Rotterdam, the vibrant and modern city located in the Netherlands, is just a short drive away from Brussels. As someone living in Brussels, I have always been intrigued by the allure of Rotterdam with its stunning architecture, bustling markets, and lively atmosphere. So, when the opportunity arose to visit the city for a day trip in a rental car, I jumped at the chance.
The drive from Brussels to Rotterdam is a relatively easy one, taking approximately two hours. The journey is scenic, passing through picturesque Dutch countryside dotted with windmills and charming towns along the way. As we approached the city, the skyline of Rotterdam came into view, dominated by striking skyscrapers and futuristic buildings that contrast sharply with the historical architecture of many European cities.
Our first stop in Rotterdam was the famous Markthal, a stunning indoor market housed in a spectacular horseshoe-shaped building. The market is a food lover’s paradise, with stalls selling a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood. We wandered through the market, sampling Dutch specialties like stroopwafels and herring, and admiring the colorful displays of fruits and vegetables. The Markthal is also home to several restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch.
From the Markthal, we made our way to the iconic Erasmusbrug, or Erasmus Bridge, which spans the Maas River and connects the north and south parts of the city. The sleek white bridge is a striking sight, especially when viewed from the riverside promenade. We walked across the bridge, taking in panoramic views of Rotterdam’s skyline and the bustling harbour below. The Erasmusbrug is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts, with its striking modern design making for some incredible shots.
After our bridge walk, we hopped back in our rental car and drove to the Euromast, Rotterdam’s tallest structure and a popular tourist attraction. The Euromast offers 360-degree views of the city from its observation deck, which is reached by a high-speed lift that whisks visitors to the top in just 30 seconds. From the top of the Euromast, we marvelled at the sweeping vistas of Rotterdam spread out below us, with its mix of modern architecture, historic buildings, and green spaces. The view was truly breathtaking, and gave us a new perspective on the city.
As the afternoon turned to evening, we decided to explore Rotterdam’s vibrant nightlife scene. We headed to Witte de Withstraat, a lively street lined with trendy bars, restaurants, and art galleries. The street has a buzzing atmosphere, with locals and tourists mingling over drinks and food in the outdoor terraces. We found a cozy bar and settled in for a few drinks, enjoying the vibrant energy of the street and the friendly chatter of the locals.
After a night of sampling Dutch beer and delicious snacks, we headed back to our hotel for the night. We had chosen to stay in a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of Rotterdam, which turned out to be the perfect base for our city exploration. The hotel was beautifully designed, with sleek modern furnishings and thoughtful touches that made our stay comfortable and memorable.
The next morning, we woke up early and set out to explore more of Rotterdam before heading back to Brussels. We started our day with a visit to the iconic Cube Houses, a series of quirky cube-shaped homes designed by architect Piet Blom. The houses are a striking sight, with their bright yellow facades and tilted roofs, and have become a symbol of Rotterdam’s innovative architecture. We wandered through the maze-like interiors of the houses, marveling at the unique design and imagining what it would be like to live in such a space.
Our final stop in Rotterdam was Delfshaven, a picturesque historic neighbourhood that escaped the bombing raids of World War II and retains its quaint charm. The neighborhood is filled with cobblestone streets, canal-side cafes, and historic buildings that harken back to Rotterdam’s maritime past. We strolled along the waterfront, admiring the old ships moored in the harbour and taking in the peaceful ambiance of this hidden gem.
As we headed back to Brussels, I reflected on our whirlwind day trip to Rotterdam. The city had exceeded my expectations with its striking architecture, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. Visiting Rotterdam in a rental car had allowed us the freedom to explore at our own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. I left the city feeling inspired and invigorated, eager to return and delve deeper into all that Rotterdam has to offer.
