Rotterdam is a metropolis with a population of 600,000 comprising 160 nationalities. As the biggest seaport in Europe, Rotterdam is one of the most important trading centres in the world, centrally located at the crossroads of major road, rail and water links. The river Maas runs like a lifeline through the city. Busy shipping, iconic bridges and quayside walks fringed by numerous pavement cafes make Rotterdam a city of water par excellence. The river is a great draw for the hinterland whether it be for work or leisure.
The city boasts education institutes at all levels attended by more than 50,000 students, with the lead being taken by Erasmus University and the Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, which is the biggest medical centre in the Netherlands.
The presence of many multinational companies offers Erasmus University the ideal academic laboratory for developing its scientific knowledge and putting it into practice. The university plays a prominent role in the city through its substantial contribution in fields like health care and the economic and socio-cultural development of the city and the region.
Rotterdam is a showcase of modern architecture and is home to numerous famous museums, theatres, international festivals, and a cosmopolitan range of shops. The city boasts a tremendous choice of restaurants and trendsetting clubs making it a swinging and cosmopolitan entertainment centre.
Old Harbour (Oude Haven)
A unique entertainment centre in the Rotterdam’s old port district where the hospitality industry has flourished for the last twenty five years. A great range of cafes, bars and restaurants. Plenty of parking space and centrally located for access by public transport.
Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum is located in the heart of the city and has a collection of more than half a million maritime objects including model ships, paintings, prints and drawings, a cartography collection with atlases, nautical charts and globes. There is also an outdoor museum with historic ships.
Address: Leuvehaven 1 Rotterdam. http://www.maritiemmuseum.nl/
Open: Tuesday – Saturday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Sunday 11.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Dubbelde Palmboom
This museum and the Pilgrims' Church (Pelgrimskerk) in Delfshaven relate the history of the Pilgrim Fathers who, in 1620, spent their last night here before embarking on the Mayflower for their journey to the promised land of America. Many people from the United States still visit Delfshaven to see where their forefathers began their journey to the new world.
Address: Voorhaven 12 Rotterdam. http://www.dedubbeldepalmboom.nl/
Open: Tuesday – Sunday 11.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Schielandhuis
Schielandshuis is the only preserved seventeenth century building in the centre of Rotterdam, and together with the Dubbelde Palmboom, constitutes the Historic Museum of Rotterdam.
Address: Korte Hoogstraat 31 Rotterdam. http://www.historischmuseumrotterdam.nl/
Open: Tuesday – Friday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Saturday – Sunday 11.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Spido and Kinderdijk
The Spido boat will take you on a trip to see the busy shipping traffic in Europe’s largest seaport. You can see the Rotterdam skyline with its imposing buildings and bridges and you have a unique view of the wharves, docks and hypermodern container terminal.
The Spido boat also goes to Kinderdijk, the village with the biggest concentration of windmills in the Netherlands. Kinderdijk’s windmills have been declared a cultural heritage site by the United Nations.
Address embarkation point: Willemsplein 85 Rotterdam (at the foot of the Erasmus bridge on the centre side). http://www.spido.nl/
Grote or St. Laurenskerk
The statue of Erasmus in front of the St. Laurens church
Traditionally the main church in Rotterdam. A mediaeval building in the city centre, among the architectural high flyers. The church is the symbol of the history of Rotterdam that was bombed so badly in the Second World War. Church services are still held here alongside many concerts, lectures, exhibitions and dinners.
Address: Grotekerksplein 27 Rotterdam. www.laurenskerkrotterdam.n
Cities within easy reach
Historic cities like the capital Amsterdam, Utrecht and the seat of government The Hague are less than an hour from Rotterdam. All these cities can be easily reached by train.
Delft, famous worldwide for its blue earthenware and the royal tombs, is only a ten-minute train ride away.