Rotterdam, Netherlands: A Hidden Gem of Art, Architecture, and Adventure

Kimberly·September 27, 2024·0 comments

Just like The Hague, Rotterdam is equally charming, with its friendly people and vibrant atmosphere. My Airbnb? Absolutely adorable! It’s a cozy top-floor studio with a balcony overlooking a serene park—an instant dream home. I could 100% live here!

Day 1: Exploring Rotterdam’s Art and Architecture

On my first day, I set out to explore the local area, and I was immediately struck by the artwork scattered throughout the city. Everywhere you turn, there’s something to admire, making even a casual stroll through downtown a visual treat. My main destination? The iconic cube houses, built in the 1970s and designed by renowned architect Piet Blom. One of the owners has graciously opened their home for daily tours, The Kijk-Kubus Museum-house, and for just €3, I was able to step inside and experience cube living for myself. It’s definitely unique, though I’m not sure I could live in one—but it was such a cool experience to imagine a life in a tilted world!

A room with blue carpet and white walls. A bed sticks out of the wall with a window above the bed. There is a tree in a pot to the right of the bed.
A room with 4 windows in a curve and above the a window is a rainbow design over the wall. Below is the window is a stand and a tree in the pot.
A kitchen with windows looking down. The kitchen has a sink and a stove and blue drawers.
Two yellow cubes with windows, and looking down, held up by grey basement. Under each cube are trees and a walkway.

Afterward, I wandered over to The Markthal, Rotterdam’s famous food hall, which is a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. I couldn’t resist picking up some Dutch cheeses and a bottle of wine, the perfect ingredients for a relaxed “girl dinner” back at my Airbnb. After weeks of nonstop travel, a cozy night in was exactly what I needed—just me, a movie, and my too-cute Airbnb.

The market, A large window in the background, the ceiling has blobs of art and stalls are on either side of the windows.
A plate of assorted cheeses sits on a white bed, next to the plate is a glass of red wine. Behind the wine is a pillow with a ipad on top.

Day 2: “Getting Lost” in Rotterdam’s Beauty

Yesterday’s exploration left me craving more, so I decided to “get lost” in the city again today. Small rivers, lush green parks, and artwork seem to define this area, and I am absolutely here for it!

Kimberly in a white shirt and glasses standing in front of a railing with a pond behind and in the distance a weeping willow.
Metal artwork of barrels tumbling over each other and oil falling out of the barrels. In the background are large office looking buildings.

One of the highlights was a boat tour, which provided a fascinating glimpse into Rotterdam’s history as a major shipping hub. While it was warmer than The Hague, I quickly learned that being on the water means one thing: it’s freezing! I ended up retreating below deck to thaw out. But learning about Rotterdam’s shipping legacy was well worth braving the cold.

A body of water with a boat that looks like a chinese restaurant and a tower behind the boat.
A body of water with a bridge over it. The bridge is silver with cables coming down from a tall tower.
A shipping yard on the water. A blue ship with tall copper stacks behind it.

Lunch was a treat at the Vegan Junk Food Bar, a place I fell in love with back in Spain! I was thrilled to find one here in Rotterdam, and this time I indulged in Kalamariz Ringz topped with Pinky Garlic sauce, crispy onions, and chives, alongside T.R.U.F. Suprême fries drizzled with T.R.U.F. oil and cheeze sauce. Honestly, can we please get VJFB in the States?

A pink table with a plant and water in the background. Up front is a bowl with fries and red peppers and pink sauce. Next to it is another bowl with dipping sauce and "wings"

A Digital Art Experience: Remastered Exhibit

While I usually love visiting museums, I decided to do something a little different this time and immerse myself in digital art. The Remastered exhibit blew me away! Created by some of the best Dutch digital artists, the exhibit transforms Dutch masterpieces into interactive experiences. Imagine walking through Vermeer’s studio to see Girl with a Pearl Earring up close or parading alongside the fantastical creatures from Jeroen Bosch’s work. It was such a unique and fun way to experience art.

A digital piece on LED wall. It shows an old kitchen with a shelf and plates on it. On the wall on a easel is Girl with a Pearl earring. Next to it are pots hanging on the wall.
Yellow and green digital swirl art, Kimberly is standing in front of it in white shoes, blue jean shorts, and a white shirt.
People standing in front of a digital screen with green trees and a man in a red cape with a helmet standing over the people.

Later, I returned to The Markthal (because I just can’t stay away!) and picked up more hummus and dips to go with my Dutch cheeses. Another perfect “girl dinner” to end the day!

Another girl dinner, with chips, spreads, a plate of cheese, and behind it shows a pillow and a ipad on top of it.

Day 3: Rotterdam Zoo and Historic Delfshaven

The internet has no shortage of praise for Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp), and it truly lived up to the hype! The animals were all so active, and I had a blast watching them. The turtles and elephants, my personal favorites, stole the show, though I was equally captivated by the lively penguins. These little guys were far more energetic than any I’ve seen at other zoos! The tortoises were also a joy to watch, slowly but surely making their way around their habitat while munching on greens. And the polar bear? Absolutely living its best life, splashing around in its pond!

Under the water a sea turtle swimming away of the glass barrier.
A penguin underwater and stones in the background
A stone archway over a body of water and a polar bear backstroking, in front is yellow flowers and a fence.
Sand and water with a tortoise eating leaves.
A tan building with green trees and a fence. In the middle is a elephant.

Next, I ventured to Delfshaven, one of the few parts of the city that survived the devastating German bombing in 1940. Walking through this historic two-block radius felt like stepping back in time. The old canal houses were stunning, and I even made a new friend—a friendly neighborhood cat! The highlight, though, was coming across an old windmill up close—such an unexpected treat!

A row of historic buildings with a body of water in front.
A stone pathway with a black cat that has white chest.
An old church with a tower over the brick church with windows in the front.
Trees lining the path, cars parked across a road and boats in the water. In the background is a old windmill.

Final Thoughts: Rotterdam’s Blend of History and Modernity

Rotterdam is a magical city with a fascinating blend of modern architecture and rich history. I initially chose it as a convenient stop between The Hague and my next destination, Amsterdam, but I’m so glad I decided to stay a few days. From its iconic landmarks and innovative digital art exhibits to its delicious food and friendly atmosphere, Rotterdam has left me with memories I’ll cherish for years to come.

A blue sky with a row of old houses in front is a boat on the water.

Today’s Helpful Tips!

The Kijk-Kubus Museum-house or Cube Houses located at: Overblaak 70 3011 MH, Rotterdam The Netherlands.

The Markthal – An iconic food hall, not only is it a beautiful space, but it is filled with local flavors, restaurants, bars, and take away foods. I purchased my girl dinners here. I highly recommend the assortment of dutch cheeses!

Vegan Junk Food Bar – located in several places across Europe, I was thrilled to find this location after I fell in love with the VJFB in Spain.

Remastered – A unique digital experience where you can immerse yourself in Netherlands famous art pieces.

Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp) – One of the best zoos I have ever visited! You see some unique animals and they are not all caged up, but rather have ample areas to explore.

Historic Delfshaven – A visit to Rotterdam isn’t complete without a walk through Historic Delfshaven, which survived the WWII bombings.

Kimberly

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