Rotterdam Tourism - Hotel reservations and tourist attractions

The first two things that come in mind when thinking about Rotterdam are the fact that the city used to be the largest port (Europoort) in the world until 2004 (when it was exceeded as to port activities by Shanghai, but it still remains the largest one in Europe), and the fact that among the many world renowned Rotterdammers one may consider Desiderius Erasmus (also referred to as Erasmus of Rotterdam) as the most notable contributor to the philosophical heritage of the world.

In other words, besides being an important economic hub, the city also takes pride in enabling the uprise of certain literates which make Rotterdam worthy of admiration. However, Rotterdam is further famous for its architectural profile and for the general openness of its locals and visitors.

Short History of Rotterdam

Due to the German invasion during World War Two, most of the architectural heritage of Rotterdam was destroyed. However, one can not reasonably claim that the city lacks historic background. On the contrary, Rotterdam made its way through ever since 900 AD, but it was not until the 14th century that the city started off as an economic center of great significance, given its statute as major and dynamic port. Nowadays Rotterdam is a stylish city featuring a modern skyline and bristling with active nightlife.

Accommodation in Rotterdam

Being the second largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam hosts a great number of establishments able to cover visitors' need for accommodation. Hostels and low rated hotels are available for budget travelers, but mid range and luxury hotels are solutions for a different category of clients, that is, tourists with reasonable financial resources and those who can afford to splurge, respectively. As a result, all categories of tourists should rest assured: they will not be left aside, regardless of their financial possibilities.

Eating out in Rotterdam

Rotterdam, just as Amsterdam, is well known for its tolerance as to the personal use of cannabis (marijuana) in certain coffee shops which enable this habit. However, since the consumption of such substances has little to do with eating, one should resort to it as to it as to a pastime. In the mean while, if worried about eating, tourists should know that Rotterdam does not necessarily have an identity in terms of local cuisine. The city is replete with restaurants serving international dishes, or Dutch cheese specialties, such as Edam, Gouda and Leyden, or a bread specialty made from wholegrain and rye; however, the local touch comes down to the pleasant atmosphere filled with live jazz music.

Rotterdam Tourist Attractions and Objectives

Euromast is the one building which overlooks the entire skyline of the city. But the windmills for which the city is famous must also be ticked off, despite the fact that most of them are not opened for visitors on a regular basis. The Rotterdam Zoo and the Arboretum Trompenburg represent yet other attractions, along with the sundry museums, of which the Maritime Museum, the Art Museum or the Netherlands Architecture Institute are worth mentioning. The Erasmus Bridge, the De Verwoeste Stad Statue or Sylvette (created by Picasso) represent further landmarks, along with the four historic churches which have managed to survive World War Two.

Rotterdam Events and Festivals

The Rotterdam Summer Carnival and the FFWD Dance Parade are the two events which turn the city into a large and lively party proper. The Six Days (which is a cycling competition), the World Tennis Tournament, the Marathon and the Racesalon count as the main sports events held in the city, whereas the Rotterdam International Film Festival, Art Rotterdam, Motel Mozaique, and Dunya count as cultural manifestations.