Rotterdam - the second largest city in the country and the largest port of Europe, which from 1962 to 2004. was also the busiest in the world (then this title was intercepted by Shanghai). It is often called the city of architecture - several square kilometers in the center of Rotterdam are built up with the most modern and futuristic buildings of the 20th century that you can imagine. In addition, the city is full of interesting museums, and still here there are still seven original Dutch windmills.

In principle, Rotterdam has a lot of things that come to mind at the thought of city rest and not only: water sports - please (in the city there are four large lakes); shopping - on health (two pedestrian shopping areas and about a dozen open markets); night and night life - as much as you like and for every taste (including clubs where all the world's music trends and coffeeshops play) . . And Rotterdam Zoo is generally one of the most popular destinations for a one-day trip to the Netherlands . But , perhaps most interesting - the atmosphere of the city, quite different from the others in the Netherlands . Rotterdam is most densely packed with migrants: some Muslims here are about 25% . Accordingly, there is a lot of noise, din, optimistic hopes and ambitions and not much traditional Hebrew The tactical tactic

Rotterdam

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Rotterdam

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Western Netherlands

Getting to Rotterdam

Rotterdam there is a small airport that accepts flights from Germany, Italy, France, Spain and England. From the airport to the city center, take the number 33 bus to Rotterdam Centraal Station (journey time 20 minutes) and bus number 42, which goes to Schiedam Centrum and the railway station (on weekdays), and to the railway station / d station Rotterdam Noord (daily).

In Rotterdam, the central station Rotterdam Centraal Station arrives trains not only from all over the country (for example, from Amsterdam, the journey time is 50 minutes), but also from Belgium and France. Most often - high-speed trains from Antwerpen (Antwerpen-Berchem train station, 1 hour journey time), Brussels (1 h 41 min, departure from Brussels Midi station) and Paris (3 hours 11 minutes, departing from Paris Nord station)

And from the United Kingdom you can even make a ferry trip. A P & O Ferries ferry from Kingston upon Hill (from the pier to the city center by buses) and StenaLine from Harwick to Hoek van Holland, which is connected to Rotterdam by rail (traveling time 30 minutes, ~ 5 EUR), is sent every day. Search for tickets to the city of Amsterdam (the nearest a / p to Rotterdam)

Transport

The public transport system in Rotterdam is organized very well. In the city there are two metro lines: Erasmuslijn (blue) and Calandlijn (red). They connect to the station Beurs - the only place where you can "change the branch." Trains run at intervals of 10 minutes, the journey time from the station to the station is no more than 4 minutes, the operating mode is 5: 30-0: 00. In addition, the city has a ramified network of trams (8 lines). All of them, except for 2 lines, stop at the main railway station. At each stop there is a detailed map with all routes and stops, conductors work, the interval of movement is ~ 10 minutes.

And, of course, a taxi that can be ordered by phone (for example, Rotterdamse Taxi Centrale +31 (10) 462 60 60 or Coöperatieve Taxi Onderneming +31 (10) 425 70 00). The minimum fare 7, 5 EUR includes the first two kilometers and the landing. Each next kilometer will cost 2, 2 EUR. And since Rotterdam is a city built on the islands, there is also a water taxi running there (Watertaxi Rotterdam +31 (10) 403 03 03).

Surprisingly, the fact is - in Rotterdam there is a tuk-tuk (tricycles open motorbike with a stroller) - an excellent alternative to a taxi. The fare depends on the zone: within one zone for one - 3, 5 EUR, for two - 5 EUR, three - 6, 5 EUR. For each next zone, add up 3, 5 EUR. Moreover, tuk-tuk can be ordered in advance (around the clock, 0900 99 333 99), the cost of the order is ~ 0, 55 EUR.

Bicycle rental in Rotterdam

Like any other city in Holland, Rotterdam is very friendly to cyclists. To ride in the city center by bike is perhaps the most convenient and fastest way to get to the right place. Here there are not only special tracks, but also separate traffic lights, which are exclusively for cyclists.

You can rent a lot near the main railway station (Schaatsbaan 41-45). The only nuance about which every enthusiastic Russian, who remembered his childhood on a bicycle, should remember is to "tie" his two-wheeled friend in order to avoid theft (lock with a digital code is always given out when renting).

Climate of Rotterdam

March 1, Sunday Partly cloudy, light rain +8 ° С in the afternoon +7 ° C at night ° С water	March 2, Monday Partly cloudy, light rain, storm Cloudy +4 ° C in the afternoon +3 ° C at night ° С water	March 3, Tuesday Partly cloudy, light rain +5 ° С in the afternoon +4 ° C at night ° С water
Rotterdam weather forecast for 10 days

Beaches of Rotterdam

In summer, along the river, in Rotterdam, a city beach is being built. As instilled, in the place Boompjes quay (metro station Leuvehaven) is a good place to sunbathe, to put out in the evening, but as a real beach it should not be regarded.

A good beach can be found in half an hour by train, in the town of Hoek van Holland. Trains go there from the main station every half hour, you need to get off at the Hoek van Holland Strand stop (strand with the beach goal).

Entertainment, Excursions and Attractions in Rotterdam

In the center of the city, near the Sea Museum of Prince Hendrik, stands a bronze monument "Scream" in memory of the fascist city destroyed by the fascists. Not far away are the Historical Museum in the 17th-century palace and the Kunsthal building. You can visit the city cathedral of Saint-Lorentzkerk with the Erasmus of Rotterdam monument erected in front of it, as well as the largest city hall in the country, a monument to Peter the Great on the banks of the Meuse, mail and stock exchange.

Nightlife in Rotterdam is diverse, each subculture has its own corner, in which it "breaks away in full". Oude Haven (Old Harbor) is located near the market square Blaak - here rest the future lawyers, economists and businessmen. All cafes and restaurants are located around the bay, which in the evening reflects every light and sign - a very cute sight.

The most lively area with bars is Eendrachtsplein / Nieuwe Binnenweg. Friendly, easily accessible, full of people place. It is worthwhile to look at the cafe Stalles, Parket or Rotown, where writers, musicians and students of design schools rest. The road down the Nieuwe Binnenweg will lead to Café Ari and Westerpaviljoen (a great cafe with the best outdoor terrace in the city) - a great place to start the evening.

Other places of interest: Jazz Cafe Dizzy (good beer and music), De Witte Aap, Mondriaan, Bar P and De Schouw. In search of loud music it is worth to go to the village de Baroeg - heavy metal every evening.

In Rotterdam, there are some of the best discotheques of the country, but finding them without local help will be difficult. An approximate landmark is Delftsestraat Street or Stadhuisplein Square (both are near the Stadhuis metro station). But here's what to look for: Disco Now & Wow, located near the Maashaven metro station.

Coffeeshops Rotterdam

As elsewhere in Holland, smoking cannabis in Rotterdam is not forbidden, and besides, it is much cheaper than in the "untwisted" Amsterdam. A few things that are worth remembering hard - in public places smoking is prohibited, even simple nicotine cigarettes; in no case can you remove the cannabis from the country; Ministry of Health warns: smoking is dangerous to health.

A few good coffeeshops:

• De lachende paus (Nieuwe Binnenweg) - more than 40 varieties of joints, the prices are slightly tucked away, but they are said to be worth it
• Pluto (Nieuwe Binnenweg 139a), where you can not only relax, but also buy accessories - bongos, etc.
• Bambu (Bergweg) - good quality at a reasonable price
• The Pool (Westersingel, 5 km from the main train station 5m from Central Station), where you can not only smoke, but also play in the American pool
• Nemo (Nieuwe Binnenweg), unlike other similar establishments, is bright and bright, with large windows. The walls are decorated with scenes from the Disney cartoon "Nemo". A good place for those who are looking for something easy

And also: Greenhouse (Nieuwe Binnenweg), The Reefer (De Meent, in the city center), Act or cafe De Nieuwe Wet (Westerwagenstraat).

Photos of Rotterdam (43)