Rotterdam, top 10 things to do

Tradition and innovation, Netherlands
The city of Rotterdam, the Netherland, is known for the Erasmus University, riverside setting, lively cultural and its maritime heritage. The port of Rotterdam is the largest cargo port in Europe. The near-complete destruction of Rotterdam’s city centre during World War II.

Rotterdam has a long list of nice places, famous sights and attractions to visit. But if time is limited then try Rotterdam top 10.


1. Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk

Great St. Lawrence Church is all that’s left of Rotterdam’s medieval buildings, most of which were destroyed during WWII. In Grote Kerkplein. As you enter the church, you’ll be struck by the beauty of the bright interior, an effect heightened by the colored glass of its windows. The church is famous for its three Danish organs, the largest of which stands on a marble base on the inside wall of the tower.


2. Museum Boymans-van Beuningen

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, one of the Netherlands’ most important art establishments, is known around the world for its superb collections of paintings, sculptures, and applied and decorative arts from across Europe, by artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, van Gogh and Dali.


3. The Euromast

The Euromast is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Rotterdam. The tower is 185 meters tall and easily recognizable in the Rotterdam skyline. Visit it for a great view over Rotterdam center, Rotterdam port and surrounding areas. It also is possible to have dinner in the Euromast restaurant on 92 meter altitude and there are two hotel suites. Thrillseekers can do abseiling.


4. Cube houses Rotterdam

The Rotterdam Cube houses are an innovative housing project designed. A village in the city. One of the Cube houses in Rotterdam is a museum, another hosts a hostel.


5. Rotterdam harbor tour

The Rotterdam harbor is one of the largest harbors in the world. It occupies half the city’s total area, much of it occupied by Europoort, a huge complex known as the Gateway to Europe. It’s a fascinating area to visit as part of a boat tour.


6. Diergaarde Blijdorp: The Royal Zoo

Diergaarde Blijdorp is one of the oldest zoos in Holland. In Blijdorp every continent with their animals has it own area. The zoo is well known for its successful breeding programs, highlights of which include a number of young elephants, as well as the rare red panda, fascinating creatures to watch as they explore the large enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitats.


7. Delfshaven

Delfshaven was not bombed in World War II and because of that it has still many historical buildings along the harbor. Consequently, it has become one of the most popular spots in this big bustling city.


8. Erasmusbrug

The Erasmusbrug connects the northern with the southern part of Rotterdam and is an icon of Rotterdam. The pylon with nickname “The Swan” is 139 meters high. The bridge is used for events like the national fireworks, concerts and movies.


9. Maritiem Museum Rotterdam

The Maritime Museum Rotterdam is dedicated to the city’s connection to the sea and its many waterways. In the museum people can see a large collection of models. One of the major attractions is the adjoining Harbor Museum, an open-air facility that’s home to the wonderfully preserved 19th-century Buffel.


10. The Church of Our Lady (Grote Kerk), Dordrecht

About 24 kilometers southwest of Rotterdam in the town of Dordrecht, the Church of Our Lady has one of the most picturesque settings of any Dutch church. It overlooks a quaint canal that dissects the old town center. As a result of a fault in construction, the tower began to sink, resulting in its present half-finished appearance.

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