The majestic Erasmus Bridge is a triumphant feat of engineering, designed by Amsterdam born architect Ben van Berkel. The bridge stretches across the half-mile span of the River Nieuwe Maas, linking the city center to the Kop van Zuid. A single asymmetrical pylon reaches for the sky, anchoring the bridge with the help of 40 steel cables, its graceful arch the origin of its nickname, "the Swan". This contemporary landmark is typical of Rotterdam: modern, high, innovative and most of all practical, carrying both vehicular and pedestrian traffic across the river.
Markthal is the first covered market and a prominent landmark of the Netherlands. The market building is created on the designs by reputed architecture firm MVRDV. It features an extensive fresh food market, restaurants, and supermarket on the ground floor covered with an arched ceiling. The colorful interior and impressive glass arches are awe-inspiring. Guided tours of this notable sight are available for the visitors.
Located in Rotterdam North, the Blijdorp Zoo is one of the best zoos in the Netherlands. This zoo is divided into world sections. In the African section, there is a heated undercover gorilla island where you can enjoy looking at these massive primates. In the Asian section, you'll find a replica Malayan Forest with many animals typically found in this part of the world. The pachyderms' (elephant) home is the beautiful undercover garden Taman Indah. You can also take a trip underwater to the new Oceanium. The 82-foot shark tunnel and the colorful coral reef are two of the attractions most loved by the public.
Just across the way from Rotterdam's Blaak Station, stand's a housing complex so unique as to rank as one of the Netherlands most innovative modern architectural projects. Designed by the renown architect, Piet Blom, the Cube Houses of Rotterdam were conceived of as an ingenious way to link the two small parcels of unoccupied residential land on either side of the busy Blaak street. Each house is composed of a cube, tilted at an angle of 55 degrees, perched atop hexagonal pillars. Piet Blom envisioned an asymmetrical plan, with each cube representing a tree, together forming an urban forest of sorts. Made up of 38 regular cubes and two "super-cubes", the housing complex even spans a pedestrian overpass across Blaak street. Not only are the houses visually striking, living in them has proven to be a truly unique challenge, with residents having to cope with limited space spread across four floors and walls that slant at odd angles. The Show Cube Museum is a showcase of life in the cube houses, and a popular tourist attraction.
Designed in the late-Gothic style of architecture, Sint Laurenskerk is the only surviving remnant of the Medieval city of Rotterdam. Set amid the contemporary Rotterdam's urban sprawl, the historic church has come to be a symbol of the city's resilience in the face of hardship. The church was originally constructed between 1449 and 1525, with few alterations since. During World War II, Sint Laurenskerk was severely damaged by the bombing of May 14, 1940, and for a time lay neglected, its stately structure buckling from within. Instead of being demolished, however, the church was restored in 1968 at the behest of Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. Today, Sint Laurenskerk continues to celebrate mass and also hosts concerts, lectures and other events. Inside, a permanent exhibition tells the tale of the church through several individual stories with the aid of modern media. Guided tours of the tower are also organized as well.
In the 14th Century, the picturesque port town of Delfshaven originated around a lock called de Delftse Schie, which was dug in order for ships from Delft to be able to reach the New Meuse via the Delftse Schie and the Delfshavense Schie. This way Delft would be able to compete with the bigger city of Rotterdam. The little town was destroyed on numerous occasions during the first few centuries of its existence, due to internecine conflict and world wars. For many years, fishing was the most important source of income, in particular, herring and whale fishing. By the end of the 19th Century, Delfshaven became part of the city of Rotterdam, which was expanding rapidly in those days and which was in need of land for building. Old Delfshaven is full of historical buildings and background, for example, the Zakkendragershuisje (guild room of the Grain Sack Carriers); or the fact that the Pilgrim fathers lived here for eleven years, and the museum Dubbelde Palmboom, which was originally a granary, and where later a distillery was established.
Eendragtspolder is a low-lying reclaimed tract of land on a marshy landscape. It is now used for recreational purposes. It is the home of the renowned Willem-Alexander Lane. Opened in 2013 by the crown prince of the country, this rowing course is also used for canoeing and swimming. Stroll through this 9-hectare (22.23 acres) wetland area. Climb up the observation tower for a stunning vista of the skyline. Eendragtspolder is an excellent site for birdwatching as well.
Come to the Maeslantkering information center, het Keringhuis, to learn all about Holland's vast storm barrier on the New Waterway. The center will answer all of your queries regarding flood protection measures, and even teach you a few more things. It's interactive and great for all ages- best of all, admission is free! The wide variety of informative exhibitions include tracking the water level, opening and closing a miniature storm barrier, and a trivia quiz on why water rises. From the Keringhuis is a great view of the barrier and waterway; on average you can spot a sea-faring vessel go past every six minutes!
A smaller replication of Rome's famous St. Peter's Basilica can be found in The Netherlands' tiny village Oudenbosch. Basiliek van de H.H. Agatha en Barbara, popularly known as the Oudenbosch Basiliek, was established in 1867 under the directive of Pastor William Hellemons. Replacing a Gothic-styled church, this beautiful structure features neoclassical architecture. The organ used in the church was originally constructed in 1772, making it a prime feature along with the altar and dome of the church.
Kinderdijk is a charming Dutch village in the Alblasserwaard polder that is best known for its cluster of 18th-century windmills, the largest collection of this kind in the Netherlands. These 19 windmills were built between 1738-1740 when it became apparent that steps would have to be taken to manage water levels in the Alblasserwaard polder to keep it from flooding. These windmills were used to pump water out of the polder, working together as a cohesive system that bears testament to the ingenious water management of the Dutch. Few things are as emblematic of the Dutch heritage as the windmill, which is why it is not surprising that the Windmills of Kinderdijk are recognized as a World Heritage Site. Amid the rural landscape of Alblasserwaard, these charming, historic windmills attract numerous visitors each year, drawn to the picturesque sight of their soaring sails against the fields and open sky.
One of the oldest structures in the city, Grote Kerk Dordrecht forms a formidable background in the town's skyline and can be seen from a distance. This impressive medieval church has seen a few expansions in its long existence. The Brabantine Gothic style of architecture is notable more due to its undeveloped tower. Its interiors are richly adorned and will surely impress. Don't miss this church for its architectural beauty.
An iconic landmark of the Rotterdam skyline, De Rotterdam is a major tourist attraction in the Dutch city. Featuring three inter-connected towers with a stylish glass facade, this distinct vertical structure houses corporate offices, residential apartments, shops, conference halls, cafes, lounges, restaurants and a luxury hotel. Named after one of the iconic ships on the Holland America Line, this landmark building was completed in 2013 and is a part of the redevelopment project of the historic harbor district of Wilhelminapier.