Insider tips on Exploring Rotterdam
Exploring Rotterdam takes you to the biggest port of the Netherlands and of Europe. As a result, you will feel dwarfed by the container ships that come in from all over the world. In doing so, they bring their cargo for hauling at Rotterdam. And then transported by water or road further inland to the rest of the continent.
Like Amsterdam, Rotterdam is a very international city. The Cape Verdeans are the most notable group of immigrants here. But, in our writing about immigrants and refugees making up the city of Amsterdam, the same can be said here too.
Mentality
Rotterdammers are known for their work ethic. They don’t mind working up a little grease behind those elbows, rather they are proud of it. As a result, they say ‘don’t yak, work’! The song of the city’s soccer club Feyenoord states: ‘Geen woorden maar daden’, meaning: ‘No words but deeds’.
Rivalry with Amsterdam
Coming to economic power later, being workers and not old time regents, like the Amsterdammers, the Rotterdammers have always had a lot of animosity towards Amsterdammers and vice versa. Amsterdammers feel the Rotterdammers breathing down their neck. Threatening to take over their privileged position, because of the booming harbor, and giving them clout.
The match between their respective soccer teams is always the most important match of the season. Rotterdammers scorn Amsterdammers for their arrogant, big mouth and then having nothing to show for it. Amsterdammers are all talk, to them. The ‘night mayor’ of the city, Jules Deelder, Rotterdam’s most famous stand-up comedian, said about that: ‘Amsterdam has it, yes, and if they don’t have it, they’ll steal it!’ In other words, the implication is that Rotterdammers work for it, of course…
Transportation for Exploring Rotterdam
What is said about the transportation system of Amsterdam and the rest of the country goes for Rotterdam as well. The city prides itself on an easy to use, good public transportation system of trams, busses and subways. With a public transportation pass, you’ll be able to get around the city easily. And don’t forget to check in and out with every different kind of carrier (train, bus, tram, etc) you use.
A word of caution. Bicycles and scooters are very popular. Thus, listen for the bell on the bicycles and get the heck out of the way when you do hear it.
Furthermore, remember, there is a reason why you don’t see many cars. It’s because people get around using public transportation, walking or riding two wheel forms of transportation.
Bombing Inner City
In World War II, the inner city of Rotterdam was bombed to make the Dutch surrender to the Germans, which worked like charm. Thus, I am sad to say, it left the center to be rebuilt after the war. Therefore you can find an odd but magnificent collection of modern architecture when you stroll around the city center. Furthermore, it’s airy and modern, a bit of a jumbled together lot, with the new central railway station (locally known as the Hairdressers), the high rises in front of it, the Erasmus Bridge (locally called the Swan), the Market Hall, and the Cube Houses as the most notable examples.
The Rotterdammers really had to reinvent themselves and they did! As a result, the city center signifies the entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on mentality that makes them famous. And eying the high rises and the city skyline, you’ll find that Rotterdam is called ‘Manhattan on the Maas’ for good reasons.
Insider Tips to Exploring Rotterdam
If you want to avoid the crowds and main events of the city, here are some tips for places to visit.
Markthal
Newly built, the Markthal in Rotterdam is quite a sight! The combination of housing and shopping mall with in in-door daily fresh market with contemporary art on the inside of the overarching wall, like Leonardo’s frescos from the olden days, is really imposing! Getting there. You can walk there from the main railway station (15 minutes), or you can take the train, tram 8, 21 and 24, or bus 32 and 47 to Blaak.
De Kubuswoningen, Blaak
Close by the Markthal, at Overblaak, you will find some novelty building at its best! Seeing these cube houses will leave you baffled and the best thing: you can visit one! So you can see how the inside is constructed and how people can actually live there. Getting there. You can walk from the main railway station (15-20 minutes), or you can take the train, tram 8, 21 and 24, or bus 32 and 47 to Blaak.
Scapino Ballet
Scapino is the oldest and one of the best modern dance groups in the country, right after the Netherlands Dance Theatre in the Hague. In my opinion, Scapino brings you enthralling modern dance performances. You will come away feeling you were part of a fairy tale story that whirled you by and enchanted you!
Getting there. You can walk from the main railway station (10 minutes), or you can take tram 7, 8, 20, 23 and 25.
There you have an insider’s view of Rotterdam.
