When Maria Astardjieva visited Amsterdam for the first time on a cold February weekend after Covid, she expected the quintessential Dutch adventure but found herself disappointed by the reality. Between intimidating rental bike experiences, the Red Light District and swarms of stag-doers, the city didn't deliver the experience she'd hoped for.
Published on November 19, 2025, her travel revelation suggests skipping the Dutch capital altogether in favour of its vibrant younger sibling just 35 minutes away by train.
Rotterdam: The Architectural Wonder
Taking a pleasant 35-minute train journey to Rotterdam Centraal, Astardjieva discovered where her true Dutch adventure began. The city, completely flattened during World War II and rebuilt from scratch in the 1950s and 60s, boasts a completely different character to its more famous counterpart.
Rotterdam feels young in every sense, with a spirit of resilience and appetite for reinvention that's reflected in its spectacular skyline. The architectural melting pot includes instantly recognisable landmarks like the Cube Houses by Piet Blom and the impressive 802m-tall Erasmus Bridge by Ben van Berkel.
The mirror-wrapped depot of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen adds to the city's open-air art gallery feel, where nothing feels uniform yet everything fits perfectly into a colourful architectural tapestry.
Why Rotterdam Wins for Travellers
Beyond the stunning architecture, Rotterdam offers practical advantages that make it particularly appealing to visitors. The city is home to several world-renowned universities, attracting young people from across the globe and creating a dynamic, international atmosphere.
Food and accommodation are significantly cheaper than in Amsterdam, making it more accessible for budget-conscious travellers. The nightlife reportedly rivals Berlin according to local students, offering vibrant options for evening entertainment.
24 Hours in Rotterdam: Must-See Highlights
For those planning a visit, Astardjieva highlights several essential stops. The Markthal features a psychedelic ceiling mural the size of a football pitch, perfect for photography and snacking. The Cube Houses offer the chance to understand how people live diagonally for just €3 entry to the show cube.
The Erasmus Bridge provides a sleek, futuristic backdrop for sunset photos, while the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen represents the world's first publicly accessible art storage facility in a remarkable mirrored bowl-shaped building.
Witte de Withstraat stands out as Rotterdam's coolest street, packed with indie bars, art galleries, concept stores and students. For panoramic views, the 185m Euromast tower features a glass elevator and even summer abseiling opportunities.
Don't Miss Gouda: A Cheese Lover's Paradise
Just twenty minutes from Rotterdam Centraal lies the hidden gem of Gouda, reminiscent of a mini Amsterdam with picturesque houses and narrow canals. True to its name, the town offers a paradise for cheese lovers.
Visiting on market day, usually Saturdays, reveals dozens of stalls selling locally produced cheese in various sizes and flavours. Beyond classic Gouda, creative infusions like black truffle, red chilli, and thyme and honey prove particularly outstanding.
Practical Travel Information
Reaching Rotterdam from London is straightforward with direct Eurostar trains from London St Pancras taking approximately 3 hours 15-30 minutes. Tickets start from £51 one-way when booked in advance, with flash sales sometimes offering journeys for as little as £35.
Budget airline Transavia recently launched flights from London Stansted Airport to Rotterdam The Hague, starting from £35 one way. Alternative options include flying to Amsterdam, Eindhoven or Brussels, all within an hour of Rotterdam by train when booked in advance.
Accommodation options range from citizenM Rotterdam with rooms from £85-£120 to the unique SS Rotterdam, a former ocean liner turned quirky hotel with rooms from £90-£140. The James Hotel offers budget-friendly options from £70-£110, while nhow Rotterdam provides design-focused stays from £95-£150.
Best areas to explore include Oude Haven for cafés and bars, the City Centre near Lijnbaan and Markthal for shopping and food, and Kop van Zuid for architecture and waterfront strolls.
