Rotterdam - the city you don't want to miss
Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port city and offers boundary-breaking architecture and an almost unlimited cultural offering that will continue to amaze you. Read why we think Rotterdam should be on your list of destinations.
Great food and great shopping opportunities
With everything from high-end fashion stores to trendy lifestyle shops, there’s a comprehensive shopping offer for every taste. Thanks to the Sunday shops in the city centre, you have plenty of time to shop if you are on a weekend trip. This is undoubtedly one of the best things the Netherlands has to offer.
If you need a break from shopping, it’s not far to the nearest coffee shop or bakery. Another place to visit is Markthal, the place that combines a large food market with an architectural residential project. Markthal is the size of a football field and houses energetic founders who focus on local quality food. The place is perfect for foodies and is open every day from 9am to 8pm. Another favourite is Witte de Withstraat. This is a hip and cultural street with several art galleries, popular cafes, restaurants and shops.
Europe’s largest port
Rotterdam is the domicile of Europe’s largest port, making a visit even more interesting and impressive. There are several ways to explore the port of Rotterdam. We recommend that you take the boat that docks just outside the hotel doors of Thon Hotel Rotterdam, or you can rent a bicycle at the hotel’s reception.
Outdoor life
If you want to go out in the evening in Rotterdam, there are many options. You’ll find trendy restaurants, cosy concert venues, traditional cocktail bars, open-air bars, wine bars or classic pubs.
We recommend visiting Sijf, a venue with over 100 different local and international beers. Alternatively, try Kaapse Brouwers, one of Rotterdam’s youngest breweries.
Architecture
After the 1940 bombing of Rotterdam, it was decided that the city should not be recreated - it should be reinvented. The city appears to be an ultra-modern, futuristic city, where innovation, creativity and experimentation have been allowed to unfold. With iconic glass facades, skyscrapers, tram lines and long sections of green lawn between the tram tracks, the city stands out from other Dutch cities.
We recommend crossing the Erasmus Bridge on foot. The huge yet elegant bridge connects the northern and southern parts of Rotterdam and is one of the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks.
The bridge stretches over 800 metres over the Maas river, which is nicknamed The Swan due to its shape. You can also enjoy the view of the Erasmus Bridge from your room at Thon Hotel Rotterdam or from restaurant De Swaan while enjoying a snack or coffee.
Street art
You don't need to visit a museum or exhibition to get a cultural experience during your trip to Rotterdam. Take a stroll around Luchtsingel or Hofbogen to discover several large and remarkable wall paintings made by local street artists. Alternatively, follow a seven-kilometre route that takes you past 28 paintings and through the centre of Rotterdam.
Delfshaven
Delfshaven is one of the old areas of the city and has a very charming marina. Here you can also find the largest garden roof in Europe, Dakpark Rotterdam. The roof spreads it over 1,200 metres on top of a shopping centre. Driven by volunteers, this is the perfect place to meet the locals in Rotterdam. In which other city do you find sheep mowing the grass at a shopping centre?
31 minutes to Amsterdam
Why not take a day trip to the popular city? After just half an hour on the train, you have Amsterdam at your feet, with the city’s charming canals, world-famous museum, cosy cafes and historic sights.