Rotterdam

Interested in establishing a tech start-up? You’re in the ‘geographically perfect location’, according to Silicon Canals.

“Rotterdam deserves the spotlight. It has great architecture, quirky attractions, and most surprisingly, an exciting food scene.” Yup, it makes us hungry just thinking about it!

A day trip to Rotterdam? We’re soooo glad we get to spend more time here! But if you have visitors who are only staying for one day, here are some tips.

From craft beer breweries to quirky museums and abseiling down the Euromast – we love everything about this city! What’s your favourite activity in this article?

Dutchreview: "Rotterdam has something different to the traditional Dutch city. It’s the king of urban development and the city is quite literally, full of modern architecture. Just before you thought Rotterdam has finished with all that, then you thought wrong."

1843 Magazine: "Rotterdam is home to the new Global Centre of Excellence on Climate Adaptation, a joint project between the Netherlands, the United Nations and Japan, and every year more than 100 international delegations visit to see how architects and designers are reimagining the city."

City Guide Rotterdam: "It doesn’t matter if you‘ re a visiting the city for business or pleasure, Rotterdam offers plenty of restaurants and lunchrooms where you can start your day with a healthy (or quick) breakfast. Also with kids."

The Scottish Sun: "The architecture doesn't get more fascinating, or more downright crazy than here"

The Globe and Mail: "Producing food locally is something the city is trying to do more of. This summer, Beladon, a sustainable-development company, is opening the world's first floating farm." 

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: "Home to the largest and busiest port in Europe, the Netherlands’ “second city” is now attracting a fleet of designers, artists and architects who are reshaping the Dutch city into an epicenter of urban innovation"

Our city scores particularly well in income equality, political rights and civil liberties, and a gender-balanced work force.

Did you know that Rotterdam is nicknamed ‘Manhattan on the Maas’ for its line up of creations by some of the world’s top architects?

The Telegraph: "This lively, contemporary and culturally rich Dutch city is now the stop before Amsterdam on the new Eurostar direct link from London."

National Geographic: "As a strategic port and important industrial city, Rotterdam was heavily bombed during World War II. These days, Rotterdam has rebuilt itself into a contemporary and unique metropolis, a blend of foreign and local architecture."

I am Expat: "A historic bridge in Rotterdam called De Hef has long been left idle. In 2014, the Rotterdam city council began funding the restoration of the bridge, now considered a national monument."

Huffington Post: "It may play second fiddle to Amsterdam, but Rotterdam—the Netherlands second-largest city—pulses with its own unique brand of creative energy."

Fast Company: "Europe's largest port—threatened by rising waters and a loss of its major industry—has reinvented itself as a playground for innovative thinkers who are trying to create a resilient city of the future."

Travel + Leisure: "After years in Amsterdam’s shadow, the second-largest city in the Netherlands is stepping into the spotlight thanks to its burgeoning culinary and design scenes."

Among the endless reasons to live and study in Rotterdam, 10 major incentives that cover a wide range of topics and interests are certainly worth sharing with you.

Vogue: "Rotterdam, which was heavily bombed during World War II, has had an opportunity to rebuild as strikingly modern city full of experimental architecture and cutting-edge design with a dynamic food-and-drink scene."

BBC Travel: "Rotterdam is the most architecturally serious, intense, playful, jubilant city in the world."

I  AM EXPAT: "Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and the largest port in Europe. It is a haven for artists and musicians, sculptors and architects, free love and practical life."

Architectural Digest: "The second-largest Dutch city provides plenty of cultural excursions, historic attractions, and strikingly modern architecture"

Evening Standard: "Holland’s second city is packed with great food, booze and culture"

Dezeen: "Landmark buildings and experimental construction are transforming the Netherlands' second city into a world-class destination for architectural innovation."

 Lonely Planet: "Rotterdam is the future… now"

The Rough Guides: "8 Reasons to visit the Netherlands' second city"