Rotterdam

Located in South Holland at the mouth of the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta, Rotterdam's history began in 1270 with the construction of a dam in the Rotte River. As Europe’s largest seaport, the city is home to over 180 nationalities and features a diverse architectural landscape influenced by post-WWII reconstruction. Notable attractions include the Maritime Museum Rotterdam, showcasing maritime history and ships, and Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, housing Dutch masterpieces. Visit the Wereldmuseum for global artifacts, Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk for historic church tours, and the iconic Cube Houses designed by Piet Blom. The Het Nieuwe Instituut focuses on design and architecture, while the Markthal offers international cuisine in a stunning setting. Nearby, the UNESCO World Heritage Kinderdijk Windmills are a must-see. For shopping, Witte de Withstraat is lively with restaurants and pubs, De Meent offers high-end fashion, Hofbogen features unique designs under a railway viaduct, and Noordsingel is a picturesque shopping street. De Bijenkorf is ideal for luxury shopping. Nightlife hotspots include Witte de Withstraat’s vibrant pubs and cafés, Bird jazz club, the gay-friendly bars in the Gay Triangle, and Rotown, a café and concert venue.