On our journey to the Netherlands, we took a day journey to Rotterdam from The Hague and actually loved our transient go to to town. With solely at some point in Rotterdam, we have been solely in a position to expertise a lot, however Rotterdam positively left us wanting extra.

This at some point in Rotterdam itinerary showcases each highlights and hidden gems of the second-largest metropolis within the nation. It consists of our preliminary journey plans, in addition to the locations we stumbled upon when in Rotterdam.

You might select to base your self in Rotterdam when visiting different cities and small cities within the Netherlands. In our case, we based mostly ourselves in The Hague (Den Haag) and ventured out to Rotterdam for the day.

Regardless, even for those who solely see Rotterdam in a day, you may cowl fairly a little bit of floor. We’ll present you ways.

Getting There

Rotterdam is definitely accessible by automobile, practice and taxi/Uber from many different locations. The Netherlands isn’t that massive of a rustic, and it’s very easy to get from place to put. We love touring by practice within the Netherlands.

From Den Haag Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal, it’s a few 30 minute practice journey. There are numerous direct trains between the 2 cities, though we needed to switch in Gouda after we visited. It was a simple switch that lined up slightly completely.

You need to use your tickets any time of the day. I recommend getting them forward of time on the Dutch Railways web site. Obtain their cell app so you may simply carry up your tickets to indicate the workers once they come round to examine them.

There are additionally trains between Amsterdam and Rotterdam with a journey time between 45 minutes and 1 hour. You may as well lease a automobile within the Netherlands to get from level A to level B. I at all times suggest evaluating automobile rental costs on-line to search out the most effective charges. We at all times e book with Uncover Automobiles as we’re at all times capable of finding respected automobile leases at the most effective costs.

One Day in Rotterdam: Nieuwe Delftse Poort

When Justin and I walked from Rotterdam Centraal in direction of Rotterdam Metropolis Centre, we stumbled upon this large artwork piece known as Nieuwe Delftse Poort. Thoughts you, it was pouring rain after we visited, so it says one thing that we nonetheless took the time to cease and examine this one out.

This contemporary gate represents one which used to face on this similar spot again in 1545 as a part of Rotterdam’s fortification partitions. As time went on, Rotterdam didn’t require the Noorderpoort and its safety, although it remained as a part of town’s historical past.

The unique gate was rebuilt on three events and the final incarnation of it, the Delftsche Poort, grew to become probably the most well-known monument in Rotterdam. As town expanded and have become extra developed, the municipality determined to maneuver the gate to a different location.

This by no means ended up occurring. Amidst WWII, the gate was badly broken in 1940 and fully eliminated. Lengthy after the battle, artist Cor Kraat constructed a contemporary artwork piece within the place of the unique gates. Constructed utilizing orange beams, this gate is merely a skeleton of what was as soon as there, demonstrating that Rotterdam is in a relentless state of rebuilding.

One Day in Rotterdam: Markthal (Market Corridor)

Our first fundamental cease in Rotterdam was Markthal, or Market Corridor, situated inside an iconic horseshoe-shaped construction. This indoor coated market boasts practically 100 recent meals stalls that includes genuine flavors from all around the world. There’s additionally a grocery store and several other eating places.

There’s a ravishing, large mural splashed throughout the partitions and ceiling inside this round constructing. The paintings by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam is known as “Horn of Loads” or “Cornucopia”.

It particulars giant imagery of flowers, fruits, greens, seeds and bugs with a nod to Dutch still-life work from the seventeenth century. This artwork is a pointy distinction to the constructing’s grey exterior. It’s additionally been known as “the most important paintings on the earth” and “the Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam”.

I recommend strolling round and sampling dishes from a number of stalls. There’s one thing for each style. As for the vegan choices at Markthal, strive Tofu Heaven (scrumptious tofu snacks and dishes!), Umi Sushi Ramen & Pokebowl for veggie sushi and ramen, or 55 Bombay Road (samosas, pakora, chickpea paratha, chana dhal and extra).

Please be suggested that there aren’t any vegan stroopwafels at Markthal. Belief me, I regarded, I requested, and nobody had vegan variations of this well-known Dutch cookie. You’ll have to go to Didi’s Stroopwafels on the town to search out vegan stroopwafels (extra on this in a bit!).

Let me let you know, on a wet Saturday in Rotterdam, this place was packed! We made the error of visiting round lunchtime as effectively, so it was very crowded. There have been lengthy waits for meals from most cubicles. Not solely do it’s worthwhile to pay to make use of the bathroom, however there will probably be a prolonged line as effectively.

To keep away from this case, I recommend visiting earlier within the morning or later within the afternoon. The crowds did let up fairly a bit as we have been leaving, so I believe we should always have timed this one out higher.

One Day in Rotterdam: Dice Homes

The Dice Homes of Rotterdam, also called Kubuswoningen, are nice to go to after your time on the Market Corridor. In any case, the Dice Homes are straight throughout the way in which with a strolling distance of solely a minute or two.

In case you love attention-grabbing structure or quirky locations to go to, the Dice Homes are a worthy addition to your at some point in Rotterdam itinerary. Architect Piet Blom designed this assortment of distinctive houses that you just received’t see anyplace else on the earth.

After World Struggle II, Rotterdam wanted to be fully rebuilt. Metropolis officers thought that it could be an excellent alternative to modernize every part. The idea behind the yellow Dice Homes was to not solely add brilliant and cheery trendy buildings to town, however to additionally optimize the area contained in the houses.

These hanging Dice Homes are a village themselves throughout the metropolis. Every home has three flooring and develop a lot wider in direction of the highest, resembling bushes. Collectively, these “tree” houses kind a forest and gained the nickname, “Blaak Forest”.

As you may think about, this little neighborhood is sort of well-liked and attracts fairly a crowd. It’s necessary to be respectful as these are precise houses the place individuals dwell. It’s additionally the house of the Stayokay Hostel Rotterdam – sure, you may keep the evening within the Dice Homes!

On the similar time, you may take a tour inside one of many houses for those who’re . We noticed fairly a number of individuals promoting this tour, and there are additionally indicators pointing you in direction of the Kijk-Kubus (Present-Dice). It’s open seven days per week from 11:00 to 17:00 and prices a small price to go inside.

One Day in Rotterdam: Lijnbaan

Lijnbaan is the primary procuring avenue in Rotterdam. After you go to the Dice Homes, go for a stroll down the Lijnbaan as you make your manner in direction of Delfshaven, the historic space of town. That is the primary procuring promenade with many well-liked stores.

There’s an intriguing historical past behind Lijnbaan, too. After Rotterdam was totally flattened after the Second World Struggle, town planners got down to create a contemporary and significant avenue design. In-built 1953, the Lijnbaan grew to become the primary devoted pedestrian-free avenue in Europe, closed off fully to automobiles.

This was a international idea on the time. Enterprise homeowners felt that their retailers would solely be visited if individuals might drive up of their automobiles. Nonetheless, it proved to be the alternative. From its beginnings, Lijnbaan grew to become a spot the place residents might go for a wander, meet with their pals, and gaze into store home windows.

Didi’s Stroopwafels

Whereas situated south of the Lijnbaan, I’m together with this notable stroopwafel store on this at some point in Rotterdam itinerary as a result of they promote vegan stroopwafels. This was the one vegan-friendly stroopwafel store I might discover in Rotterdam. Please add others within the feedback part beneath, if of any!

Whereas the recent stroopwafels that the workers members make earlier than your eyes will not be freed from animal merchandise, there are packages of vegan stroopwafels on the cabinets. Be sure you ask a member of workers or buy a bundle marked with a “V” in black marker on the underside of the bundle.

One Day in Rotterdam: Dutch Pinball Museum

The Dutch Pinball Museum is in contrast to any museum we’ve ever visited. It’s devoted totally to pinball machines from their inception by means of to current day. Better of all, there are greater than 100 playable pinball machines to play a vast quantity of occasions along with your ticket.

First, I extremely suggest buying a ticket to the Dutch Pinball Museum forward of time. It is a extremely popular place to go to in Rotterdam and tickets usually promote out. Your ticket covers a two hour time slot.

Upon arrival, the primary room you’ll go to is stuffed with probably the most previous, vintage and uncommon pinball machines. These are the one ones that you just received’t be capable of play, they usually date again to 1853. This room features as a real museum the place you will notice the evolution of pinball machines over time.

Then, the remainder of the museum is yours to discover. Wander by means of the varied rooms on a few completely different ranges to play completely different themed pinball machines. There are pinball machines for bands and musicians, motion pictures and extra. Not solely that, however there’s additionally film and music memorabilia to match the pinball cupboards.

Our favourite room was the Massive Lebowski room. This smaller room is stuffed with Massive Lebowski memorabilia, artwork, and naturally, a pinball machine devoted to the film.

My favourite pinball machine is Funhouse as I’ve reminiscences of enjoying this one once I was youthful. Whereas there are a substantial quantity of company getting into the museum on the similar time, there are at all times machines free to play. You may need to attend to play your favourite one, however it received’t be for too lengthy.

Two hours is the right period of time to play pinball to your coronary heart’s content material. The Dutch Pinball Museum is situated in the midst of Delfshaven, probably the most historic space of Rotterdam. When you’re completed, it’s time to go for a wander round Delfshaven.

One Day in Rotterdam: Delfshaven

This at some point in Rotterdam itinerary wouldn’t be full with no journey to Delfshaven. This is among the few areas of Rotterdam that wasn’t bombed throughout World Struggle II. Courting again to 1389, this space was its personal municipality (“Port of Delft”) earlier than changing into a part of Rotterdam in 1886.

Justin and I went for a stroll alongside the cobblestone streets lining the previous marina. There’s a reconstructed 18th century flour windmill that’s one of many largest within the Netherlands. It’s potential to take a tour right here and buy merchandise product of flour.

Moreover, I recommend stopping by Stadsbrouwerij De Pelgrim, a brewery that makes historically brewed Pilgrim beer with pure Rotterdam water. That is one in all three breweries in Rotterdam.

There’s a historical past of pilgrims in Delfshaven. The previous church (Oude Kerk) in Delfshaven is known as the Pelgrimskerk (Pilgrim Fathers Church). It was named as such after Pilgrims left Delfshaven in 1620 to journey to America.

One Day in Rotterdam: Witte de Withstraat

In your manner again in direction of town middle, go for a stroll on Witte de Withstraat. It is a stylish space of city with colourful murals and avenue artwork protecting the partitions and alleyways. There are cool bars and eating places, hip artwork galleries, and throughout good vibes.

Try a patio, go individuals watching, and pattern artisanal foods and drinks. Pop right into a speakeasy cocktail bar or try the nightlife for those who plan to remain in Rotterdam effectively into the night. When you have time in your schedule, it is a should go to spot so as to add to your Rotterdam journey plans.

Vegan Junk Meals Bar

Simply on the fringe of Witte de Withstraat is among the greatest eating places, Vegan Junk Meals Bar. Their first location is in Amsterdam, and I’ve needed to go to for ages now. I used to be so completely satisfied to study of their second location in Rotterdam!

That is the place to be for vegan consolation meals, whether or not you comply with a vegan food plan or not. I believe that everybody will agree that this meals is totally scrumptious. We ordered domestically brewed beer, burgers, wings and dipping sauces. Every little thing was so tasty and general, the place had impeccable vibes.

It was the right finish to our day in Rotterdam earlier than strolling again to the practice station to move again to The Hague. Regardless of the wet climate (to be anticipated within the Netherlands within the spring), Justin and I had a extremely fantastic day exploring Rotterdam.

There are fairly a number of different locations we might go to in Rotterdam on our subsequent journey, together with the Euromast Tower, Fenix Meals Manufacturing unit, a number of museums and galleries, and a few of Rotterdam’s stunning parks. Be happy so as to add any of those to your Rotterdam itinerary in the event that they pique your curiosity.

Lauren is the full-time journey blogger and content material creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She began Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ nations all over the world. Lauren is an skilled on vegan journey as one of many very first vegan journey bloggers. She additionally focuses on out of doors journey journey, eco and sustainable journey, and creating wonderful journey itineraries for cities and small cities.