Lively multi-cultural Rotterdam is the largest seaport in Europe with a population of just over 600,000. You can travel here quickly by Eurostar train. The journey from St Pancras International to Rotterdam station takes three hours, 13 minutes. The city is also only 30 minutes by train from Amsterdam. Rotterdam was almost destroyed in World War II, and now this rebuilt modern city is known for its contemporary architecture including skyscrapers designed by Piet Blom and Ben van Berkel.
Visitors shouldn’t miss a visit to the stunning yellow cube houses and the jaw-dropping Markthal, Rotterdam’s giant modern market hall that made its debut in 2014 and has quickly become a popular tourist attraction. Other fun things to do here include a ride to the top of the 91 metre high Euromast to look over the city, a trip to see eight of the tallest windmills in the world in Scheidam and a visit to the city’s largest museum, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen to enjoy some outstanding works of art by masters including Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Monet.
Eurostar to Rotterdam
It is possible to travel from London St Pancras to Rotterdam in 3 hours 49 minutes, with three new daily trains travelling directly into the heart of the city. A direct return train from Rotterdam Central Station is also possible, taking 3 hours 30 minutes.
Eurostar to Rotterdam: Must-see
Though much of the city was bombed during the Second World War, most of the pre-20th century buildings in the dockland area of Delfshaven remained untouched. This is now a great place to visit, full of cool cafes and shops with the chance to see some very well preserved 17th century Dutch architecture.
Where to eat in Rotterdam
Burger lovers should head to the very popular Ter Marsch & Co, the busy restaurant in Rotterdam that offers great canal views and some of the very best burgers in the Netherlands. Locals and visitors alike are treated to a wide range of delicious hamburgers and steak served on the restaurant’s moreish brioche bread. Tasty and reasonably priced, this is a great place to eat.
What to buy
The Dutch love their cheese and you’ll find plenty of the yellow stuff everywhere in Rotterdam. Cheese is easy to transport, making it the perfect gift to take home. Choose from the most popular varieties, Gouda, Edam, Boerenkaas, and Maasdammer. With prices starting at €6.50, authentic Dutch cheese is a great affordable gift.
Hotel New York 
Rotterdam’s Markthal
Where to stay in Rotterdam
Hotel New York €€€
Hotel New York is a modern five-star hotel in the centre of Rotterdam with amazing river views. Rooms are generous and roomy with a nod to art deco. There’s also a great cocktail bar and restaurant on the premises.
Room Mate Bruno is a fun and lively mid-priced hotel that’s perfect for those who love contemporary design. Rooms are big and comfy with some fun decorative touches.
Hostel ROOM Rotterdam offers budget-conscious travellers the perfect place to stay in the city. The hostel is located in a 1920s red brick building and offers guest the chance to stay in private or dorm rooms. Added to this, guests get free walking tours and breakfasts too.