Rotterdam: the architectural gem of the Netherlands

Rotterdam, the largest port city in Europe, is a dynamic city full of modern architecture, maritime history and vibrant culture.

• City of architecture: after the bombing of 1940 the centre was rebuilt, with icons such as the Erasmus Bridge, the Cube Houses and the Markthal.
• Port city: around the Oude Haven and in Katendrecht you can sense the maritime past, and a harbour cruise shows you just how vast the port is today.
• Art and culture: in the Museumpark, the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Kunsthal and Het Nieuwe Instituut are within walking distance of each other.
• Day trip from the coast: from Scheveningen and The Hague you are in Rotterdam in no time; combine your visit with Delft or the windmills of Kinderdijk.

Walking route past the highlights

This walk of about 6 kilometres starts at the station and takes you past the best-known buildings, the old harbour and the Maas river to the Museumpark and the Witte de Withstraat.

1. Rotterdam Centraal: the spectacular station from 2014, whose pointed roof has become an icon of the city, and the starting point of the route.
2. St. Lawrence Church: the only remaining medieval building in the city centre; the tower offers a wonderful view over the city.
3. Markthal: the huge arch with apartments, food stalls and fresh produce; look up at the colourful ceiling artwork Horn of Plenty by Arno Coenen.
4. Cube Houses: the tilted houses by architect Piet Blom; in the Kijk-Kubus show cube you can see what it is like to live in one.
5. Oude Haven: historic ships, the Witte Huis and cosy terraces by the water.
6. Erasmus Bridge: the elegant white bridge nicknamed The Swan; on the other side you can see Hotel New York and the skyscrapers of the Kop van Zuid.
7. Euromast: at 185 metres the tallest observation tower in the Netherlands; the glass lift takes you high above the city.
8. Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen: the mirrored art depot in the Museumpark, with a rooftop garden and views over the city; close by are the Kunsthal and Het Nieuwe Instituut.
9. Witte de Withstraat: the end point, a lively street full of galleries, boutiques, bars and restaurants.