Rotterdam Information

Rotterdam is the second largest municipality in the Netherlands after Amsterdam, the capital.  The city has the largest port in Europe and until 2004 was the world’s busiest port.   Around a thousand international companies have located their base for European and world wide business activities in Rotterdam, it is a centre of increasing economic activity.

In 1940 in during the Second World War, the centre was devastated by German attack, and now very few pre war buildings remain in this part of Rotterdam.  The new avant-garde architecture is famous here and abroad.  The city boasts many attractions, festivals, museums, entertainment, shopping and a young culture.  Rotterdam has something for everyone.

Places to Visit in Rotterdam

Well known museums include the Boijmans-van Beuningen Museum, the Historical Museum, the Vokenkundig Musem and the Maritiem Museum.  There are many others worthwhile visiting such as the tax museum, nature historical museum and the historical shipyard museum.

The main shopping venue in the south of Rotterdam is Zuidplein, which acts as accommodation for exhibitions, sporting events, concerts and congresses.  The Lijnbaan is the shopping centre and the first set of pedestrianised streets in the country opened in 1953.  A more modern shopping venue to try is Beurstraverse or more well known as Koopgoot (buying/shopping gutter) The Alexandrium situated in the east of Rotterdam is also worth a visit.  The Centrummarket is one of the biggest markets held in Holland.  It operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays with around 500 stalls.

The Euromast is the highest look out point in the Netherlands.  The high-speed automatic elevators are almost an experience on their own.  The Space Cabin rises up to a height of 185 metres.

Recent developments have transformed many of the old inner city harbours into picturesque quayside areas, offering many restaurants, bars and shops.
From the Erasmus Bridge, the Spido tour is an excellent attraction.  The tour along the architecture of Rotterdam, has plenty photo taking opportunities not to be missed.  The Pannenkoekenboot offers a pleasant sail along the Rotterdam skyline whilst being able to enjoy an endless supply of pancakes.  Every table is equipped with syrup and sugar, whilst pancakes on offer are a range from, cheese, ham and bacon to jam, fruit and chocolate.  There are plenty of other boat tours to choose from including the Rederj Thor which caters for parties and meetings, the China boat with a unique Chinese buffet on board, and the water taxi or water bus creating a network transport system.

Rotterdam Cuisine

Eating out in Rotterdam is never a problem with hundreds of restaurants and food outlets to choose from.  The Lijnbaan has plenty of cafes and fast foot outlets to choose from and the Westersingel is the best street to visit for something exotic on a budget.  Any choice of cuisine can be found from Italian to Mexican and Ethiopian looking around the restaurants.