Rotterdam is a young city by European standards. The city was essentially obliterated when 1,150 50-kilogram and 158 250-kilogram bombs were dropped during the Rotterdam Blitz on May 14, 1940. Most of the 97 tons of bombs hit and ignited buildings in the heart of the city and uncontrollable fires rapidly spread. The firestorm was only worsened by fierce winds blowing through the city in the days following.
Erasmus Bridge
Rotterdam rebuilt in an almost hodge-podge of modern architecture and with its’ soaring sky scrapers has come to be known as the ‘Manhattan on the Maas’. From the swan-like Erasmus Bridge to one of the world’s largest ports, a trip down the river is the best way to take in the city’s unique skyline. I could never remember all of the details we learned on our Spido Harbor Tour, but here are some of our favorite shots from one of the only sunny days we had during our trip to Holland:
At 185 meters, Euromast is the city’s tallest building and you can even abseil off it!
Rotterdam skyscrapers appear normal…
…and then you spot one like this
Historical shipyard where the Welvaren tells the story of 18th century Dutch ship The Delft
And we finally spotted a windmill!
Know Before You Go
- The Spido Harbor Tour leaves multiple times daily from Willemsplein 85 at the base of the Erasmus Bridge; check the timetable.
- The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes
- Tickets are €10.75 per adult and €6.60 per child ages 4 – 11. A 25% discount voucher is available with the Rotterdam Welcome Card
- The Rotterdam Welcome Card is valid for 1, 2, or 3 consecutive days and is good for unlimited travel on metro, trams, and buses, plus comes with hundreds of discounts and freebies across the city.
- Find more things to do in Rotterdam from Sofie at Wonderful Wanderings
Thank you to Rotterdam Tourism for providing us with 3 Day Rotterdam Welcome Cards. As always, all opinions are entirely our own.
Andrea says
We spent a day in Rotterdam several years ago – nice town, especially along the river there. We saw some really cool cube apartments that I always mention when I comment on Rotterdam posts but I have yet to see them in a blog post yet!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I never made it over to see the cube houses! It was always raining and I was in Rotterdam for a conference. I got up extra early on my last morning and was going to go see them, but it was pouring down in sheets! So I went back to bed…
fotoeins | Henry says
Jennifer, posts like yours are worthy personal reminders that I should be spending more time in Holland. 🙂 Thanks!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks, Henry! I was definitely surprised by Holland.
Heather says
I love Holland so much! I haven’t been in about five years, but remember liking Delft, Maastricht, and Volendam very much. Didn’t have time for Rotterdam but hope to remedy that on the next trip 🙂