Rotterdam - melt pot of cultures

Rotterdam, a city that never sleeps. A city where the contrast between old architecture and new architecture is an experience by itself. Where you can eat a typical Dutch meat ball and a Vietnamese spring roll on one street. A city with many museums, architecture, concerts, theatre, events, exhibitions that you will probably have to stay for a few more days.

Maritime Museum Rotterdam
Rotterdam, world's biggest port, without it, Rotterdam wouldn't have been the same as it is now. The Maritime Museum is located in the centre of Rotterdam and very easy accessible by metro, tram, bus, bicycle, on foot. Please keep in mind that if you are by car, parking is not free in the centre of Rotterdam and there is no parking space available in front of the museum. The Maritime Museum is opened for the public almost every day and offers a large collection of maritime history. The founder of the museum is Prince Hendrik the Sailor who in 1845 became the chairman of the Royal Dutch Yacht club in Rotterdam. Thirty years later, in 1874, the Maritime Museum of the Royal Dutch Yacht club was opened for the public. In the years, the museum has grown considerably. In the 2003, a new wing was built which houses the permanent collection of Nedloyd with its old paintings, maps and ship models. The collection of the museum has a large history; its collection consists of ship models, paintings, old sea maps, photographs, video material, audio material and a lot more. The museum has an ever changing program of exhibitions, there is always something new to see. An interesting feature of the museum that is not only a day of inside fun but the museum has also an outside museum. Adjacent to the museum, the steamship the 'Buffel' is situated and restored to its old condition. You are able to walk around on the deck and have a look on the inside where you can have a look at the different themes related with the history of Marine life. The museum welcomes groups and offers guided tours in the Dutch, English and German language.

Museum De Dubbelde Palmboom
Located in historical Delfshaven, the building is originally a warehouse which was finished in the year 1826 with the purpose to store grain. The actual history is not really known but it is said that the warehouse didn't somehow meet the requirements and was sold in 1856. In 1975 it was finally opened as a museum and the old atmosphere of the warehouse was preserved. The museum has a collection of all sorts of materials on all the floors of the warehouse, from paintings to Barbie dolls, from photographs to underwear. All of these objects describe the way the people used to live in Rotterdam and how they live now in the present. The museum however not located in the centre is accessible by bus, tram, metro and car. Admission charged.

Museum Boijmans van Beuningen
Although it might be a museum that has a higher admission fee than some other museums (€8), it has a nice excuse for the children; the admission for them is free. The museum is not far away from the city centre and can be easily reached on foot or when you are tired by tram or metro. The museum has a mix of modern art which is shown at the Digital Depot. A surprising mix of digital information and real modern art. Through using the touch screen, you will get to know the pieces of art and their history. Another permanent exhibition at the museum is the collection of Isidore Ducasse and other surrealists. There are regularly new exhibitions and there is even a kids workshop with many activities.

Kunsthal Rotterdam
Art, art and art, that's the Kunsthal in Rotterdam. The building of the museum has an enormous space, 3300m2 and with all the lights on is an amazing view from the highway. The Kunsthal is divided into galleries: the photo gallery and the design gallery. The enormous space gives the opportunity to the museum to have large exhibitions; therefore most of the times, there are around five or six exhibitions at the same time. The Kunsthal is situated close to the Museum of Boijmans van Beuningen and surrounded by the Museumpark. The Kunsthal is easy accessible, not far away from the city centre.

Leisure activities
Rotterdam has an abundance in activities that can be done, it's just for you to decide what your interests are. There are almost everyday concerts, either in the hall 'Ahoy' where a large number of artists have played such as Shakira, the Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath and a lot more. For a more cosy atmosphere, Rotown and Nighttown are a perfect place, the combination of music and foods & drinks. Rotterdam hosts the ABN AMRO Tennis tournament every year which welcomes many different players from all over the world.

Shopping
From the shopping mall the 'Koopgoot' to the Central Library, there is something for everyone. From designer clothes in the 'Bijenkorf' to second-hand clothing on the Witte de Withstraat. Even if you don't want to buy anything, just stop by and have a look on the market near the Central Library every Tuesday and Saturday.