Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is a city that stands out in The Netherlands for its bold, modern architecture. After being largely destroyed during World War II, the city rebuilt itself with an eye toward innovation rather than restoration. This has resulted in fascinating buildings like the cube houses, the Markthal (a massive food market housed under an arch of apartments), and the Erasmus Bridge, nicknamed "The Swan."
The city's port is the largest in Europe and among the biggest in the world. This maritime heritage shapes Rotterdam's character - it's less touristy and more industrial than Amsterdam, with a grittier, more international vibe. The waterfront areas have been revitalized in recent years, making them great spots to explore.
Rotterdam also has a thriving arts scene with excellent museums like the Boijmans Van Beuningen (currently closed but with a visible depot) and the Netherlands Photo Museum. The city is known for its diverse population, which contributes to its vibrant food scene - you'll find cuisine from around the world here.
While Amsterdam gets most of the attention, Rotterdam offers a completely different Dutch experience - one that showcases the country's forward-thinking approach and working-class roots rather than its historical Golden Age.
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Things to do in Rotterdam
Top things to do in Rotterdam by www.planetware.com
Where to stay in Rotterdam
Best hotels in Rotterdam:
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CityHub Rotterdam (budget hotel)
CityHub Rotterdam offers a unique stay, the private sleeping pods provide a cozy space with a comfy king-size bed, while shared bathrooms feature rain showers. Using the hotel's app, guests can control their room and chat with staff for local tips.
Located in the bustling city center, CityHub puts you close to major attractions like the Markthal and Cube Houses. The 24-hour front desk and self-service bar add convenience. With its central spot and pod-style rooms, it's a cool choice for travelers looking to explore Rotterdam without breaking the bank.
While the pods are compact, the shared spaces offer room to mingle. The modern design and tech features give it a fresh vibe that appeals to younger crowds. Overall, CityHub provides a fun, budget-friendly base in a prime location for experiencing Rotterdam.
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Rotterdam Marriott Hotel (luxury hotel)
The Rotterdam Marriott Hotel sits in a prime spot right across from the city's central train station. This sleek high-rise has a killer location that puts you within easy walking distance of Rotterdam's main shopping areas and top attractions.
Inside, the rooms are modern and comfy, with big windows that let in lots of natural light. The beds get rave reviews for being super plush. While some guests mention hearing a bit of noise, overall the rooms offer a relaxing place to crash after a day of exploring the city.
The hotel's restaurant, Pillars Bar & Kitchen, serves up tasty casual bites and shareable plates. For a real treat, there's even a Michelin-starred restaurant on-site called The Millèn. The staff are friendly and attentive, always ready to help you make the most of your stay in Rotterdam. With its unbeatable location and solid amenities, the Marriott is a great home base for discovering this vibrant Dutch city.
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Postillion Hotel WTC Rotterdam (medium range hotel)
The Postillion Hotel in Rotterdam is super easy to get around from here - you're just a quick walk from tons of restaurants, shops, and major sights. The rooms are comfy and well-designed, with nice touches like flat-screen TVs and free WiFi.
One of the best things about this place is the killer breakfast buffet they serve up every morning. Fuel up there before heading out to explore Rotterdam. The hotel also has a fitness center if you want to squeeze in a workout during your stay.
While the location can't be beat, some guests mention it can get a bit noisy at times due to the central location. But overall, the friendly staff and convenient amenities make this a solid choice for your Rotterdam trip. Just be sure to book early - it's a popular spot that fills up fast!
book now on booking.com
Best hostels in Rotterdam:
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Hostel Ani&Haakien (hostel)
Hostel Ani&Haakien in Rotterdam is a cool spot for backpackers looking for a fun and social place to crash. Located just a short walk from Rotterdam Central Station, it's super convenient for exploring the city.
The hostel has a chill vibe with a nice garden and terrace where you can hang out and meet other travelers. The staff are really friendly and organize activities like live music nights and walking tours to help you get to know Rotterdam. They also have a shared kitchen if you want to cook your own meals.
The dorms are clean and comfortable, with options ranging from 4-bed to 12-bed rooms. There's free WiFi throughout, bike rentals available, and a tasty breakfast for an extra charge. Overall, it's a great budget-friendly base in Rotterdam with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for solo travelers or groups looking to make new friends.
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Hostel ROOM Rotterdam (party hostel)
Hostel ROOM Rotterdam it's got a great vibe with a communal living area where you can chill out, watch some Netflix, or play board games. The bar serves up breakfast, snacks and drinks, and there's even a daily happy hour.
The rooms are simple but comfy, with shared bathrooms. While it's not fancy, it's got everything you need for a budget-friendly stay. The location can't be beat - you're just a short walk from the Erasmus Bridge and tons of restaurants and attractions.
One of the best parts is the friendly staff. They offer free walking tours and can hook you up with discounts for local sights. The kitchen is handy if you want to cook your own meals. Overall, it's a fun place to meet other travelers and explore Rotterdam without breaking the bank.