Why Rotterdam Is Europe’s Next Capital of Cool

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Rotterdam suffers from a bit from the PR problem known as “second city syndrome”: It often gets overshadowed by its bigger sibling, Amsterdam. But each of the two cities has distinctly positive attributes, not to mention a totally different vibe. Rotterdam, which was heavily bombed during World War II, has had an opportunity to rebuild as a strikingly modern city full of experimental architecture and cutting-edge design with a dynamic food-and-drink scene. This is why you should go now—before everybody else gets the memo.

Markthal

Photo: Alamy

What to See:

Rotterdam has so much interesting architecture that the best way to see it is by signing up for a tour. UrbanGuides offers fun and informative tours, either by foot or by bike (this is Holland, after all), which you can customize based on your interests. Among the must-sees are Markthal (a stunning luminescent barrel vault with LED art covering the inside food hall, hangout area, and living spaces (those skylights along the vault's ceiling are windows into real apartments); the Piet Blom–designed yellow “cube houses” (several of which are available as Airbnbs, but reservations often fill up months in advance); and the Kunsthal modern art museum, which put Rotterdam native Rem Koolhaas on the map. If street art is more your thing, Rotterdam’s scene is exploding; check out the Luchtsingel, a pedestrian bridge painted by local artists as a metaphor for bridging the gaps among people. The app Rewriters can direct you on a self-guided street-art tour that begins at the eye-popping new Rotterdam Centraal train station, where you’ll probably first arrive in the city to begin with.

FG Food Labs

Photo: Courtesy of FG Food Lab

Where to Eat:

The buzziest table in town is at FG Food Labs, a Michelin-starred molecular gastronomy spot that is singlehandedly remaking Rotterdam’s food scene. The prix fixe dinner gives you a chance to try up to nine courses, but if you’re trying to book at the last minute, then go for lunch, which is usually less crowded. Dishes change based on available produce; look for Dutch- and Mediterranean-influenced bites like tomato-and-sardine toast, all paired with fine Chinese and Indian teas so fancy they get their own menu.

It’s wrong to visit the Netherlands and not try the local beer. Skip the boring Amstel and Heineken by heading to World of Drinks inside the Markthal, where there’s an entire wall of beer from throughout the country, including Rotterdam’s own Trots (try the Witbier), and you can hang out sampling brews with the knowledgeable staff.

Søstrene Grene

Photo: Courtesy of Søstrene Grene

Where to Shop:

Unsurprisingly, the amazing design in Rotterdam continues from buildings into stores. The high-end Dutch brand Moooi is carried at posh furniture and housewares store Depot—look for elegant pendant lamps, sleek couches, and minimalist storage shelves, but be ready to deal with shipping costs, since none of this will fit in your suitcase. On the lower end of the price spectrum is Søstrene Grene, a Danish design emporium à la Flying Tiger that doesn’t have any shops in the U.S.: Stock up on affordable (and adorable!) desk accessories, crafting supplies, and stuff you didn’t know you needed like a baby-animal-print ice pack. If you’re shopping for something easier to pack, recently expanded jewelry shop Gallery Puur is the best place for delicate, customizable pieces like bracelets and rings printed with braille letters.

Witte de Withstraat

Photo: Alamy

Where to Drink:

The single coolest street in all of Rotterdam is Witte de Withstraat. Most nights, you’ll find scenesters packing the outdoor tables at bars and restaurants along the street. Hit De Witte Aap (The White Monkey), which was voted Best Bar in the World by Lonely Planet. Try to squeeze into a quieter seat in the back, then choose from a list of Belgian and Dutch beers or a cocktail with traditional Dutch jenever, which is similar to gin. Next up is Stirr, which serves up Latin American–style cocktails like the Nubes de Color Rosa (P\pisco, Amer Picon, bitters, and vermouth). If wine is more your speed, stop in at Opa (Grandfather), which pairs whites, reds, and bubblies with small plates like shrimp croquettes or beef capaccio with Dutch cheese.

Hotel New York

Photo: Alamy

Where to Stay:

The Hotel New York is in a famous building once occupied by the offices of the Holland America cruise line. For obvious reasons, it’s couched right at the Rotterdam port, with sweeping views of both the city and the sea—splurge on the Maas Suite, which is outfitted with the famous delftware and matching wallpaper. But if you’d rather stay in the center of the action, Hotel Bazar on Witte de Withstraat is the place to go—its rooms are brightly decorated in Asian-, African-, and South American–inspired aesthetics, each one different. Ask for a top floor room; they’re the only ones with balconies.