find an intimate restaurant. It is extremely popular and often full every night of the week. With Delft blue tiles and artwork across the main wall and famous Dutch checkered tea towels being used as napkins, this restaurant is certainly quirky and unique. However, it’s important to note that this restaurant is certainly not style over substance.

The menu, which is as bold as the decor, changes regularly to factor in local and seasonal ingredients. The menu du chef on offer is a great option if you enjoy a surprise. Just remember to let them know in advance of any allergies/intolerances. You can choose from three to six courses with optional wine pairing. This restaurant is a great choice for any occasion from a first date through to a family meal. With friendly and knowledgeable staff, a visit to De Matroos en het Meisje is certainly an experience you will not forget in a hurry. 

Rotterdam Markthal

The Markthal in Rotterdam is the largest indoor market hall in Holland and is a foodie’s delight. The impressive building is home to not only the indoor market but also office and residential apartments too. It attracts locals and tourists in their droves daily. Nicknamed Koopboog because of its horseshoe shape, the Markthal is a must-visit destination when in Rotterdam. The structure designed by architecture firm MVRDV is stunning and although unique, it certainly fits in with the urban and ever-changing skyscape of the city. 

Even if you do not want to pick anything up from any of the 100 fresh produce units or 15 food shops or even eat at any of the 8 restaurants, a visit simply to marvel at the stunning ceiling is advised. More than 4000 beautiful tiles depicting The Horn of Plenty designed by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam adorn the arch. They are truly breathtaking. But while you are there, picking up some delicious delicacies is a great idea. These include Dutch staples such as cheese, bitterballen and of course stroopwafels. You can even take a guided walking tour of the Markthal for approximately £15, allowing you to “meet and taste” the producers and their produce. 

Op Het Dak

A lovely little hidden oasis in the hustle and bustle of the city is Op Het Dak. Located within walking distance of Rotterdam Centraal, this cool rooftop restaurant and coffee bar prides itself on creating food that is clean, simple and local. The restaurant’s wooden terrace overlooks the garden which grows organic vegetables, edible flowers, herbs and is home to a bee farm. It’s important to note that Op Het Dak is closed on Mondays. You are also unable to reserve a table in advance. With only 45 seats available, you may have to hang around until a table becomes available. This is a very popular spot.

Places To Visit

So you know how to get to Rotterdam, where to stay, how to get around and where to eat, but what attractions should you visit? Here are a few you really should check out. A couple of which are actually free to visit, which is great news if you are travelling on a budget.

ss Rotterdam Escape Room

The ss Rotterdam ( also known as “The Grande Dame”) was the cruise liner that people wanted to travel on. After sailing the seven seas for 40 years, she was retired and is now a permanent fixture in Rotterdam. She has been restored to her former glory and now serves as a hotel and museum. Many people opt to take afternoon tea in the Captain’s Lounge. While others decide to take the ss Rotterdam Exploration Tour. The tour allows you to get a feel for what life aboard the grand ship was like both above and below deck.

The vessel is also home to Escape Rooms ss Rotterdam which has two identical rooms (with another design currently being built). Located in the old cold storages deep in the bowels of the ship, the escape room has been designed specifically for the ship. The theme focuses on the mysterious secrets of the ship’s former captain. It is suitable for teams of 4 – 8. It’s imperative you work as a team to crack various codes and solve a number of puzzles all within 60 minutes in the hope of finding the hidden treasure.

Binnenrotte Market

If you happen to be in Rotterdam on a Saturday or Tuesday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m, you need to check out Binnenrotte Market. It is a great place to head if you want to shop where the locals do. Binnenrotte is located right next to the Markthal and opposite the Cube Houses (more about them soon), which means you cannot miss it. It is the largest open market in Holland with over 500 hundred stalls. You can pick up a whole host of things. These include vintage pieces and books through to clothes and not forgetting fresh produce and flowers.

Cube Houses

No visit to Rotterdam is complete without a visit to the Cube Houses (also known as “Het Blaakse Bos”). They are the number one attraction in Rotterdam. Once you have seen them up close and personal you will understand why. The quirky architecture is something that you need to see to appreciate just how unique it really is. Designed in the 1970s by architect Piet Blom and based on the concept of “living as an urban roof”, the 38 houses were designed to utilise all the space available inside.

If you want to see inside a cube house for yourself, you’re in luck, you can visit the Kijkkubus (show cube house), which is furnished as a typical house, for a mere €3.00. The Kijkkubus is open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can even spend the night in a cube house at the recently opened Stayokay hostel. The hostel has a vending machine, bistro and bar, free WiFi access throughout and breakfast is also included. And if you fancy owning your own cube house and are lucky enough to ever see one on the market, prices start at approximately €175,000.

Euromast

If you want a great view of Rotterdam and the surrounding area from above, the Euromast is the place to head. The observation tower was built between 1958 and 1960. It currently stands at 184.6 m (606 ft) making it the tallest building in the city. Entrance costs € 10,25 per adult and it’s important to note that only cards are accepted for payment. Euromast is also home to a deli, brasserie and the Euromast Suites, each with its own private balcony.

I hope this guide helps you plan a visit to Holland’s urban haven, as it really is a city that must be visited. With a range of accommodation available, mouthwatering restaurants and interesting and unique attractions Rotterdam is a wonderful European city.

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