9 Reasons Why We’re Obsessed with Rotterdam

With its psychedelic modern architecture, extraordinary local dishes, an ever-active art scene and crazy hostels, Rotterdam should definitely be on the list of destinations to visit. And, therefore, it is strange that many travellers exclude it from their ‘route map’.
Or maybe not, Rotterdam is one of those cities where you can go at any time and be sure to have a good time. But you have to know what you are doing. With a little planning, however, Rotterdam could easily become our new favourite city. If you need some ideas about Rotterdam, well, here are 7 things that make the city absolutely unmissable

• Rotterdam is delightfully strange

? Emma Martell
Not every city has the courage to display a giant statue of Father Christmas with a sex toy, but it is how the city works: it is a mentally open city that does not take itself too seriously.
Another must-see in Rotterdam is the floating forest: an installation with elms decorated with sea buoys. Oh, and if you know about the city’s obsession with rather strange children painted on every surface, let us know in the comments below.

• Freakshake! Giant wafels! A cheesecake festival!

If you are looking for a city to break your diet for a while, Rotterdam is the place to be. Go to Supermercado for killer freakshakes, Dudok for legendary apple pies and Stroop Rotterdam for giant wafels with salted caramel, lemon or bacon. Oh, and maybe you could coincide your visit to the city with the annual cheesecake festival.
If you want something other than dessert, try Fenix Food Factory, an organic market inside an old farmhouse, or Bertmans for a fantastic brunch, or Ter Marsch and Co for the best burger in town. And if you’re looking for an incredible vegetarian restaurant, look no further: stop by Spirit!

• Nightlife in Rotterdam is much better than in Amsterdam

The beauty of Rotterdam’s nightlife is that you won’t find as many tourists as in neighbouring Amsterdam, which means it’s very quiet and you can have a great night out for less money!
If you want to take things as they come, head for the Witte de Withstraat, the area with the highest concentration of bars and cafés (including the Cafe de Witte Aap, voted the best bar in the world), discos and late-night eating spots. For something “a bit more…”, head to Roodkapje Rotterdam, the parties are absolutely killer! In summer, the Biergarten Rotterdam is one of the best places to go. And if you’re looking for a club that doesn’t take itself too seriously, check out the Bar.
One of our favourite venues is definitely theAloha Bar, Rotterdam’s best rooftop terrace bar and restaurant: the tropical décor is top notch, the view is spectacular and, well, they have their bees.

• Creativity in Rotterdam

The last few years have seen a redevelopment of the city’s less popular areas such as Zomerhofkwartier aka Zoho and the Hofbogen district, in a railway interchange, where the Bird bar is located: jazz music and great food.
If you want to get your hands on the work of Rotterdam’s best craftsmen and wander around the coolest vintage items in Holland, head to the Swan Market or Groos Rotterdam for local products and design.

• The city’s architecture is simply…wow!

? Kevinplaisier84 & Canusen
Rotterdam was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War but what it lacks in history it has left room for innovation, creativity and a bit of boldness.
Don’t miss the ceiling of the Markthal Rotterdam market; the Luchtsingel‘yellow-instagram’ promenade, the result of a community crowfunding campaign; the magnificent Erasmus Bridge nicknamed ‘The Swan’; the UNESCO World Heritage Site Van Nellefabriek, arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in the world; the Sonneveld House, an extraordinary residence that seems to have been trapped in time; and the futuristic Cube Houses, which now house the Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel.

• Coffee lovers?

They should create a word for the fear of being without a good coffee while travelling. It’s always the first thing we look for before we leave! But have no fear: Rotterdam does not scare: our favourite cafés in the city are the Man met Bril Koffie, Hopper Coffee and the ever-popular Aloha Bar.

• Art is everywhere in Rotterdam

There is an incredible amount of murals and art installations in Rotterdam. One of the best spots in the city is certainly the area around the Witte de Withstraat, with psychedelic murals and neon signs. To get all the info you want, download the Rewriters app: guided tours and all you need to know about Rotterdam’s 7 km of street art.
The museums in Rotterdam are fantastic – if you only want to visit one, don’t miss the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum which houses one of Europe’s best modern art collections and works by Picasso, Dali, Renoir and Monet. Or visit, for something more extreme, the Witte de With. Photography lovers should not miss the Nederlands Fotomuseum: the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

• Plenty of places for some (well-deserved) relaxation

The best park in Rotterdam to get close to nature, aka recover from a hangover, is certainly the Kralingse Bos, next to a picturesque lake and with its pancake shop. If you have enough energy, take a bike and explore the city’s canals.
If you want to get out of the city for an afternoon, a 30-minute boat ride will take you to Kinderdijk: a UNESCO heritage site with more windmills than you can count. Perfect for getting to know lesser-known Dutch areas.

• Hostels are a 10 on the report card

We’ve already mentioned the Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel, located in one of Rotterdam’s most iconic buildings – which, for the record, is as strange on the outside as it is on the inside. If you want something that tastes more like home, check out the Ani & Haakien Rotterdam hostel: pancakes for breakfast, movie nights and design so amazing you won’t want to leave. For a relaxed and chic atmosphere, try Hostel Room Rotterdam.
Finally, there’s the super-cool King Kong Hostel, in the middle of Rotterdam’s Witte de Withstraat: rumour has it that this hostel has hosted some celebrities. What do we know about it? Maybe..
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