Rotterdam: harbours, bridges & Cubic Houses

 It took me a long time to appreciate Rotterdam because it’s a big city, far more practically laid out than Amsterdam, but also very confusing if you don’t understand how the river Maas meanders in countless bends. When you know your way around though and can appreciate its history of sky rises after being bombarded in WWII , against all the water and boats, lending its industrial flavor, I know why Rotterdammers are so proud of their city. 

In some ways, the northern island, an old bridge and typical Dutch gabled houses that escaped damage lend an air of any Dutch city or village. But it’s new churches against backdrops of endless high rise buildings which also  feels like Canada’s Montreal, a mini New York or Amsterdam WTC in 20 years time. Except the skyrises hold residences not offices.  

There are a few different harbours for personal boats and yachts where restaurants and cafes are abundant, namely, Delfshaven, Wijnhaven and the Oudehaven  Easily accessible by foot, as are the main sheltered large shopping streets but public transport is just as convenient and extremely efficient. 

Oudehaven and cubic houses with Willemsbrug 

Inside a cube is a lovely little 3 story flat. Architect Piet Blom. Below at night  we ate lovely spare ribs along the water next to terrace heaters and little fires as spring is still cold! 

Delfshaven has a few exotic restaurants such as Lebanese or Indonesia and any cuisine can be found in Rotterdam. There is also the main big roofed International food market stall in the centre. Wijnhaven is where you can pick up boat taxis to travel the Maas and Oudehaven has the famous Cubic houses. Worth paying to go in and look around, it’s a really cute are and yea, people live there! Enjoy the pics and adios from Rotterdam!

Wijnhaven and water taxi 

The Flag parade along Boompjes main road which turns into the Mass Boulevard leading you out the city by car to the highway. 

The City Hall once cleaned from all the bombings soot

Walking along the canal from Wijn Haven to
Oudehaven 

Wijnhaven 

Delfshaven 

Pretty flowers in the park around the Euromast.