We arrived in Rotterdam just in time for dinner. A short walk from Hotel Rotterdam (which we got a discounted rate from our travel membership – EndlessTravel365@gmail.com for more info.) was a modern area full of restaurants and shops. We had the plan to eat at FG Restaurant which is the 5th best in Netherlands, but they were full so we walked to the end of the building and found Opporto. Amazing seafood!
The next day we walked to the Cube Houses. Featured on HGTV, these houses are an architectural wonder and are very famous. You have to see them when in Rotterdam! There’s one that’s open to the public for a €3 tour. The houses are 3 stories and have all kinds of crazy angles. The top level was our favorite because of the windows looking out at the other cube houses and the loft style of the room. There are a lot of modern style buildings in Rotterdam due to having to rebuild after World War II while still holding on to the charm and history.
Next, we found the Markthal! The best market we have ever been to! It’s inside this crazy dome building that’s open in the middle with businesses circling around. So many colorful foods from around the world that satisfy all the senses! Our favorite was the sampling of different olive oil and balsamic! You can buy lunch from most any style and some of the booths have a loft space upstairs that you can sit and eat while watching the whole market below you! Their motto is “Eat Well, Every Day!”
Getting up early has its perks because we had time after the cube houses and Markthal to visit the Maritime Museum! For only €12.50 you can spend hours going in and out of the marina, climbing on ships, and learning how to tie different knots. And that’s just the outside! The inside of the museum is full of interactive spaces. Our favorite was the simulation of being on an oil rig in the middle of the ocean. Great experience and fun games you get to play. We loved trying to land a helicopter via virtual reality! The inside also has several exhibits with lots of history and artifacts to see and learn about. A great museum!
After the museum we walked along the water admiring the statues and the Erasmus Bridge. A beautiful site to see! From there we found our way to the Cool District which is full of shopping and dining. A really “cool” area if you will. We had dinner at Scharrels en Schuim. Amazing chicken, cheap drinks, and live music.
Between Amsterdam and Rotterdam we fell in love with The Netherlands! A must for your travel list! Easy to get around, friendly people, lots of things to do and see, and delicious food! We will be back and we can get you there – email us via the “Contact Us” tab at the top of the page!
Enjoy the Ride,
Lindsay and Justin
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