10 Reasons Why Rotterdam Is Probably Cooler Than Amsterdam

"Roffa" offers much more than you might expect!

Most visitors to The Netherlands would visit the cozy canals in Amsterdam or the Keukenhof flower paradise. But have you thought about something really different? Rotterdam bring you the best of The Netherlands and beyond!

1. Rotterdam is the only Dutch city with a modern city centre

Flickr: lulek

After Rotterdam got hit by an air raid in 1940, most of the city centre was destroyed. Only some old buildings were spared and the people of Rotterdam were forced to rebuild a new city. You can still follow the fire boundaries through a walking tour in the city.

2. ...but you can find some classic Dutch architecture!

Flickr: lukeprice88

Fortunately, not all of Rotterdam was destroyed. Many beautiful pre-war areas in the West, North and East were not hit by brutal war forces and remain a beautiful place for a Sunday afternoon walk

3. Rotterdam was the first Dutch city to have a subway system

Flickr: martijnbarendse

Rotterdam's first metro line, at the time one of the shortest one in the world, began operating in 1968. Today, with six lines and over 40 stations, Rotterdam's subway system remains the largest one in the entire BeNeLux

4. Rotterdam's landmark buildings beat records

Flickr: sjekster / Via emporis.com

Did you know that the largest building in The Netherlands (De Rotterdam, 140 000 m2), the tallest office building in The Netherlands (Maastoren, 165 meters) and the tallest residential building in The Netherlands (158 meters) are all in Rotterdam? And what's even better: They are all located at a barely five minutes walk from each other. Celebrate the skyscraperfest!

5. Rotterdam's central train station is just amazing

Flickr: marketingfacts / Via croon.nl

Replacing the old central station from 1953, Rotterdam's new central station opened in 2014. Thanks to its architecture, it was awarded several prestigious prizes including the title "best building in The Netherlands", a Brunel Award, the Dutch Design Award and the Rotterdam Architecture Prize.

6. Rotterdam won the 2015 urbanism award

youtube.com / Via academyofurbanism.org.uk

Rotterdam was named "Europe's best city of 2015" by the Academy of Urbanism. Why? Just watch this amazing drone video!

7. Food walhalla!

Flickr: tomroeleveld

Don't like Dutch cuisine? That's fine, Rotterdam has a lot to offer. The internationally praised market hall was opened in 2014 and has attracted millions of visitors so far. You'll not only find great food products to take home with you, but also different restaurants, including a Jamie Oliver one!

8. Rotterdam offers interesting ways of living

Flickr: comunicati

Rotterdam's cube houses, designed by architect Piet Blom, are probably the wierdest houses you'd ever see in your life. (Yes, people actually live here, but one of the cube houses is open to the public).

9. Rotterdam's dance scene is one you cannot miss

facebook.com

Yes, Amsterdam has a lot to offer, but Rotterdam paces up with the capital with over 10 dance festivals every year and numerous news clubs that have popped up in the city in the last few years.

10. You can enjoy all this greatness with the best cocktails in the country

facebook.com / Via esquire.nl

A new cocktail bar, Noah, in the Oude Haven (old harbour) area was voted the best cocktail bar in the country by colleagues. Cheers!

See you in Rotterdam!

youtube.com

When visiting The Netherlands, going to Rotterdam may not be the first place you would think of. But don't forget: If you're up for new things, then Rotterdam is a must-visit!