As urban experiences go, few can match Rotterdam for its stunning architecture, its wonderful harbour and its vibrant, canal-lined streets. Taller and with fewer water intersections than Amsterdam, Rotterdam has emerged from its neighbour’s shadow to offer a remarkable city experience, bursting with contrasts and gelled together by a remarkable civic infrastructure. UNESCO masterpieces contrast with an AI-powered harbour in one of the great adverts for urban development.
Easy access by train with direct Eurostar connections and just 25 minutes from Schiphol Airport, the redeveloped main station is a bold, innovative, car-restricted gateway to the city. Even those not considered art lovers cannot avoid being overcome by the bold, design and artistic identity of Rotterdam. There are precious few surprises left in our world – yet Rotterdam is one of those OMG locations.
Those arriving in Rotterdam will do so via the dramatic central station, a completely redeveloped area forming the city centre's gateway. With underpasses and traffic restrictions, pedestrians and cyclists rule this district. From the central point it is easy to access (by tram or on foot) canal-side bars, hotels, offices and shops. In this compact central area, the surviving buildings from WW2 are juxtaposed with the brave, contemporary architecture of the remarkable Market Hall, a cavernous domed structure that protects dining guests from the elements and also displays a vast mural on its slanting interior walls.
There are atmospheric side streets that house pavement bar terraces, dance clubs, and wine bars. The streets are packed with drinkers and diners along these side streets. Either through planning, geography, or a combination of both, Rotterdam's city centre is compact and easy to traverse on foot or via the extensive tram network.
The Rotterdam city centre gives way to the harbour, the biggest port in Europe. The harbour was also a historic embarkation point for migrants leaving Europe for the New World of the Americas. The historic legacies of these migration routes remain, including the wonderful harbourside Hotel New York, which has historic rooms and a restaurant. The harbour is partly redeveloped and yet remains a corridor for massive freight volumes. Ships sail its waters alongside futuristic venues moored to the quayside and floating farms anchored in the choppy waters. Leisure craft ply the harbour waters, taking clients to the numerous pontoons which access the city’s many attractions.
New hotels, bars, and restaurants have sprung up along the southern, redeveloped edge of the harbour, whilst innovation has also extended to farming, with a floating farm being trialled on the harbour.
Incentive event activities include e-bike and bike tours of the city. The waterfront of Rotterdam can also be explored by boat. The Euromast tower dominates the skyline and offers thrilling abseiling and zip-line descents from its roof.
There is also a great deal of culture to be experienced, including the embarkation points for migrants to the Americas, plus architectural marvels throughout the city.
The Hague is located just north of Rotterdam and is connected by road and rail. The Hague offers a wealth of cultural activities, including museums and galleries. There are also great venues for team events.
Slightly further north of The Hague is the North Sea coast. There are beach bars, RIB boat excursions off the coast, surfing and zip-lining.
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There are a huge variety of dining options in Rotterdam in terms of both venues and menus. The SS Rotterdam is a historic liner that has been permanently moored and offers accommodation and dining as if on the high seas. Cocktails on the deck at sunset are wonderful. There are endless hotel and restaurant dining options both in the city centre and on the waterfront. For informal dining, there is the dramatic Markthal, which offers an indoor street food experience across endless stalls.
Dutch cuisine is influenced by its colonial past, and Indonesian and Asian fusion cuisine is something to experience. There are several Michelin-starred restaurants across Rotterdam, whilst large groups can be accommodated in remarkable venues such as an old submarine factory or a UNESCO-listed tobacco factory. Private caterers can be brought in to tailor the food to the client’s needs.
After dark, Rotterdam is alive with vibrant side streets and canal-side venues. Streets in the main entertainment districts are thronged with revellers and sophisticated wine bars bordering pumping dance clubs. Pavement terraces are a great feature of the city, with alfresco drinking and dining on the busy streets. Rotterdam has an international mix of residents, and this is reflected in the music and clientele of the dance clubs.
Escaping the bustle, there are numerous restaurant terraces on the harbour that offer serene settings with views over the water. For one of the best views over the harbour, the deck of the SS Rotterdam is a great place for a group drink. And for those looking for a real escape from the crowds, the sands of The Hague, just north of Rotterdam, are covered in relaxing, very cool beach bars.
