From classic art-noveau buildings such as Het Witte Huis to the swan-shaped Erasmus Bridge, Rotterdam’s architecture is second to none. For the perfect combination of old and new, add the other ‘Dam to your itinerary on your next trip to the Netherlands.
If your knowledge of the Netherlands centres around Amsterdam’s charming canals and naughty brownies then it’s time to branch out — 45 miles to be precise — to see what neighbouring city Rotterdam has to offer (it does have a song named after it after all).
Home to the largest port in Europe, Rotterdam is a key player in European trading and also hosts the iconic North Sea Jazz Festival, the Netherlands biggest music festival. But what seems to draw the most attention is the contemporary architecture that has transformed the city’s skyline, a response to the 1940s German bomb raids that destroyed many of the city’s buildings.
Rotterdam may be missing the cobbled streets and towering townhouses of Amsterdam but its Cube Houses, De Rotterdam ‘vertical city’ and one-of-a-kind Markthal are just as insta-worthy (if not more). Discover it all on the Rotterdam Architecture Walking Tour and you’ll see that the other ‘Dam is the Netherlands best kept secret.
ROTTERDAM’S MARKTHAL
Photo credit: Ossip van Duivenbode
- Where: Dominee Jan Scharpstraat 298, 3011 GZ Rotterdam
- Opening times: 10.00 a.m. — 8.00 p.m daily
- Highlights: Fresh food stalls, restaurants, an archaeological exhibition, apartment and car park all in one.
- Stay: CitizenM Rotterdam is only a short walk away in the Old Port area, so you’ll have fantastic views. It also includes a 24-hour canteen and free use of iMacs.
Rotterdam’s De Markthal is an architectural wonder. Business on the outside and beauty on the inside, the one-of-a-kind structure has even been compared to Italy’s Sistine Chapel. The building’s unique shape will catch the eye of any passer-by, but it’s the kaleidoscope of colours inside that makes them want to explore it further. Designed by Arno Coenen, the ‘Horn of Plenty’ is the biggest piece of art in the world, covering an impressive 11,000 m2. Beneath it lie 96 foods stalls and 20 shops and restaurants which sell food from around the world and pride themselves on fresh, tasty ingredients.
The body of the building is filled with apartments, available for short and long term rental as well as an underground car park — perfect if you’re renting a car and visiting for the day. Book a tour if you’d like to learn more about the building which also features an archaeological exhibition called Tijdtrap that showcases items from medieval Rotterdam. Who knew a market could be so entertaining?
DE ROTTERDAM OMA
Photo credit: Iris Van Den Broek
- Where: Wilhelminakade 139, 3072 AP Rotterdam
- Opening times: Check individual websites for shops and restaurants as times vary.
- Highlights: It’s a mixture of apartments, a hotel, shops and restaurants so there’s plenty to see inside and out.
- Stay: Nhow Rotterdam is located inside the building and offers breakfast, an à la carte restaurant and is close to a metro station.
Holland’s largest building De Rotterdam consists of three towers, which stand 150 metres high over the Wilhelminapier harbour district. This vertical city is home to offices, apartments, a hotel, shops and restaurants each with their own distinct area in the building. Completed in 2013, the building forms part of the early stages of the Wilhelminapier regeneration project which aims to inject life and activity into the harbour area.
Stand on the Willemskade side of the river for a great shot of De Rotterdam and the Erasmus Bridge (like the one above).
THE CUBE HOUSES, KIJK-KUBUS
- Where: Overblaak 70, 3011 MH Rotterdam
- Opening times: 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
- Highlights: Experience life on a tilt by staying overnight in a cube house.
- Stay: Cube House Rotterdam — we dare you to stay inside. The fully furnished self-catering apartments offer free WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen and a terrace.
The Cube Houses were designed by architect Piet Blom who wanted to give visitors the opportunity to see what it would be like to live in a cube house. He aimed to inject the rural into the urban by bringing a small village into the city, as part of the Blaakse Bos development. The houses sit on a hexagonal pole on a tilt, interlocking with one another for extra support. Inside, the house is divided up into three levels: a living room, bedrooms and bathroom and a spare room on the top floor.
If you aren’t staying in one of the cube houses, visit the Kijk-Kubus museum to catch a glimpse of the amazing architecture. Elsewhere in the ‘village’ you’ll find shops, a school and children’s playground and a variety of small businesses — all signs of a true village.
ROTTERDAM CITY HALL, STADHUIS
Photo Credit: Claire Droppert
- Where: Coolsingel 40, 3011 AD Rotterdam
- Opening times: 8.30 a.m. — 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Closed on weekends.
- Highlights: Learn more about Rotterdam’s history.
- Stay: Hilton Rotterdam is located next to City Hall and the city’s major shopping areas. It has an onsite restaurant that provides breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner.
When you’ve had enough of quirky, modern buildings head to City Hall for a glimpse into Rotterdam’s history. This building was one of few to survive the 1940 bombing raids. Take note, visitors cannot access the building alone — you must book a tour with tourist information.
On the tour you’ll see a variety of sculptures that all tell a story about Rotterdam’s past, so be sure to ask your tour guide lots of questions along the way. When you’ve finished the tour, explore the shopping streets of Lijnbaan and Koopgoot.
ROTTERDAM CENTRAAL STATION
Photo credit: Ossip van Duivenbode
- Where: 3013 AJ Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Opening times: Ticket office is open Monday to Saturday, from 7.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. and Sundays from 9.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.
- Highlights: Easy access to Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels and Cologne — perfect if you’re interrailing.
- Stay: Hostel Ani&Haakien is the place to stay if you’re interrailing. It’s right near the station, has free WiFi and is reasonably priced at around €27 a night.
You’ll probably pass through Centraal Station Rotterdam if you arrive from neighbouring Amsterdam or European countries further afield. Whilst the clean, spacious interior, which includes a variety of shops (yes there’s a Starbucks), makes for a straightforward arrival/departure, it’s the exterior of the station that makes it Insta-worthy. The angled roof is covered in solar panels and, despite looking a little like a spaceship, the building fits in well with the other modern architectural projects scattered throughout the city. You’ll still find remnants of the past inside, including the original clock and two granite sculptures known as the ‘speculaasjes’ which can be found on platform one.
Add a stroll past Centraal Station to your Rotterdam itinerary if you don’t plan on using the station itself. You could always hop on a train to Amsterdam for the day (it only takes an hour), or take advantage of the Thalys railway which connects Rotterdam to Paris, Brussels and Cologne.
HET WITTE HUIS, THE WHITE HOUSE
Photo credit: Jan Bijl
- Where: Geldersekade 1, 3011 Rotterdam
- Opening times: 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Thursday, 3 p.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday.
- Highlights: Europes’s first skyscraper with a fancy restaurant and cafe inside.
- Stay: Continue the vintage theme and stay at the Cherrycake & Chocolate Bed and Breakfast. The rooms are themed and some have views of the Maas River.
‘The White House’ (not that one) was the first skyscraper built in Europe when it was completed in 1898. Like City Hall, it managed to survive the 1940 bombings so it’s an important part of Rotterdam’s history, so much so in fact that it’s listed on the UNESCO world heritage list. The brainchild of architect Molenbroek, Het Witte Huis is Art Noveau architecture at its best: clean, white brickwork decorated with mosaics, framed by eye-catching statues that seem to have inspired the Plaza Hotel in New York built nine years later.
Dine at the White House restaurant or grand-cafe to enjoy vintage decor and tasty food with a view of the historical old harbour. It’s the perfect spot for evening dinner or a quiet afternoon tea break.
ERASMUS BRIDGE, ERASMUSBRUG
- Where: 3011 BN Rotterdam
- Opening times: N/A
- Highlights: Makes access between the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam a lot easier.
- Stay: Hotel New York has amazing views of the bridge. As the former head office of the Holland America line it perfectly combines old and new, ensuring guest rooms have a classic feel with modern amenities.
Standing at an impressive 139 metres high and 800 metres long, the Erasmus bridge is an iconic figure on Rotterdam’s skyline. Also known as ‘The Swan’, the bridge was officially opened in 1996, connecting the northern and southern parts of the city. It’s since become one of the most recognised landmarks in Rotterdam and actually features a shop, restaurant, bar and underground parking beneath the bridge deck.
Head to the Wilhelmina Pier for the best shot of Erasmusbrug, then take a stroll across the bridge to experience its size (it’s the tallest bridge in the Netherlands) and enjoy panoramic views of the city. If you’re a runner, keep an eye out for dates for the Rotterdam Marathon which includes a run across the bridge.
SCHIELANDSHUIS
Photo credit: Claire Droppert
- Where: Korte Hoogstraat 31, 3011 GK Rotterdam
- Opening times: permanently closed — but worth a look for a photo of the building itself (rumours of a reopening in 2017).
- Highlights: the building is one of few classic architectural pieces left in the city.
- Stay: H2OTEL Rotterdam, Rotterdam’s floating hotel is perfect for those who want to enjoy the old and new aspects of the city. It features an art exhibit room, a bar and lounge area all on the foot of the Wijnhaven harbour.
The Schielandshuis was once a branch of the Museum of Rotterdam but due to funding cuts was closed in late 2012. Built in 1665, the exterior of the building is worth a visit if you’re interested in architecture from the Dutch Golden Age. It was once a city palace and then home to the Hoogheemraadschap Schieland before it became a museum.
Head to the Museum of Rotterdam, Timmerhuis to find out more about the building and the period of Dutch history that inspired an explosion in art, culture and architecture. Keep an eye out on the Rotterdam Partners website for updates on the re-opening of the building, which is due to take place in early 2017.
Have you been to Rotterdam and discovered its amazing architecture? Tweet us a picture @travioor or post a comment on Travioor’s Facebook page.
Originally published at www.travioor.com.
