[Full Guide] Rotterdam One-Day Treasure Route – No Backtracking
🔹 After quitting my job, I chose Rotterdam as my base for travel. Among Europe’s lesser-known destinations, I highly recommend taking a day away from Amsterdam to experience a different side of the Netherlands. 🚩 Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and a famous port city 🚢. Since it was heavily bombed during WWII, its modern reconstructed buildings are incredibly innovative. Morning: Blaak Architectural Cluster 🔹 Het Potlood (The Pencil Building): Right outside Blaak Station, this uniquely shaped tower is one of Rotterdam’s architectural icons. The "Pipe House" is next to it. 🔹 Cube Houses: Eye-catching yellow cube-shaped residential buildings. You can explore the interior—some are still inhabited, and there’s even a hostel inside! 🔹 Markthal (Rotterdam Market Hall): My favorite building in Rotterdam! The Netherlands’ first indoor food market and the world’s first combined market-residential structure. A global benchmark for food markets, offering Dutch specialties and international cuisine, plus souvenirs. There’s an Albert Heijn supermarket downstairs. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, an open-air market sets up outside—perfect for brunch! Stroll Along the Nieuwe Maas River Enjoy scenic city views, feed seagulls, and spot: 🔹 Willemswerf: The building where Jackie Chan made his iconic leap in Who Am I? 🔹 Erasmus Bridge (The Swan Bridge): A stunning bascule bridge open to pedestrians and cyclists. Afternoon: Museum Square & Beyond 🔹 Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen (The Super Bowl): The world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility. Its mirrored exterior reflects the surroundings, while the futuristic interior houses masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and more 🖼. 🔹 Kunsthal Rotterdam: Nearby, this gallery hosts rotating contemporary art exhibitions. 🔹 Beurs: A bustling shopping and café district in central Rotterdam—great for a leisurely walk. 🔹 Luchtsingel Bridge (The Yellow Bridge): A crowdfunded pedestrian bridge with donor names engraved on its planks. 🔹 Rotterdam Centraal Station 🚉: A striking modern architectural gem. #CityExplorer #UniqueArchitecture #UrbanAdventure #HiddenGems #Netherlands #Rotterdam #TravelNetherlands #EuropeTravel #SoloTravel #MustVisitSpots