The fourth port of call on Anne and Vera’s Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise with Royal Caribbean Cruises was Rotterdam. With only 1-day in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Anne and Vera marvel at the modern and futuristic engineering and architecture of this Dutch city.
In a fitting finale to a wonderful cruise, the modern-day marvels in our final port took us from Hamburg’s past to Rotterdam’s present and future.
1-Day in Rotterdam, Netherlands
We started off our day by crossing one such modern marvel – the Erasmusbrug. This uniquely designed cable-stayed bridge, affectionately nicknamed “The Swan”, connects the north and south parts of Rotterdam, and is one of the largest and heaviest bridges of its kind in Western Europe. The main panel is actually one of the largest of its kind on Earth.
As we walked over the bridge and into the downtown core, we felt the buzz of a modern city. The constant traffic had us dodging cars, bikes, e-scooters, and even Metro trains, especially as we crossed busy streets.
Weaving our way through the heart of the city, we couldn’t miss our eagerly anticipated destination. Right in the thick of downtown, perched above a busy highway, are Rotterdam’s quirky and futuristic-looking Kijk-Kubus (Cube Houses). These 38 tilted, cube-shaped houses are actual homes, but offer visitors a very unique tourist attraction as well. We couldn’t help but chuckle as we walked around and gazed curiously at their uniqueness. For a tour inside, visit the Kijk-Kubus Museum-house.
Just steps away, the Centrale Bibliotheek Rotterdam (Rotterdam Central Library),with its large yellow pipes on the outside, is another of the city’s distinctive looking landmarks. Inside, a gorgeous glass ‘waterfall’ seven floors high showcases a series of escalators, adding to the library’s unique character. Taking it even further into modern times, it is currently undergoing renovations to transform it into a more sustainable and even more contemporary library by 2028.
From the library, a short walk brought us to the huge and iconic Markthal, another of Rotterdam’s eye-catching structures. This massive horseshoe shaped building combines a busy market hall of food stalls with apartments and restaurants, and has a stunning ceiling featuring an 11,000 square meter painting called “Horn of Plenty”. We both thoroughly enjoyed browsing, sampling, and buying delectable Dutch food and treats at this very unique market before we set off again. Should you have a group, you can also organize a private foodie tour of the Markthal or join another group on a Rotterdam tour that includes the Markthal.
Our minds full of all of the modern-day marvels we had seen, we weaved our way back through the city streets, now more aware of the traffic around us. We left Rotterdam feeling wowed and inspired by its modern looks and buzzing energy.
Tips & Recommendations for 1-Day in Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Rotterdam City Card – Enjoy over 50 deals with at least 25% discount on attractions, museums, tours, and restaurants with this card, and free public transport across the city.
- Erasmusbrug – A beautifully unique bridge designed for cars, trams, cyclists, and pedestrian alike. To enjoy it from below, as well as from above, go down some stairs to see underneath it.
- Traffic – When walking be aware of fast-moving bikes, e-scooters, and Metro trains.
- Kijk-Kubus (Cube Houses) – Don’t miss seeing these unique cube-shaped homes. They even offer a tour inside for a fee.
- Centrale Bibliotheek Rotterdam – A gorgeous modern library that is a perfect stop for a bit of peace and quiet, while cooling down inside on a hot day.
- Markthal – This huge indoor market with food and craft stalls is truly unique with its art on ceiling and architectural design that acts to provide residential and office spaces within the market’s arch. Highly recommend.
What Are Your Tips in Visiting Rotterdam, Netherlands?
1-day in Rotterdam, Netherlands was a delightful tease, but we dearly wished we’d had longer. There is so much to do, see and experience, that we are all going to have different experiences and see and do different things. What are your tips in visiting Rotterdam, Netherlands? We’d love to read them in the comments below.
Rotterdam, Netherlands Accommodations Map
Spending more than 1-day in Rotterdam, Netherlands? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Rotterdam.
Tune into Other Ports of Call on our Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise
- London Calling, 3-Days in London, England
- 1-Day in Oslo, Norway: Walking with Art, Peace, Sauna and History
- Delighting in Fairy Tale Beauty, 1-Day in Copenhagen, Denmark
- 1-Day in Hamburg, Germany, History and Romance Echo Across Time
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