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California girl in the Netherlands

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What to do in Rotterdam for a Weekend Getaway

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Are you interested in a weekend away in a city other than Amsterdam? A modern destination full of cool architecture, culture and cuisine. The Netherlands has many cities to choose from on your visit. Check out what to do in the harbour city of Rotterdam.

Have Lunch at Vessel 11

V11 Ship in Rotterdam
V11 Ship in Rotterdam

On top of a ship deck, this has to be one of the coolest places I’ve had lunch on. We stumbled upon this after strolling along the harborside. You are literally sitting on top a red ship in water with a rustic setting which makes for the best atomposhere. The food is delicious as they serve english dishes from a traditional English menu. I would also recommend their craft beer, especially the stout!

Admire this Architectural Wonder

See Kubuswoningen in Rotterdam
See Kubuswoningen in Rotterdam

No trip to Rotterdam is complete without visiting the famous Cubic houses (Kubuswoningen in Dutch). This eccentric landmark was designed by Dutch Architect Piet Blom. The idea of these tilted cubes is that they look like a tree and all together appear like a forest, called Blaakse Bos. Sounds a bit strange but the reason for this is that it represents a village in the city.

Did you know that you can see the inside of the house? They have turned it into a museum that you can visit. While it’s only three euros I personally don’t think it’s worth it. It is super cramped, full of tourists and a very short tour time. Additionally, you can actually spend a night at one of the houses via Airbnb or Booking.

Take a Water Taxi

Forget about the bus and metro! The water taxi is such a fun way to get around Rotterdam. You’re able to sightsee around the harbour and get to your destination much faster. There are about 50 stops throughout the city that you can boat to. You can easily spot these black and yellow taxis speeding through the water.

Visit the Hotel New York

Hotel new York bar
Hotel new York bar

This is an absolute must do when visiting Rotterdam. This was a former ferry terminal for Holland America Lines where boats docked before venturing to the United States. The hotel holds so much history and charm – when you walk in it feels like you are walking into the past nearly 100 years ago. Try food at the restaurant or have drinks by the terrace and enjoy the sunset. The best way to get here is by water taxi so you can enjoy the ride and view.

FENIX FOOD FACTORY
Fenix Food Factory

Most people will say to visit Markthal which I definitely think you should. But if you’re interested in exploring something different I would recommend Fenix Food Factory. Located close to the Hotel New York, this trendy space in an old warehouse has an eclectic variety of cuisines to choose from. We grabbed beer from which has a selection of over 30 beers and drank them by the river.

See the Windmills at Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk is not too far from Rotterdam
Kinderdijk is not too far from Rotterdam

Only a short distance from Rotterdam this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must see. Come witness how the Dutch have been managing and controlling surrounding water for a millenium. These historic windmills date back to the 18th century and are wonderfully preserved and restored, with some of them still operating. It’s wonderful because you can explore the windmills by your choice of foot, boat or bike.

Take Photos on Luchsingel Bridge

If you want to take photos or update your Instagram then come visit this notorious yellow bridge! It’s a 400 metre pedestrian bridge named ‘Luchtsingel’ which translates to ‘canal of air’. As a fully crowdfunded public infrastructure that reconnects to a local neighborhood, it gives you a different view of Rotterdam.

Have Breakfast by the Water

Breakfast by the Water
Breakfast by the Water

Spend your last morning in Rotterdam by having breakfast at The Mainport Hotel. It’s located right on the river and is the perfect place to enjoy your meal by the waterfront. They have a buffet where the chefs cook live which you can also enjoy with a glass of champagne.

Weekend Getaway in ROTTERDAM
Weekend Getaway in ROTTERDAM
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  • Netherlands
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18 comments
  1. chad says:
    April 30, 2020 at 10:28 pm

    omg take me to rotterdam now!!! I would love to visit there soon, the place is absolutely gorgeous.

    Reply
  2. Tena says:
    May 1, 2020 at 1:28 am

    Lunch at Vessel and taking a water taxi would definitely be on my to do list! Do you have other pictures at vessel?

    Reply
  3. Celebrate Woman Today says:
    May 1, 2020 at 1:58 am

    What an amazing experience of a different country. The pictures are stunning.

    Reply
  4. Ramil Hinolan says:
    May 1, 2020 at 7:27 am

    I HAVE NEVER RIDE A WATER TAXI ALL MY LIFE. tHIS IS NOT AVAILABLE IN THE phILIPPINES. nETHERLANDS IS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY TO VISIT SOMEDAY.

    Reply
  5. Ayi says:
    May 1, 2020 at 7:49 am

    Oh wow. This is so nice. i hope to visit netherlands, too when the pandemic is over.

    Reply
  6. World in eyea says:
    May 1, 2020 at 10:36 am

    What a beautiful is Rotterdam, your visit seems fantastic, the clicks are showing the BEAUTY and ATTRACTION of that place….

    Reply
  7. World in eyes says:
    May 1, 2020 at 10:36 am

    What a beautiful is Rotterdam, your visit seems fantastic, the clicks are showing the BEAUTY and ATTRACTION of that place….

    Reply
  8. Jon Maldia says:
    May 1, 2020 at 12:57 pm

    Rotterdam looks beautiful. I got to put it on my bucket list.

    Reply
  9. Nisha says:
    May 1, 2020 at 2:49 pm

    Nice tips for those travelling to Rotterdam in the future!

    Reply
  10. Ryan says:
    May 2, 2020 at 12:57 am

    Love the pics, I wanna go there so bad now.

    Reply
  11. Maysz says:
    May 2, 2020 at 2:35 am

    Wow the places looks awesome and very chillin i love the amazing view i would love to visit this place somedday CROSS FINGERS!!

    Reply
  12. tweenselmom says:
    May 2, 2020 at 3:31 am

    the city looks straight out of a romance movie. i’d love to ride the ships and have breakfast with a beautiful riverside view 🙂

    Reply
  13. Mark says:
    May 2, 2020 at 3:37 am

    Wow. Beautiful place and great tips to have fun. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  14. aisasami says:
    May 2, 2020 at 10:45 am

    I have never been to Rotterdam. But, judging from what I read and the photos, it is a perfect place to spend a whole week there. so relaxing!

    Reply
  15. Kelly Diane says:
    May 4, 2020 at 1:28 pm

    Such a lovely post, I feel inspired to visit now. I’ve actually got some friends that live right by the windmills (they are super lucky I know) so it’s great to have a list of things I want to do when I visit. Beautiful photos too

    Reply
  16. Ben says:
    May 4, 2020 at 9:40 pm

    Looks You Had a really time in Rotterdam. Personally I wouldn’t mind a visit myself!

    Reply
  17. Maguette says:
    May 5, 2020 at 2:07 pm

    Great article I will need if I’m going to Rotterdam

    Reply
  18. PaOlo says:
    May 30, 2020 at 3:12 pm

    Rotter dam looks beautiful! Hope to visit iT one daY

    Reply

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