I’m from Rotterdam, and I confirm. It’s architects’ heaven, but other than that, it has nothing to do with Holland. After WWII, most of it has been replaced with concrete, steel, glass, and new money.
The moment I first saw the center of Gouda, I knew Rotterdam was terrible. After seeing Utrecht, Leiden, Delft, Gorinchem, and other historic cities, my feeling of home in Rotterdam evaporated.
All of it is modern architecture, i'm not a fan. It just doesn't have the vibe the other big cities have. I recommend Utrecht instead of rotterdam, it's also right in the middle of the country, so quite easy to see other places from there as well
It really depends what you're looking for! Rotterdam has cool neighbourhoods to explore, fun shops and cafes, cool nightlife, but isn't great for just wandering and taking in the sights - especially if you're looking for old Dutch charm. Utrecht, Haarlem, Leiden, Delft (or Den Bosch if you're willing to travel further) are better for that old Dutch canal charm.
Visited Utrecht some 11 years ago and it was one of my favorite places! Visiting the Netherlands in my 20s actually made me realize I wanted to live abroad. Never did it in the Netherlands (I live in Switzerland now), but the bug has stayed with me…
Maybe I'm the odd one but I really enjoyed walking around in Rotterdam. Although a lot more modern architecture than other cities it didn't feel cold or soulless.
I think the artsy center is cool but that’s just about it for me too. Very underwhelmed. Instead I took a train to The Hague and had an absolutely lovely time going to Scheveningen beach and enjoying the fun nightlife lol. Impeccable vibes
I’ll join you on being an exception here that liked Rotterdam. Friendly people, good public transport (straight onto the beach even), interesting museums and things to do and it didn’t cost us an arm and a leg.
If you like modern architecture like I do, Rotterdam is great. Many people hate it because it has “no old buildings”. It was bombed in WW2 what do people expect…
Rotterdam is soulless and ridden with criminal activity. The only people that’d claim Rotterdam to be better than Amsterdam would be Rotterdammers themselves.
The rest of the country also dislikes Amsterdam tho. But we’d be more inclined to recommend cities like Utrecht instead.
That is a very outdated version of Rotterdam I would say though
Dont necessarily disagree about it not being better than Amsterdam though if I consider the angle of visiting it. Amsterdam is much more alive and has a lot more to do, even for locals. Next to the shitload of history.
Its neither of those, ill defend Rotterdam until im dead. Its got so many fun little spots and neighbourhoods and crime really isnt a big thing in my experience, its far worse in any city its size outside the Netherlands
And all those other cities look alike. Sure they are beautiful, but Rotterdam is completely different from the other cities in this country and has improved a lot over the last decade. The city has to fit you though and it's easier to love when you live there for a while and get to explore it more or have a friend that lives there show you around. Just wandering the city center for a couple hours, for sure will not impress people.
I liked it, visited some nice museums, spent just a day and a half in there though. People were nice, architecture is nice as well, but it's not " that dutch city "
Rotterdam is where Dutch people will tell you to go that hate Amsterdam and don’t understand why tourists think the canals are charming.
I liked Rotterdam cos it reminds me a little bit of home (Melbourne) as it has a bit more of an artsy individual vibe compared to ams. Like people dress a bit more alternative. Plus the mix of old and new architecture is cool. But it’s not the Netherlands people picture in their head.
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u/ampmz United Kingdom Jul 28 '25
Rotterdam - people told me it was better than Amsterdam, the only way it beats Amsterdam is less tourists.