Rotterdam is the second largest city in The Netherlands after its capital city of Amsterdam. A major economic and logistic center, Rotterdam is Europe’s largest seaport. Also its extensive transportation system including rail, roads and waterways have aptly earned Rotterdam the nicknames “Gateway to Europe” and “Gateway to the World”. With a lot that the city has to offer, let’s check out how to experience Rotterdam in 2 Days.
How to Reach Rotterdam
Rotterdam can be reached from anywhere around the world through connecting flights to Rotterdam The Hague Airport. But for a scenic ride the best option is the train from Amsterdam or from any other city in Netherlands. Buses are also an option but in our opinion the train is the most convenient and the fastest option. We had traveled from Amsterdam using the NS Rail which has trains at frequent intervals. And had booked our ticket on the NS App well in advance to avoid wasting time standing in a queue for tickets.
Where to stay in Rotterdam
After scanning all hotels on our own travel booking website Travelwisesr Holidays, found this lovely property right in the heart of the city. With two underground stations within walking distance, great shopping options all around and the best of restaurants and food chains to choose from. In addition there were some top landmarks almost next door.
There were no second thoughts in our mind as we went ahead and immediately booked Motel One Rotterdam at a great price. Its located on Gotekerkplein 70, 3011 GE Rotterdam. And our experience there at the hotel and the pretty neighborhood was just amazing.
Motel One, the charming hotel
Awesome complimentary breakfast spread
And lovely spacious rooms with a view
Motel One Neighborhood
After reaching Rotterdam Central Station we took the ‘Metro D’ towards De Akkers and got down at Beurs station located below Churchill Square. Motel One was just a 8 minutes pleasant walk away. As we approached the hotel the first impression of the neighborhood was so very pleasing.
The Park, the green & the pond next door
Binnenrotte Market Square
Motel One is strategically located on the Binnenrotte Market Square and that perhaps separates it from any other hotel that you may find close to the city center. And with many important landmarks within 5-10 minutes walking distance we couldn’t ask for a better location. With a second metro station ‘Blaak’ which is on lines A, B & C in addition to ‘Beurs’ which lies on lines D & E a stay here helps you to access the entire city with relative ease both being central hubs with access to all lines..
Shopping, Food & Fun Unlimited on Binnenrotte Market Square
Some amazing views from Motel One
Visiting Rotterdam landmarks
Rotterdam is famous for its university, the beautiful riverside, lively culture, maritime heritage and its modern architecture. Especially after the destruction of its city center by German bombing during the World War II the city acquired a completely new look.
We normally use the hop-on-hop-off buses when we travel to a new city. However this option is not available during the winter months starting October in Rotterdam. Therefore the other option that we searched for and which is an ever better option was the hop-on-hop-off Heritage Tram 10.
Unfortunately we were unlucky there as well as they run only on weekends during the time we were there. And therefore we opted for going around seeing all landmarks using the underground and by foot. But when you are there in Rotterdam don’t miss out on availing this 90 year old heritage tram 10 as it passes the most important sites. And it is a unique way of exploring the city. Check out ROVM website for tram timings. And then you can buy the day passes directly inside the tram at € 15.
Best Things to do in Rotterdam
1. Relax and have a coffee near World Trade Center, Beurs
2. Walk across the Erasmus Bridge
Erasmus Bridge also called Erasmusbrug is part of the city’s official logo and is Rotterdam’s most important landmark. It is a cable-stayed and bascule bridge which crosses the Nieuwe Maas river in the center of Rotterdam, a tributary of River Maas which we had experienced in Maastricht during our trip there. The bridge connects the northern and southern parts of the city and was named after Desiderius Erasmus, a prominent Christian Renaissance humanist.
3. Enjoy great views from Erasmus Bridge
4. Go for a Harbor Sightseeing Cruise
5. Head towards Oude Haven, the Old Harbor
We are now in the Oude Haven neighborhood, the Old Harbor of Rotterdam. All the next destinations that we would be visiting and taking you hereafter were all a short walk from our hotel Motel One.
Geometric Yellow Cube Houses
Enjoy the harbor views in Oude Haven
Relax & have your lunch or dinner
At the Oude Haven or the Old Harbor located in Maritime District you will find a large number of restaurants and cafes serving some great food. Called the terraces or covered terraces you have a wide choice where you can settle down for a relaxed lunch or even a late dinner. Or just some drinks, snacks and even some dance if you so wish. Some of the well known outlets are Noah’s terrace, Het Witte Huis, Stockholm, Mooii, Popocatepeti, Matelief, Bokaal, Bertmans & Thoms to name a few.
6. Explore Historic Delfshaven
Delfshaven is a favorite of many tourists and before our visit we had read quite a lot about the calm of this place. And once we were there it soon became our favorite as well. With historical buildings, wooden boats, a windmill and a church, there was no way we wouldn’t love it. And we truly loved being there.
A few charming restaurants and the brewery “Brewdog” where we settled down after a while did add to the fun element as well. With a couple of beers and some bites to go along. Come along to enjoy the fun.
7. Enjoy Global Cuisines at Markthal
Markthal is a residential and an office building almost next to Blaak metro station with a market hall underneath. And it certainly is a foodie’s delight. With 40 food stalls there is nothing that you love which you would not find here. Including even varieties of candies that will out the child in you. The fish stall turned out to be our favorite.
8. Enjoy Street Art at Witte De Withstraat
9. Check out Blaaktoren, the Pencil Building
Almost adjacent to the Blaak Metro station is this residential building called Blaaktoren. It’s also called the Pencil building because it resembles a pencil. Here are some views from near and far.
10. Spend some quiet moments at Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk
Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk also known as St. Lawrence Church was just next to our hotel. And we got to see it every morning and evening while we were there. Its probably the only remnant left of Rotterdam’s medieval past in this posh and upscale neighborhood.
If you enjoyed this experience of Rotterdam with us, PIN it for planning & forward it for friends!
