Rotterdam has 7 main stations, Rotterdam Centraal (with Intercity, Sneltrain, Stoptrain, Nachtnet, Sprinter and Thalys lines), Alexander, Blaak, Lombardijen, Noord, Stadion and Zuid. Trains between Ebbsfleet and Rotterdam run around 17 times a week.
Eurostar
trains between Ebbsfleet International and Rotterdam have average journey times of 3 hours, 31 minutes; the route passes throuh Lille and Brussels. Travel to the Netherlands via high speed rail is an easier and more comfortable means of fast travel. The best time to visit is late spring or early summer, as the architecture is one of the reasons for Rotterdam's popularity, and this time of year will best show it.
Rotterdam is known as ‘Manhattan on the Maas’ due to its striking and contemporary architecture, and is home to the largest harbour in Europe. It is also a commercial city with over 580000 inhabitants. The Maas River runs straight through the city and the Erasmus bridge is now world famous. During the evening, Rotterdam has a selection of local venues from traditional bars to exclusive modern clubs, the largest being Now&Wow, which has recently opened in Maasthaven.
The city was first occupied by the French during the 18th and 19th centuries; it was extensively rebuilt after being damaged by Nazi invasion in WW2.
Points of Interest
The Destroyed City
The monument was designed by Russian sculptor Ossip Zadkine and has Cubist and Surrealist influences.
Show-Cube
Example of modern architecture- some of the houses are open to the public.
Schielandshuis
The town's historical museum which was originally the Dikes Headquarters.
Blijdorp Zoo
Over 150 years old, Rotterdam Zoo is one of Europe's most historical zoological gardens.
Euromast
The 185 metre tower has a space-ride simulator and Panorama Restaurant. It is inside Heuvel Park.
Attractions
Shopping in Rotterdam Markets: Stamp, Coin and Book Market, Market of Antiques, Sunday Market, Antiques Fair. World Harbour Days with shopping and themed entertainment
Thermen Holiday Sauna and Beauty Centre
Rondje Rotterdam - a two hour walk around the city.
Diamond Centre with SAP cutting workshops
The Discovery Corner interactive museum of technology
Maasboulevard
Kralingse Plas with restaurants and water sport facilities
Brussels Main Attractions - Brussels Main Attractions
Le Grand Place
Many of the city?s nightclubs, restaurants and bars are located around the main square, also known as the Grote Markt in Flemish, which also functions as a market place, with different specialities on alternative days, such as the flower market and the bird market. Light shows run from spring right through to the autumn months where the whole area and its Flemish Renaissance buildings with statues and ornaments are illuminated ... 1000
Musical Instruments Museum (Musee des Instruments de Musique)
The museum's reputation is mainly built on its extraordinary collections. With a wealth of some 7000 instruments, the MIM is currently an internationally renowned instrumental museum. Once inside, you'll embark on a true tour of the musical world. After your trip past the some 1500 pieces on exhibit, the instruments and their history will no longer hold any secrets: from viole da gamba from the Court of Brussels to the 20th century ther... 1000
Pierre Marcolini
A world wide famously known chocolatier in Brussels, Belgium. amazing taste for good chocolate.... 1000
The Atomium
Built in 1958 when Brussels hosted the World?s Fair, the Atomium is a cross between sculpture and architecture. It is a sight to see in its own right, but expositions are also available in the various spheres, and the uppermost houses a restaurant, Chez Adrienne. Mini-Europe is located at the foot of the Atomium, showing the sights and attractions of the whole continent- visitors can see detailed models of the Eiffel Tower, B... 1020
The Cantillon Brewery
The family-run historic brewery has been making LAMBIC, GUEUZE, FARO and KRIEK since 1900. Visitors can taste authentic Gueuze-Lambic in the breweryâ??s great brewing fair, a public brewing session, where the Master Brewer, Van Roy-Cantillon and friends invite the public to watch the traditional production of their goods and the brewers are always willing to take questions on and discuss their trade if visitors wish to know more.... 1070
The House of Victor Horta
There are many museums and mansions dedicated to Art Nouveau, and the house of Victor Horta (the movementâ??s most well-known architect) is a key attraction. Another site for enthusiasts is the Horta-designed museum dedicated to comic strips.... 75001