I love Rotterdam, even better than Liverpool or Rome. It was not anywhere to me but I was alone. The people weren’t pickles though and of that I am sure. (Ref: The Beautiful South).
Rotterdam is a rebuild job and the new architecture is hit and miss but I loved it! I actually preferred it to Amsterdam, even though it is very hard to beat.
It’s a shame that the weather in The Netherlands is so rainy, as the pictures would look better. I can honestly say it is one of the rainiest European countries I’ve ever been to, and I live in the UK…
Apparently, canal-surfing has become quite popular in Rotterdam, the water doesn’t look too appealing here, but I bet it is really fun!
Rotterdam is Europe’s busiest port, but even its maritime constructions look like contemporary art, even though they have an important job to do!
Rotterdam has even made its own beach! There were no takers on this overcast day in August though…
It was the 16th century that Rotterdam became a port, after it was taken advantage of by Spaniard raiders in 1572. Its position means it is the ideal place for a port, which is why it has been so successful.
Rotterdam is linked to the Rhine River in Germany by large waterways and was destroyed by the Germans after the Dutch surrendered at the last minute, so the bombs were dropped anyway.
They chose to rebuild in a modern way instead of emulating what had been before. I think this rebellion is what makes the city so exciting.
One of these houses is actually a hostel that you can stay in for a whole new perspective on Rotterdam.
If there isn’t enough modern art on the streets for you, there is a really good art museum called Museum Boijmans van Beuningen that I really enjoyed. Don’t get too close to the art, or an alarm goes off!
Another fun fact about this city is that it is the most multi-cultural city in The Netherlands with 160 nationalities represented.
Despite its vibrant exterior, this city has a tough job ahead. The Netherlands sits mainly below sea level so measures are being put in place to make it climate-proof in the face of rising oceans.
It’s easy to picture these statues poking their heads above the water, however, it seems the government won’t allow that to happen.
The plans are to make water collection plazas that can be used as playgrounds, car park storage tanks and floating houses.
If any city can make this happen, it is Rotterdam.