Rotterdam – travel tips and sights

Spring and late autumn are my favorite seasons for city trips. Last year I explored Lyon at the beginning of May and travelled to Liverpool for the Ascension Day. This year, true to my 16 travel ideas for 2016, I chose Bordeaux and the Netherlands. During my high school years, I spent a week sailing on the IJsselmeer. At the end of the project week, we had exactly two hours to take a look at the canals of Amsterdam. This time we wanted to take more time. We threw away the original idea of cycling through tulip fields in favor of a relaxed city trip. Next time, then. For this purpose, we supplemented our program with a 24-hour detour to Rotterdam. A good idea. In contrast to the totally overcrowded Amsterdam (yes, that was to be expected), Rotterdam presented itself pleasantly unagitated.

10:00 – weird, weird, Rotterdam

After arriving at Shiphol Airport, we made our way directly to Rotterdam. The journey takes about 30 minutes with the direct Intercity to Rotterdam Centraal. Our accommodation was right next to the Blaak train station, which can be reached either by train or tram from Centraal. Blaak station is a good place to get a first impression of Rotterdam’s colourful architectural diversity. Brick buildings alternate with concrete buildings. A futuristic-looking market hall and Piet Blom’s famous cube houses complete the sloping ensemble of squares.

12:00 Picnic – Before we see the sights in Rotterdam

The early morning flight and the first explorations on foot make themselves felt around noon with loud growling. Time for a refreshment. We stopped at the picnic (Mariniersweg 259), where fine brunch menus, croque monsieurs and other freshly prepared light dishes are on the menu.

14:00 yellow ribbon

Our walk through the city continues in the direction of Centraal station. By means of crowdfunding, a great project was realized here. A bright yellow “air canal” connects a district isolated by railways and multi-lane roads with the station district. My former urban design professors would have liked this temporary and collaborative approach to designing and linking public space.

16:00 – Parkpause

For a breather in the countryside, the museum park in the city centre is ideal. The park is located between the Boijmans van Beuningen Art Museum, the Netherlands Architecture Institute, the Natural History Museum and the Kunsthalle designed by Rem Koolhaas. We only admired the museum buildings from the outside and enjoyed the blossoming trees and the summer temperatures.

18:00 – Kop van Zuid und Katendrecht – Hafen Rotterdam

The striking Erasmus Bridge, which connects the city centre with the former southern docks, is Rotterdam’s landmark. The tall, slender buildings that grow into the sky along the Nieuwe Maas are impressive. Coincidentally, we were in Rotterdam on the very day that the Aida Prima made a stop in front of the KPN Telecom Building on its way to its own christening in Hamburg. The proportions are impressive. If you have enough time, you can discover exciting historical and modern buildings in Kop van Zuid and Katendrecht. For example, “De Peperklip” is worth seeing. Viewed from above, the apartment building has the shape of a paper clip. Very cool is the Fenix Food Factory (Veerlaan 19D) with an outdoor terrace and a view of the legendary New York Hotel opposite.

20:00 – Fish or meat? – Restaurant tip Rotterdam

For dinner, I reserved a table in advance at Fjord Eat & Drink (Blaak 776), which is centrally located on the waterfront. Not a bad decision. The jam-packed terrace only emptied when the sun said goodbye behind the buildings. Fish, crabs or rather a good piece of meat? As long as you’re not a vegetarian or vegan, you’re sure to find something suitable on the menu.

22:00 – Good night! – Hotel tip Rotterdam

We spent the night at the CitizenM Rotterdam, directly opposite the tram stop Blaak. Super developed and fair value for money. We paid 80 euros per night (without breakfast) for our double room and were surprised by the size of the bed. Otherwise, the rooms are functional but nicely furnished.

8:00 – sweet getting up

The next morning we start the day sweetly. Brasserie Dudok (Meent 88) is known for its breakfast menu and fine apple pie. The variant cinnamon ice cream, cream and warm apple pie easily meets our high expectations. A nice end to our entertaining 24 hours in Rotterdam. The conclusion: A versatile city, to my taste!

You can find more Rotterdam tips from Nina and Elke, among others. I was also inspired by the Wallpaper City Guide – my favorite travel guide series for city trips.