Rotterdam is a modern city full of history. With so much to see and do on Rotterdam excursions, visitors really enjoy exploring this unique city. Located in southern Holland, Rotterdam is the largest European port. The city is divided into North and South by the Nieuwe Mass River.
The climate is warm in the summer months and mild by standards in the winter. Summer temperatures average 72F (22.2C) and the winters are in the mid-40'sF (7.5C). The great weather makes the city big for outdoor activities, Rotterdam excursions and a wide variety of sports.
Rotterdam gets its name for the dam constructed on the Rotte River in 1270. The city has the infamous distinction of being a large spy center during WWII. This was mainly due to its central location to the UK, Germany and German-occupied Belgium.
The city is known for the many dikes and dams as much of the city is below city level. There are also many ultra modern and unique buildings such as the Erasmus Bridge that resembles a bird in flight. The Markthal is a steel and glass building that is uniquely arch-shaped. And the Cube Houses are another architectural highlight.
The city center is located in the North section of town. There is a huge shopping area all along the Lijnbaan, the first pedestrian-only road. The Hoogstraat, the Coolsingel and the Kaskade (very upscale merchandise) are also trendy stops for shopping. The Beurstraverse (Stock Exchange Traverse) "Koopgoot" is located below street level. And the Zuidplein holds shows, exhibits, and many shops.
With as many shopping areas, there are even more museums in Rotterdam. For those visitors into the arts, you are in a for a treat with this small sampling of the many: Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Netherlands Architecture Institute, Werddmuseum, the Kunsthal, the Witte de With Center for Contemporary Arts, the Maritime Museum of Rotterdam and even the Tax Museum and Natural History.
One of the most visible landmarks is the Euromast - an observation tower and monument that was constructed in 1960. It is 610 feet tall (186 meters) that offers amazing views over the city. There are a restaurant and shops inside.
There is a lot that Rotterdam offers visitors and cruise ship passengers alike, enjoy your visit and our Rotterdam shore excursions on your Holland cruise.
Fun Fact: Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis Presley's manager was from Rotterdam.
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