Rotterdam, the Dutch Manhattan!

It’s modern, young and vibrant and with plenty of happenings, activities and places of interest not to be missed.

They say that "Amsterdam has it, Rotterdam doesn't need it". Let's take a look why this is so true and what to do and see in this 2014 must-see city.

Learn your way around city centre
Each of Rotterdam's uniquely different districts has its own life style and selling points. Central District is the busiest one, very business oriented and concentrated around Weena. Lijnbaankwartier is great for shopping and entertainment venues. Little boutiques, trendy bars for cocktails and quirky shops can be found in Laurenskwartier. For a multicultural twist go for Kruisplein, with the local China Town, or West-Kruiskade, for a more Middle Eastern touch and plenty of Islamic shops. The Waterfront District includes the harbours of Haringvliet, Wijnhaven and Leuvehaven. The districts of Kop Van Zuis and Katendrecht, unfamous former port areas, are now dotted by restaurants and eateries. For a romantic atmosphere and some maritime history head to Scheepvaartkwartier: that's where you will also find Het Park and the 185-metre high Euromast. Soak up creativity and art in the Museumkwartier: here you will find the Kunsthal, the Natural History Museum, the Netherlands Architecture Institute and the Chabot Museum. The Witte de Withstraat is Rotterdam's most innovative area: it's where international artists hang out, where to look for contemporary art galleries and breath culture 24/7. The Nieuwe Binnenweg is great for pubs, night bars and night parties: DJ's and music lovers will also like it as it is jam packed with shops where to buy albums and CDs. Delfhaven is instead the most historic district, featuring small canals flanked by historic buildings, shipyards with warehouses, courtyards and sidewalks with cafes.

What a skyline, a Wonderland for architecture
Nose up, that's how to get the best out of some of Rotterdam's most representative buildings: the Cube Houses, current house of one of Stayokay hostel and mentioned in this article about design hostels, the EUROMAST Observation Tower, the Red Apple, the Scheepvaart- en Transport College, the New Luxor Theatre and the Markthal, the latest great addition to the skyline, still under construction. How not to mention the Erasmus Bridge, connecting the city to the international quarter of Kop Van Zuid, jam packed with cafés and restaurants.

Dance your night way
Rotterdam is the capital of entertainment: you will find restaurants, eateries and café to start your night out around Theatre Square (Schouwburgplein). For something more alternative and underground you can opt for early drinks in the bars of Witte de Withstraat and Nieuwe Binnenweg. If you are looking for something more trendy instead move to the bars on the Meent. Discos and clubs are countless but Maassilo is still one of the big names of the club venue industry. If you are looking for a LGBT party venue, right in Rotterdam you will find the the Gay Palace, The Netherlands's most popular gay club.

Summer festivals and more
Summer in Rotterdam is greeted by "Rotterdam Unlimited" a 6-day multicultural and colorful July celebration including the Summer Carnival and the Dunja Festival, a mix of art and music performances, poetry, storytelling and food. Make sure you are wearing something colorful and get ready to dance! If you are a passionate cinema-goer don't miss the January's International Film Festival Rotterdam. As Rotterdam Port is one of the key industry for the city, in September, everybody can take part to the World Port Days, an event that brings visitors and locals closer to the the maritime industry of the city with visits, tours and maritime events to the port for every age.

Erasmus, a very famous Rotterdammer
Born in Rotterdam, Desiderius Erasmus is one of the most important philosophers, humanists, scholars and teachers of his times. His statue, one of the oldest in the Netherlands can be see on Grote Kerkplein. Since he represents knowledge and culture, Rotterdam University has been named after this very influential thinker.


Looking for more inspiration? Check out more travel notes about The Netherlands here

Start planning your stay here instead!

Flicker pics are by archer10, studioroosegaarde, faceme, daarwasik, JeHu68 and were under the Creative Commons licence at the time of publication.