By Megan Bell

It’s official; everyone and their cousin has been to Amsterdam, and everyone who hasn’t been always talks about wanting to go. But what if you want something different? Something similar to Amsterdam but cheaper and without the swarms of tourists? 

Next time go off the beaten track and follow this guide to the Netherlands’ second largest city, Rotterdam. 

Known as the gateway to Europe, this architectural wonder of a city is only 40 minutes outside of Amsterdam. It is full of amazing food, amazing things to do and amazing people. Here is The City’s guide to Rotterdam. 

Culture/Cultuur

Rotterdam is full of modern art museums and some of the coolest architecture you have ever seen. There’s even a dance culture for those who love a boogie.

1. For art lovers, visit Depot Boijmans van Beuningen; the first ever publicly accessible art depot in the world. Called the giant’s mirror, it’s truly a wonder for architecture lovers and art lovers alike. 

Address: Museumpark 24, 3015 CX Rotterdam, Netherlands. 

2. Visit the Cool District for some serious street art. Perfect for your Instagram stories!

Address: Coolsingel, 3012 BS Rotterdam, Netherlands. 

3. Go see the famous Kubuswoningen (Cube Houses) and even get inside. Built in 1977 these houses are designed as high-density housing with enough space on the ground lever, while still having amazing space inside. And for only 3 euro you can get inside one of these houses and see it for yourself. 

Address: Overblaak 70, 3011 MH Rotterdam, Netherlands. 

4. Get ready to dance the night away in some of Rotterdam’s famous dance clubs. Cultuurpodium Perron is the most famous, it has even hosted Boiler Room sessions for native Rotterdam DJs like Bas Mooy.

Address: Schiestraat 42, 3013 AH Rotterdam, Netherlands. 

Food and drink/Eten en drinken

Rotterdam is full of some seriously amazing food. Check out these restaurants on your next visit. 

1. Go to Café de Beurs for some traditional Dutch bitterballen. Bitterballen are deep fried beef stew balls, found across the country usually as an accompaniment to some pints. You can get them in most pubs, but Café de Beurs have the best in the city!

Address: Kruiskade 55, 3012 EE Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Address: Museumpark 25, 3015 CB Rotterdam, Netherlands. 

3. Grab a beer and some burgers in BrewDog Outpost Rotterdam. Serving 18 different craft beers this brewpub has 10 fermenters and 10 serving tanks, this pub always has a class smell of brewing beer. 

Address: Halvemaanpassage 1, 3011 DL Rotterdam, Netherlands. 

4. For the best burger in Rotterdam take a trip to Ter Marsch & Co. After opening in Rotterdam in 2014, they have gone on to win many awards and even opened a second location in Amsterdam! Last year they even won the best burger in the country!

Address: Witte de Withstraat 70, 3012 BS Rotterdam, Netherlands. 

Shopping/Inkopen

Rotterdam is full of local markets and vintage shops you absolutely have to see! 

1. Visit the wonderful Markthal for some of the best small shops and Asian food in the city. Every Tuesday you can also visit the food and clothes markets that happen in the square outside. Only a stone’s throw from the cube houses, it makes for a great day out! 

Address: Rev. Jan Scharpstraat 298, 3011 GZ Rotterdam, Netherlands. 

2. Go treasure hunting in the best vintage shop in the city, Cheap Fashion. Filled with two floors of stunning vintage clothes, shoes, and accessories: it’s a fashion lovers haven. 

Address: Meent 25, 3011 JB Rotterdam, Netherlands. 

3. For the music lovers, head over the road from Cheap fashion to discover the very cool Songs for Sale. Full of new and used records as well as some rare ones, stock up your music collection before heading home (if your case isn’t too full already!). 

Address: Meent 22A, 3011 JK Rotterdam, Netherlands.