Exploring Rotterdam: A Weekend Getaway
Welcome to Rotterdam, a vibrant city in the Netherlands that offers a perfect blend of modern architecture, cultural attractions, and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a shopaholic, Rotterdam has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a weekend itinerary to make the most of your visit to this beautiful city.
Saturday: Shopping and Architecture
Start your day by exploring Rotterdam’s shopping scene. Head to the Lijnbaan and Koopgoot, the main shopping streets in the city’s. Here, you’ll find a wide range of shops, from high-end boutiques to well-known international brands. Walk along the Hoogstraat shopping street to the Market hall.
De Laurenskerk is het enige overblijfsel van het middeleeuwse Rotterdam. De kerk is gebouwd tussen 1449 en 1525 en is daarmee het oudste gebouw van Rotterdam. Het is één van de weinige gebouwen die het bombardement op Rotterdam tijdens de tweede wereldoorlog overleefd hebben. De klassieke lijnen van de Laurenskerk vormen een scherp contrast met de hypermoderne architectuur van Rotterdam. Market hall, is a unique food market housed in a spectacular horseshoe-shaped building. Explore the various stalls offering a wide range of local and international delicacies. Don’t forget to try some Dutch cheese and stroopwafels, a traditional Dutch treat.
After indulging in some delicious food, make your way to the Kubuswoningen or Cube Houses. These innovative houses, designed by architect Piet Blom, are a true architectural marvel. Take a guided tour to learn more about the concept behind these tilted cubes and explore the interior of one of the houses.
Walk along the old harbor, a popular area where you can see historic ships and enjoy a drink at one of the many terraces., to the river Meuse. Here you can order a watertaxi and enjoy a spectacular ride to the Erasmusbridge, also known as “The Swan.” This architectural masterpiece offers stunning views of the city and the river. Take a leisurely stroll across the bridge and soak in the beauty of Rotterdam.
You can finish your day by having dinner at Hotel New York, a historic landmark, where emigrants used to embark on their trip to New York.
Sunday: Rotterdam’s main attractions and sights
On Sunday morning, make your way to the Museum park and visit one of the city’s museums such as the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum, a must-visit for art lovers. This museum houses an impressive collection of artworks, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Monet. Take your time to admire the art and immerse yourself in the cultural ambiance. Their museum depot located next to the museum is a major attraction as well. You will have a great view from the top!
Continue your exploration by visiting the Euromast Tower, the tallest tower in Rotterdam. Take the elevator to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try the thrilling abseiling experience down the tower.
Next, walk to the Delfshaven neighborhood, a historic area that survived the bombings of World War II. Stroll along the canals, admire the charming Dutch architecture, and stop by one of the local cafes for a traditional Dutch lunch.
You can take another water taxi ride to cross the river and visit the SS Rotterdam, a former ocean liner turned hotel and museum. Take a guided tour to explore the ship’s luxurious interiors, learn about its history, and enjoy a drink at one of the onboard bars.
Spending the weekend with kids?
If you spend the weekend in Rotterdam with kids, you might consider changing the plan above and include a visit to Miniworld Rotterdam, a minitiature city located close to Rotterdam central station. Or take a tour on the river Meuse to the port of Rotterdam using the Spido or Pancake boat with an all-you-can eat pancakes buffet! The Rotterdam Zoo, Diergaarde Blijdorp, with the magnificent Oceanarium is a great attraction for kids as well.
Conclusion
Rotterdam offers a perfect weekend getaway with its unique blend of modern architecture, cultural attractions, and vibrant atmosphere. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this city has something to offer every visitor. Follow this itinerary to make the most of your weekend in Rotterdam, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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