What are some fun things to do in Rotterdam?

Today's Rotterdam is no longer the scene of the devastating war it once was. Diligent reconstruction has brought about the most modern urban landscape in the Netherlands. Unlike other cities, the architecture here excites architects, who have the opportunity to realize their dreams and creativity in this concrete forest. Additionally, Rotterdam also preserves the most complete windmill architecture in the Netherlands, maintaining the customs and way of life of the Dutch people from the 16th century. Walking through the streets of Rotterdam, you won't see the typical sights of ancient European cities; instead, you'll encounter peculiar and innovative buildings, some of which defy logic. Together, they create an incredible beauty, not romantic in nature, but leaving an unforgettable visual impact.

Kinderdijk

The Netherlands is best known for its windmills. The Kinderdijk windmill village, built in the 18th century, is a complex of 19 windmills located near Rotterdam, and it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 19 windmills still retain their original appearance, and the decorations and furnishings in the windmill museum still record the details of Dutch life from that era. On a clear day, walking along the paths of the windmill village, with a gentle breeze blowing, brushing over the river and reeds, is absolutely breathtaking!

Euromast

This tower, built for the World Horticultural Exposition, has now been listed as a national historic site and was once the tallest building in Rotterdam. The Euromast has an observation tower where visitors can climb to the top to overlook the entire city of Rotterdam. Inside the tower, there is also a revolving restaurant that offers diners the most unique perspective to enjoy the scenery of the entire city of Rotterdam.

Erasmus Bridge

The Erasmus Bridge was built in 1996 and is named after the famous Dutch scholar Erasmus. It is 802 meters long and 139 meters high. Due to its white pylon resembling a swan with its head raised, it is also known as the 'Swan Bridge'. The bridge spans the Nieuwe Maas River, connecting the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam. It has become one of the iconic structures of Rotterdam, and from it, you can also see another Rotterdam landmark, the 'Red Bridge'.

Cube Houses

The Cube Houses were designed and built by architect Piet Blom. They are part of an architectural ensemble, with the entire complex representing a village where each cube house represents a tree, forming a forest in the city center of Rotterdam. The Cube Houses consist of 38 rooms, each tilted at a 45-degree angle, combining gray and yellow colors. Originally used as regular residences, the Cube Houses are now open to tourists and even offer accommodation. The entire structure has no vertical walls, so be careful not to bump your head when visiting!

Markthal

Located in the city center of Rotterdam, the arched indoor market opened in 2014 and is just a minute's walk from the Cube Houses. It is a representative building that combines market and residential spaces. The most distinctive feature is the ceiling of the entire arched structure, which depicts a variety of colorful vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Apart from the arched market, the other floors of the building are residential apartments and also include an underground parking lot. The market gathers specialty food shops from around the world, allowing you to feast to your heart's content and also purchase satisfactory souvenirs.