The majority of tourists make Amsterdam their top destination in Holland, but I challenge you to take a day trip (or two days) to discover Rotterdam in the south. Its past played a significant role in creating a modern, innovative, architecturally-spectacular, commercial and international city.
The city center was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War, and thus, the city has a completely different look and feel than Amsterdam and other cities in Holland. Don’t get nervous, as to this day, on every first Monday of the month at 12 in the afternoon, there is a city-wide siren to make sure that the siren system works correctly. At night, you might also notice red memorial lights in the pavement marking areas that were hit during the war.
With public transport being so user-friendly in Holland, taking the Fyra train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam is simple and takes about 41 minutes (you can purchase the NS ticket with the Fyra ticket supplement). Once, in the city, bike riding is very popular but I am a devoted user of the efficient metro and tram systems. Rotterdam’s Port stretches 40 km. long and is the largest in Europe. During the summer months, those who love maritime adventures can enjoy the World Port Days. Throughout the year, check for other experiences at the port.
You will probably arrive to the new Rotterdam Centraal railway station, your first architecture point of interest. This spacious, clean station also feels safe and the full project will be completed in 2014. Take the metro to the promotion center ROTTERDAM.INFO (Coolsingel 195-197), to get the latest information about the city. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, head over to the Blaak Market (Blaak metro station stop), the largest outdoor market in Rotterdam full of fresh fruit and vegetable stalls. You will also find fish, cheese, clothes, flowers, and much more. Usually, the market stays open to around 3pm and if the weather is nice, you can enjoy it for longer. Be on the lookout for one of my favorite stands – two young boys that are so polite and professional helping their father sell a variety of lentils and nuts. Also, be sure to grab poffertjes, small Dutch pancakes with a chunk of butter and powdered sugar on top. You can find them at Poffertjes Seth (Hoogstraat 177) or at a stand near the beginning of the market (Blaak metro station). Tip: Towards the end of the day, flower prices drop and you can find great deals! In the background, you will notice the huge construction project of the future indoor Blaak market and apartment project that will open in 2015. Don’t forget to check out the famous architecture of the Cube Houses and the Old Harbor nearby (Oude Haven).
Rotterdam has many places for shopping. The Blaak market stretches to Meent Street, a trendy area full of restaurants, bars and unique shopping. Beurstraverse, known as Koopgoot is an open-air shopping street. If you are in the mood for a cupcake in a colorful setting after shopping, visit Ten to Three (Aert van Nesstraat 24), you can enjoy coffee and a mini cupcake if you are trying to be good. It can get quite busy when people are trying to escape the cold and rain. Witte de Withstraat has an artistic ambience, unique stores, coffee, dining options, and pubs. Marlies Dekkers (Witte de Withstraat 2) is the store of the internationally famous lingerie designer, originally from Rotterdam. The store sits in an old bank building and has an intimate atmosphere.
Head over to view the Erasmus Bridge (walk across it and feel the Rotterdam wind). Make sure to stop by Hotel New York (Koninginnenhoofd 1). The building used to be the head office of the Holland America Line, where immigrants left Rotterdam and journeyed to New York City. The Wilhelmina Pier, hotel and café-restaurant are great areas for photos and walking around. Afternoon tea occurs daily from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., but Sunday afternoons are charming when locals fill up the café-restaurant that can seat up to 400 guests, and table upon table is filled with scrumptious delights. If you have lunch or dinner, remember you can always ask for more fries or vegetables for free! Take the water taxi back.
My oasis: Kralingen Lake and Kralingen Forest, located in the Kralingen district, get off at the Gerdesiaweg metro stop and it’s a short walk from there. There are also two historic windmills located on the Eastside of the lake that are still working and can be visited! Locals, joggers, bikers, families and couples can be seen relaxing in this beautiful environment, taking a moment away from the city. Grab a beer or lunch at one of the waterfront terraces (De Tuin is trendy) and people watch. If you want an unusual experience, eat pancakes in the middle of the forest at Bashut De Big (Kralingseweg 20). Don’t expect anything fancy; the inside is outdated and the place is old (since 1956), but entering the forest and eating pancakes gives you something to talk about. Suggestion: eat outside, weather permitting.
Make sure you have enough cash and ask ahead of time if you can use cash. Many places only accept cash, or only accept the Dutch debit card in Rotterdam. Also, you need to purchase an OV chip card for public transportation.
