Just 25 minutes by train from Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam greets you with a pulse both modern and maritime. We chose to stay at the Marriott Hotel, perfectly situated just two minutes from the central station—an ideal base for exploring the city without hassle. The convenience of simply tapping your credit card at any metro or train gate made getting around effortless, always ensuring the correct fare without worrying about tickets.
Our days in Rotterdam began with a dive into its seafaring heritage at the Maritime Museum, a place where the city’s long relationship with the sea comes vividly alive. Open to everyone, it offers optional guided tours, though we found wandering at our own pace equally rewarding. Another highlight was the Fenix Museum of Migration, where stories of the Holland America Line unfold—reminding visitors how Rotterdam once stood as a gateway to new lives across the Atlantic.
The city center offered a mix of shopping streets and lively squares, a touch touristy but full of energy, lined with restaurants where locals and visitors mingle. For dinner, we discovered Umami by Han, an Asian fusion restaurant recommended by the Michelin Guide. The food was elegant yet approachable, served in a relaxed atmosphere that made the experience memorable without feeling overly formal.
Another culinary highlight was VINEUM, also recommended in the Michelin Guide. Here the focus is on refined, classic cuisine paired with a truly exceptional wine list. David, the owner, personally welcomed us at the door and set the tone for an evening that felt both warm and extraordinary. His presence and passion elevated the dining experience, making it one of the most memorable moments of our trip. This is a place worth seeking out, but reservations are essential as tables fill quickly.
Rotterdam is a city of contrasts—sleek architecture and buzzing nightlife on one side, quieter corners and local gems on the other. The east and south of the center revealed inviting neighborhoods with character, while the west side promised a more authentic, multicultural atmosphere for those craving something different. And when evening falls, Witte de Withstraat becomes the city’s social artery, alive with bars and eateries. We lingered at Wijnbar Het Eigendom, where an excellent glass of wine provided the perfect close to the night.
We also devoted a day to nearby Delft, just 20 minutes away by train or metro. In contrast to Rotterdam’s modern skyline, Delft is a postcard of the past: narrow canals, historic houses, and a slower rhythm of life. The atmosphere here is calm, relaxed, and welcoming—an invitation to enjoy classic Dutch charm at an unhurried pace. A canal cruise proved a gentle way to take it all in, drifting past centuries-old facades before stopping at small cafés and independent shops tucked along cobblestone lanes. For lunch, we can warmly recommend Kek – De koffiebar van Delft, a cozy spot with excellent food and coffee that perfectly matches the city’s laid-back charm. Delft felt like a place that encourages you to slow down, breathe, and simply enjoy.
A long weekend in Rotterdam offers the best of both worlds: a city firmly rooted in its maritime past yet brimming with innovation, nightlife, and easy connections to nearby gems. Whether wandering museums, dining in Michelin-recommended restaurants, or slipping away to Delft’s tranquil canals, you’ll find Rotterdam both accessible and endlessly surprising.
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