Netherlands: Rotterdam Stroll in Pictures

This entry is a picture essay (lots!) of our stroll last summer (2016) in Rotterdam.

Summer in the Netherlands is a hit and miss situation. It is mostly a miss, which means we rarely have very hot days and if they do come, they drop by sporadically, making us wonder if they really did come!?

We came with the intercity train from Utrecht and it was lovely to see the new Rotterdam Centraal Train Station. Just outside the station was an exposition, De Trap (The Staircase) which leads to the rooftop of the Groot Handelsgebouw offering panoramic skyline views of the city. This is a rare occasion to have access to the top of this old building so we grabbed the opportunity and hiked up the stairs. After which we went out for a stroll through the busy shopping streets, paying a quick visit to the Markthal (Food Market Hall), then passing some of its architectural landmarks and then continuing towards the old harbour and the Nieuwe Maas that flows through the city.

After a few hours and with burning feet and legs, we ended up having dinner at Prachtig Restaurant on the harbour, just below the Erasmus Bridge. From our table, we could even see the bridge. We would have wanted to check out a cosmopolitan bar on top of a tall building for some drinks and city lights view but it was getting late and we were tired, so we called it a day.

I have not been back to Rotterdam since, but who knows I will be in the coming weeks and months.

Rotterdam is a city that showcases new and modern style architecture.

The Cor Kieboomplein where you can find the Pathe (Imax) theater.

The Markthal (Food Market Hall) in Rotterdam, great place to grab a quick bite or drink. I have been here before. Love the ceiling!

Moi eating haring (raw herring with onions and gherkins - typically Dutch).

These are the famous Cube Houses (in yellow) and the Pencil Building (left) in Rotterdam.

Strolling past the old harbour of the city. Did you know that Rotterdam was bombed in the Second World War? The city had to be rebuilt which explains why it has very few old buildings.

Rotterdam is mostly modern architecture city. The apartments in the tall buildings here are more affordable than in Utrecht, Amsterdam and the Hague. 

There was a Wine Haven Festival when we were there but because the weather was not cooperating, there were barely any stands and people around. 

This is the Wijhaven. There is a boat on this bank anchored here transformed into a hotel.

This is a boat restaurant (V11 - Vessel 11) on the Hertekade. Cool.

This is the Nieuwe Maas flowing through the city to the Rotterdam Harbour.

Life goes on even if the weather is bad. Outdoor cafes in Rotterdam and there is still light even its past 22:00!

Travel Period: June 2016
Destination: Rotterdam (South Holland), the Netherlands

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All pictures were taken by a point and shoot pocket camera or a smartphone.