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district of Rotterdam, Netherlands
Europe > Benelux > Netherlands > Western Netherlands > South Holland > Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region > Rotterdam > Rotterdam/Centrum

The skyline of Rotterdam by night, as seen from the Euromast.

Centrum (Centre) is the name of the central area of Rotterdam, being located between the central station in the north and the New Meuse in the south.

Understand

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The Centre is known locally as the Stadsdriehoek (City Triangle), which it lends to its historical shape. The city was bound between the Coolvest (modernly the Coolsingel) and Schiedamse Vest to the west, the Goudsevest (Goudsesingel) to the northeast and the New Meuse to the south. Rotterdam has had this triangular shape since the late medieval period, when the city's most southerly point was at Blaak. During the 16th century, the Waterstad (literally: Water City) was reclaimed for activity associated with the harbour and trade in general.

Rotterdam, being a rather infamous target of Nazi bombing at the start of the Second World War, retains hardly anything of its once historic city centre, barring some parts of the street layouts. After the war, a lot of the space for living within the Stadsdriehoek was removed, leaving an empty shell of a city that no-one enjoyed visiting. After 1975, housing was being built in the city centre again at a high pace, largely concentrated around the harbours. Modernly, the Stadsdriehoek has left many of its functionality as a city centre to the Cool in its south, which became a notable hotspot for nightlife and shopping after the war.

Most of Rotterdam's major sights are in the Centrum, including the Euromast, Lijnbaan shopping mall, Coolsingel, Erasmusbrug and the Saint-Lawrence Church.

Get in

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Rotterdam's central station. From left to right, it has its main entrance leading you to the trains, an outdoor entry to the metro (though indoor connections are also in place), and the outdoor tram platforms on the far right.

The central hub for public transit within the city centre is the 1 Rotterdam Centraal  D  E , though for the metro network specifically, this is 2 Beurs  A  B  C  D  E .

By tram

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The approach to Rotterdam Centraal. To the right the tram tracks set in grass with a tram going south. In the back you can recognise the distinctively shaped central station.
Tram stopping at Blaak in front of the infamous Kubuswoningen.

The tramlines below are in service through the city centre as of 2021. They have been ordered by the platform they depart from at Rotterdam Centraal:

  • Line  4 
    • Platform A: towards Marconiplein (Delfshaven), running through most of that district.
    • Platform D: towards Burgemeester van Kempensingel in the far northwest of Rotterdam.
  • Line  7 
    • Platform B: towards Willemsplein on the New Meuse, running via the Museumpark, where most of Rotterdam's museums are found.
    • Platform C: towards Burgemeester Oudlaan, might be busy around the start of the day heading from, and at the end of the day heading to Rotterdam Centraal, as this line is the main connecting service to the Erasmus University Rotterdam.
  • Line  8 
    • Platform A: towards Spartastraat, directly serving the stadium of Delfshaven's football club, as well as Beurs and the Euromast.
    • Platform D: towards Kleiweg to the north.
  • Line  20  runs from Rotterdam Centraal, platform B to Kreekhuizen on the south side of the river, running via the Lijnbaan and Beurs.
  • Line  21 
    • Platform A: towards Harreweg via Marconiplein (Delfshaven) and Schiedam Centrum railway station.
    • Platform C: towards De Esch in the far east of the north bank of the river via Beurs and Blaak.
  • Line  23 
    • Platform A: towards Marconiplein.
    • Platform C: towards Limbrichthoek, connecting most of the eastern side of the south bank.
  • Line  24 
    • Platform A: towards Holysingel (north Vlaardingen), via Marconiplein - for the city centre of Vlaardingen, use metro lines A or B.
    • Platform C: towards De Esch via Blaak.
  • Line  25 
    • Platform B: towards Carnisselande (Barendrecht), via Beurs, running through most of the Feijenoord district.
    • Platform D: towards Wilgenplaslaan, connecting with metro line E in the north at Melanchthonweg.
  • Additionally, line  12  is in service on Feijenoord matchdays, running a service from the station to the Feijenoord stadium via Beurs, and another from the Feijenoord stadium to P+R Beverwaard in the far southeast of the whole of Rotterdam.

By metro

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A metro train on its way between Vlaardingen and Hook of Holland. Don't expect to see these trains while walking the city centre, though, metro trains run completely underground throughout it.

Rotterdam's city centre sees service from all five lines, these generally being grouped into east-west and north-south connections:

  • East to west lines run on the same track throughout all of the city centre, with lines A and B splitting from line C at Schiedam Centrum in the west and Capelsebrug in the east. These lines connect with local trains at Schiedam Centrum  A  B  C  and Rotterdam Alexander  A  B . For faster intercity and international trains, change at Beurs and follow lines D or E northbound, or use the aforementioned stations to get into Rotterdam Centraal directly, which either of them have connect to directly.
    Line A connects from Vlaardingen's city centre to Binnenhof, in the far northeastern suburbs of Rotterdam.
    Line B connects to Hoek van Holland Haven, and will be extended to directly exit onto the beach at Hoek van Holland strand by 2022. The station at Haven connects directly to the ferry between Hook of Holland and Harwich (England).
    Starting on the south bank of the river, line C connects to Spijkenisse, the Albrandswaard and Pernis, before joining lines A and B at Schiedam Centrum. It does the exact same as those two lines from there up to Capelsebrug, after which it continues three more stops into Capelle aan den IJssel before terminating there. Line C, unlike A and B, does not connect with local trains at Rotterdam Alexander.
  • North to south lines run on the same track between Rotterdam Centraal and Slinge. The first being the northernmost terminus for line D, and the latter being the southernmost terminus for line E. The lines connect directly to Rotterdam's main train station, Rotterdam Centraal, where you can change onto local, intercity and international trains, which can bring you all the way to Brussels, Paris, London, Marseille and Bourg-Saint-Maurice (the latter two depending on the season, Marseille is the summer destination of Thalys services, Bourg-Saint-Maurice the winter destination).
    Line D starts off the same as line C, though it stays on the south bank after their ways split at Tussenwater. Line D continues towards the districts of Charlois and Feijenoord, before also crossing the river, where it connects to Beurs, meeting lines A, B and C, after which it terminates below Rotterdam Centraal.
    •  E : Slinge - Beurs - Rotterdam Centraal - Pijnacker - Den Haag Centraal
    Line E starts off running the same tracks between Slinge in Charlois, also connecting to the stations in Feijenoord, then connecting to Beurs and Rotterdam Centraal. After which, line E continues to connect to Blijdorp, which is a small walk from the zoo of the same name. Several stops north, you can use Meijersplein to switch onto bus 33, which connects to Rotterdam-The Hague Airport, which connects to mostly Mediterranean destinations like Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Faro, Bilbao and Girona among others. The airport as a whole mostly sees cheaper holiday flights from Transavia touch down. After Rotterdam-The Hague Airport, line E connects to many more residential places like Berkel en Rodenrijs, Pijnacker and Leidschendam. After this, Leidschenveen Centrum is where you can switch onto lines  3  and  4 , both connecting to Zoetermeer. Line E then continues to connect to much of The Hague, eventually terminating at its central station, though it also connects to local trains at Den Haag Laan van NOI  SPR .
Map
Map of Rotterdam/Centrum

Landmarks

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  • 1 City Hall, Coolsingel 40 (Metro: Stadhuis). M-Sa 08:00-17:00. The Rotterdam City Hall may appear quite historic compared to the modern outlook of the city, but it was actually only built in 1915 in a lavish style echoing historic city halls in other Dutch cities. Remarkably, the City Hall survived the bombing and is one of the few truly historic buildings in the city. It is nice to walk into the monumental main hall and see the statues. The courtyard is also worth a look. As the City Hall is still in use you are free to enter the public areas and have a look. The other halls will be off limits, unless you can persuade one of the guards to open the showpiece Burgerzaal for you. The City Hall also has a belltower with carillon which is often played, while the roof of the middle tower is made of gold. Rotterdam City Hall (Q1481214) on Wikidata Rotterdam City Hall on Wikipedia 
The modern skyline of Rotterdam can be truly appreciated from the Euromast
  • 2 Euromast, Parkhaven 20 (Euromast,  8 ), ☏ +31 10 436 48 11, . Daily 10:00-23:00. There's also a great restaurant halfway up the tower, with good food at a good price. Adult €8.90; child 4-11 €5.40; child under 4 free entry. Euromast (Q969215) on Wikidata Euromast on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2021)
  • 3 Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge). A combined cable-stayed and bascule bridge across the Nieuwe Maas built in 1996. (updated Jul 2021)
  • 4 Maastunnel (northern entrance), Parklaan 30. Open 24/7. The Maastunnel, built between 1937 and 1942, is the first Dutch tunnel to be built using the 'sunken tube' method, in which prefabricated elements are sunk down into the river to form the tunnel structure. The 1,070 metres (3,510 ft) long tunnel allows for both car traffic and pedestrian and cyclist access. The two categories having separate tunnels. Today, the tunnel is a listed monument, having been restored between 2017 and 2020. On site, bikes can be rented to make the journey into Charlois quicker. Maastunnel (Q302938) on Wikidata Maastunnel on Wikipedia (updated Aug 2021)

Places of worship

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  • 5 Grote of Sint Laurenskerk, Grotekerkplein 15 (Metro: Stadhuis or Blaak). Tu 10:00-14:00, W-Sa 14:00-16:00. The "Great or Saint Lawrence church" (Saint Lawrence is the patron saint of Rotterdam) is a late-gothic inner city landmark that dates from the year 1449. It is nice to visit its spacious and attractive, but not so elegant interior. Of special interest are the large organ and the elaborate graves of Dutch sea heroes Kortenaer, Witte de With and Van Brakel. All kinds of cultural and musical venues take place here. 
  • 6 Erasmus Statue, Grotekerkplein (In front of the Grote of Sint Laurenskerk). The statue of Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam stands opposite the Grote of Sint Laurenskerk. It is a handsome bronze of the hand of sculptor Keijser and dates from 1622. Children are told by the elderly that Erasmus turns his page every hour. Erasmus (Q16760837) on Wikidata Statue of Erasmus on Wikipedia 
  • 7 Paradijskerk, Nieuwe Binnenweg 25 (Metro: Eendrachtsplein). Sa 14:00-17:00. This church only dates from 1910, but it was built on purpose to house the baroque interior from 1719 of its predecessor. It is interesting to have a look at the baroque carvings. Also noteworthy that this church belongs to the small Old Catholic denomination. 

Museums

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  • 8 Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Museumpark 18-20 (Metro: Eendrachtsplein), ☏ +31 10 441 94 00, fax: +31 10 436 05 00. Tu-Su 11:00-17:00; M closed. The main building of Museum Boijmans van Beuningen is closed for a major renovation until 2029. The Depot was opened for the public in Nov 2021. Some of the masterpieces are being shown in other locations in the city or abroad. The museum, founded in 1849, houses a rich, broad collection that can be generally grouped into four wings: Old Art, with masterpieces such as Pieter Brueghel the Elder's The "little" Tower of Babel (1563). The collection of Prints and Drawings and the collection of Applied Arts and Design with their international allure. And the Modern Art wing has an important collection of surrealism, prominently featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. Adult €20; child under 18 free entry. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 9 Sylvette, Westersingel (Metro: Eendrachtsplein). This large work by Pablo Picasso was erected in 1973. It is one of the elaborations Picasso made based on the portraits of his muse Sylvette David. Definitely worth a look. 
  • 10 Kunsthal, Westzeedijk 341 (Metro: Eendrachtsplein), ☏ +31 10 440 03 00, fax: +31 10 43 67 152, . Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 11:00-17:00. An exhibition hall that houses some 25 expositions annually. The Kunsthal often experiments with themes that have never been used for an exhibition before. This approach produces a fascinating and widely varied repertoire. In total, the Kunsthal has 3,300 m² of exhibition space in a striking building, designed by OMA (Rem Koolhaas and Fuminori Hoshino) and is a true work of art all on its own. Adult €12; child 6-18 €2; child under 6 free entry. 
The NAi
  • 11 Het Nieuwe Instituut (Museum for Architecture, Design and Digital culture), Museumpark 25 (Metro: Eendrachtsplein), ☏ +31 10-4401200, . Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00 except Th 10:00-21:00. A part of the Het Nieuwe Instituut. €16.50 (under 18s free); tickets include a visit to the Sonneveld House. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 12 Huis Sonneveld (Sonneveld House), Jongkindstraat 12. Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 11:00-17:00. A building in the Bauhaus style built in 1932-1933 by Leendert van der Vlugt. It is now a part of the Het Nieuwe Instituut museum. €16.50. (updated Sep 2024)
  • 13 Chabot Museum, Museumpark 11 (Metro: Eendrachtsplein). M-F 11:00-16:30; Sa 11:00-17:00; Su 12:00-17:00. This neat little museum is housed in a splendid modernist 1930s villa. It houses a collection of works of the expressionist painter Hendrik Chabot. A very recommendable if short visit for art lovers. Adult: €6.50; child under 12: free entry. 
  • 14 Natuurhistorisch Museum, Westzeedijk 345 (Next to the Kunsthal, Metro: Eendrachtsplein). Tu-Su 10:00-17:00. The "Natural History Museum" is in the Museumpark, near Boijmans, the NAi and the Kunsthal. It has changing expositions and a fixes collection of mammals, plants and fossiles. The current director Kees Moeiliker became famous in 2003 for winning a scientific prize on his study and book about the strange behavior of a duck in the garden of the museum. His predecessor did a lot for the whales and left his collection at the museum. Adult €4; child 4-15 €2; child under 4 free entry. 
Scale model of the port of Rotterdam at the Maritime Museum
  • 15 Maritiem Museum (Maritime Museum), Leuvehaven 1 (Metro: Beurs), ☏ +31 10 413 26 80, fax: +31 10 413 73 42. Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 11:00-17:00; M 10:00-17:00 in July, August and school holidays in Rotterdam. A variety of expositions about the harbour of Rotterdam and maritime history. The museum also has an outdoor part of which the Museumschip De Buffel is the absolute highlight. This 19th-century gunboat is restored in all its glory and a must-see for naval enthusiasts. Adult €10, group + 15 people €8.50, child 4-15 €6.00, child under 4 free entry. 
  • 16 Mariniersmuseum, Wijnhaven 7-13 (Metro: Blaak). Tu-F 10:00-17:00, Sa Su 11:00-17:00. The museum of the Marine Corps is situated in a historic building in the Oude Haven. It shows the history of the 340 year-old corps and its modern-day role. Special attention is given to the heroic role of the corps in the 1940 defence of Rotterdam. In the nearby White House you can still notice the bulletholes in the stone wall. 
  • 17 De Verwoeste Stad (Destroyed City), Plein 1940 (A the square, just East of the Maritiem Museum). A statue by the Franco-Belarussian sculptor Ossip Zadkine dates from 1953. Zadkine got his inspiration when visiting Rotterdam shortly after the Second World War. The cubist statue depicting a man in agony who just lost his heart (symbol of the bombed city centre) still evokes strong feelings in Rotterdam. The Destroyed City (Q1219934) on Wikidata The Destroyed City on Wikipedia 
  • 18 Museum of Chess-Pieces, Overblaak 94 (Metro: Blaak). W Sa Su 14:00 - 17:00. This little museum can be found among the famous Cube houses and houses a diverse collection of chess games. From ancient Chinese to all sorts of cartoon characters. Adult €2; child €1;. 
  • 19 Wereldmuseum, Willemskade 25 (Metro: Leuvehaven), ☏ +31 10 270 71 72, fax: +31 10 270 71 82, . Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 11:00-17:00. The Wereldmuseum (World Arts Museum) focuses on encounters and cross-cultural inspiration. Adult €15; child under 13, Rotterdampas, Museumkaart free entry. 
Witte de With Center
  • 20 Witte de With, Witte de Withstraat 50 (Metro: Eendrachtsplein), ☏ +31 10 4110144, fax: +31 10 4117924, . Tu-Su 11:00-18:00. Witte de With(Centre for Contemporary Arts) exhibits, lectures, multimedia for contemporary arts. Adult €4 Witte de With; €2 discount under 18, students, CJP, seniors, groups (min. 10); free under 12, CKV, Rotterdampas, MJK is valid. 

Other sites

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  • 21 Station Rotterdam Blaak. The area around the station was destroyed by a Nazi bombardment during World War II, forcing the Netherlands to surrender. After the war this area was populated with some bold examples of modern architecture. Rotterdam Blaak railway station (Q7370661) on Wikidata Rotterdam Blaak station on Wikipedia (updated Jun 2016)
  • 22 Kubuswoningen (Cube Houses), Overblaak 70, ☏ +31 10 414 2285. Kijk Kubus (Show Cube) 11:00-17:00. These houses, designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom, are literally cubes, tilted over by 45 degrees. There were 39 cube houses built in Rotterdam in the early 1980s, along with 18 in Helmond, and 3 in Toronto. Adult €3, student or senior €2, child (-12) €1.5; €1 discount with Rotterdam Welcome Card, free with Rotterdam Pas. (updated Sep 2020)
  • 23 Oude Haven. The Old Harbour is a nice place to see and sit at some café nearby. (updated Jun 2016)
  • 24 Witte Huis (White House) (at the Oude Haven). A "skyscraper" built after American tall buildings in 1898. Now it's a National Heritage Site. (updated Jun 2016)
Schielandshuis today stands surrounding by modern glass and steel buildings
  • 25 Het Schielandshuis, Korte Hoogstraat 31. This is the only remaining 17th-century building in the city center of Rotterdam. It was once the place where French emperor Napoleon stayed, visiting his troops when they occupied the Netherlands. The former historical museum of Rotterdam which is now moved to another building. 
  • 26 Chinatown. Just walk out the front of Rotterdam Centraal Station, cross the Weena and go strait to the first intersection. You can't miss it! (updated Jun 2016)

Parks

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  • 27 Museumpark (Tram: Museumpark  7 ). The park connecting the Booijmans van Beuningen, Westersingel, Westzeedijk and the Erasmus Medical Centre. It connects the half a dozen museums all located around the park, allowing visitors to go from one to the other by foot easily. Museumpark (Q2399655) on Wikidata Museumpark on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2021)
  • 28 Het Park. Quite literally translating to The Park, Het Park is the second-oldest park of Rotterdam, and the oldest within the city centre. Initially purchased by the city to build a new city hall, it was eventually decided to become a public space in 1852. The park was constructed in the style of the English landscape park in 1852. The park was then expanded with the purchase of an estate in 1875, and completed with the terrace on the river in 1898. The north now prominently features the Noorse Zeemanskerk (English: Norse Seamen's Church, Norwegian: Sjømannskirken), given to the city as a construction kit by Norway following its independence in 1914. It was originally located on the western edge of the park, but moved with the construction of the Maastunnel in 1937. Since 2011, the park has been a national monument, and it sees some 1.1 million visitors each year. Het Park (Q2177257) on Wikidata (updated Jul 2021)

Events

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In July, you can enjoy the North Sea Jazz festival

Rotterdam plays host to a lot of events, a lot of them yearly ones. Besides these there are a lot smaller ones that can be very nice, so ask around and check the VVV website. A few of these yearly events to name:

  • IFFR. The International Film Festival Rotterdam, which mainly features independent films from all over the world in February. 
  • On the Rotterdam Museum Night in March, nearly all Rotterdam museums and galleries open their doors in the evening with special events.
  • Motel Mozaique (MOMO). Music, art & performance. Plus a sleeping project that enables sleeping in art or on special locations in Rotterdam (April) 
  • 1 Rotterdam Marathon. in April, internationally reputed as a very fast marathon. Rotterdam Marathon (Q1341108) on Wikidata Rotterdam Marathon on Wikipedia (updated Oct 2021)
  • Poetry International. Festival in June. 
  • Metropolis Festival (music) on the first Sunday in July.
  • Summer Carnival. A huge Caribbean-oriented parade and party in the city centre. 
  • The classical music Gergjev festival in September, led by master-conductor Valery Gergjev.
  • The Roterdam Harvest Festival in September.

For full listings of events check Rotterdam.info.

Tours

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  • 2 Hop on Hop off Tourist tram Citytour (lijn 10). April-October. July & August daily except Monday. See the website or leaflet for operating days since events or track works may disrupt operation.. The tourist tram line 10 will bring you along modern architecture, the city centre and historic parts of Rotterdam using classic trams. Total trip time 65 minutes. First depart from Willemsplein (near Spido) is at 11:00 but you can get on and off at any stop along the route as it operates every 30 minutes. Last depart from Willemsplein 16:30. Be sure to raise your hand to the driver if you would like to board at an intermediate tramstop. Adults €9, children 4-11 and 65+ €7. Tickets available on the tram and valid for whole day. Pay with cash or. (updated Jul 2019)
  • 3 Spido harbour trip, Willemsplein 85 (Metro: Leuvehaven. Tram 7: Willemsplein), ☏ +31 10 275 99 88, fax: +31 10 412 47 88, . You only see the first 8 km of the harbour starting at the Erasmus bridge (the trip doesn't go all the way to the north sea, and skips some of the more interesting harbors) But Rotterdam is REALLY big, so even in those first 8 km there's plenty to see. (updated Jul 2019)
  • 4 De pannenkoekenboot, Parkhaven 13, 3016 GM Rotterdam (Departs from near the foot of the Euromast, Tram  8 , stop Euromast.). Eat as many pancakes as you want while you cruise. (updated Oct 2021)

Cinema and theatre

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The International Film Festival Rotterdam takes place in February

There are two huge megacinemas in Rotterdam, one of which is located within the city centre: 5 Pathé Schouwburgplein, Schouwburgplein 101 (Kruisplein  4  7  8  20  25 ).  Here you can see Hollywood movies and the occasional art-house movie. Opposite to the Pathé, you will find 6 Rotterdam Schouwburg Rotterdamse Schouwburg on Wikipedia, which features anything remotely to do with theatre, from cinema to music theatre and from dance to opera. The Schouwburg also has a large assortment of in-house productions to view.

For a more alternative showing, there is the 7 Cinerama Filmtheater, Westblaak 18 (Beurs  A  B  C  D  E ). Cinerama Filmtheater (Q38238710) on Wikidata Cinerama (Rotterdam) on Wikipedia , which shows a combination of art-house films and commercial Hollywood flicks. During the IFFR (International Film Festival Rotterdam), which usually takes place in February, art-house movies are shown at many more locations throughout the city.

  • 8 International Film Festival Rotterdam. (IFFR) is an annual film festival held in various cinemas at the end of January/early February. It is one of the larger film festivals in Europe. International Film Festival Rotterdam (Q1666554) on Wikidata International Film Festival Rotterdam on Wikipedia 

Other attractions

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  • Abseiling down the Euromast, location listed under #See, . Weekends from May to September. Not for the faint of heart! Lower yourself down the Euromast, one of the highest buildings in the Netherlands during summer. The journey down can be done by two people at the same time, along with an instructor for guidance. The journey to safe ground takes about fifteen minutes. Until 2021 the Euromast also had a zipline, but due to housing developments being built, this can no longer be offered. €59.50 (includes entrance to the Euromast). (updated Feb 2022)

With children

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  • 9 Miniworld Rotterdam, Weena 745 (Coming out of the central station, head for the bus halt. Miniworld is located just behind it.), ☏ +31 102 400 501. W Th 12:00-17:00, F-Su 10:00-17:00. It's the largest indoor model railroad layout of the Netherlands. Age 3-11: €9.25; 12+: €12.95. 
  • Rotterdam used to have a zoo right outside the railway station, but since 1940, this zoo has been located north of the tracks in Kralingen. Diergaarde Blijdorp is one of the oldest and best-visited zoos of the Netherlands, and is conveniently located in the middle of the city as a whole. Bus 32 stops right outside the zoo at Abraham van Stolkweg.
The Koopgoot

The main shopping areas in the center are the 1 Lijnbaan and the 2 Hoogstraat. Both are pedestrianised. The Lijnbaan, which runs straight south from the Weena (close to Rotterdam Centraal) was the first pedestrianised shopping street in the world when it was built in 1953. Now it is more of an average shopping street with average shops. In weekends it's very crowded. Linking the Lijnbaan with the Hoogstraat is the 3 Beurstraverse, dubbed Koopgoot (Buying-gutter). A subterrainean passage, also connecting to Beurs metro station. It's all rather big and somewhat strange for a Dutch city, but it fits perfectly into the Rotterdam aspiration of being different. If you're looking for it, ask for the Koopgoot, as the official name is little known.

Department stores

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The Beurstraverse gives direct access to the city's main department stores:

  • 4 De Bijenkorf. This upmarket store offers a lot in terms of clothing, accessories, jewellery, perfumes and the like. The store offers quality, but it comes at a price. 
  • 5 HEMA, Beursplein 2, 3011 AA. This star of Dutch budget shopping has a limited range of clothing, food and hardware. HEMA has a reputation of delivering quality goods at very competitive prices. A lot of what it sells is of a fresh and bright design. (updated Jul 2019)

Markets

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The Markthal in the night

There are about 12 larger and smaller markets dotted around Rotterdam. Most of them are enjoyable places to walk through.

  • 6 Centrummarkt (at the eastern end of the Hoogstraat on the Binnenrotte, Metro: Blaak). Oct-Mar: Tu Sa 08:00-17:00; Apr-Sep: Tu Sa 08:00-17:00, Su 12:00-17:00. It is a huge (~450 stalls) open air food and hardware market — a nice place to visit. In Summer also there is a smaller version (~50 stalls). (updated Jul 2016)

Street food markets

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  • 7 Markthal, Ds. Jan Scharpstraat 298 (Binnenrotte, Metro: Blaak). Market stands: M-Sa 10:00-20:00, Su 12:00-18:00; Albert Heijn: M-Sa 08:00-21:00, Su 10:00-20:00; Bars and restaurants: 10:00-00:00. Opened in 2014 by a Dutch princess (who else!), It is a quite remarkable building which is worth a visit per se. It's more like a hybrid between a market and a shopping centre. Besides the large market hall, there are also residential, office sections, retail sections. Last but not least the Markthal houses a wide variety of bars, food stalls, and restaurants. Enjoy meals or bites from Mediterranean or Asian cultures or try the famous Rotterdam fries of Bram Ladage. (updated Sep 2017)

Sustainable shopping

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  • 8 De Groene Passage, Mariniersweg 1 – 33 (near Blaak train- and metrostation). A collection of sustainable shops including a grocery store, restaurant, bookstore and butchery. 

The area around metrostation Blaak, called Oude haven (Old Harbour), is not only worth seeing but has also a lot of pubs and restaurants. The Rotterdam dining scene is developing very fast with new restaurants opening very often. While most of the attention focusses on new Michelin-star aspiring places, there is very much a trend towards high quality mid-range restaurants offering French/Dutch cuisine.

You can find many gastronomic outlets around the Schouwburgplein

Budget

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  • 1 Café Restaurant Sijf, Oude Binnenweg 115. In weekend open till 02:00. Very nice old-looking bar. They also serve food for a reasonable price and most of the food is home made. Try the grilled beef with Spanish pepper and garlic! Or have one of their great sandwiches or salads. Wanna have a nice Belgium beer that gets you all fuzzy? They have an awesome Belgian beer called “la Chouffe” (the midget) on draft. Very tasty! A good start for the evening. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 2 Rotown, Nieuwe Binnenweg 19, ☏ +31 10 4362669. This is 'the' place in town for creative people. Or it used to be, because lots of people now go to the next-door café's Stalles and Parket. Rotown has a restaurant with decent food for a decent price. The daily changing menu (meat, fish and vegetarian) usually gets you something nice. After eating you can go watch a band or have your drink in the café. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 3 Stalles, Nieuwe Binnenweg 9, ☏ +31 10 4361655. This café at the has pizzas offers on Mondays and Tuesdays. The atmosphere in the restaurant is relaxed and friendly. The menu furthermore features salads, sandwiches, and tapas. The owner also owns Club Vibes, around the corner. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 4 Rottiedam Roti Rotterdam, Oostzeedijk 356-a. Roti dishes. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 5 De Kip Gallery, Hoogstraat 6a. Portuguese. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 6 Bram Ladage Kruisplein, Kruisplein 157. Fast food. (updated Aug 2023)

Mid-range

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The Old Harbour area offers many commendable options for eating out


  • 7 (Cocktail)Bar-Restaurant Stockholm, Spaansekade 12 (Old Harbour) (walking distance (5min) from train/tram/bus station Blaak), ☏ +31 10-4147295. M-Th 15:00-01:00, F Sa 15:00-03:00, Su 15:00-01:00, closed on Monday. Two of the best things in gastronomy come together at Bar-Restaurant Stockholm: A high standard yet fair priced French-inspired menu & the exquisite cocktails. Together with the trendy interior and city centre location Stockholm has been a well-earned success for years. €20-30. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 8 Café-Restaurant Kade 4, Spaansekade 4 in Oude Haven (Old Harbour) (5 minute walk from train/tram/bus station Blaak), ☏ +31 10 270 9001. Su-Th 10:00-01:00, F Sa 10:00-02:00, closed on Monday. A cafe in an authentic part of the city centre: in the Old Harbour. Open all year round for lunch, dinner or just coffee and delicious cake. One of the most popular terraces during summer. Fair prices, spontaneous staff, basic French-inspired cuisine. €20-30. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 9 Bierhandel De Pijp, Gaffelstraat 90 (Take Tram 4 to the Bloemkwekerstraat stop on the Nieuwe Binnenweg), ☏ +31 10 4366896. M-Sa 12:00-14:00 and 17:30-00:00, closed on Su and festive days and Sat afternoon. Prepare yourself for something special when visiting this famous eatery. The outside is absolutely rundown (so is the interior) and you must convince yourself to really push open the dark door. Once inside you will be welcomed by waiters in white and you will be allocated directly next to other visitors on benches. Good food is served (traditional Dutch and French fare), cooked in the same space that you're sitting. The place is frequented by Rotterdam businessmen and students and guests should fit in in terms of behaviour and appearance. (Mick Jagger was famously denied access here for not being a gentleman.) €30-40. (updated Aug 2023)

Splurge

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SS Rotterdam also offers culinary delights


  • 10 Restaurant Amarone, Meent 72 (near the City Hall (Stadhuis)), ☏ +31 10 4148487. A culinary gem in the very heart of the city, this stylish restaurant needs to be booked well in advance. Very rewarding French cuisine. Valet parking. €100+. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 11 Restaurant Lux, 's-Gravendijkwal 133B, ☏ +31 10 476 22 06, fax: +31 10 476 00 69. M-Sa 18:00-23:00; Su 17:30-23:00. Nicely decorated Italian restaurant where you don't just drop by for a simple pizza. As a matter of fact, they don't even serve pizza. With the fine use of herbs, garlic and more interesting stuff that the Italian kitchen has to offer, it is almost impossible to not like this food. The personal is professional and for what you get the prices are actually not too bad. In summer you can eat outside (there is a small terrace at the back). A nice feature of this restaurant is that the kitchen is open until 23:00, something that is not very common in Rotterdam. Around €70. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 12 Restaurant Parkheuvel, Heuvellaan 21 (Metro Dijkzigt + a short walk through the 'Park'), ☏ +31 10 4360530. This sublime Michelin 2 star is the best place in town. Very nice views and service to match. €100+. (updated Aug 2023)

Drink

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The Santa Claus statue on Eendrachtsplein impersonates the genius loci

Nightlife in Rotterdam is extremely varied, every subculture has its own area in the city. The Oude Haven (close to the Kubuswoningen) and the main market square Blaak are the hang out spots for business, economic and law students. The cafés and restaurants in the Oude Haven (Old Harbour) are around a picturesque little harbour. Scenery of water, city lights, boats and Het Witte Huis, the first skyscraper of Europe (1897). The atmosphere is really great and it is best to go when the sun sets, very romantic! Great place for a night out.

Close to the Oude Haven area, the streets around the Pannenkoekstraat have emerged as a new center for shopping and going out. Amidst small boutiques, selling clothes and interior design by young, upcoming designers, you can find cocktailbars such as Level or Soho, which both attract large crowds. Especially in the summer this is a great place for a mojito.

The most lively bar area in town is Eendrachtsplein/Nieuwe Binnenweg. Alternative, easy going and full of friendly, open-minded people. The cafés you should be looking for are Stalles, Parket and Rotown. This is the place to be for the more creative orientated people, musicians, designers and artschool students. Walk down de Nieuwe Binnenweg and arrive at Café Ari (Nieuwe Binnenweg/Mathenesserlaan) and Westerpaviljoen (grand café with the best terrace in the city). This is a good place to start the evening. Walk a little bit (3 minutes) down the Binnenweg again and go left at 's-Gravendijkwal (you'll see the flashy neon lights of sexclub OQ). Across the street you'll find Jazz Cafe Dizzy. A great place for a quality beer and some live jazz music. You can also eat at almost all places mentioned.

Now walk back the Binnenweg up eastbound. Cross Eendrachtsplein and go to the right towards the Westersingel. Walk 3 minutes and on your left there is the Witte de Withstraat. Some nice café's like De Witte Aap, Mondriaan, Bar P, and De Schouw are found here, along with some good restaurants as well. This is also the most arty street of Rotterdam. Here you'll find Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art, MAMA, showroom for media and moving art and many more. Drinking in style!

If you're into loud music, you could try your luck at the Rhythm on Oude Binnenweg. A popular hang out of alternative types. Moreover, Rotterdam nightlife is very dynamic: places come and go, move around, change ownership, etc. It is mostly centered around:

  • Kruiskade: clubs as Off Corso (housed in an old cinema) and Thalia Lounge have good parties over the weekends and mostly attract 20-somethings.
  • Stadhuisplein: number of bars and disco's that are more directed towards the working class. The nearby Baja Beach Club (at the Schouwburgplein) attracts a similar crowd. Stadhuisplein is better to be avoided in the weekends due to a lot of aggression! During week days it's mostly students going out, with De Après Skihut full of people every day of the week.
  • Delftsestraat: the Hollywood is a large disco that fills up quickly in weekends with an overall somewhat younger crowd. The Apres Ski Hut recreates the atmosphere of Tirol in the same colourless street.
  • Club Vie, near the old harbour area, is a more stylish, trendy club, which also offers nice views over the Maas river.

Some listings that can be found around these places:

Cafe de Unie is a Rotterdam institution
  • 1 Stalles, Nieuwe Binnenweg 11a (Eendrachtsplein  A  B  C ). A small bar next to Parket. They serve a large variety of single malt whiskeys. It's pretty small, but very cosy. 
  • 2 Grand café Wester Paviljoen, Nieuwe Binnenweg 136 (Mathenesserlaan  4 ). Open till 02:00 in the weekend. Rotterdammers like to read their newspaper here. For a solid breakfast (Dutch “wentelteefjes”), good lunch, or a fast meeting Westerpaviljoen is a perfect place. Hang out on their huge and fantastic terrace, drink a nice glass of Amstel or Hoegaarden White beer. 
  • 3 Café De Witte Aap, Witte de Withstraat 78 (Metro: Eendrachtsplein). This classic Rotterdam pub (The White Monkey) draws a very varied and often too large crowd for its premises. It's a cool place to have a few drinks before dinner or before exploring the rest of this very lively neighborhood. 
  • 4 Charly's Lunchroom (Café De Unie), Mauritsweg 34-35 (Eendrachtsplein  A  B  C  4  7  23  25 ). This restaurant/café/art society is a Rotterdam institute. Housed in a magnificent building reminiscent to a Mondriaan painting, being built in the De Stijl-style, it also hosts all kinds of cultural venues and parties. A good place to have coffee too. Café De Unie (Q4989606) on Wikidata (updated Oct 2021)
  • 5 Pol Bar, Meent 46-48. In weekends open till 02:00. Nice looking bar with modern solid patio. Crowd can be sort of posh sometimes, but don't let that scare you to much. Right next to the market (Tuesday and Thursday), and they won some prices with their sandwiches. 
  • 6 Paddy Murphy's, Rodezand 15. This Irish pub is really Irish. Green and wooden colors and a bar crew who only speaks English. Live music every night! On Monday there's pub bingo. In the weekends the entrance fee is €2.50. (updated Mar 2017)
  • 7 Tiki's, Hartmansstraat 16-A (between Witte de Withstraat and Westblaak). Don't let the cheesy Hawaiian interior put you off. Frequented by an alternative arty crowd, with rockabilly and ska (and occasionally Ethiopian jazz) on the loudspeakers. Cocktails and small dinner menu. 

Coffeeshops

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Some tourists come to Rotterdam for its coffeeshops.

As everywhere in the Netherlands, the possession (of small quantities) and use of cannabis (hash and weed) is tolerated in Rotterdam. Since Amsterdam draws more coffee-shop tourism prices are lower in Rotterdam.

Possessing large quantities of hasheesh or cannabis is a crime in the Netherlands: do not take stuff with you when leaving the Netherlands (you can be punished severely in neighbouring countries). It's also unwise to buy for someone else, especially if it's a foreigner as you can be punished in his or her country of origin (it has happened).

Smoking tobacco is banned inside food and drink establishments and even coffeeshops! But tobacco smoking appears to be tolerated in coffee shops, and their pre-rolled joints are often mixed with tobacco.

Music venues

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  • Rotown where smaller international and national indie artists perform.
  • WORM, venue focused on underground and avant garde music
  • Roodkapje, a gallery that also host various parties
  • Poortgebouw, a venue run by the squatters that live in the building.

Sleep

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Budget

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Hostel

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  • 1 Hostel ROOM Rotterdam, Van Vollenhovenstraat 62, ☏ +31 10 282 72 77, fax: +31 10 240 07 40, . Check-in: 24/7, check-out: 24/7. In the city center in the popular district named Scheepvaartkwartier enclosed by the river Maas, the Erasmus bridge, the Westzeedijk and the park at the Euromast. In a 1920s Art Deco building they offer 16 theme rooms (like the Port room, Festival room, Dutch Delight), a lively bar, guestkichen, common room, etc. From the hostel everything in Rotterdam is just a doorstep away. Prices start at 15€. 
  • 2 Stayokay Rotterdam (Cubic Houses), Overblaak 85-87 (Metro: Blaak), ☏ +31 10 436 57 63, . Clean, safe and easy to find. Since they are in the world-famous Cubic Houses, all the rooms are different shapes and nothing is 'square'. Surrounded by bars and concrete, party noises are amplified and bounced into your room. Not a problem if you plan on staying out late... 
  • 3 King Kong Hostel, Witte de Withstraat 74, 3012BS, ☏ +3110-8188778, . Lively hostel on the even livelier Witte de Withstraat. Clean & friendly, good place to be in the middle of the action and to get to know people. Possibly not best place for quiet sleep though. Bed in dorm from €18.50, Private rooms €80 upwards. (updated Jul 2017)

Bed and Breakfast

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There are numerous bed and breakfast houses in Rotterdam and they generally offer a good possibility of getting a "local" experience.

Hotel

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  • 4 ibis Rotterdam City Centre, Wijnhaven 12. Opened in August 2014. Features a waterfront location on an island in Wijnhaven. 
  • 5 easyHotel Rotterdam City Centre. A budget hotel group created by the founders of airline easyJet and according to the same principles - the basic accommodation is cheap, but everything else costs extra. (updated Oct 2021)
  • 6 Holiday Inn Express Rotterdam - Central Station, Weena 121. In a converted office building close to Rotterdam Centraal. As in every other hotels in this chain, rooms are basic but adequate, while breakfast and Wi-Fi are included in room rates. 
  • 7 Eurohotel Centrum, Baan 14-20, ☏ +31 10 214 1922, fax: +31 10 214 0187, . Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A double room starts at €55 per night, breakfast included. (updated Jul 2019)
  • 8 Grand Hotel Central, Kruiskade 12, ☏ +31 10 414 07 44, fax: +31 10 412 53 25, . A double room starts at €75 per night, breakfast included. 
  • 9 Hotel Bazar, Witte de Withstraat 16 (Metro: Beurs or Churchillplein), ☏ +31 10-2065151, fax: +31 10-2065159, . Get in touch with real Rotterdam multiculturalism in this splendidly decorated place. Do not forget to dine here too. Ideally situated in the lively Witte de Withstraat. Doubles from €75, breakfast included. 
  • 10 Maritime Hotel, Willemskade 13 (Metro: Leuvehaven from where it's a short walk to the riverside). This no-nonsense 3-star has an excellent location directly on the riverquay in the interesting Scheepvaartkwartier neighbourhood. Doubles from €75 per night, breakfast included. 
Hotel NH Atlanta is one of the few surviving pre-war buildings in central Rotterdam

Mid-range

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  • 11 NH Atlanta Rotterdam, Aert van Nesstraat 4, ☏ +31 10 206 78 00, fax: +31 10 413 53 20, . Combines a historic 1930s building with a newer one adjoining De Bijenkorf department store. While the common areas entice with art deco charm, some of the cheaper rooms have fallen behind the times and are now badly worn. On balance, the Atlanta is in the very centre and offers brilliant views from its rooftop breakfast room and terrace, as well as from selected rooms. 
  • 12 Tulip Inn Rotterdam-Centre, Willemsplein 1, ☏ +31 10 413 41 39, fax: +31 10 413 32 22, . A splendid location, in front of the tram stop at the start of the Erasmus Bridge with brilliant views thereof, as well as the Kop van Zuid across the Maas. From €125 for a double. 
  • 13 Hampshire Hotel - Savoy Hotel Rotterdam, Hoogstraat 81, ☏ +31 10 413 92 80, fax: +31 10 404 57 12, . 
  • 14 citizenM Rotterdam, Geldersestraat 50. One of the first hotels of this chain with an innovative concept - offering ample, four-star level amenities, including designerish common spaces, combined with ultra-small cabin-sized rooms, all at a reasonable price vs. regular upscale hotels. 

Splurge

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  • 15 Bilderberg Parkhotel Rotterdam, Westersingel 70 (Metro: Eendrachtsplein), ☏ +31 10 436 36 11, fax: +31 10 436 42 12, . The somewhat stately Parkhotel has a reputation of offering real value. Its location is very practical too, just off the lively Witte de Withstraat and close to the major museums. 
  • 16 Hilton Hotel Rotterdam, Weena 10, ☏ +31 10 710 80 00, fax: +31 10 710 80 80. 
  • 17 Marriott Hotel (formerly Manhattan Hotel Rotterdam), Weena 686 (Rotterdam Centraal Station), ☏ +31 10 430 20 00, fax: +31 10 430 20 01. This towering high rise is just across Rotterdam Centraal. Luxurious rooms that are sometimes to be had for as little as €100. Check the site (walk-ins pay far more) (updated Jul 2017)
  • 18 Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre, Schiedamsedijk 140 (Metro (D,E): Leuvehaven). A design hotel with modern, simplistic appointments. It occupies a striking waterfront building at the foot of the Erasmus bridge. 
  • 19 Mainport Design Hotel, Leuvehaven 77. A luxury offshot of Inntel Hotels along the same waterfront, Guests can enjoy rich interior decorations, a spa, sauna, hamam, spa, a restaurant and a bar, all with views of Leuvehaven. 

Go next

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The main hubs within the Stadsdriehoek are the railway station, Rotterdam Centraal and the metro station of Beurs. Both have very frequent services, and wait times for trains is hardly ever higher than half an hour (excluding international trains). The railway station is also where long-distance buses depart.

Nearby districts

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  • Feijenoord — on the opposite bank of the Meuse, is historically a part of the Rotterdam harbours, but nowadays, almost all of it has been reclaimed for houses. The region is best known for housing Rotterdam's largest football club of the same name, as well as its nightlife.
  • Delfshaven — historically the harbour of the city of Delft, Delfshaven (meaning Delft's harbour), offers some nightlife, more historical sites than Rotterdam's inner city, and is somewhat notable for its production of gin.
  • Kralingen/Blijdorp — encompassing the Kralingse Plas, a very large lake and park, Blijdorp, Rotterdam's zoo, as well as Rotterdam's university.

Nearby destinations

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  • Schiedam — visit the historic centre of this small town at the edge of Rotterdam, including the six tallest windmills in the world. Also you will find the Stedelijk Museum there, an attractive museum with some nice modern art exhibitions. Easily reached by bicycle, a train (from Rotterdam Centraal to Schiedam Centrum), metro A, B or C line to Schiedam Centrum station, or tram lines 21 or 24 (Broersvest or Koemarkt stop).
  • Delft — this famous city is in a 15-min train ride from Rotterdam Centraal. Very historic and scenic, but also very touristy.
  • Dordrecht — a magnificent historic town with little tourism and an excellent old art museum (Dordrechts Museum). It is a 15-min train ride, or even better, take a waterbus.
  • The Hague — reached by train (25 minutes) or metro line E (30 minutes), The Hague is the political capital of the Netherlands, home to the royal family, and features the well-known beach town of Scheveningen.
  • Vlaardingen — like Schiedam, Vlaardingen is a historical city somewhat further from Rotterdam, yet well-integrated in its public transit network.
Routes through Centrum
Vlaardingen ← Schiedam ←  W Rotterdam Metro, line A E  → Ommoord
Hoek van Holland ← Vlaardingen ← Schiedam ←  W Rotterdam Metro, line B E  → Nesselande
Spijkenisse ← Hoogvliet ← Schiedam ←  S Rotterdam Metro, line C E  → Capelle aan den IJssel
Spijkenisse ← Hoogvliet ← Slinge ←  SW Rotterdam Metro, line D N  → Berkel en Rodenrijs → Den Haag
Slinge ← Feijenoord ←  S Rotterdam Metro, line E N  → Berkel en Rodenrijs → Den Haag
Amsterdam ←  N Eurostar 9100 W  → Brussels → Lille → London
Amsterdam ←  N Thalys 9300/9900 S  → Brussels → Paris / Marseille / Bourg-Saint-Maurice


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