travel — Blog — Booksandquills | UK Travel, Culture, London and Books

Rotterdam is often overlooked in favour of Amsterdam, yet it offers a very different side of the Netherlands. The city is known for its modern architecture, lively harbour and growing food scene, making it well worth a visit if you want to explore beyond the usual tourist trail. ## Getting there Rotterdam is easy to reach by train from Amsterdam, with direct services taking around 40 minutes. The city also has its own airport, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, though most international visitors arrive via Amsterdam Schiphol and continue by rail. ## What to see and do - Markthal – A striking arched building that combines a covered market with apartments and offices. Inside you’ll find food stalls, restaurants and a colourful ceiling artwork. - Erasmus Bridge – An iconic landmark spanning the Nieuwe Maas. Walking or cycling across gives you good views of the skyline and the port. - Old Harbour (Oude Haven) – A historic harbour area with cafés and bars, popular for an evening drink. - Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen – Home to an extensive collection of art and design, from medieval pieces to modern works. - Kunsthal – A venue for temporary exhibitions covering art, photography and design. - Delfshaven – One of the few areas to survive the Second World War bombing, with a picturesque harbour and historic buildings. - Euromast – An observation tower offering panoramic views over the city and port. You can also abseil from it if you’re feeling adventurous. ## Where to eat and drink Rotterdam’s food scene reflects its diverse population. The Markthal is a good starting point for Dutch cheeses, stroopwafels and international street food. For something more substantial, the areas around Witte de Withstraat and Nieuwe Binnenweg have a range of restaurants, cafés and bars. ## Getting around The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot or by bike. Trams and metros connect the centre with outlying districts, and a water taxi is a quick way to cross the river. ## When to go Spring and summer are the most pleasant times to visit, with longer days and outdoor events. Autumn and winter are quieter, though some attractions have shorter opening hours.