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Rotterdam is Holland’s second largest city and until 2004 it was the biggest port in the world. The city is not blessed with the classical beauty of Amsterdam or Utrecht, thanks to the bombing campaigns of World War II, but modern reconstruction has given it an exciting futuristic edge.
The city boasts some truly excellent museums, such as the Mueum Boijmans Van Beuningen with its extensive collection of Rembrandts, Van Goghs, Picassos and Gauguins. Alternatively you can visit the Archicenter Rotterdam for a guided tour of the city’s stunning contemporary architecture.
Weekend mini-breaks are made easy by the fact that the city centre is quite compact so you can walk around easily, while the many bars, restaurants and nightclubs exhibit a vibrancy that is not to be missed.
For good shopping head to Hoogstraat, the Coolsingel in the City Hall, and the Weena, running from Central Station to the Hofplein.
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Currency | Euro |
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Culinary specialities | Haring (picked herrings), pea soup, Stamppot (mashed potatoes, vegatables and smoked sausages), Indonesian street food. |
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Language | Dutch |
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Famous People | Desiderius Erasmus – a Renaissance Humanist; Robin Van Persie – Arsenal football player |
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Historical fact | The entire city was destroyed by the Luftwaffe in May 1940; only the Town Hall remained, inspiring the artist Ossip Zadkine’s famous work City without a Heart. |
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Average temperatures | Winter 5C / Summer 17C |
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