Several years back, I lived in the Netherlands. My weekends were filled with exploring various cities. I visited Rotterdam on two occasions.
This blog will delve into the specifics of the different landmarks and places of interest in Rotterdam complemented by images and videos captured during my time there.
My Trip to Rotterdam
I’ve had the chance to explore Rotterdam, Netherlands, on two separate occasions.
- The first time, I was accompanied by my Dutch colleague, During our visit, my colleague shared insightful explanations about the significance of various locations in the city. However, due to time constraints, our exploration was limited to just a few hours. Nonetheless, the knowledge gained from his guidance proved invaluable when I embarked on a solo exploration of the city during the weekend.
- In the second time, I ventured there alone for a weekend getaway spanning two days. I enjoyed a two-day journey filled with backpacking walks, museum visits, and explorations of important landmarks. Upon arriving at the Central Station, I purchased a two-day welcome card to facilitate my travels.
This card provided visitors with complimentary tram rides within the city and offered discounts at various restaurants and museums. For detailed and latest information about the card’s benefits, I recommend checking the official website. To maximize your visit, I highly recommend planning a two-day itinerary, allowing ample time to explore the city’s diverse attractions.
In this blog, I aim to recount both of my memorable visits to this vibrant city.
Rotterdam - Important Places and Landmarks
Rotterdam Centraal Station
When choosing train travel to Rotterdam, this station serves as your arrival point. Upon reaching the station, you’ll find it convenient to purchase the 1/2-day welcome card, which provides maps and details of essential city attractions. Outside the station, an extensive tram network awaits, connecting you to various parts of Rotterdam. Simply get into the right tram to reach your desired destination within the city.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line is a shipping company with its headquarters situated in Rotterdam. For over 150 years, this company operated voyages between the Netherlands and the United States. According to information provided by my colleague, this location served as a departure point for reaching United States during both World Wars. Today, the building has been transformed into a hotel. Included below are several images showcasing the architecture of this historic structure.
Note: The final picture, featuring this building in a tiny size, was captured from the Euromast Observation Tower.
Erasmus Bridge
This iconic bridge is one of Rotterdam’s most recognizable landmarks, spanning the Maas River and connecting the northern and southern parts of the city. Below video, when driving through this bridge with my colleague.
Cube Houses
Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom, these cube-shaped residences are a quirky and distinctive feature of Rotterdam’s skyline. Visitors can explore a furnished cube house to experience the unique living spaces. Below are some pictures of the cube house. Infact this building fascinated me, so that I went twice to see it.
SS Rotterdam
Once the flagship of the Holland-America Line, this historic ocean liner is now a hotel, museum, and event venue. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about its fascinating maritime history. Below is the video of the liner made during the Spido boat tour.
Spido Boat Tour
One can embark on a 75-minute tour through the bustling harbour of Rotterdam. For further information about this excursion, including visit details, captivating pictures, and engaging videos, don’t forget to explore my dedicated blog.
Mini World Rotterdam
This museum meticulously replicates the entirety of Rotterdam city in miniature form. Experience the charm of this bustling miniature city, complete with spinning windmills, bustling trucks, trains, and shipyard containers. If you’d like more insights into this unique attraction, don’t forget to explore my dedicated blog, where you’ll find additional details, photos, and videos from my visit.
Rotterdam Maritime Museum
You can explore a captivating voyage through maritime history at this museum. This features both indoor exhibitions and an open harbour. For more details about this fascinating attraction, including photos and videos, be sure to visit my dedicated blog.
Euromast
Standing tall at over 180 meters, this tower boasts an observation deck offering mesmerizing panoramic views of Rotterdam city and its bustling harbor. Additionally, visitors can dine at the tower’s restaurant while enjoying the stunning backdrop of the panoramic vista. To delve deeper into the Euromast experience, including additional details, photos, and videos, be sure to check out my dedicated blog.
The below image of Euromast tower was made from the “Holland America Line” building.
Rotterdam Streets
I captured these images and videos while exploring various streets of Rotterdam on foot and by tram. With a two-day welcome pass offering free tram rides, I’d hop on trams from Rotterdam Centraal and explore. Whenever I encountered an intriguing landmark or location, I’d disembark and spend some time there before returning to Rotterdam Centraal again and repeat the same with a different route tram.
Photos
To view an enlarged version of any image, simply click on it. You can also navigate through the images by scrolling left or right using the slider option.
Videos
Conclusion
As I conclude my exploration of Rotterdam, I’m filled with awe and appreciation for this dynamic city. Reflecting on my two visits, each experience has left an indelible mark on me. I’ve discovered hidden gems, immersed myself in the city’s rich heritage, and marveled at its architectural wonders.
The inviting ambiance of Rotterdam, along with its wide range of attractions, guarantees that every traveller will find something to delight in. I hope the insights shared in this blog will help you in crafting your own itinerary for exploring the city of Rotterdam.
