Manhattan on the Maas: Rotterdam
Renowned for its post-war efforts to modernise and build anew, rather than repairing and rebuilding as was the norm, Rotterdam is a startling modernist city often unfairly touted as an alternative to Amsterdam. But where Amsterdam is known for its long, historic townhouses hunched over pretty canals, Rotterdam is all about its modern design, contemporary skyline and industrial charm that have earned it the moniker of Manhattan on the Maas. At the city centre, the horseshoe-shaped Markthal stuns in the evenings with its vast mural, Horn of Plenty, an illuminated art piece of colourful fruits, flowers, and insects, but inside, there’s a huge food market, offices and affordable housing, showcasing Rotterdam’s penchant for mixed-use architecture. Close by, the striking yellow Cube Houses, built by Piet Blom in the 1970s look like they stepped out of one of (Netherlands native) Escher’s bizarre optical illusions, and can feel disorientating up close.
The canals of the Maritiem District hide boat bars and playful architecture linking to the impressive Erasmusbrug cable bridge. Travellers in search of typical Dutch charm should skip over to Delfshaven, which escaped wartime damage and has a quaint collection of cafes and restaurants nestled around the Nieuwe Maas.
For a local view, stay in The Slaak, a former press room turned contemporary hotel in leafy Kralingen.
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