1. Cube houses<\/strong><\/h2>\nHouses in the shape of a cube (obviously) and mounted at a 45-degree angle. Constructed by architect Piet Blom in the seventies, you can take a look around the famous structures – there\u2019s even a hostel inside!<\/a> Open daily from 10:00am until 6:00pm, the entrance fee is \u20ac2 for students and \u20ac3 for everyone else.<\/p>\n![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Rotterdam-cube-houses-@nicolebaster.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7\u00a0 Nicole Baster<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n2. Oude Haven<\/strong><\/h2>\nOude Haven, or the \u2018Old Port\u2019, refers to a picturesque area along the river. It\u2019s free to explore and is perfect for walking off all those stroopwafels. Here you\u2019ll find the Flags Of Peace, the Marathon Monument, Erasmusburg and various bars to stop in along the way!<\/p>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Rotterdam-river.jpg\")
3. Erasmusburg<\/h2>\n
The Erasmusburg is a large bridge that takes a few leisurely minutes to cross. Rotterdam is known for its architecture, so you need<\/em> to see this. It\u2019s free to walk across and you can admire some of the city\u2019s most impressive buildings from its epic vantage point.<\/p>\n![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Rotterdam-Erasmusburg-@photographybyniels.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7\u00a0Niels Kehl<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n4. Water taxi<\/h2>\n
Take in Rotterdam from a unique viewpoint with a short boat cruise along the river. There are water taxis available all around the city, with a short trip costing around \u20ac12 for two.<\/p>\n
5. Flags of peace<\/h2>\n
Down by Oude Haven you\u2019ll see a series of flags marking the coast line, fluttering in the wind. They aim to create a \u2018visual dialogue around peace and its symbolism\u2019, while presenting \u2018a global spectrum of ideas on peace, each highlighting particular relationships and views towards the topic.\u2019 Seeing this at the end of 2018 made me feel hopeful for a better future.<\/p>\n
6. Baek<\/h2>\n
Looking for a hearty meal, but want (read: need) it to be Instagrammable? Baek is a little outside of the city centre, but it\u2019s known for cooking Rotterdam\u2019s best burger so it\u2019s definitely worth getting your walking boots on for. Prices are cheap, the atmosphere is on point, portions are generous, staff are wonderful and the cheesecake is excellent. Sold yet?<\/p>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Rotterdam-food-Baek-Lydia-Wilkins.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7 Lydia Wilkins<\/em><\/p>\nDay Two<\/h2>\n7. Flying grass carpet<\/h2>\n
It sounds a little like Aladdin, no? This large area of astro-turf visits different areas of the country, and when it settles becomes a miniature open space. It\u2019s in Rotterdam currently, near the opera house and theatre. Not quite \u2018a whole new world\u2019, but it\u2019s a perfect space for lunch, meeting friends or just people watching.<\/p>\n
8. Street art tour<\/h2>\n
Rotterdam has a rich street art scene. You can walk around the city by yourself for free or opt for a guided route. Rewriters Rotterdam<\/a> are one local street art organisation who organise group guided tours. The city\u2019s artwork is elaborate, spontaneous, and always changing, creating an unconventional open-air gallery.<\/p>\n![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Rotterdam-street-art-2-Lydia-Wilkins.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7 Lydia Wilkins<\/em><\/h2>\n9. De IJssalon<\/h2>\n
In need of something sweet? De IJssalon has some of the best ice-cream in the city. They\u2019ve got a small stall in the Markthal and their own premises too. Think traditional flavours with a twist – cherry mania, anyone?<\/p>\n
10. Markthal<\/h2>\n
If you consider yourself a foodie then you must<\/em> visit the Markthal. Opened in 2014, it acts as a residential building and an indoor market. The market has lots of food stalls – make sure you try out ExGo\u2019s Dragon Breath \u2013 a frozen dessert dipped in liquid nitrogen which makes for a pretty cool snap. The stroopwafels are also very tasty for those who have a sweet tooth (like me!)<\/p>\n![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Rotterdam-Markthal-Lydia-Wilkins-1-656x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7 Lydia Wilkins<\/em><\/p>\n11. De luchtsingel<\/h2>\n
A yellow bridge that was crowd-funded in order to connect the city\u2019s centre to the North end. The brightly-coloured panels list the name of every person and organisation who contributed to the bridge. Even if only for convenience, it\u2019s worth taking a stroll across – after all, how many significant landmarks are bright yellow?<\/p>\n
![\"Things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Rotterdam-yellow-bridge-@stijnhanegraaf.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7 Stijn Hanegraaf<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n12. Witte de Withstraat<\/h2>\n
As I wandered the city, photographing various locations, I was told I should mention Witte de Withstraat. Why? \u201cParties and meeting new people.\u201d There are various hostels, bars, clubs and restaurants to keep every kind of backpacker entertained, as well as even more street art.<\/p>\n
13. Walking tour<\/h2>\n
Rotterdam is flat, so pretty much anywhere can be reached on foot. Why not go for a guided tour around the city? It\u2019s a perfect way to get your bearings, as well as exploring parts of the city you might otherwise not have known about.<\/p>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Rotterdam-@jrriaan.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7\u00a0Jurriaan Snikkers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n14. Theatre Rotterdam<\/h2>\n
Near to the flying grass carpet there\u2019s an opera house, cinema and theatre. I have it on good authority from a Dutch friend that the theatre showcases a wonderful variety of performances. At the time of my visit Hamlet was showing and posters for it were all over the city.<\/p>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Rotterdam-Theatre-Lydia-Wilkins-657x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7 Lydia Wilkins<\/em><\/p>\n15. Amsterdam day trip; Centraal station<\/h2>\n
If you have a bit more time, Amsterdam is about 45 minutes away on the train. It\u2019s possible to go just for the day! But make sure you explore Rotterdam Centraal Station before you do; it\u2019s a stunning modern building with numerous shops to browse selling virtually everything. There are also bikes below the station that you can take out for a spin.<\/p>\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Rotterdam-Centraal-Station-@serhatbeyazkaya-700x875.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7 Serhat Beyazkaya<\/a><\/em><\/p>\nNow compare hostels in Rotterdam<\/a><\/p>\nKeep reading\u00a0\ud83d\udc47\ud83c\udffc\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n![\"\u2b50\ufe0f\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/11\/svg\/2b50.svg\")
\u00a0<\/span>Things to do in Holland<\/a><\/h3>\n\u00a0<\/span>Amsterdam in 48 hours<\/a><\/h3>\n\u00a0<\/span>Best hostels in Amsterdam<\/a><\/h3>\nAbout the author<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcf7\u00a0 Nicole Baster<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Oude Haven, or the \u2018Old Port\u2019, refers to a picturesque area along the river. It\u2019s free to explore and is perfect for walking off all those stroopwafels. Here you\u2019ll find the Flags Of Peace, the Marathon Monument, Erasmusburg and various bars to stop in along the way!<\/p>\n The Erasmusburg is a large bridge that takes a few leisurely minutes to cross. Rotterdam is known for its architecture, so you need<\/em> to see this. It\u2019s free to walk across and you can admire some of the city\u2019s most impressive buildings from its epic vantage point.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0Niels Kehl<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Take in Rotterdam from a unique viewpoint with a short boat cruise along the river. There are water taxis available all around the city, with a short trip costing around \u20ac12 for two.<\/p>\n Down by Oude Haven you\u2019ll see a series of flags marking the coast line, fluttering in the wind. They aim to create a \u2018visual dialogue around peace and its symbolism\u2019, while presenting \u2018a global spectrum of ideas on peace, each highlighting particular relationships and views towards the topic.\u2019 Seeing this at the end of 2018 made me feel hopeful for a better future.<\/p>\n Looking for a hearty meal, but want (read: need) it to be Instagrammable? Baek is a little outside of the city centre, but it\u2019s known for cooking Rotterdam\u2019s best burger so it\u2019s definitely worth getting your walking boots on for. Prices are cheap, the atmosphere is on point, portions are generous, staff are wonderful and the cheesecake is excellent. Sold yet?<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7 Lydia Wilkins<\/em><\/p>\n It sounds a little like Aladdin, no? This large area of astro-turf visits different areas of the country, and when it settles becomes a miniature open space. It\u2019s in Rotterdam currently, near the opera house and theatre. Not quite \u2018a whole new world\u2019, but it\u2019s a perfect space for lunch, meeting friends or just people watching.<\/p>\n Rotterdam has a rich street art scene. You can walk around the city by yourself for free or opt for a guided route. Rewriters Rotterdam<\/a> are one local street art organisation who organise group guided tours. The city\u2019s artwork is elaborate, spontaneous, and always changing, creating an unconventional open-air gallery.<\/p>\n In need of something sweet? De IJssalon has some of the best ice-cream in the city. They\u2019ve got a small stall in the Markthal and their own premises too. Think traditional flavours with a twist – cherry mania, anyone?<\/p>\n If you consider yourself a foodie then you must<\/em> visit the Markthal. Opened in 2014, it acts as a residential building and an indoor market. The market has lots of food stalls – make sure you try out ExGo\u2019s Dragon Breath \u2013 a frozen dessert dipped in liquid nitrogen which makes for a pretty cool snap. The stroopwafels are also very tasty for those who have a sweet tooth (like me!)<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7 Lydia Wilkins<\/em><\/p>\n A yellow bridge that was crowd-funded in order to connect the city\u2019s centre to the North end. The brightly-coloured panels list the name of every person and organisation who contributed to the bridge. Even if only for convenience, it\u2019s worth taking a stroll across – after all, how many significant landmarks are bright yellow?<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7 Stijn Hanegraaf<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n As I wandered the city, photographing various locations, I was told I should mention Witte de Withstraat. Why? \u201cParties and meeting new people.\u201d There are various hostels, bars, clubs and restaurants to keep every kind of backpacker entertained, as well as even more street art.<\/p>\n Rotterdam is flat, so pretty much anywhere can be reached on foot. Why not go for a guided tour around the city? It\u2019s a perfect way to get your bearings, as well as exploring parts of the city you might otherwise not have known about.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0Jurriaan Snikkers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Near to the flying grass carpet there\u2019s an opera house, cinema and theatre. I have it on good authority from a Dutch friend that the theatre showcases a wonderful variety of performances. At the time of my visit Hamlet was showing and posters for it were all over the city.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7 Lydia Wilkins<\/em><\/p>\n If you have a bit more time, Amsterdam is about 45 minutes away on the train. It\u2019s possible to go just for the day! But make sure you explore Rotterdam Centraal Station before you do; it\u2019s a stunning modern building with numerous shops to browse selling virtually everything. There are also bikes below the station that you can take out for a spin.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7 Serhat Beyazkaya<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Now compare hostels in Rotterdam<\/a><\/p>\n2. Oude Haven<\/strong><\/h2>\n
3. Erasmusburg<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n4. Water taxi<\/h2>\n
5. Flags of peace<\/h2>\n
6. Baek<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nDay Two<\/h2>\n
7. Flying grass carpet<\/h2>\n
8. Street art tour<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n\ud83d\udcf7 Lydia Wilkins<\/em><\/h2>\n
9. De IJssalon<\/h2>\n
10. Markthal<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n11. De luchtsingel<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n12. Witte de Withstraat<\/h2>\n
13. Walking tour<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n14. Theatre Rotterdam<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n15. Amsterdam day trip; Centraal station<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nKeep reading\u00a0\ud83d\udc47\ud83c\udffc\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\u00a0<\/span>Things to do in Holland<\/a><\/h3>\n\u00a0<\/span>Amsterdam in 48 hours<\/a><\/h3>\n\u00a0<\/span>Best hostels in Amsterdam<\/a><\/h3>\nAbout the author<\/h2>\n