Rotterdam - a short visit

My family and I decided to make a short trip to Rotterdam. It is a city that we do not know well and only made occasional trips, if necessary. The name Rotterdam means “Dam on the River Rotte”. It is well known as the largest seaport in Europe. It is the second largest city in The Netherlands after Amsterdam.

buildings along the River Maas

Like the capital city, Rotterdam is very multicultural but the similarities might end there.

Erasmus bridge during the day

Rotterdam does not have an old city center because it was mostly demolished during the "Rotterdam Blitz" of the Second World War.

high rises in the center

The city was rebuilt and does not boast many historic landmarks. However, Rotterdam is unique as it looks different because it is a modern city.

Despite the canals and boats, it felt like no other dutch city because of the surrounding architecture.

old harbour train

By the 14th century old harbor, there were cranes and equipment depicting times passed.

There were many well kept wooden boats.

At this beautiful bridge

is a restored lightship.

It is converted to a restaurant.

This old harbour is now calm and a big contrast to the massive new harbour. This area is a favorite place for dining as it has many restaurants.

The famous yellow Cube houses built by architect Piet Blom, hover over the harbour.

The tilted roofs are meant to optimised space within the apartments.

Right next door is the Blaaktoren also called the Potlood (Pencil in englsih) due to its shape. It was built by the same architect.

On the other side of the harbour is the "Witte Huis"- the White House. It was built in 1898 and has 10 storeys and was the first high rise building in Europe. It's one of the few buildings which survived the Rotterdam Blitz.

The Markthal or Market Hall is a residential and office building but also has an indoor food market. Unfortunately, it was closed but I will definitely return as I heard it's beautiful inside and a place for foodies.

As the twilight casted a beautiful glow in the heavens, our short visit was nearing it end.

We walked along the promenade by the River Maas passing Hotel New York. It was the prior headquarters of the Holland America Line (1901). Many ships has set sail from this location.

The view of the city center from the river is beautiful at night. This is the impressive cabled Erasmus Bridge at night. It stretches elegantly across the river.

This was the end of my short walk around the center of Rotterdam.

All photos are my own - taken with my iPhone SE2020