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The Market Hall of Rotterdam is a mix of apartments, street art and food market.
Markthal – delicacies in modern architecture
The Market Hall of Rotterdam is a stylish work of modern architecture that houses a huge vaulted aisle with market stalls. There are rows of stalls with Dutch specialties and delicacies from all over the world on several floors. There are also 220 apartments in the building, whose windows overlook the hustle and bustle on the inside. And all this is surmounted by the largest painting in the world on the vaulted ceiling. It measures a total of 11,000 square meters and has earned the Markthal the nickname “Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam”.
Gourmet tip: In the market hall you should definitely treat yourself to one of the typical Dutch stroopwafels. These flat waffles are filled with fresh caramel syrup and served warm.
Blaactors and cube houses
The architecture of Rotterdam is one of the biggest highlights for visitors. There is, for example, the Blaaktoren, a 61 meter high, pentagonal residential tower by architect Piet Blom. Each of the 15 floors of the tower consists of six parts of the same shape. Five of these serve as living areas and one part for elevators, stairs and private storage space. On the roof is the characteristic peak, which serves a purely aesthetic purpose. Because of its pointed roof, the Blaktooren in Rotterdam is also known as the Potlood building – potlood means pencil. It is located in the city center next to Piet Blom’s famous yellow cube houses. Both structures were built in 1984.
Museum tip: The cube houses in the city center house shops and 38 apartments. They are a popular photo motif because they are rotated 45 degrees. One of them is open to the public as a museum.
Schiedam, the birthplace of gin
In Schiedam, a district of Rotterdam, is the birthplace of gin – or rather its big brother, genever. In Schiedam you can visit the original Ketel distillery. It was one of the first gin distilleries in the world and is known today for its “Jonge Jenever” and above all for its vodka. You don’t have to drive all the way to Schiedam to taste the local gin. You’ll also find what you’re looking for in the center of Rotterdam: the street Witte de Withstraat is the hipster center of the city with great bars, restaurants and clubs. By the way: In addition to local gins, you can also find great street art here.
bar tip: The Ballroom Bar’s drinks menu includes 162 varieties of imported and local gins, as well as homemade tonics. After that you never want to drink gin with Schweppes again.
Port tour in Rotterdam
A port tour in Rotterdam gives you a good impression of one of the largest ports in Europe for around 14 francs. It extends over about 40 kilometers, from the city center to the North Sea. On the way you have a great view of the legendary Hotel New York from the boat. It used to be the starting point of the Holland America Line, whose passenger ships connected the European and American continents. Today, the flagship SS Rotterdam is anchored here as a stylish event location.
art tip: The Rijnhaven is home to the floating art installation Bobbing Forest by American artist Jorge Bakker. It addresses the relationship between city dwellers and nature.
Euromast is the tallest tower in the Netherlands
The Euromast observation tower (built in 1960) is the tallest tower in the Netherlands. It offers a great view of the Rotterdam skyline and the many trees in the surrounding park from a height of 185 meters. The elevator ride to the viewing platform costs around eleven francs, but it’s worth it. The mood here is particularly beautiful at sunset. If you want to stay a little longer, you can enjoy a fine meal in one of the panorama restaurants. If you want to treat yourself to real luxury, you can even stay in one of the two suites.
Adrenaline tip: If you are not afraid of heights, you can climb over the railing at a height of 100 meters and abseil down the Euromast. Very few experience Rotterdam from this perspective.
Picturesque windmills in Kinderdijk
Nothing has shaped the picturesque landscape of the Netherlands more than the historic windmills. Just outside Rotterdam, in the peaceful town of Kinderdijk, you will find 19 lovingly restored examples from the 18th century. This makes it the largest cluster of windmills in the Netherlands. But not only the windmills are worth seeing, but also the surroundings: It is wonderfully green and full of canals. You can comfortably cycle along the bike path here.
Excursion tip: Another highlight is the trip to Kinderdijk on the Waterbus. Because with this water taxi you drive 23 kilometers through beautiful landscape. Even in the heart of Rotterdam you can get around with the water taxis – almost like Venice.
Delfshaven is the most beautiful part of Rotterdam
The Delfshaven district is a beautiful, historic corner of Rotterdam with museums and renovated old town houses. The district lies on the right bank of the Nieuwe Maas river, which meanders through the city’s waterfront. Because of the traditional red brick buildings and the canal, Delfshaven is one of the most popular destinations for visitors. The typical Dutch houses, which stand in narrow rows, were some of the few that survived the Second World War almost unscathed.
Museum tip: When you are on the right bank of the Nieuwe Maas river, you can also visit the interactive Maritime Museum. Historic boats that are up to 100 years old are moored in the associated harbour.
The most beautiful flea markets in Amsterdam
In Holland’s capital there are not only coffee shops and women in shop windows, but also many great flea markets.
In Holland’s capital there are not only coffee shops and women in shop windows, but also many great flea markets.
Typical for Amsterdam: bicycles and canals.
holland.com
20 travel tips for Amsterdam
Short distances, open people, historic city center and the canals – go to Holland again!
Typical for Amsterdam: bicycles and canals.
holland.com
Short distances, open people, historic city center and the canals – go to Holland again!
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