Dutch people are proud of their 17th century architecture. When you ask them where to go in Holland, cities like Amsterdam, Leiden, Haarlem and Utrecht will be on top of the list. It’s that cosy atmosphere with canals and small alleys that makes the Dutch feel at home. But foreign tourists who are not familiar with that feeling of ‘gezellig’ are also fond of Rotterdam. It is something the Dutch don’t understand.
As a strategic port and location between European mainland and Great Britain, the Luftwaffe (German air force) decided to bomb the city in the early days of the second world war. The city was damaged completely and had to be rebuilt from the ground.
In his award winning documentary Rotterdam 2040, filmmaker Gyz la Rivière states that it takes a 100 years to define the identity of a city. Rotterdam is becoming an adult now, with it’s wild adolescence just behind it.
The 2nd largest city of The Netherlands is popular in international publications and tourists that like to explore a bit more than just old stuff, visit Rotterdam. Superb architecture, hidden gems and a vibrant scene of artists and unpretentious inhabitants make it a popular destination for those who want a great mix between history and contemporary arts & architecture.
Explore Rotterdam yourself
In this article, BBC correspondent Anna Holligan explains why the Dutch don’t see what the rest of the world does. Just want to see how the city evolved, watch Gyz la Rivière’s movie below. If you want to visit the city, just check out my posts on hotels, coffee bars, the top Thai restaurants or try the best hamburgers in Rotterdam. If you are looking for a lgbt-friendly destination, explore gay Rotterdam to see the city from a different angle.
pic: Rotterdam Gay Destination
Discover my City Rotterdam
Lonely Planet, Rough Guides and New York Times recently named it in their lists of ‘must visit’ cities. And now there is even an English cityguide with tips from locals (including me 😉 ). Order Discover my city Rotterdam and have it delivered to your hotel before you arrive. Or, if you are Dutch, give it as a present to foreign friends or expat co-workers.
Read more posts in English by LiveLikeTom, including the popular column about my ‘fucking shoes’.
I just came by to say I’m a Dutch citizen who lives in Rotterdam and I would never ever trade it for any other city in this country. I love the mix of modern and old architecture we have here!
That is so nice of you to say Kay and I totally agree!!!
I was born and raised in Rotterdam, i’m very grateful for that and would never move anywhere else, and i do understand why tourists love Rotterdam, but i’d wish they’d keep going to Amsterdam and leave our city alone. They annoy me while i’m trying to work.
Born and raised in Rotterdam, but I still don’t see it. I see other things and things changing. Hopefully it won’t turn into some pretentious douchebag place.
Hi!
Enjoyed your article & posts on my fav city in the Netherlands – Rotterdam – Mooi!!
I found the locals to be friendlier than in other Dutch cities & towns.
Also the restaurants were better & good value.
I am from Ireland so a big , gritty & cosmopolitan city is different for me.
Dank u wel
Gary
Thanx for the comment Gary! And I am sure there are a lot of people that are happy to read your good experiences here!
I am German and studied at EUR for over one year. I was totally surprised that Germans are still hated by a significant part of the residents of Rotterdam (e.g. in Kralingen). This is irritating regarding the fact that the residents consider themselves as international and open minded.
So sorry to hear that! Next time you are in Rotterdam, let me know. I will treat you a beer to make up for that! 😉
The Dutch understand perfectly. Rotterdam is one of the best cities in Europe. We just don´t want the world to know. We (from Rotterdam) prefer that all the tourist go to that horrible place called Amsterdam 😀