Plenty of European cities are desperate to tout themselves as big centres of arts and culture, but one place that really walks the walk is Rotterdam, the Dutch city that brims with a diverse nightlife, trend-setting shops and a raging art scene.
Virgin Media ventured across the sea for a spot of exploring and found that Rotterdam truly has something for everyone - and is just ridiculously easy to get to for a short break.
Rotterdam used to be an austere place but has totally transformed itself into a city with a tangible trendy, bohemian vibe. After its centre was destroyed in World War Two, the city concentrated on not rebuilding as-was, but totally transforming the area into a contemporary, innovative location.
Rotterdam has long had a dedicated aim of being a centre for arts and modern architecture, hosting plenty of cultural events and activities year-round to entertain its one million residents (who reportedly hail from over 160 countries) and an ever-increasing number of tourists. From film celebrations to building site appreciation weeks (where visitors enjoy looking around building site excavations - yes, seriously) it’s no wonder Rotterdam regularly walks off with an "Event City of The Year" award.
Art & architecture
This arty city is a muse in itself and should get the creative juices flowing through even the rustiest of would-be artists. Rotterdam is exceptionally open to all forms of artistic expression, from walls of colossal graffiti to abstract installations. The "but-is-it-art?" debate wouldn't be particularly appropriate here.
Culture vultures of all kinds will go crazy for the range of exhibitions on offer. Fine art is housed in the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningem, where you can marvel at works from greats like Monet, Dali and Van Gogh. Kids will love the Natural History Museum with its giant stuffed prehistoric mammals, and for contemporary or abstract art fans, the World Museum and Witte De With will surely please. You don’t even have to go as far as a museum to get your fill of art.
Amble around the streets and scout out abstract pieces, placed on walls and walkways, or look to the skies and marvel at the Netherlands’ "most famous skyline" - a title the city holds with fierce pride. Such enthusiasm for architecture inspired Rotterdam to dedicate 2007 to a year-long festival celebrating its achievements in structural design.
Nightlife
Rotterdam's clubbing scene is taken seriously by locals and visitors but is nicely unpretentious. There's no need to fear strict dress codes or grim-faced bouncers here. At trendy spots, music draws inspiration from diverse genres, fused via the turntables to create anonymous and exclusive sounds. There’s not much of a middle ground when it comes to the choice of scenes; you'll have the option of bopping along to the latest Euro-pop or getting on down to hard Latin house and retro dance.
Top clubs include Off_Corso, Thalia Lounge and Cinema, and all kick off from around 11pm. There are also many intimate bars on the fringes of the centre which, with their tasty cocktails and chilled music, serve as a gentle starting point for heavy night out. Holland's famously relaxed attitude toward smoking cannabis isn't limited to Amsterdam - you’ll find the odd coffee shop dedicated to taking advantage of the lenient law. You won’t, however, find any gyrating ladies of the night in red-tinged windows. That's one tradition that Rotterdam is happy to leave to the capital city.
Eating and drinking
The diversity of Rotterdam's population has given rise to a pleasingly wide range of eateries, and it's easy to sample cuisine from right around the world. English menus aren't always provided automatically but just ask and most proprietors will happily provide one.
Some high points? Proef is a recommended spot for breakfast or brunch. Tucked behind “the biggest market in Holland” on Mariniersweg 259, you can tuck into a platter of cold meats, cheeses and divine cakes, all produced locally and cooked on the open stove and exposed kitchen.
When it comes to lunches and dinners, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Witte de Withstraat is a good area to start in, and provides many fine independent restaurants and bars. Try the trendy Bazzar which serves African, Egyptian and Israeli delights under a roof of candle-lit lanterns. A relaxed vibe, good food and reasonable prices all make for a fine lunch or dinner experience.
Further down the street is Toko94, a fine Caribbean restaurant. Food is grilled to perfection in chic surroundings, served by uber-cool waiters under low lit lights. Even if you’re not hungry, at least sample a cocktail in this cosy venue. If hardcore drinking is on your agenda, you'll want to note that Bar Soho holds the title for "the best Mojito in Rotterdam".
Events and activities
Being the biggest port in Europe, Rotterdam offers plenty of waterside activities like boat tours, floating restaurants and party cruises. The best views of the city are to be taken in from the top of the Euromast, which reaches an impressive 185 meters above ground and on a good day, offers sights over the North Sea. Cultural events are too numerous to list here; among Rotterdam's greatest showpieces is the World’s Largest Indoor Jazz festival. Get more info on all its events here.
Practicalities
Rotterdam is truly ideal for a weekend break; arrive on a Friday, get straight on to sampling the restaurants and nightlife, rejuvenate with some arts and culture on the Saturday and shop until boarding time on Sunday. Perfect. And at just 45 minutes' flight time from London, you really have no excuse. Transavia flies twice daily between London Stansted and Rotterdam with regular fares from just £37.00 one-way, including airport taxes and reserved seating at check-in. To book flights visit www.transavia.com or call 0207 365 4997.
