So when people go to the Netherlands they are most likely going to Amsterdam, which is totally fair, Amsterdam is awesome! But then not nearly as many people make it to Rotterdam, the Netherland's second biggest city and Europe's largest port.
Why you should go
Rotterdam is a completelyyyyyy different vibe than that of Amsterdam. It is much more of an economic, business centered city with the kinds of buildings you would expect to see in a more modern city aka skyscrapers. It may not have been as charming as the Amsterdam canals but it definitely has its own different kind of charm, with a view of the water just a glance a way, with its tram running along through the grass along a little river that streams through the city, and its wide variety of architecture. It shows a different side of the Netherlands that I was really glad I experienced. Now I was only here for about a day so I obviously don't have a ton of suggestions but I wanted to post about it because after being there for a day, I really wished I had had more time there and I would easily decide to go back!
Some Thing To Do
Get a view of Erasmusbrug aka The Swan
The view of this suspension bridge is beautiful! The bridge is a really cool work of more modern architecture (1996) and you can see the huge city buildings across the water. The bridge has become rather iconic of the city so you got to go see it! See photo :)
Be amused by the Santa Claus sculpture with a butt plug in Eendrachtsplein
So I found this pretty hilarious. Rotterdam commissioned a festive sculpture of Santa Claus for Christmas but instead of a Santa Claus holding a Christmas tree, they got a Santa Claus holding a butt plug, thanks to LA artist Paul McCarthy. Now it is known as ‘Kabouter Buttplug’ – the butt plug gnome. You kind of have to laugh at that. I actually had forgotten he was supposed to be Santa Claus and when I went to look up the sculpture when writing this post, I searched "Rotterdam Gnome Statue" so I guess calling Santa Claus a gnome makes sense. This became a rather controversial piece and currently resides in Eendrachtsplein. Get a funny photo with it!
Wander along the green tram tracks and water
So this is something that I think helped me get a feel for Rotterdam and honestly left the most lasting impression on me from my time there other than the view of Erasmusbrug. I just felt like it added a lot of charm to the city and gave me a really good vibe. Just look at the photo! It's so cute and there are plenty of small little bridges like in Amsterdam for some good photo ops. I love walking through cities and this is definitely a nice little walk you could do even just for a little bit. Stop at Albert Heijn and get some stroopwafels and some wine along the way you are bound to see one! :)
Go shopping, eating and/or drinking on Witte de Withstraat
This is a very popular street for stores, restaurants, bars, art galleries and more! You are bound to find something to do here! For my nightlife lovers this is definitely a place to check out. Some well known places on Witte de Withstraat are the bar Café De Witte Aap, the lingerie store Marlies Dekkerst, and the art gallery Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art.
Check out the Cube Houses
These look insaneeeee. They were designed by Piet Blom in the 1970s and are basically an architectural wonder. I unfortunately didn't have time to see this or the next thing on my list because I was here for such a short amount of time but I would 100% check this out if I went again! So go for me and send me some pics!
Walk through the Market Hall
This is another architectural beauty that I didn't have time to see! So it basically looks like a giant horseshoe shaped arch and is completely decorated with art underneath. I feel like I would loooove this. In addition, within it is the larges indoor market in Holland! Soooo what more could you want? So next time I go I will be stopping by here! Once again, go for me and take pics!
Just like in Amsterdam...
Go to some coffeeshops!
This is still the Netherlands, aka you can still smoke weed in coffeeshops so take advantage of it! The one I went to was called Coffeeshop Pluto. Compared to the ones I went to in Amsterdam it was much more modern. There are plenty of others to check out but I do recommend this one if you can't figure out where to go!
Eat yummy grocery store goodies from Albert Heijn
As in Amsterdam, there are Albert Heijn's everywhere so make sure to go inside and buy some yummy treats and cheap wine! Once again drinking grocery store wine and munching on a 12 pack of stroopwafels is cheap and fun!
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