7 Fun Things to Do in Rotterdam: The Gateway to Europe

Liputan6.com, Jakarta If you ever visit the Netherlands, you should not miss out Rotterdam in your plan. As one of "The Big Four Cities" in the Netherlands, there are so many fun things to do in Rotterdam that will make your trip unforgettable.

Rotterdam is the second biggest city in the Netherlands. The city once housed one of the most important ports in Europe, which earned it the nickname "The Gateway to Europe." When you visit this city, you will be amazed by how the past and modern life blend together, making it a really interesting place to explore.

If you ever plan your trip to this charming city, here are some fun things to do in Rotterdam you should not miss out:

Market Hall is one of Rotterdam's newest and most popular food destinations. This large indoor market has a colorful ceiling with beautiful artwork. You can find fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and bread from local sellers. There are also many restaurants serving food from different countries. If you like trying new foods, this place has something for everyone. The building itself is also worth seeing because of its modern design.

Rotterdam has some of the most unusual houses in the world. These yellow cube-shaped houses are turned 45 degrees and look like they might fall over. Dutch architect Piet Blom designed these houses in the 1970s. You can walk around them and take many interesting photos. One of the houses is open as a museum where you can see how people live inside. The area around the houses also has shops and cafes.

Delfshaven is the old part of Rotterdam that survived World War II bombing. This quiet neighborhood has old Dutch houses, small canals, and historic windmill called De Distilleerketel. The area feels very different from modern Rotterdam with its narrow streets and traditional buildings. You can walk along the water, sit in cozy cafes, or visit small museums. This place shows you what old Rotterdam looked like hundreds of years ago.

Museumpark is Rotterdam's cultural heart with several important museums close together. If you like arts, you can visit the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, where you can find works from famous artists, such as Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet. Kunsthal Rotterdam shows changing exhibitions of modern art and photography. The shiny Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen is a unique building where you can see how museums store their art. You can spend a whole day here learning about art, history, and culture. There are also good restaurants and cafes near the museums.

Erasmus Bridge is Rotterdam's most famous bridge and a symbol of the city. People call it "The Swan" because of its elegant white design. The bridge connects the north and south parts of Rotterdam across the Nieuwe Maas river. You can walk or bike across it and enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline. At night, the bridge has special lighting that makes it look even more impressive. The area around it has many tall buildings and modern architecture.

Oude Haven is Rotterdam's old harbor and one of the most photographed places in the city. This historic port area has the famous White House, which was once Europe's tallest building. You can see old ships in the water and eat at restaurants with outdoor seating. The cube houses are also located here, making it easy to visit both places together. There are often events and festivals in this area during summer months.

Witte de Withstraat is Rotterdam's most lively street for nightlife, art, and culture. This street has many art galleries, trendy bars, and restaurants with international food. During the day, you can visit small shops and art studios. At night, the street becomes busy with people enjoying drinks and live music. The street also hosts cultural events and art festivals throughout the year. You can experience Rotterdam's creative and modern side here.