Trustroots Wiki - User contributions [en]

Rotterdam

2014-07-01T12:09:33Z

Ernstigdaapje: /* Festivals */

Welcome to Rotterdam!

Visit the [http://www.bewelcome.org/places/NL/South%20Holland/Rotterdam Rotterdam place page] To find a host in our city!

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdam Rotterdam] is the second largest city in the Netherlands with 617.347 inhabitants in the city, but the Stadsregio Rotterdam (connected cities Spijkenisse, Schiedam, Vlaardingen, Maassluis, Capelle a/d Ijssel, Krimpen a/d Ijssel, Berkel, Bergschenhoek, Rhoon, Smitshoek, Hoek van Holland, Ridderkerk) it actually has 1.2 million inhabitants. The Metropolian region Rotterdam -The Hague has 2.2 million inhabitants and is the most high-densed area in the Netherlands. Of course Rotterdam is also the biggest port in Europe, the third biggest port in the world. It's the only city in the Netherlands with a real skyline. Rotterdam or 'Manhattan on the Maas' as it is also called, was bombed in the second worldwar. But Rotterdammers have rebuilt it quickly and now it is the capital of modern architecture of the Netherlands! Rotterdam has 173 nationalities and more than 45% of the Rotterdammers immigrated here, which increased diversity of the city.

Rotterdam is also the youngest city in the Netherlands, almost a third of the city's population is under 28 years of age.

Other popular names of Rotterdam are 'Rotjeknor', 010 (referring the dialcode) or Roffa.

===City of business===
Rotterdam is home to the [http://www.eur.nl/english/ Erasmus University], a very famous university for Business and Economics. Despite the fact that Rotterdam is not so well known as a university city, the many cultural events and international and multicultural atmosphere good nightlife and very good transport options makes many students choose for Rotterdam as their university city.

===City of architecture===
Rotterdam is a un-dutch city in a way, because after the world war the historical centre was not restored but room was given to modern architecture. The city is therefore also home to the [http://en.nai.nl/ Dutch Architecture Institute] (Nai) and of course many modern buildings and structures. Most famous is of course the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasmusbrug Erasmus bridge] (the Swan) which completes the futuristic skyline of Rotterdam. Near Blaak station there is another famous architectural site the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cube_house Cube houses]. But there are also new project, like the [http://www.rotterdam.nl/rotterdamcentraal new central station] of Rotterdam. The soon to be built [http://www.markthalrotterdam.nl/ Markthal] of Rotterdam. Crowd-funded airbridge [http://www.imakerotterdam.nl/ de Luchtsingel].

===City of sports===
Rotterdam is in the Netherlands seen as the capital of sports.
First of all there are three professional football clubs in Rotterdam
- [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feyenoord Feyenoord] plays in the [http://eredivisielive.nl/eredivisie/ Dutch Eredivisie] and the best known and the most successfull [http://www.feyenoord.nl club] of the city and plays in the iconic football stadium [http://www.dekuip.nl/ 'the Kuip'] in Rotterdam south.
- [http://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ Sparta Rotterdam] plays in the [http://eredivisielive.nl/jupiler-league/ Eerste Divisie] and is the oldest football club of the Netherlands with a great history and a nice stadium located in the west part of the city.
- The smallest club of Rotterdam is [http://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ SBV Excelsior] they also play in the Eerste Divisie and their stadium is located in the East part of the city.

Next to that Rotterdam is home to the biggest [http://www.marathonrotterdam.nl marathon] of the Netherlands and the [http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ ABN Amro international tennis tournament]. Also there is the indoor cycling event the [http://www.zesdaagserotterdam.nl/ Zesdaagse], the CHIO (equestrian sports), the world port tournament (baseball), the Roparun, Ladiesrun and many more.

===Rotterdam city of art, food and culture===
Rotterdam is a ever-changing city renewing itself quickly time after time. It is visible in the many new pop-up clubs, restaurants, galleries, vintage stores that keep popping up here and there, if something was nice and hip this month, next month it is maybe something else. This is all kept together in a sauce of events, art weeks, food fairs, exhibitions and cultural happenings. Keep up to date with [http://weownrotterdam.nl/ this site].

===Home of the Kapsalon===
The story goes that a hairdresser walked down from his work to local Turkish food store in Schiedamseweg. It must have been one of those finicky days when he was not quite sure what he wanted to eat because he ended up asking Â�for a bit of everything, bit of that and thisÂ� in the takeaway container. Creativity induced by hunger pangs and the [http://www.venere.com/blog/kapsalon-rotterdam/ Kapsalon] was born! With 1800 calories this after drinking food will take all your hunger away!

===Lakes & beaches===
Rotterdam is the city with the most water in the Netherlands. Of course because of all the ports, but also because there are three rivers in the city the Maas (that divides the North and the South of Rotterdam), the Rotte and the Schie. Next to that there are severals recreational lakes in Rotterdam, the Kralingse plas, the Bergse plassen, the Rottemeren en the Vrijenburger plas.

Also a good thing about Rotterdam is that it is close to the sea. There is a direct train that takes you in less then 30 minutes to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoek_van_Holland_Strand_railway_station beach of Hoek van Holland] with many popular [http://www.beachclubroyal.nl/nl/ beachclubs]. Also the ferries to England go from Hoek van Holland.

A second great beach to visit is [http://www.recreatiezuidholland.nl/content/gebieden_detail.asp?menu=0010000_000000_000048_000000 Rockanje beach], a bit to the South west of Rotterdam. Very easy to reach by car, by public transport take metroline D till station Spijkenisse Centrum, then take bus [http://wiki.ovinnederland.nl/wiki/Lijn_103_Spijkenisse_Metro_Centrum_-_Rockanje_Tweede_Slag 103] to Rockanje Tweede Slag. It's a great and popular beach with nice beachclubs, for instance [http://www.havana.nl/ Havana].

A third option is the newly created beach of the [http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/index/show/id/71/Recreatie Maasvlakte ] , this is also a great opportunity to visit [http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/futureland Futureland].
Here you can learn about the new created land that is taken from the sea to extend the port of Rotterdam.

===Things to see===
Rotterdam is the home to one of the oldest and nicest zoo's in the Netherlands, [http://www.blijdorp.nl/?lang=EN Diergaarde Blijdorp]

The world famous UNESCO World Heritage [http://www.kinderdijk.nl/index.html Kinderdijk] (a lot of dutch windmills in a beautiful landscape) is very near Rotterdam, there are even boat tours available from Rotterdam centre. The local hospitality community in Rotterdam usually organizes a bike tour in the summer or spring to this beautiful site.

Even though most historical parts of Rotterdam have been destroyed, there are some real nice historical parts to visit. For instance Delfshaven is a authentic and beautiful neighourhood where you will find the Pilgrimchurch but also many cozy bars and the only beer brewery in Rotterdam [http://www.pelgrimbier.nl/ Pelgrim]. You can try the beer on the bar of the brewery or take a tour. The name is Pelgrim, because the boat that took the Pilgrim fathers (first settlers in North America) left from Delfhaven and then to York.

Another magnificient building is the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_New_York_(Rotterdam) Hotel New York], this used to be the terminal for the famous Holland - America line, which transported many dutch that left to North America after the war to start a better life.

===Museums===

Rotterdam has many museums that are worth visiting, here is a selection:

- Museum [http://www.boijmans.nl/en/ Boymans van Beuningen] Classic and modern art
- the [http://www.kunsthal.nl/en-2-Kunsthal-Rotterdam.html Kunsthal] different art expositions
- the [http://www.maritiemmuseum.nl/website/index.cfm?itm_id=96 Maritime Museum]
- the [http://www.wereldmuseum.nl/en/home.html Wereldmuseum]
- [http://www.nederlandsfotomuseum.nl/index.php?lang=en Nederlands fotomuseum]
- [http://www.hetnatuurhistorisch.nl/ Natuurhistorisch museum]
- [http://www.ovmrotterdam.nl/english/index.php War resistance museum]
- [http://www.havenmuseum.nl/ Port museum]
- [http://www.dedubbeldepalmboom.nl/ Museum de Dubbelde Palmboom]
- [http://www.chabotmuseum.nl/ Chabot museum]
- [http://www.bdmuseum.nl/ Tax and customs museum]
- [http://www.trammuseumrotterdam.nl/ Tram museum]
- [http://www.onderwijsmuseum.nl/ National museum of Education]

===Festivals===
Rotterdam is a real [http://www.rotterdamfestivals.nl/public festival city] and has many annual events:

- [http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ International Film Festival Rotterdam] 22 january - 2 february
- [http://www.artrotterdam.com/users/128/content/home/EN-index.html Art Rotterdam Week] 5 february / 10 february
- [http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament] 11 -17 february
- [http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/en/index.php Museumnight Rotterdam] 9 march
- [http://www.motelmozaique.nl/en/ Motel Mozaique] (arts, live bands, theatre) 5, 6 april
- [http://www.parfumdeboemboem.nl/ Parfum de Boem Boem] (buiding sites tour) 5 - 7 april
- [http://www.circusstad.nl/english Circusstad Festival] 29 april - 5 may
- [http://www.newskoolrules.com/ New skool rules festival] 5 - 7 april
- [http://www.marathonrotterdam.org/home Marathon of Rotterdam] (biggest in NL) 13,14 april
- [http://www.redear.nl/ Red ear festival] (classical music, jazz, bands) 19 - 21 april
- [http://kdfrotterdam.nl/ Queens day festival] Rotterdam 30 april
- [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalzh.nl/ Liberation day festival] 5 may
- [http://www.roparun.org/ Roparun finish] (estafette tour from Paris to Rotterdam) 20 may
- [http://www.operadagenrotterdam.nl/en/ Operadays Rotterdam] 5 may - 2 june
- [http://www.zomerzondagen.nl/ Zomerzondagen] (summer sundays) sunday end may and june
- [http://www.routedunord.nl/ Route du Nord] 7-9 june
- [http://www.ladiesrun.nl/home Ladiesrun Rotterdam] 9 june
- [http://www.poetryinternationalweb.net/pi/site/festival/index/en Poetry International festival Rotterdam] 9 - 15 june
- [http://www.rotterdamunlimited.com/en Rotterdam Unlimited] (former Zomercarnaval and Dunya festival combined, multicultural festval and tropical summercarnaval) 11 - 16 june
- [http://www.chio.nl/EN CHIO Rotterdam] (equestrian sports) 19 - 23 june
- [http://www.deparade.nl/ De Parade Rotterdam] 20 - 30 june
- [http://www.dagvandearchitectuur.nl/ Architecture Day] 22 - 23 june
- [http://www.northseajazz.com/nl Northsea Jazz festival] 28 june / 14 july
- [http://www.dancefloat.nl Dance House festival on boats and onshore] 5 july
- [http://www.worldporttournament.nl/ World Port Tournament] International baseball 30 june / 7 july
- [http://metropolisfestival.nl/ Metropolis Festival] 7 july
- [http://www.campingrotterdam.nl/ Camping Rotterdam] 18 july / 21 july
- [http://www.wednesdaynightskate.nl/ Wednesdaynight skate] wednesdays in july and august
- [http://www.duizelinhetpark.nl/ Duizel in het park] 9 augustus / 11 august
- [http://www.boothstock.nl/ Boothstock Festival] 10 augustus
- [http://www.pleinbioscooprotterdam.nl/ Pleinbioscoop Rotterdam] (open air cinema) 13 august / 2 september
- [http://www.cityracing.nl/ City Racing Rotterdam] 25 august
- [http://www.dagvanderomantischemuziek.nl/nl/ Dag van de Romantische Muziek] 25 august
- [http://www.veerhavenconcert.nl/ OVG Veerhavenconcert] 28 august / 31 august
- [http://www.culinesserotterdam.nl/ CuliNESSE] 29 august / 31 august
- [http://www.wereldhavendagen.nl/ World Port days] 6 september / 8 september
- [http://www.denachtvandekaap.nl/ De Nacht van de Kaap] 7 september
- [http://festivalwww.nl/en/ De Wereld van Witte de With] 13 september / 15 september
- [http://worldfoodfestival.wordpress.com/ World Food Festival] 18 september / 27 october
- [http://www.baroegopenair.nl/nl Baroeg Open Air] 21 september

Tips
- [http://naturthegreeneryelle..com/ Organic farm] near Rotterdam
- [http://www.degroenepassage.nl/ Groene passage] organic shopping
- [https://www.facebook.com/Burgertrut Burgertrut] Art gallery & pop-up restaurant
- [http://www.miniworldrotterdam.com/ENGindex.htm Railz miniworld] Miniature Rotterdam and trains
- [http://www.vapiano.de/frame.php?lang=nl Vapiano] cheap and good italian food (but long lines)
- [http://www.happyitaly.nl/ Happy Italy] cheap and good italian food (but long lines)
- [http://www.veryitalianpizza.nl/nl/home/ Very Italian Pizza] cheap and good italian food (no long lines yet)
- [http://www.rotown.nl/ Rotown] legendary bar/restaurant/club/venue with indie rock/hipsters/concerts
- [http://www.getback.nl/ Get Back] restaurant/club with 70's 80's 90's music
- [http://www.blenderrotterdam.nl/ Blender] restaurant/club 30+ crowd
- [http://corsorotterdam.nl/ Off corso] Big mainstream club
- [http://www.thaliarotterdam.nl/ Thalia] Club with latin house
- [http://www.tikis.nl/ Tiki's] hawaiian style bar
- [http://www.sorbonne.nl/ Sorbonne] bar/dancing
- [http://www.paddymurphys.nl/ Paddy murphy's irish pub] live music/sports bar
- [http://www.deapresskihut.nl/ Skihut] dutch apres-ski style partyplace
- [http://www.maassilo.com/events/index.asp Maassilo] & Factory010 Big dance events in an industrial building
- [http://www.herrzimmerman.eu/ Herr Zimmermann] German style techno parties
- [http://www.baroeg.nl/ Baroeg] hardrock/metal venue
- [http://www.frank010.nl/ Frank010] Friday afterwork drink event (see and be seen) in the cruiseterminal
- [http://www.cafestalles.nl/ Stalles] great bar with a good pizza deal
- [http://www.theviproom.eu/ VIP room] mainstream dance parties
- [http://www.dewitteaap.nl/ Witte aap] popular bar
- [http://www.clubvibes.nl/ Club vibes] little club
- [http://www.breakaway.nl/ Breakway cafe] american style bar with pooltables
- [http://www.bedrotterdam.nl/ BED Rotterdam] mainly international student parties (afterparty place of CS/BW meeting)
- [http://www.hmh.nl/home.aspx Hollywood music hall] great club for ages 16-20
- [http://www.club-eclipse.nl/ Club Eclipse] Danceclub with themeparties (surinam, hindi, hardcore, latin)
- [http://www.worm.org Worm] alternative clubbing
- [http://www.schieblock.com/ Schieblock/dependance/Club BAR] popup bar and dance events
- [http://bird-rotterdam.nl/stage/ BIRD] Restaurant/bar/concert venue
- [http://raafrotterdam.nl RAAF] Rotterdam Art Adventure Food
- [http://www.toffler.nl/ Toffler] alternative party place
- [http://www.levagabond.nl/ Le Vagabond] legendary bar with jazz concerts
- [http://www.roffaswing.nl/ Roffaswing] lindyhop and swingdance
- [http://www.hemingwaycafe.nl/ Hemingway Social club] Creative arty new club
- [https://www.facebook.com/lamaisondetre La Maison d'être] Music Art Food

===Cinema's===
Rotterdam is a great city for cinema's, the filmfestival is of course great, but there are a lot of movietheaters, not only blockbuster movieplextype, but also small arthouse cinema's and of course the pleinbioscoop open air cinema :-)

- [http://www.pathe.nl/ Pathe]
- [http://www.cineramabios.nl/ Cinerama]
- [http://www.lantarenvenster.nl/ Lantaarnvenster]
- [http://www.kloosterbioscoop.nl/ Kloosterbioscoop]
- [http://www.pleinbioscooprotterdam.nl/ Pleinbioscoop]

===Markets===
Rotterdam has some great markets where you can buys many fresh foods and items.
One of the biggest ones of the Netherlands is on tuesdays and saturdays on the Binnenrotte, another famous one is the market on the Afrikaanderplein and even a biological market on Eendrachtplein on tuesdays, check the details [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_markten_in_Rotterdam here].

===Pools===
If you like swimming then there is a lot of choice, because Rotterdam has [http://www.rotterdamzwemt.nl/ 14 pools] to choose from.

===Getting around===

'''Cycling'''
Rotterdam is a great city for cycling and there are also many [http://www.fietseninregiorotterdam.nl/content/themaroutes.asp?menu=0030000_000000 cycling routes] around and in the city

'''Trams'''
There are many tramlines in Rotterdam that will get you to your destination quickly and also to the connecting cities like Schiedam, Vlaardingen en Barendrecht. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here].

'''Metro'''
Rotterdam has the oldest and the biggest [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdamse_metro metronetwork] of the Benelux, there are lines from East-West and North-South, but also it is very easy to reach connecting cities like Schiedam, Spijkenisse, Capelle a/d Ijssel, Rhoon, Hoogvliet, Pijnacker, Leidschendam and even to The Hague centre. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here].

'''Bus'''
There are many buslines in Rotterdam that will get you to your destination quickly and also to cities like Oud-Beijerland, Heerjansdam, Dirksland, Zeeland, Leiden, Utrecht and many more. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here] or [http://ov9292.nl here].

'''BOB-bus (nightbus)'''
Rotterdam also has many nightbus lines that run in the weekend at night. Check it [http://www.ret.nl/en/travel-with-ret/timetable/bob-bus.html here].

'''Watertaxi and waterbus'''
As Rotterdam is a watercity there are also [http://www.waterbus.nl/ waterbuses] and [http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl/home/uk_index.php?page=uk_home watertaxis] to transport you within the city and connecting cities or even to Dordrecht or to UNESCO heritage Kinderdijk.

'''Trains'''
Rotterdam also has 8 train station if you would need it. There are good connections to Utrecht, The Hague, Eindhoven, Breda and Amsterdam and Intercity trains to Antwerp and Brussels. There is a [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en hispeed connection] (25 minutes) with Schiphol airport. There are also [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en highspeed trains] directly to Lille and Paris (Thalys) and to Cologne (ICE). Plan your trip [http://www.ns.nl/en/travellers/home here]/

'''Taxi'''
Necessary evil it is, but sometimes you need a taxi, a reliable one is [http://www.rtcnv.nl/ RTC]

'''Airport'''
Even though there is a good connection with Schiphol airport and with the train you can also use Eindhoven airport, Rotterdam also has it's own [http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/ airport], with mainly flights within Europe.

==Meetings & events==
===Hospitality community===

The local hospitality community with many locals, international students and expats makes it supereasy to make friends or attend social events for both travellers and newbies in the city. To get easily in contact with the community the best way is the active [https://www.facebook.com/groups/120605294790036/ Facebook group].

The local hospitality community has a weekly meeting on tuesdays, every other week in [https://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=173055 Haagse Bluf] (near city hall). The meeting has 20-60 people weekly present and starts about 20:00 (but most show up after 21:00)

The Rotterdam local hospitality community organizes several meetings, such as the weekly meetings on Tuesdays. In the summer there are many Barbeque events, usually in Het Park (near the Euromast) in the Kralingse bos or the Vroesenpark (Blijdorp).

===Kitchensurfing===
For the foodlovers and cooking talents there is also the [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=17327 Kitchensurfing group] in Rotterdam. Organize a kitchensurf to let people try the delicious food from your country of join a potluck or attend a foodfestival.

===Winetasting===
For winelovers there is the winetasting group [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/965 Amarotes Rotterdae Veni] this is also on a [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=47157 CS group].

===Bookclub Rotterdam===
For booklovers there is also a group where you can read and discuss literature called [https://www.facebook.com/groups/148620431897286/ Book club Rotterdam]

===CSinterklaas event===
The local hospitality community in Rotterdam is also famous for the 'annual' [http://www.csinterklaas.nl/ CSinterklaas event] at the end of November, the largest CS event in the Netherlands.

Besides the weekly meeting, there are often other meetings as well, from roller skating to visit art exhibitions and festivals. More meetings are either shown in the group it self and/or displayed on the event part of this site.

=== Getting a couch===

Obtaining a place to stay in Rotterdam is relatively easy for a city as big (Dutch standards) as Rotterdam, please write locals a personal request first. If you still have problems finding a place, use the group. A last minute couch might be found easily at Tuesday's weekly meeting. If you still cannot find a couch or don't want to there is also the [http://www.stayokay.com/nl/hostel/rotterdam Stay-ok hostel],
hostel [http://www.roomrotterdam.nl/ Room] [http://www.kingkonghostel.com/ King Kong Hostel] (next to the Witte Aap) , [http://www.anihaakien.nl/ Ani Haakien] and [http://www.sleep-in.nl/ Hostel the Mafkees]

===Looking for a room===
There is a special group on both [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/1325 BW] as [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=31589 CS] for people who are looking for accomodation to live in Rotterdam.

===Free market & Secondhand stuff for sale===
If you want to look for free stuff people give a away or you have something to give away try this [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=21297 group]. If that doesn't work and you want to sell or buy secondhand stuff use this
[https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=40803 group]. Otherwise there is always [http://www.marktplaats.nl Marktplaats].

===Language learning===
Do you need a language tandem partner or you want to organize or join a conversation evening in a certain language, use this [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=38930 group].

===Expat meetings & parties===
For expats & Internationals Engels is regularly organizing parties in the Groothandelsgebouw (near Central Station) on the top floor of the building. More info [http://engels.nl/nieuws/Internationals%20meet%20internationals here].

Also there are expat meetings organized by [http://www.meetup.com/Expatrepublicrotterdam/ Expat Republic].

[http://www.internations.org www.internations.org] has a monthly barmeet in Rotterdam.

Rotterdam

2014-07-01T12:07:59Z

Ernstigdaapje: /* Markets */

Welcome to Rotterdam!

Visit the [http://www.bewelcome.org/places/NL/South%20Holland/Rotterdam Rotterdam place page] To find a host in our city!

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdam Rotterdam] is the second largest city in the Netherlands with 617.347 inhabitants in the city, but the Stadsregio Rotterdam (connected cities Spijkenisse, Schiedam, Vlaardingen, Maassluis, Capelle a/d Ijssel, Krimpen a/d Ijssel, Berkel, Bergschenhoek, Rhoon, Smitshoek, Hoek van Holland, Ridderkerk) it actually has 1.2 million inhabitants. The Metropolian region Rotterdam -The Hague has 2.2 million inhabitants and is the most high-densed area in the Netherlands. Of course Rotterdam is also the biggest port in Europe, the third biggest port in the world. It's the only city in the Netherlands with a real skyline. Rotterdam or 'Manhattan on the Maas' as it is also called, was bombed in the second worldwar. But Rotterdammers have rebuilt it quickly and now it is the capital of modern architecture of the Netherlands! Rotterdam has 173 nationalities and more than 45% of the Rotterdammers immigrated here, which increased diversity of the city.

Rotterdam is also the youngest city in the Netherlands, almost a third of the city's population is under 28 years of age.

Other popular names of Rotterdam are 'Rotjeknor', 010 (referring the dialcode) or Roffa.

===City of business===
Rotterdam is home to the [http://www.eur.nl/english/ Erasmus University], a very famous university for Business and Economics. Despite the fact that Rotterdam is not so well known as a university city, the many cultural events and international and multicultural atmosphere good nightlife and very good transport options makes many students choose for Rotterdam as their university city.

===City of architecture===
Rotterdam is a un-dutch city in a way, because after the world war the historical centre was not restored but room was given to modern architecture. The city is therefore also home to the [http://en.nai.nl/ Dutch Architecture Institute] (Nai) and of course many modern buildings and structures. Most famous is of course the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasmusbrug Erasmus bridge] (the Swan) which completes the futuristic skyline of Rotterdam. Near Blaak station there is another famous architectural site the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cube_house Cube houses]. But there are also new project, like the [http://www.rotterdam.nl/rotterdamcentraal new central station] of Rotterdam. The soon to be built [http://www.markthalrotterdam.nl/ Markthal] of Rotterdam. Crowd-funded airbridge [http://www.imakerotterdam.nl/ de Luchtsingel].

===City of sports===
Rotterdam is in the Netherlands seen as the capital of sports.
First of all there are three professional football clubs in Rotterdam
- [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feyenoord Feyenoord] plays in the [http://eredivisielive.nl/eredivisie/ Dutch Eredivisie] and the best known and the most successfull [http://www.feyenoord.nl club] of the city and plays in the iconic football stadium [http://www.dekuip.nl/ 'the Kuip'] in Rotterdam south.
- [http://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ Sparta Rotterdam] plays in the [http://eredivisielive.nl/jupiler-league/ Eerste Divisie] and is the oldest football club of the Netherlands with a great history and a nice stadium located in the west part of the city.
- The smallest club of Rotterdam is [http://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ SBV Excelsior] they also play in the Eerste Divisie and their stadium is located in the East part of the city.

Next to that Rotterdam is home to the biggest [http://www.marathonrotterdam.nl marathon] of the Netherlands and the [http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ ABN Amro international tennis tournament]. Also there is the indoor cycling event the [http://www.zesdaagserotterdam.nl/ Zesdaagse], the CHIO (equestrian sports), the world port tournament (baseball), the Roparun, Ladiesrun and many more.

===Rotterdam city of art, food and culture===
Rotterdam is a ever-changing city renewing itself quickly time after time. It is visible in the many new pop-up clubs, restaurants, galleries, vintage stores that keep popping up here and there, if something was nice and hip this month, next month it is maybe something else. This is all kept together in a sauce of events, art weeks, food fairs, exhibitions and cultural happenings. Keep up to date with [http://weownrotterdam.nl/ this site].

===Home of the Kapsalon===
The story goes that a hairdresser walked down from his work to local Turkish food store in Schiedamseweg. It must have been one of those finicky days when he was not quite sure what he wanted to eat because he ended up asking Â�for a bit of everything, bit of that and thisÂ� in the takeaway container. Creativity induced by hunger pangs and the [http://www.venere.com/blog/kapsalon-rotterdam/ Kapsalon] was born! With 1800 calories this after drinking food will take all your hunger away!

===Lakes & beaches===
Rotterdam is the city with the most water in the Netherlands. Of course because of all the ports, but also because there are three rivers in the city the Maas (that divides the North and the South of Rotterdam), the Rotte and the Schie. Next to that there are severals recreational lakes in Rotterdam, the Kralingse plas, the Bergse plassen, the Rottemeren en the Vrijenburger plas.

Also a good thing about Rotterdam is that it is close to the sea. There is a direct train that takes you in less then 30 minutes to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoek_van_Holland_Strand_railway_station beach of Hoek van Holland] with many popular [http://www.beachclubroyal.nl/nl/ beachclubs]. Also the ferries to England go from Hoek van Holland.

A second great beach to visit is [http://www.recreatiezuidholland.nl/content/gebieden_detail.asp?menu=0010000_000000_000048_000000 Rockanje beach], a bit to the South west of Rotterdam. Very easy to reach by car, by public transport take metroline D till station Spijkenisse Centrum, then take bus [http://wiki.ovinnederland.nl/wiki/Lijn_103_Spijkenisse_Metro_Centrum_-_Rockanje_Tweede_Slag 103] to Rockanje Tweede Slag. It's a great and popular beach with nice beachclubs, for instance [http://www.havana.nl/ Havana].

A third option is the newly created beach of the [http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/index/show/id/71/Recreatie Maasvlakte ] , this is also a great opportunity to visit [http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/futureland Futureland].
Here you can learn about the new created land that is taken from the sea to extend the port of Rotterdam.

===Things to see===
Rotterdam is the home to one of the oldest and nicest zoo's in the Netherlands, [http://www.blijdorp.nl/?lang=EN Diergaarde Blijdorp]

The world famous UNESCO World Heritage [http://www.kinderdijk.nl/index.html Kinderdijk] (a lot of dutch windmills in a beautiful landscape) is very near Rotterdam, there are even boat tours available from Rotterdam centre. The local hospitality community in Rotterdam usually organizes a bike tour in the summer or spring to this beautiful site.

Even though most historical parts of Rotterdam have been destroyed, there are some real nice historical parts to visit. For instance Delfshaven is a authentic and beautiful neighourhood where you will find the Pilgrimchurch but also many cozy bars and the only beer brewery in Rotterdam [http://www.pelgrimbier.nl/ Pelgrim]. You can try the beer on the bar of the brewery or take a tour. The name is Pelgrim, because the boat that took the Pilgrim fathers (first settlers in North America) left from Delfhaven and then to York.

Another magnificient building is the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_New_York_(Rotterdam) Hotel New York], this used to be the terminal for the famous Holland - America line, which transported many dutch that left to North America after the war to start a better life.

===Museums===

Rotterdam has many museums that are worth visiting, here is a selection:

- Museum [http://www.boijmans.nl/en/ Boymans van Beuningen] Classic and modern art
- the [http://www.kunsthal.nl/en-2-Kunsthal-Rotterdam.html Kunsthal] different art expositions
- the [http://www.maritiemmuseum.nl/website/index.cfm?itm_id=96 Maritime Museum]
- the [http://www.wereldmuseum.nl/en/home.html Wereldmuseum]
- [http://www.nederlandsfotomuseum.nl/index.php?lang=en Nederlands fotomuseum]
- [http://www.hetnatuurhistorisch.nl/ Natuurhistorisch museum]
- [http://www.ovmrotterdam.nl/english/index.php War resistance museum]
- [http://www.havenmuseum.nl/ Port museum]
- [http://www.dedubbeldepalmboom.nl/ Museum de Dubbelde Palmboom]
- [http://www.chabotmuseum.nl/ Chabot museum]
- [http://www.bdmuseum.nl/ Tax and customs museum]
- [http://www.trammuseumrotterdam.nl/ Tram museum]
- [http://www.onderwijsmuseum.nl/ National museum of Education]

===Festivals===
Rotterdam is a real [http://www.rotterdamfestivals.nl/public festival city] and has many annual events:

- [http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ International Film Festival Rotterdam] 22 january - 2 february
- [http://www.artrotterdam.com/users/128/content/home/EN-index.html Art Rotterdam Week] 5 february / 10 february
- [http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament] 11 -17 february
- [http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/en/index.php Museumnight Rotterdam] 9 march
- [http://www.motelmozaique.nl/en/ Motel Mozaique] (arts, live bands, theatre) 5, 6 april
- [http://www.parfumdeboemboem.nl/ Parfum de Boem Boem] (buiding sites tour) 5 - 7 april
- [http://www.circusstad.nl/english Circusstad Festival] 29 april - 5 may
- [http://www.newskoolrules.com/ New skool rules festival] 5 - 7 april
- [http://www.marathonrotterdam.org/home Marathon of Rotterdam] (biggest in NL) 13,14 april
- [http://www.redear.nl/ Red ear festival] (classical music, jazz, bands) 19 - 21 april
- [http://kdfrotterdam.nl/ Queens day festival] Rotterdam 30 april
- [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalzh.nl/ Liberation day festival] 5 may
- [http://www.roparun.org/ Roparun finish] (estafette tour from Paris to Rotterdam) 20 may
- [http://www.operadagenrotterdam.nl/en/ Operadays Rotterdam] 5 may - 2 june
- [http://www.zomerzondagen.nl/ Zomerzondagen] (summer sundays) sunday end may and june
- [http://www.routedunord.nl/ Route du Nord] 7-9 june
- [http://www.ladiesrun.nl/home Ladiesrun Rotterdam] 9 june
- [http://www.poetryinternationalweb.net/pi/site/festival/index/en Poetry International festival Rotterdam] 9 - 15 june
- [http://www.rotterdamunlimited.com/en Rotterdam Unlimited] (former Zomercarnaval and Dunya festival combined, multicultural festval and tropical summercarnaval) 11 - 16 june
- [http://www.chio.nl/EN CHIO Rotterdam] (equestrian sports) 19 - 23 june
- [http://www.deparade.nl/ De Parade Rotterdam] 20 - 30 june
- [http://www.dagvandearchitectuur.nl/ Architecture Day] 22 - 23 june
- [http://www.northseajazz.com/nl Northsea Jazz festival] 28 june / 14 july
- [http://www.worldporttournament.nl/ World Port Tournament] International baseball 30 june / 7 july
- [http://metropolisfestival.nl/ Metropolis Festival] 7 july
- [http://www.campingrotterdam.nl/ Camping Rotterdam] 18 july / 21 july
- [http://www.wednesdaynightskate.nl/ Wednesdaynight skate] wednesdays in july and august
- [http://www.duizelinhetpark.nl/ Duizel in het park] 9 augustus / 11 august
- [http://www.boothstock.nl/ Boothstock Festival] 10 augustus
- [http://www.pleinbioscooprotterdam.nl/ Pleinbioscoop Rotterdam] (open air cinema) 13 august / 2 september
- [http://www.cityracing.nl/ City Racing Rotterdam] 25 august
- [http://www.dagvanderomantischemuziek.nl/nl/ Dag van de Romantische Muziek] 25 august
- [http://www.veerhavenconcert.nl/ OVG Veerhavenconcert] 28 august / 31 august
- [http://www.culinesserotterdam.nl/ CuliNESSE] 29 august / 31 august
- [http://www.wereldhavendagen.nl/ World Port days] 6 september / 8 september
- [http://www.denachtvandekaap.nl/ De Nacht van de Kaap] 7 september
- [http://festivalwww.nl/en/ De Wereld van Witte de With] 13 september / 15 september
- [http://worldfoodfestival.wordpress.com/ World Food Festival] 18 september / 27 october
- [http://www.baroegopenair.nl/nl Baroeg Open Air] 21 september

Tips
- [http://naturthegreeneryelle..com/ Organic farm] near Rotterdam
- [http://www.degroenepassage.nl/ Groene passage] organic shopping
- [https://www.facebook.com/Burgertrut Burgertrut] Art gallery & pop-up restaurant
- [http://www.miniworldrotterdam.com/ENGindex.htm Railz miniworld] Miniature Rotterdam and trains
- [http://www.vapiano.de/frame.php?lang=nl Vapiano] cheap and good italian food (but long lines)
- [http://www.happyitaly.nl/ Happy Italy] cheap and good italian food (but long lines)
- [http://www.veryitalianpizza.nl/nl/home/ Very Italian Pizza] cheap and good italian food (no long lines yet)
- [http://www.rotown.nl/ Rotown] legendary bar/restaurant/club/venue with indie rock/hipsters/concerts
- [http://www.getback.nl/ Get Back] restaurant/club with 70's 80's 90's music
- [http://www.blenderrotterdam.nl/ Blender] restaurant/club 30+ crowd
- [http://corsorotterdam.nl/ Off corso] Big mainstream club
- [http://www.thaliarotterdam.nl/ Thalia] Club with latin house
- [http://www.tikis.nl/ Tiki's] hawaiian style bar
- [http://www.sorbonne.nl/ Sorbonne] bar/dancing
- [http://www.paddymurphys.nl/ Paddy murphy's irish pub] live music/sports bar
- [http://www.deapresskihut.nl/ Skihut] dutch apres-ski style partyplace
- [http://www.maassilo.com/events/index.asp Maassilo] & Factory010 Big dance events in an industrial building
- [http://www.herrzimmerman.eu/ Herr Zimmermann] German style techno parties
- [http://www.baroeg.nl/ Baroeg] hardrock/metal venue
- [http://www.frank010.nl/ Frank010] Friday afterwork drink event (see and be seen) in the cruiseterminal
- [http://www.cafestalles.nl/ Stalles] great bar with a good pizza deal
- [http://www.theviproom.eu/ VIP room] mainstream dance parties
- [http://www.dewitteaap.nl/ Witte aap] popular bar
- [http://www.clubvibes.nl/ Club vibes] little club
- [http://www.breakaway.nl/ Breakway cafe] american style bar with pooltables
- [http://www.bedrotterdam.nl/ BED Rotterdam] mainly international student parties (afterparty place of CS/BW meeting)
- [http://www.hmh.nl/home.aspx Hollywood music hall] great club for ages 16-20
- [http://www.club-eclipse.nl/ Club Eclipse] Danceclub with themeparties (surinam, hindi, hardcore, latin)
- [http://www.worm.org Worm] alternative clubbing
- [http://www.schieblock.com/ Schieblock/dependance/Club BAR] popup bar and dance events
- [http://bird-rotterdam.nl/stage/ BIRD] Restaurant/bar/concert venue
- [http://raafrotterdam.nl RAAF] Rotterdam Art Adventure Food
- [http://www.toffler.nl/ Toffler] alternative party place
- [http://www.levagabond.nl/ Le Vagabond] legendary bar with jazz concerts
- [http://www.roffaswing.nl/ Roffaswing] lindyhop and swingdance
- [http://www.hemingwaycafe.nl/ Hemingway Social club] Creative arty new club
- [https://www.facebook.com/lamaisondetre La Maison d'être] Music Art Food

===Cinema's===
Rotterdam is a great city for cinema's, the filmfestival is of course great, but there are a lot of movietheaters, not only blockbuster movieplextype, but also small arthouse cinema's and of course the pleinbioscoop open air cinema :-)

- [http://www.pathe.nl/ Pathe]
- [http://www.cineramabios.nl/ Cinerama]
- [http://www.lantarenvenster.nl/ Lantaarnvenster]
- [http://www.kloosterbioscoop.nl/ Kloosterbioscoop]
- [http://www.pleinbioscooprotterdam.nl/ Pleinbioscoop]

===Markets===
Rotterdam has some great markets where you can buys many fresh foods and items.
One of the biggest ones of the Netherlands is on tuesdays and saturdays on the Binnenrotte, another famous one is the market on the Afrikaanderplein and even a biological market on Eendrachtplein on tuesdays, check the details [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_markten_in_Rotterdam here].

===Pools===
If you like swimming then there is a lot of choice, because Rotterdam has [http://www.rotterdamzwemt.nl/ 14 pools] to choose from.

===Getting around===

'''Cycling'''
Rotterdam is a great city for cycling and there are also many [http://www.fietseninregiorotterdam.nl/content/themaroutes.asp?menu=0030000_000000 cycling routes] around and in the city

'''Trams'''
There are many tramlines in Rotterdam that will get you to your destination quickly and also to the connecting cities like Schiedam, Vlaardingen en Barendrecht. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here].

'''Metro'''
Rotterdam has the oldest and the biggest [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdamse_metro metronetwork] of the Benelux, there are lines from East-West and North-South, but also it is very easy to reach connecting cities like Schiedam, Spijkenisse, Capelle a/d Ijssel, Rhoon, Hoogvliet, Pijnacker, Leidschendam and even to The Hague centre. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here].

'''Bus'''
There are many buslines in Rotterdam that will get you to your destination quickly and also to cities like Oud-Beijerland, Heerjansdam, Dirksland, Zeeland, Leiden, Utrecht and many more. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here] or [http://ov9292.nl here].

'''BOB-bus (nightbus)'''
Rotterdam also has many nightbus lines that run in the weekend at night. Check it [http://www.ret.nl/en/travel-with-ret/timetable/bob-bus.html here].

'''Watertaxi and waterbus'''
As Rotterdam is a watercity there are also [http://www.waterbus.nl/ waterbuses] and [http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl/home/uk_index.php?page=uk_home watertaxis] to transport you within the city and connecting cities or even to Dordrecht or to UNESCO heritage Kinderdijk.

'''Trains'''
Rotterdam also has 8 train station if you would need it. There are good connections to Utrecht, The Hague, Eindhoven, Breda and Amsterdam and Intercity trains to Antwerp and Brussels. There is a [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en hispeed connection] (25 minutes) with Schiphol airport. There are also [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en highspeed trains] directly to Lille and Paris (Thalys) and to Cologne (ICE). Plan your trip [http://www.ns.nl/en/travellers/home here]/

'''Taxi'''
Necessary evil it is, but sometimes you need a taxi, a reliable one is [http://www.rtcnv.nl/ RTC]

'''Airport'''
Even though there is a good connection with Schiphol airport and with the train you can also use Eindhoven airport, Rotterdam also has it's own [http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/ airport], with mainly flights within Europe.

==Meetings & events==
===Hospitality community===

The local hospitality community with many locals, international students and expats makes it supereasy to make friends or attend social events for both travellers and newbies in the city. To get easily in contact with the community the best way is the active [https://www.facebook.com/groups/120605294790036/ Facebook group].

The local hospitality community has a weekly meeting on tuesdays, every other week in [https://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=173055 Haagse Bluf] (near city hall). The meeting has 20-60 people weekly present and starts about 20:00 (but most show up after 21:00)

The Rotterdam local hospitality community organizes several meetings, such as the weekly meetings on Tuesdays. In the summer there are many Barbeque events, usually in Het Park (near the Euromast) in the Kralingse bos or the Vroesenpark (Blijdorp).

===Kitchensurfing===
For the foodlovers and cooking talents there is also the [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=17327 Kitchensurfing group] in Rotterdam. Organize a kitchensurf to let people try the delicious food from your country of join a potluck or attend a foodfestival.

===Winetasting===
For winelovers there is the winetasting group [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/965 Amarotes Rotterdae Veni] this is also on a [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=47157 CS group].

===Bookclub Rotterdam===
For booklovers there is also a group where you can read and discuss literature called [https://www.facebook.com/groups/148620431897286/ Book club Rotterdam]

===CSinterklaas event===
The local hospitality community in Rotterdam is also famous for the 'annual' [http://www.csinterklaas.nl/ CSinterklaas event] at the end of November, the largest CS event in the Netherlands.

Besides the weekly meeting, there are often other meetings as well, from roller skating to visit art exhibitions and festivals. More meetings are either shown in the group it self and/or displayed on the event part of this site.

=== Getting a couch===

Obtaining a place to stay in Rotterdam is relatively easy for a city as big (Dutch standards) as Rotterdam, please write locals a personal request first. If you still have problems finding a place, use the group. A last minute couch might be found easily at Tuesday's weekly meeting. If you still cannot find a couch or don't want to there is also the [http://www.stayokay.com/nl/hostel/rotterdam Stay-ok hostel],
hostel [http://www.roomrotterdam.nl/ Room] [http://www.kingkonghostel.com/ King Kong Hostel] (next to the Witte Aap) , [http://www.anihaakien.nl/ Ani Haakien] and [http://www.sleep-in.nl/ Hostel the Mafkees]

===Looking for a room===
There is a special group on both [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/1325 BW] as [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=31589 CS] for people who are looking for accomodation to live in Rotterdam.

===Free market & Secondhand stuff for sale===
If you want to look for free stuff people give a away or you have something to give away try this [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=21297 group]. If that doesn't work and you want to sell or buy secondhand stuff use this
[https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=40803 group]. Otherwise there is always [http://www.marktplaats.nl Marktplaats].

===Language learning===
Do you need a language tandem partner or you want to organize or join a conversation evening in a certain language, use this [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=38930 group].

===Expat meetings & parties===
For expats & Internationals Engels is regularly organizing parties in the Groothandelsgebouw (near Central Station) on the top floor of the building. More info [http://engels.nl/nieuws/Internationals%20meet%20internationals here].

Also there are expat meetings organized by [http://www.meetup.com/Expatrepublicrotterdam/ Expat Republic].

[http://www.internations.org www.internations.org] has a monthly barmeet in Rotterdam.

Rotterdam

2014-07-01T12:02:57Z

Ernstigdaapje: /* Getting a couch */

Welcome to Rotterdam!

Visit the [http://www.bewelcome.org/places/NL/South%20Holland/Rotterdam Rotterdam place page] To find a host in our city!

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdam Rotterdam] is the second largest city in the Netherlands with 617.347 inhabitants in the city, but the Stadsregio Rotterdam (connected cities Spijkenisse, Schiedam, Vlaardingen, Maassluis, Capelle a/d Ijssel, Krimpen a/d Ijssel, Berkel, Bergschenhoek, Rhoon, Smitshoek, Hoek van Holland, Ridderkerk) it actually has 1.2 million inhabitants. The Metropolian region Rotterdam -The Hague has 2.2 million inhabitants and is the most high-densed area in the Netherlands. Of course Rotterdam is also the biggest port in Europe, the third biggest port in the world. It's the only city in the Netherlands with a real skyline. Rotterdam or 'Manhattan on the Maas' as it is also called, was bombed in the second worldwar. But Rotterdammers have rebuilt it quickly and now it is the capital of modern architecture of the Netherlands! Rotterdam has 173 nationalities and more than 45% of the Rotterdammers immigrated here, which increased diversity of the city.

Rotterdam is also the youngest city in the Netherlands, almost a third of the city's population is under 28 years of age.

Other popular names of Rotterdam are 'Rotjeknor', 010 (referring the dialcode) or Roffa.

===City of business===
Rotterdam is home to the [http://www.eur.nl/english/ Erasmus University], a very famous university for Business and Economics. Despite the fact that Rotterdam is not so well known as a university city, the many cultural events and international and multicultural atmosphere good nightlife and very good transport options makes many students choose for Rotterdam as their university city.

===City of architecture===
Rotterdam is a un-dutch city in a way, because after the world war the historical centre was not restored but room was given to modern architecture. The city is therefore also home to the [http://en.nai.nl/ Dutch Architecture Institute] (Nai) and of course many modern buildings and structures. Most famous is of course the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasmusbrug Erasmus bridge] (the Swan) which completes the futuristic skyline of Rotterdam. Near Blaak station there is another famous architectural site the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cube_house Cube houses]. But there are also new project, like the [http://www.rotterdam.nl/rotterdamcentraal new central station] of Rotterdam. The soon to be built [http://www.markthalrotterdam.nl/ Markthal] of Rotterdam. Crowd-funded airbridge [http://www.imakerotterdam.nl/ de Luchtsingel].

===City of sports===
Rotterdam is in the Netherlands seen as the capital of sports.
First of all there are three professional football clubs in Rotterdam
- [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feyenoord Feyenoord] plays in the [http://eredivisielive.nl/eredivisie/ Dutch Eredivisie] and the best known and the most successfull [http://www.feyenoord.nl club] of the city and plays in the iconic football stadium [http://www.dekuip.nl/ 'the Kuip'] in Rotterdam south.
- [http://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ Sparta Rotterdam] plays in the [http://eredivisielive.nl/jupiler-league/ Eerste Divisie] and is the oldest football club of the Netherlands with a great history and a nice stadium located in the west part of the city.
- The smallest club of Rotterdam is [http://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ SBV Excelsior] they also play in the Eerste Divisie and their stadium is located in the East part of the city.

Next to that Rotterdam is home to the biggest [http://www.marathonrotterdam.nl marathon] of the Netherlands and the [http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ ABN Amro international tennis tournament]. Also there is the indoor cycling event the [http://www.zesdaagserotterdam.nl/ Zesdaagse], the CHIO (equestrian sports), the world port tournament (baseball), the Roparun, Ladiesrun and many more.

===Rotterdam city of art, food and culture===
Rotterdam is a ever-changing city renewing itself quickly time after time. It is visible in the many new pop-up clubs, restaurants, galleries, vintage stores that keep popping up here and there, if something was nice and hip this month, next month it is maybe something else. This is all kept together in a sauce of events, art weeks, food fairs, exhibitions and cultural happenings. Keep up to date with [http://weownrotterdam.nl/ this site].

===Home of the Kapsalon===
The story goes that a hairdresser walked down from his work to local Turkish food store in Schiedamseweg. It must have been one of those finicky days when he was not quite sure what he wanted to eat because he ended up asking Â�for a bit of everything, bit of that and thisÂ� in the takeaway container. Creativity induced by hunger pangs and the [http://www.venere.com/blog/kapsalon-rotterdam/ Kapsalon] was born! With 1800 calories this after drinking food will take all your hunger away!

===Lakes & beaches===
Rotterdam is the city with the most water in the Netherlands. Of course because of all the ports, but also because there are three rivers in the city the Maas (that divides the North and the South of Rotterdam), the Rotte and the Schie. Next to that there are severals recreational lakes in Rotterdam, the Kralingse plas, the Bergse plassen, the Rottemeren en the Vrijenburger plas.

Also a good thing about Rotterdam is that it is close to the sea. There is a direct train that takes you in less then 30 minutes to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoek_van_Holland_Strand_railway_station beach of Hoek van Holland] with many popular [http://www.beachclubroyal.nl/nl/ beachclubs]. Also the ferries to England go from Hoek van Holland.

A second great beach to visit is [http://www.recreatiezuidholland.nl/content/gebieden_detail.asp?menu=0010000_000000_000048_000000 Rockanje beach], a bit to the South west of Rotterdam. Very easy to reach by car, by public transport take metroline D till station Spijkenisse Centrum, then take bus [http://wiki.ovinnederland.nl/wiki/Lijn_103_Spijkenisse_Metro_Centrum_-_Rockanje_Tweede_Slag 103] to Rockanje Tweede Slag. It's a great and popular beach with nice beachclubs, for instance [http://www.havana.nl/ Havana].

A third option is the newly created beach of the [http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/index/show/id/71/Recreatie Maasvlakte ] , this is also a great opportunity to visit [http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/futureland Futureland].
Here you can learn about the new created land that is taken from the sea to extend the port of Rotterdam.

===Things to see===
Rotterdam is the home to one of the oldest and nicest zoo's in the Netherlands, [http://www.blijdorp.nl/?lang=EN Diergaarde Blijdorp]

The world famous UNESCO World Heritage [http://www.kinderdijk.nl/index.html Kinderdijk] (a lot of dutch windmills in a beautiful landscape) is very near Rotterdam, there are even boat tours available from Rotterdam centre. The local hospitality community in Rotterdam usually organizes a bike tour in the summer or spring to this beautiful site.

Even though most historical parts of Rotterdam have been destroyed, there are some real nice historical parts to visit. For instance Delfshaven is a authentic and beautiful neighourhood where you will find the Pilgrimchurch but also many cozy bars and the only beer brewery in Rotterdam [http://www.pelgrimbier.nl/ Pelgrim]. You can try the beer on the bar of the brewery or take a tour. The name is Pelgrim, because the boat that took the Pilgrim fathers (first settlers in North America) left from Delfhaven and then to York.

Another magnificient building is the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_New_York_(Rotterdam) Hotel New York], this used to be the terminal for the famous Holland - America line, which transported many dutch that left to North America after the war to start a better life.

===Museums===

Rotterdam has many museums that are worth visiting, here is a selection:

- Museum [http://www.boijmans.nl/en/ Boymans van Beuningen] Classic and modern art
- the [http://www.kunsthal.nl/en-2-Kunsthal-Rotterdam.html Kunsthal] different art expositions
- the [http://www.maritiemmuseum.nl/website/index.cfm?itm_id=96 Maritime Museum]
- the [http://www.wereldmuseum.nl/en/home.html Wereldmuseum]
- [http://www.nederlandsfotomuseum.nl/index.php?lang=en Nederlands fotomuseum]
- [http://www.hetnatuurhistorisch.nl/ Natuurhistorisch museum]
- [http://www.ovmrotterdam.nl/english/index.php War resistance museum]
- [http://www.havenmuseum.nl/ Port museum]
- [http://www.dedubbeldepalmboom.nl/ Museum de Dubbelde Palmboom]
- [http://www.chabotmuseum.nl/ Chabot museum]
- [http://www.bdmuseum.nl/ Tax and customs museum]
- [http://www.trammuseumrotterdam.nl/ Tram museum]
- [http://www.onderwijsmuseum.nl/ National museum of Education]

===Festivals===
Rotterdam is a real [http://www.rotterdamfestivals.nl/public festival city] and has many annual events:

- [http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ International Film Festival Rotterdam] 22 january - 2 february
- [http://www.artrotterdam.com/users/128/content/home/EN-index.html Art Rotterdam Week] 5 february / 10 february
- [http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament] 11 -17 february
- [http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/en/index.php Museumnight Rotterdam] 9 march
- [http://www.motelmozaique.nl/en/ Motel Mozaique] (arts, live bands, theatre) 5, 6 april
- [http://www.parfumdeboemboem.nl/ Parfum de Boem Boem] (buiding sites tour) 5 - 7 april
- [http://www.circusstad.nl/english Circusstad Festival] 29 april - 5 may
- [http://www.newskoolrules.com/ New skool rules festival] 5 - 7 april
- [http://www.marathonrotterdam.org/home Marathon of Rotterdam] (biggest in NL) 13,14 april
- [http://www.redear.nl/ Red ear festival] (classical music, jazz, bands) 19 - 21 april
- [http://kdfrotterdam.nl/ Queens day festival] Rotterdam 30 april
- [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalzh.nl/ Liberation day festival] 5 may
- [http://www.roparun.org/ Roparun finish] (estafette tour from Paris to Rotterdam) 20 may
- [http://www.operadagenrotterdam.nl/en/ Operadays Rotterdam] 5 may - 2 june
- [http://www.zomerzondagen.nl/ Zomerzondagen] (summer sundays) sunday end may and june
- [http://www.routedunord.nl/ Route du Nord] 7-9 june
- [http://www.ladiesrun.nl/home Ladiesrun Rotterdam] 9 june
- [http://www.poetryinternationalweb.net/pi/site/festival/index/en Poetry International festival Rotterdam] 9 - 15 june
- [http://www.rotterdamunlimited.com/en Rotterdam Unlimited] (former Zomercarnaval and Dunya festival combined, multicultural festval and tropical summercarnaval) 11 - 16 june
- [http://www.chio.nl/EN CHIO Rotterdam] (equestrian sports) 19 - 23 june
- [http://www.deparade.nl/ De Parade Rotterdam] 20 - 30 june
- [http://www.dagvandearchitectuur.nl/ Architecture Day] 22 - 23 june
- [http://www.northseajazz.com/nl Northsea Jazz festival] 28 june / 14 july
- [http://www.worldporttournament.nl/ World Port Tournament] International baseball 30 june / 7 july
- [http://metropolisfestival.nl/ Metropolis Festival] 7 july
- [http://www.campingrotterdam.nl/ Camping Rotterdam] 18 july / 21 july
- [http://www.wednesdaynightskate.nl/ Wednesdaynight skate] wednesdays in july and august
- [http://www.duizelinhetpark.nl/ Duizel in het park] 9 augustus / 11 august
- [http://www.boothstock.nl/ Boothstock Festival] 10 augustus
- [http://www.pleinbioscooprotterdam.nl/ Pleinbioscoop Rotterdam] (open air cinema) 13 august / 2 september
- [http://www.cityracing.nl/ City Racing Rotterdam] 25 august
- [http://www.dagvanderomantischemuziek.nl/nl/ Dag van de Romantische Muziek] 25 august
- [http://www.veerhavenconcert.nl/ OVG Veerhavenconcert] 28 august / 31 august
- [http://www.culinesserotterdam.nl/ CuliNESSE] 29 august / 31 august
- [http://www.wereldhavendagen.nl/ World Port days] 6 september / 8 september
- [http://www.denachtvandekaap.nl/ De Nacht van de Kaap] 7 september
- [http://festivalwww.nl/en/ De Wereld van Witte de With] 13 september / 15 september
- [http://worldfoodfestival.wordpress.com/ World Food Festival] 18 september / 27 october
- [http://www.baroegopenair.nl/nl Baroeg Open Air] 21 september

Tips
- [http://naturthegreeneryelle..com/ Organic farm] near Rotterdam
- [http://www.degroenepassage.nl/ Groene passage] organic shopping
- [https://www.facebook.com/Burgertrut Burgertrut] Art gallery & pop-up restaurant
- [http://www.miniworldrotterdam.com/ENGindex.htm Railz miniworld] Miniature Rotterdam and trains
- [http://www.vapiano.de/frame.php?lang=nl Vapiano] cheap and good italian food (but long lines)
- [http://www.happyitaly.nl/ Happy Italy] cheap and good italian food (but long lines)
- [http://www.veryitalianpizza.nl/nl/home/ Very Italian Pizza] cheap and good italian food (no long lines yet)
- [http://www.rotown.nl/ Rotown] legendary bar/restaurant/club/venue with indie rock/hipsters/concerts
- [http://www.getback.nl/ Get Back] restaurant/club with 70's 80's 90's music
- [http://www.blenderrotterdam.nl/ Blender] restaurant/club 30+ crowd
- [http://corsorotterdam.nl/ Off corso] Big mainstream club
- [http://www.thaliarotterdam.nl/ Thalia] Club with latin house
- [http://www.tikis.nl/ Tiki's] hawaiian style bar
- [http://www.sorbonne.nl/ Sorbonne] bar/dancing
- [http://www.paddymurphys.nl/ Paddy murphy's irish pub] live music/sports bar
- [http://www.deapresskihut.nl/ Skihut] dutch apres-ski style partyplace
- [http://www.maassilo.com/events/index.asp Maassilo] & Factory010 Big dance events in an industrial building
- [http://www.herrzimmerman.eu/ Herr Zimmermann] German style techno parties
- [http://www.baroeg.nl/ Baroeg] hardrock/metal venue
- [http://www.frank010.nl/ Frank010] Friday afterwork drink event (see and be seen) in the cruiseterminal
- [http://www.cafestalles.nl/ Stalles] great bar with a good pizza deal
- [http://www.theviproom.eu/ VIP room] mainstream dance parties
- [http://www.dewitteaap.nl/ Witte aap] popular bar
- [http://www.clubvibes.nl/ Club vibes] little club
- [http://www.breakaway.nl/ Breakway cafe] american style bar with pooltables
- [http://www.bedrotterdam.nl/ BED Rotterdam] mainly international student parties (afterparty place of CS/BW meeting)
- [http://www.hmh.nl/home.aspx Hollywood music hall] great club for ages 16-20
- [http://www.club-eclipse.nl/ Club Eclipse] Danceclub with themeparties (surinam, hindi, hardcore, latin)
- [http://www.worm.org Worm] alternative clubbing
- [http://www.schieblock.com/ Schieblock/dependance/Club BAR] popup bar and dance events
- [http://bird-rotterdam.nl/stage/ BIRD] Restaurant/bar/concert venue
- [http://raafrotterdam.nl RAAF] Rotterdam Art Adventure Food
- [http://www.toffler.nl/ Toffler] alternative party place
- [http://www.levagabond.nl/ Le Vagabond] legendary bar with jazz concerts
- [http://www.roffaswing.nl/ Roffaswing] lindyhop and swingdance
- [http://www.hemingwaycafe.nl/ Hemingway Social club] Creative arty new club
- [https://www.facebook.com/lamaisondetre La Maison d'être] Music Art Food

===Cinema's===
Rotterdam is a great city for cinema's, the filmfestival is of course great, but there are a lot of movietheaters, not only blockbuster movieplextype, but also small arthouse cinema's and of course the pleinbioscoop open air cinema :-)

- [http://www.pathe.nl/ Pathe]
- [http://www.cineramabios.nl/ Cinerama]
- [http://www.lantarenvenster.nl/ Lantaarnvenster]
- [http://www.kloosterbioscoop.nl/ Kloosterbioscoop]
- [http://www.pleinbioscooprotterdam.nl/ Pleinbioscoop]

===Markets===
Rotterdam has some great markets where you can buys many fresh foods and items.
The biggest one of the Netherlands is on tuesdays and saturdays on the Binnenrotte, another famous one is the market on the Afrikaanderplein and even a biological market on Eendrachtplein on tuesdays, check the details [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_markten_in_Rotterdam here].

===Pools===
If you like swimming then there is a lot of choice, because Rotterdam has [http://www.rotterdamzwemt.nl/ 14 pools] to choose from.

===Getting around===

'''Cycling'''
Rotterdam is a great city for cycling and there are also many [http://www.fietseninregiorotterdam.nl/content/themaroutes.asp?menu=0030000_000000 cycling routes] around and in the city

'''Trams'''
There are many tramlines in Rotterdam that will get you to your destination quickly and also to the connecting cities like Schiedam, Vlaardingen en Barendrecht. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here].

'''Metro'''
Rotterdam has the oldest and the biggest [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdamse_metro metronetwork] of the Benelux, there are lines from East-West and North-South, but also it is very easy to reach connecting cities like Schiedam, Spijkenisse, Capelle a/d Ijssel, Rhoon, Hoogvliet, Pijnacker, Leidschendam and even to The Hague centre. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here].

'''Bus'''
There are many buslines in Rotterdam that will get you to your destination quickly and also to cities like Oud-Beijerland, Heerjansdam, Dirksland, Zeeland, Leiden, Utrecht and many more. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here] or [http://ov9292.nl here].

'''BOB-bus (nightbus)'''
Rotterdam also has many nightbus lines that run in the weekend at night. Check it [http://www.ret.nl/en/travel-with-ret/timetable/bob-bus.html here].

'''Watertaxi and waterbus'''
As Rotterdam is a watercity there are also [http://www.waterbus.nl/ waterbuses] and [http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl/home/uk_index.php?page=uk_home watertaxis] to transport you within the city and connecting cities or even to Dordrecht or to UNESCO heritage Kinderdijk.

'''Trains'''
Rotterdam also has 8 train station if you would need it. There are good connections to Utrecht, The Hague, Eindhoven, Breda and Amsterdam and Intercity trains to Antwerp and Brussels. There is a [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en hispeed connection] (25 minutes) with Schiphol airport. There are also [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en highspeed trains] directly to Lille and Paris (Thalys) and to Cologne (ICE). Plan your trip [http://www.ns.nl/en/travellers/home here]/

'''Taxi'''
Necessary evil it is, but sometimes you need a taxi, a reliable one is [http://www.rtcnv.nl/ RTC]

'''Airport'''
Even though there is a good connection with Schiphol airport and with the train you can also use Eindhoven airport, Rotterdam also has it's own [http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/ airport], with mainly flights within Europe.

==Meetings & events==
===Hospitality community===

The local hospitality community with many locals, international students and expats makes it supereasy to make friends or attend social events for both travellers and newbies in the city. To get easily in contact with the community the best way is the active [https://www.facebook.com/groups/120605294790036/ Facebook group].

The local hospitality community has a weekly meeting on tuesdays, every other week in [https://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=173055 Haagse Bluf] (near city hall). The meeting has 20-60 people weekly present and starts about 20:00 (but most show up after 21:00)

The Rotterdam local hospitality community organizes several meetings, such as the weekly meetings on Tuesdays. In the summer there are many Barbeque events, usually in Het Park (near the Euromast) in the Kralingse bos or the Vroesenpark (Blijdorp).

===Kitchensurfing===
For the foodlovers and cooking talents there is also the [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=17327 Kitchensurfing group] in Rotterdam. Organize a kitchensurf to let people try the delicious food from your country of join a potluck or attend a foodfestival.

===Winetasting===
For winelovers there is the winetasting group [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/965 Amarotes Rotterdae Veni] this is also on a [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=47157 CS group].

===Bookclub Rotterdam===
For booklovers there is also a group where you can read and discuss literature called [https://www.facebook.com/groups/148620431897286/ Book club Rotterdam]

===CSinterklaas event===
The local hospitality community in Rotterdam is also famous for the 'annual' [http://www.csinterklaas.nl/ CSinterklaas event] at the end of November, the largest CS event in the Netherlands.

Besides the weekly meeting, there are often other meetings as well, from roller skating to visit art exhibitions and festivals. More meetings are either shown in the group it self and/or displayed on the event part of this site.

=== Getting a couch===

Obtaining a place to stay in Rotterdam is relatively easy for a city as big (Dutch standards) as Rotterdam, please write locals a personal request first. If you still have problems finding a place, use the group. A last minute couch might be found easily at Tuesday's weekly meeting. If you still cannot find a couch or don't want to there is also the [http://www.stayokay.com/nl/hostel/rotterdam Stay-ok hostel],
hostel [http://www.roomrotterdam.nl/ Room] [http://www.kingkonghostel.com/ King Kong Hostel] (next to the Witte Aap) , [http://www.anihaakien.nl/ Ani Haakien] and [http://www.sleep-in.nl/ Hostel the Mafkees]

===Looking for a room===
There is a special group on both [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/1325 BW] as [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=31589 CS] for people who are looking for accomodation to live in Rotterdam.

===Free market & Secondhand stuff for sale===
If you want to look for free stuff people give a away or you have something to give away try this [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=21297 group]. If that doesn't work and you want to sell or buy secondhand stuff use this
[https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=40803 group]. Otherwise there is always [http://www.marktplaats.nl Marktplaats].

===Language learning===
Do you need a language tandem partner or you want to organize or join a conversation evening in a certain language, use this [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=38930 group].

===Expat meetings & parties===
For expats & Internationals Engels is regularly organizing parties in the Groothandelsgebouw (near Central Station) on the top floor of the building. More info [http://engels.nl/nieuws/Internationals%20meet%20internationals here].

Also there are expat meetings organized by [http://www.meetup.com/Expatrepublicrotterdam/ Expat Republic].

[http://www.internations.org www.internations.org] has a monthly barmeet in Rotterdam.

Rotterdam

2014-07-01T12:00:45Z

Ernstigdaapje:

Welcome to Rotterdam!

Visit the [http://www.bewelcome.org/places/NL/South%20Holland/Rotterdam Rotterdam place page] To find a host in our city!

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdam Rotterdam] is the second largest city in the Netherlands with 617.347 inhabitants in the city, but the Stadsregio Rotterdam (connected cities Spijkenisse, Schiedam, Vlaardingen, Maassluis, Capelle a/d Ijssel, Krimpen a/d Ijssel, Berkel, Bergschenhoek, Rhoon, Smitshoek, Hoek van Holland, Ridderkerk) it actually has 1.2 million inhabitants. The Metropolian region Rotterdam -The Hague has 2.2 million inhabitants and is the most high-densed area in the Netherlands. Of course Rotterdam is also the biggest port in Europe, the third biggest port in the world. It's the only city in the Netherlands with a real skyline. Rotterdam or 'Manhattan on the Maas' as it is also called, was bombed in the second worldwar. But Rotterdammers have rebuilt it quickly and now it is the capital of modern architecture of the Netherlands! Rotterdam has 173 nationalities and more than 45% of the Rotterdammers immigrated here, which increased diversity of the city.

Rotterdam is also the youngest city in the Netherlands, almost a third of the city's population is under 28 years of age.

Other popular names of Rotterdam are 'Rotjeknor', 010 (referring the dialcode) or Roffa.

===City of business===
Rotterdam is home to the [http://www.eur.nl/english/ Erasmus University], a very famous university for Business and Economics. Despite the fact that Rotterdam is not so well known as a university city, the many cultural events and international and multicultural atmosphere good nightlife and very good transport options makes many students choose for Rotterdam as their university city.

===City of architecture===
Rotterdam is a un-dutch city in a way, because after the world war the historical centre was not restored but room was given to modern architecture. The city is therefore also home to the [http://en.nai.nl/ Dutch Architecture Institute] (Nai) and of course many modern buildings and structures. Most famous is of course the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasmusbrug Erasmus bridge] (the Swan) which completes the futuristic skyline of Rotterdam. Near Blaak station there is another famous architectural site the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cube_house Cube houses]. But there are also new project, like the [http://www.rotterdam.nl/rotterdamcentraal new central station] of Rotterdam. The soon to be built [http://www.markthalrotterdam.nl/ Markthal] of Rotterdam. Crowd-funded airbridge [http://www.imakerotterdam.nl/ de Luchtsingel].

===City of sports===
Rotterdam is in the Netherlands seen as the capital of sports.
First of all there are three professional football clubs in Rotterdam
- [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feyenoord Feyenoord] plays in the [http://eredivisielive.nl/eredivisie/ Dutch Eredivisie] and the best known and the most successfull [http://www.feyenoord.nl club] of the city and plays in the iconic football stadium [http://www.dekuip.nl/ 'the Kuip'] in Rotterdam south.
- [http://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ Sparta Rotterdam] plays in the [http://eredivisielive.nl/jupiler-league/ Eerste Divisie] and is the oldest football club of the Netherlands with a great history and a nice stadium located in the west part of the city.
- The smallest club of Rotterdam is [http://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ SBV Excelsior] they also play in the Eerste Divisie and their stadium is located in the East part of the city.

Next to that Rotterdam is home to the biggest [http://www.marathonrotterdam.nl marathon] of the Netherlands and the [http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ ABN Amro international tennis tournament]. Also there is the indoor cycling event the [http://www.zesdaagserotterdam.nl/ Zesdaagse], the CHIO (equestrian sports), the world port tournament (baseball), the Roparun, Ladiesrun and many more.

===Rotterdam city of art, food and culture===
Rotterdam is a ever-changing city renewing itself quickly time after time. It is visible in the many new pop-up clubs, restaurants, galleries, vintage stores that keep popping up here and there, if something was nice and hip this month, next month it is maybe something else. This is all kept together in a sauce of events, art weeks, food fairs, exhibitions and cultural happenings. Keep up to date with [http://weownrotterdam.nl/ this site].

===Home of the Kapsalon===
The story goes that a hairdresser walked down from his work to local Turkish food store in Schiedamseweg. It must have been one of those finicky days when he was not quite sure what he wanted to eat because he ended up asking Â�for a bit of everything, bit of that and thisÂ� in the takeaway container. Creativity induced by hunger pangs and the [http://www.venere.com/blog/kapsalon-rotterdam/ Kapsalon] was born! With 1800 calories this after drinking food will take all your hunger away!

===Lakes & beaches===
Rotterdam is the city with the most water in the Netherlands. Of course because of all the ports, but also because there are three rivers in the city the Maas (that divides the North and the South of Rotterdam), the Rotte and the Schie. Next to that there are severals recreational lakes in Rotterdam, the Kralingse plas, the Bergse plassen, the Rottemeren en the Vrijenburger plas.

Also a good thing about Rotterdam is that it is close to the sea. There is a direct train that takes you in less then 30 minutes to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoek_van_Holland_Strand_railway_station beach of Hoek van Holland] with many popular [http://www.beachclubroyal.nl/nl/ beachclubs]. Also the ferries to England go from Hoek van Holland.

A second great beach to visit is [http://www.recreatiezuidholland.nl/content/gebieden_detail.asp?menu=0010000_000000_000048_000000 Rockanje beach], a bit to the South west of Rotterdam. Very easy to reach by car, by public transport take metroline D till station Spijkenisse Centrum, then take bus [http://wiki.ovinnederland.nl/wiki/Lijn_103_Spijkenisse_Metro_Centrum_-_Rockanje_Tweede_Slag 103] to Rockanje Tweede Slag. It's a great and popular beach with nice beachclubs, for instance [http://www.havana.nl/ Havana].

A third option is the newly created beach of the [http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/index/show/id/71/Recreatie Maasvlakte ] , this is also a great opportunity to visit [http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/futureland Futureland].
Here you can learn about the new created land that is taken from the sea to extend the port of Rotterdam.

===Things to see===
Rotterdam is the home to one of the oldest and nicest zoo's in the Netherlands, [http://www.blijdorp.nl/?lang=EN Diergaarde Blijdorp]

The world famous UNESCO World Heritage [http://www.kinderdijk.nl/index.html Kinderdijk] (a lot of dutch windmills in a beautiful landscape) is very near Rotterdam, there are even boat tours available from Rotterdam centre. The local hospitality community in Rotterdam usually organizes a bike tour in the summer or spring to this beautiful site.

Even though most historical parts of Rotterdam have been destroyed, there are some real nice historical parts to visit. For instance Delfshaven is a authentic and beautiful neighourhood where you will find the Pilgrimchurch but also many cozy bars and the only beer brewery in Rotterdam [http://www.pelgrimbier.nl/ Pelgrim]. You can try the beer on the bar of the brewery or take a tour. The name is Pelgrim, because the boat that took the Pilgrim fathers (first settlers in North America) left from Delfhaven and then to York.

Another magnificient building is the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_New_York_(Rotterdam) Hotel New York], this used to be the terminal for the famous Holland - America line, which transported many dutch that left to North America after the war to start a better life.

===Museums===

Rotterdam has many museums that are worth visiting, here is a selection:

- Museum [http://www.boijmans.nl/en/ Boymans van Beuningen] Classic and modern art
- the [http://www.kunsthal.nl/en-2-Kunsthal-Rotterdam.html Kunsthal] different art expositions
- the [http://www.maritiemmuseum.nl/website/index.cfm?itm_id=96 Maritime Museum]
- the [http://www.wereldmuseum.nl/en/home.html Wereldmuseum]
- [http://www.nederlandsfotomuseum.nl/index.php?lang=en Nederlands fotomuseum]
- [http://www.hetnatuurhistorisch.nl/ Natuurhistorisch museum]
- [http://www.ovmrotterdam.nl/english/index.php War resistance museum]
- [http://www.havenmuseum.nl/ Port museum]
- [http://www.dedubbeldepalmboom.nl/ Museum de Dubbelde Palmboom]
- [http://www.chabotmuseum.nl/ Chabot museum]
- [http://www.bdmuseum.nl/ Tax and customs museum]
- [http://www.trammuseumrotterdam.nl/ Tram museum]
- [http://www.onderwijsmuseum.nl/ National museum of Education]

===Festivals===
Rotterdam is a real [http://www.rotterdamfestivals.nl/public festival city] and has many annual events:

- [http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ International Film Festival Rotterdam] 22 january - 2 february
- [http://www.artrotterdam.com/users/128/content/home/EN-index.html Art Rotterdam Week] 5 february / 10 february
- [http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament] 11 -17 february
- [http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/en/index.php Museumnight Rotterdam] 9 march
- [http://www.motelmozaique.nl/en/ Motel Mozaique] (arts, live bands, theatre) 5, 6 april
- [http://www.parfumdeboemboem.nl/ Parfum de Boem Boem] (buiding sites tour) 5 - 7 april
- [http://www.circusstad.nl/english Circusstad Festival] 29 april - 5 may
- [http://www.newskoolrules.com/ New skool rules festival] 5 - 7 april
- [http://www.marathonrotterdam.org/home Marathon of Rotterdam] (biggest in NL) 13,14 april
- [http://www.redear.nl/ Red ear festival] (classical music, jazz, bands) 19 - 21 april
- [http://kdfrotterdam.nl/ Queens day festival] Rotterdam 30 april
- [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalzh.nl/ Liberation day festival] 5 may
- [http://www.roparun.org/ Roparun finish] (estafette tour from Paris to Rotterdam) 20 may
- [http://www.operadagenrotterdam.nl/en/ Operadays Rotterdam] 5 may - 2 june
- [http://www.zomerzondagen.nl/ Zomerzondagen] (summer sundays) sunday end may and june
- [http://www.routedunord.nl/ Route du Nord] 7-9 june
- [http://www.ladiesrun.nl/home Ladiesrun Rotterdam] 9 june
- [http://www.poetryinternationalweb.net/pi/site/festival/index/en Poetry International festival Rotterdam] 9 - 15 june
- [http://www.rotterdamunlimited.com/en Rotterdam Unlimited] (former Zomercarnaval and Dunya festival combined, multicultural festval and tropical summercarnaval) 11 - 16 june
- [http://www.chio.nl/EN CHIO Rotterdam] (equestrian sports) 19 - 23 june
- [http://www.deparade.nl/ De Parade Rotterdam] 20 - 30 june
- [http://www.dagvandearchitectuur.nl/ Architecture Day] 22 - 23 june
- [http://www.northseajazz.com/nl Northsea Jazz festival] 28 june / 14 july
- [http://www.worldporttournament.nl/ World Port Tournament] International baseball 30 june / 7 july
- [http://metropolisfestival.nl/ Metropolis Festival] 7 july
- [http://www.campingrotterdam.nl/ Camping Rotterdam] 18 july / 21 july
- [http://www.wednesdaynightskate.nl/ Wednesdaynight skate] wednesdays in july and august
- [http://www.duizelinhetpark.nl/ Duizel in het park] 9 augustus / 11 august
- [http://www.boothstock.nl/ Boothstock Festival] 10 augustus
- [http://www.pleinbioscooprotterdam.nl/ Pleinbioscoop Rotterdam] (open air cinema) 13 august / 2 september
- [http://www.cityracing.nl/ City Racing Rotterdam] 25 august
- [http://www.dagvanderomantischemuziek.nl/nl/ Dag van de Romantische Muziek] 25 august
- [http://www.veerhavenconcert.nl/ OVG Veerhavenconcert] 28 august / 31 august
- [http://www.culinesserotterdam.nl/ CuliNESSE] 29 august / 31 august
- [http://www.wereldhavendagen.nl/ World Port days] 6 september / 8 september
- [http://www.denachtvandekaap.nl/ De Nacht van de Kaap] 7 september
- [http://festivalwww.nl/en/ De Wereld van Witte de With] 13 september / 15 september
- [http://worldfoodfestival.wordpress.com/ World Food Festival] 18 september / 27 october
- [http://www.baroegopenair.nl/nl Baroeg Open Air] 21 september

Tips
- [http://naturthegreeneryelle..com/ Organic farm] near Rotterdam
- [http://www.degroenepassage.nl/ Groene passage] organic shopping
- [https://www.facebook.com/Burgertrut Burgertrut] Art gallery & pop-up restaurant
- [http://www.miniworldrotterdam.com/ENGindex.htm Railz miniworld] Miniature Rotterdam and trains
- [http://www.vapiano.de/frame.php?lang=nl Vapiano] cheap and good italian food (but long lines)
- [http://www.happyitaly.nl/ Happy Italy] cheap and good italian food (but long lines)
- [http://www.veryitalianpizza.nl/nl/home/ Very Italian Pizza] cheap and good italian food (no long lines yet)
- [http://www.rotown.nl/ Rotown] legendary bar/restaurant/club/venue with indie rock/hipsters/concerts
- [http://www.getback.nl/ Get Back] restaurant/club with 70's 80's 90's music
- [http://www.blenderrotterdam.nl/ Blender] restaurant/club 30+ crowd
- [http://corsorotterdam.nl/ Off corso] Big mainstream club
- [http://www.thaliarotterdam.nl/ Thalia] Club with latin house
- [http://www.tikis.nl/ Tiki's] hawaiian style bar
- [http://www.sorbonne.nl/ Sorbonne] bar/dancing
- [http://www.paddymurphys.nl/ Paddy murphy's irish pub] live music/sports bar
- [http://www.deapresskihut.nl/ Skihut] dutch apres-ski style partyplace
- [http://www.maassilo.com/events/index.asp Maassilo] & Factory010 Big dance events in an industrial building
- [http://www.herrzimmerman.eu/ Herr Zimmermann] German style techno parties
- [http://www.baroeg.nl/ Baroeg] hardrock/metal venue
- [http://www.frank010.nl/ Frank010] Friday afterwork drink event (see and be seen) in the cruiseterminal
- [http://www.cafestalles.nl/ Stalles] great bar with a good pizza deal
- [http://www.theviproom.eu/ VIP room] mainstream dance parties
- [http://www.dewitteaap.nl/ Witte aap] popular bar
- [http://www.clubvibes.nl/ Club vibes] little club
- [http://www.breakaway.nl/ Breakway cafe] american style bar with pooltables
- [http://www.bedrotterdam.nl/ BED Rotterdam] mainly international student parties (afterparty place of CS/BW meeting)
- [http://www.hmh.nl/home.aspx Hollywood music hall] great club for ages 16-20
- [http://www.club-eclipse.nl/ Club Eclipse] Danceclub with themeparties (surinam, hindi, hardcore, latin)
- [http://www.worm.org Worm] alternative clubbing
- [http://www.schieblock.com/ Schieblock/dependance/Club BAR] popup bar and dance events
- [http://bird-rotterdam.nl/stage/ BIRD] Restaurant/bar/concert venue
- [http://raafrotterdam.nl RAAF] Rotterdam Art Adventure Food
- [http://www.toffler.nl/ Toffler] alternative party place
- [http://www.levagabond.nl/ Le Vagabond] legendary bar with jazz concerts
- [http://www.roffaswing.nl/ Roffaswing] lindyhop and swingdance
- [http://www.hemingwaycafe.nl/ Hemingway Social club] Creative arty new club
- [https://www.facebook.com/lamaisondetre La Maison d'être] Music Art Food

===Cinema's===
Rotterdam is a great city for cinema's, the filmfestival is of course great, but there are a lot of movietheaters, not only blockbuster movieplextype, but also small arthouse cinema's and of course the pleinbioscoop open air cinema :-)

- [http://www.pathe.nl/ Pathe]
- [http://www.cineramabios.nl/ Cinerama]
- [http://www.lantarenvenster.nl/ Lantaarnvenster]
- [http://www.kloosterbioscoop.nl/ Kloosterbioscoop]
- [http://www.pleinbioscooprotterdam.nl/ Pleinbioscoop]

===Markets===
Rotterdam has some great markets where you can buys many fresh foods and items.
The biggest one of the Netherlands is on tuesdays and saturdays on the Binnenrotte, another famous one is the market on the Afrikaanderplein and even a biological market on Eendrachtplein on tuesdays, check the details [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_markten_in_Rotterdam here].

===Pools===
If you like swimming then there is a lot of choice, because Rotterdam has [http://www.rotterdamzwemt.nl/ 14 pools] to choose from.

===Getting around===

'''Cycling'''
Rotterdam is a great city for cycling and there are also many [http://www.fietseninregiorotterdam.nl/content/themaroutes.asp?menu=0030000_000000 cycling routes] around and in the city

'''Trams'''
There are many tramlines in Rotterdam that will get you to your destination quickly and also to the connecting cities like Schiedam, Vlaardingen en Barendrecht. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here].

'''Metro'''
Rotterdam has the oldest and the biggest [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdamse_metro metronetwork] of the Benelux, there are lines from East-West and North-South, but also it is very easy to reach connecting cities like Schiedam, Spijkenisse, Capelle a/d Ijssel, Rhoon, Hoogvliet, Pijnacker, Leidschendam and even to The Hague centre. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here].

'''Bus'''
There are many buslines in Rotterdam that will get you to your destination quickly and also to cities like Oud-Beijerland, Heerjansdam, Dirksland, Zeeland, Leiden, Utrecht and many more. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here] or [http://ov9292.nl here].

'''BOB-bus (nightbus)'''
Rotterdam also has many nightbus lines that run in the weekend at night. Check it [http://www.ret.nl/en/travel-with-ret/timetable/bob-bus.html here].

'''Watertaxi and waterbus'''
As Rotterdam is a watercity there are also [http://www.waterbus.nl/ waterbuses] and [http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl/home/uk_index.php?page=uk_home watertaxis] to transport you within the city and connecting cities or even to Dordrecht or to UNESCO heritage Kinderdijk.

'''Trains'''
Rotterdam also has 8 train station if you would need it. There are good connections to Utrecht, The Hague, Eindhoven, Breda and Amsterdam and Intercity trains to Antwerp and Brussels. There is a [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en hispeed connection] (25 minutes) with Schiphol airport. There are also [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en highspeed trains] directly to Lille and Paris (Thalys) and to Cologne (ICE). Plan your trip [http://www.ns.nl/en/travellers/home here]/

'''Taxi'''
Necessary evil it is, but sometimes you need a taxi, a reliable one is [http://www.rtcnv.nl/ RTC]

'''Airport'''
Even though there is a good connection with Schiphol airport and with the train you can also use Eindhoven airport, Rotterdam also has it's own [http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/ airport], with mainly flights within Europe.

==Meetings & events==
===Hospitality community===

The local hospitality community with many locals, international students and expats makes it supereasy to make friends or attend social events for both travellers and newbies in the city. To get easily in contact with the community the best way is the active [https://www.facebook.com/groups/120605294790036/ Facebook group].

The local hospitality community has a weekly meeting on tuesdays, every other week in [https://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=173055 Haagse Bluf] (near city hall). The meeting has 20-60 people weekly present and starts about 20:00 (but most show up after 21:00)

The Rotterdam local hospitality community organizes several meetings, such as the weekly meetings on Tuesdays. In the summer there are many Barbeque events, usually in Het Park (near the Euromast) in the Kralingse bos or the Vroesenpark (Blijdorp).

===Kitchensurfing===
For the foodlovers and cooking talents there is also the [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=17327 Kitchensurfing group] in Rotterdam. Organize a kitchensurf to let people try the delicious food from your country of join a potluck or attend a foodfestival.

===Winetasting===
For winelovers there is the winetasting group [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/965 Amarotes Rotterdae Veni] this is also on a [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=47157 CS group].

===Bookclub Rotterdam===
For booklovers there is also a group where you can read and discuss literature called [https://www.facebook.com/groups/148620431897286/ Book club Rotterdam]

===CSinterklaas event===
The local hospitality community in Rotterdam is also famous for the 'annual' [http://www.csinterklaas.nl/ CSinterklaas event] at the end of November, the largest CS event in the Netherlands.

Besides the weekly meeting, there are often other meetings as well, from roller skating to visit art exhibitions and festivals. More meetings are either shown in the group it self and/or displayed on the event part of this site.

=== Getting a couch===

Obtaining a place to stay in Rotterdam is relatively easy for a city as big (Dutch standards) as Rotterdam, please write locals a personal request first. If you still have problems finding a place, use the group. A last minute couch might be found easily at Tuesday's weekly meeting. If you still cannot find a couch or don't want to there is also the [http://www.stayokay.com/nl/hostel/rotterdam Stay-ok hostel],
hostel [http://www.roomrotterdam.nl/ Room] and [http://www.sleep-in.nl/ Hostel the Mafkees]

===Looking for a room===
There is a special group on both [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/1325 BW] as [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=31589 CS] for people who are looking for accomodation to live in Rotterdam.

===Free market & Secondhand stuff for sale===
If you want to look for free stuff people give a away or you have something to give away try this [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=21297 group]. If that doesn't work and you want to sell or buy secondhand stuff use this
[https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=40803 group]. Otherwise there is always [http://www.marktplaats.nl Marktplaats].

===Language learning===
Do you need a language tandem partner or you want to organize or join a conversation evening in a certain language, use this [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=38930 group].

===Expat meetings & parties===
For expats & Internationals Engels is regularly organizing parties in the Groothandelsgebouw (near Central Station) on the top floor of the building. More info [http://engels.nl/nieuws/Internationals%20meet%20internationals here].

Also there are expat meetings organized by [http://www.meetup.com/Expatrepublicrotterdam/ Expat Republic].

[http://www.internations.org www.internations.org] has a monthly barmeet in Rotterdam.

Rotterdam

2014-07-01T11:56:47Z

Ernstigdaapje:

Welcome to Rotterdam!

Visit the [http://www.bewelcome.org/places/NL/South%20Holland/Rotterdam Rotterdam place page] To find a host in our city!

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdam Rotterdam] is the second largest city in the Netherlands with 617.347 inhabitants in the city, but the Stadsregio Rotterdam (connected cities Spijkenisse, Schiedam, Vlaardingen, Maassluis, Capelle a/d Ijssel, Krimpen a/d Ijssel, Berkel, Bergschenhoek, Rhoon, Smitshoek, Hoek van Holland, Ridderkerk) it actually has 1.2 million inhabitants. The Metropolian region Rotterdam -The Hague has 2.2 million inhabitants and is the most high-densed area in the Netherlands. Of course Rotterdam is also the biggest port in Europe, the third biggest port in the world. It's the only city in the Netherlands with a real skyline. Rotterdam or 'Manhattan on the Maas' as it is also called, was bombed in the second worldwar. But Rotterdammers have rebuilt it quickly and now it is the capital of modern architecture of the Netherlands! Rotterdam has 173 nationalities and more than 45% of the Rotterdammers immigrated here, which increased diversity of the city.

Rotterdam is also the youngest city in the Netherlands, almost a third of the city's population is under 28 years of age.

Other popular names of Rotterdam are 'Rotjeknor', 010 (referring the dialcode) or Roffa.

===City of business===
Rotterdam is home to the [http://www.eur.nl/english/ Erasmus University], a very famous university for Business and Economics. Despite the fact that Rotterdam is not so well known as a university city, the many cultural events and international and multicultural atmosphere good nightlife and very good transport options makes many students choose for Rotterdam as their university city.

===City of architecture===
Rotterdam is a un-dutch city in a way, because after the world war the historical centre was not restored but room was given to modern architecture. The city is therefore also home to the [http://en.nai.nl/ Dutch Architecture Institute] (Nai) and of course many modern buildings and structures. Most famous is of course the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasmusbrug Erasmus bridge] (the Swan) which completes the futuristic skyline of Rotterdam. Near Blaak station there is another famous architectural site the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cube_house Cube houses]. But there are also new project, like the [http://www.rotterdam.nl/rotterdamcentraal new central station] of Rotterdam. The soon to be built [http://www.markthalrotterdam.nl/ Markthal] of Rotterdam. Crowd-funded airbridge [http://www.imakerotterdam.nl/ de Luchtsingel].

===City of sports===
Rotterdam is in the Netherlands seen as the capital of sports.
First of all there are three professional football clubs in Rotterdam
- [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feyenoord Feyenoord] plays in the [http://eredivisielive.nl/eredivisie/ Dutch Eredivisie] and the best known and the most successfull [http://www.feyenoord.nl club] of the city and plays in the iconic football stadium [http://www.dekuip.nl/ 'the Kuip'] in Rotterdam south.
- [http://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ Sparta Rotterdam] plays in the [http://eredivisielive.nl/jupiler-league/ Eerste Divisie] and is the oldest football club of the Netherlands with a great history and a nice stadium located in the west part of the city.
- The smallest club of Rotterdam is [http://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ SBV Excelsior] they also play in the Eerste Divisie and their stadium is located in the East part of the city.

Next to that Rotterdam is home to the biggest [http://www.marathonrotterdam.nl marathon] of the Netherlands and the [http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ ABN Amro international tennis tournament]. Also there is the indoor cycling event the [http://www.zesdaagserotterdam.nl/ Zesdaagse], the CHIO (equestrian sports), the world port tournament (baseball), the Roparun, Ladiesrun and many more.

===Rotterdam city of art, food and culture===
Rotterdam is a ever-changing city renewing itself quickly time after time. It is visible in the many new pop-up clubs, restaurants, galleries, vintage stores that keep popping up here and there, if something was nice and hip this month, next month it is maybe something else. This is all kept together in a sauce of events, art weeks, food fairs, exhibitions and cultural happenings. Keep up to date with [http://weownrotterdam.nl/ this site].

===Home of the Kapsalon===
The story goes that a hairdresser walked down from his work to local Turkish food store in Schiedamseweg. It must have been one of those finicky days when he was not quite sure what he wanted to eat because he ended up asking Â�for a bit of everything, bit of that and thisÂ� in the takeaway container. Creativity induced by hunger pangs and the [http://www.venere.com/blog/kapsalon-rotterdam/ Kapsalon] was born! With 1800 calories this after drinking food will take all your hunger away!

===Lakes & beaches===
Rotterdam is the city with the most water in the Netherlands. Of course because of all the ports, but also because there are three rivers in the city the Maas (that divides the North and the South of Rotterdam), the Rotte and the Schie. Next to that there are severals recreational lakes in Rotterdam, the Kralingse plas, the Bergse plassen, the Rottemeren en the Vrijenburger plas.

Also a good thing about Rotterdam is that it is close to the sea. There is a direct train that takes you in less then 30 minutes to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoek_van_Holland_Strand_railway_station beach of Hoek van Holland] with many popular [http://www.beachclubroyal.nl/nl/ beachclubs]. Also the ferries to England go from Hoek van Holland.

A second great beach to visit is [http://www.recreatiezuidholland.nl/content/gebieden_detail.asp?menu=0010000_000000_000048_000000 Rockanje beach], a bit to the South west of Rotterdam. Very easy to reach by car, by public transport take metroline D till station Spijkenisse Centrum, then take bus [http://wiki.ovinnederland.nl/wiki/Lijn_103_Spijkenisse_Metro_Centrum_-_Rockanje_Tweede_Slag 103] to Rockanje Tweede Slag. It's a great and popular beach with nice beachclubs, for instance [http://www.havana.nl/ Havana].

A third option is the newly created beach of the [http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/index/show/id/71/Recreatie Maasvlakte ] , this is also a great opportunity to visit [http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/futureland Futureland].
Here you can learn about the new created land that is taken from the sea to extend the port of Rotterdam.

===Things to see===
Rotterdam is the home to one of the oldest and nicest zoo's in the Netherlands, [http://www.blijdorp.nl/?lang=EN Diergaarde Blijdorp]

The world famous UNESCO World Heritage [http://www.kinderdijk.nl/index.html Kinderdijk] (a lot of dutch windmills in a beautiful landscape) is very near Rotterdam, there are even boat tours available from Rotterdam centre. The local hospitality community in Rotterdam usually organizes a bike tour in the summer or spring to this beautiful site.

Even though most historical parts of Rotterdam have been destroyed, there are some real nice historical parts to visit. For instance Delfshaven is a authentic and beautiful neighourhood where you will find the Pilgrimchurch but also many cozy bars and the only beer brewery in Rotterdam [http://www.pelgrimbier.nl/ Pelgrim]. You can try the beer on the bar of the brewery or take a tour. The name is Pelgrim, because the boat that took the Pilgrim fathers (first settlers in North America) left from Delfhaven and then to York.

Another magnificient building is the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_New_York_(Rotterdam) Hotel New York], this used to be the terminal for the famous Holland - America line, which transported many dutch that left to North America after the war to start a better life.

===Museums===

Rotterdam has many museums that are worth visiting, here is a selection:

- Museum [http://www.boijmans.nl/en/ Boymans van Beuningen] Classic and modern art
- the [http://www.kunsthal.nl/en-2-Kunsthal-Rotterdam.html Kunsthal] different art expositions
- the [http://www.maritiemmuseum.nl/website/index.cfm?itm_id=96 Maritime Museum]
- the [http://www.wereldmuseum.nl/en/home.html Wereldmuseum]
- [http://www.nederlandsfotomuseum.nl/index.php?lang=en Nederlands fotomuseum]
- [http://www.hetnatuurhistorisch.nl/ Natuurhistorisch museum]
- [http://www.ovmrotterdam.nl/english/index.php War resistance museum]
- [http://www.havenmuseum.nl/ Port museum]
- [http://www.dedubbeldepalmboom.nl/ Museum de Dubbelde Palmboom]
- [http://www.chabotmuseum.nl/ Chabot museum]
- [http://www.bdmuseum.nl/ Tax and customs museum]
- [http://www.trammuseumrotterdam.nl/ Tram museum]
- [http://www.onderwijsmuseum.nl/ National museum of Education]

===Festivals===
Rotterdam is a real [http://www.rotterdamfestivals.nl/public festival city] and has many annual events:

- [http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ International Film Festival Rotterdam] 22 january - 2 february
- [http://www.artrotterdam.com/users/128/content/home/EN-index.html Art Rotterdam Week] 5 february / 10 february
- [http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament] 11 -17 february
- [http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/en/index.php Museumnight Rotterdam] 9 march
- [http://www.motelmozaique.nl/en/ Motel Mozaique] (arts, live bands, theatre) 5, 6 april
- [http://www.parfumdeboemboem.nl/ Parfum de Boem Boem] (buiding sites tour) 5 - 7 april
- [http://www.circusstad.nl/english Circusstad Festival] 29 april - 5 may
- [http://www.newskoolrules.com/ New skool rules festival] 5 - 7 april
- [http://www.marathonrotterdam.org/home Marathon of Rotterdam] (biggest in NL) 13,14 april
- [http://www.redear.nl/ Red ear festival] (classical music, jazz, bands) 19 - 21 april
- [http://kdfrotterdam.nl/ Queens day festival] Rotterdam 30 april
- [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalzh.nl/ Liberation day festival] 5 may
- [http://www.roparun.org/ Roparun finish] (estafette tour from Paris to Rotterdam) 20 may
- [http://www.operadagenrotterdam.nl/en/ Operadays Rotterdam] 5 may - 2 june
- [http://www.zomerzondagen.nl/ Zomerzondagen] (summer sundays) sunday end may and june
- [http://www.routedunord.nl/ Route du Nord] 7-9 june
- [http://www.ladiesrun.nl/home Ladiesrun Rotterdam] 9 june
- [http://www.poetryinternationalweb.net/pi/site/festival/index/en Poetry International festival Rotterdam] 9 - 15 june
- [http://www.rotterdamunlimited.com/en Rotterdam Unlimited] (former Zomercarnaval and Dunya festival combined, multicultural festval and tropical summercarnaval) 11 - 16 june
- [http://www.chio.nl/EN CHIO Rotterdam] (equestrian sports) 19 - 23 june
- [http://www.deparade.nl/ De Parade Rotterdam] 20 - 30 june
- [http://www.dagvandearchitectuur.nl/ Architecture Day] 22 - 23 june
- [http://www.northseajazz.com/nl Northsea Jazz festival] 28 june / 14 july
- [http://www.worldporttournament.nl/ World Port Tournament] International baseball 30 june / 7 july
- [http://metropolisfestival.nl/ Metropolis Festival] 7 july
- [http://www.campingrotterdam.nl/ Camping Rotterdam] 18 july / 21 july
- [http://www.wednesdaynightskate.nl/ Wednesdaynight skate] wednesdays in july and august
- [http://www.duizelinhetpark.nl/ Duizel in het park] 9 augustus / 11 august
- [http://www.boothstock.nl/ Boothstock Festival] 10 augustus
- [http://www.pleinbioscooprotterdam.nl/ Pleinbioscoop Rotterdam] (open air cinema) 13 august / 2 september
- [http://www.cityracing.nl/ City Racing Rotterdam] 25 august
- [http://www.dagvanderomantischemuziek.nl/nl/ Dag van de Romantische Muziek] 25 august
- [http://www.veerhavenconcert.nl/ OVG Veerhavenconcert] 28 august / 31 august
- [http://www.culinesserotterdam.nl/ CuliNESSE] 29 august / 31 august
- [http://www.wereldhavendagen.nl/ World Port days] 6 september / 8 september
- [http://www.denachtvandekaap.nl/ De Nacht van de Kaap] 7 september
- [http://festivalwww.nl/en/ De Wereld van Witte de With] 13 september / 15 september
- [http://worldfoodfestival.wordpress.com/ World Food Festival] 18 september / 27 october
- [http://www.baroegopenair.nl/nl Baroeg Open Air] 21 september

Tips
- [http://naturthegreeneryelle..com/ Organic farm] near Rotterdam
- [http://www.degroenepassage.nl/ Groene passage] organic shopping
- [https://www.facebook.com/Burgertrut Burgertrut] Art gallery & pop-up restaurant
- [http://www.miniworldrotterdam.com/ENGindex.htm Railz miniworld] Miniature Rotterdam and trains
- [http://www.vapiano.de/frame.php?lang=nl Vapiano] cheap and good italian food (but long lines)
- [http://www.happyitaly.nl/ Happy Italy] cheap and good italian food (but long lines)
- [http://www.veryitalianpizza.nl/nl/home/ Very Italian Pizza] cheap and good italian food (no long lines yet)
- [http://www.rotown.nl/ Rotown] legendary bar/restaurant/club/venue with indie rock/hipsters/concerts
- [http://www.getback.nl/ Get Back] restaurant/club with 70's 80's 90's music
- [http://www.blenderrotterdam.nl/ Blender] restaurant/club 30+ crowd
- [http://corsorotterdam.nl/ Off corso] Big mainstream club
- [http://www.thaliarotterdam.nl/ Thalia] Club with latin house
- [http://www.tikis.nl/ Tiki's] hawaiian style bar
- [http://www.sorbonne.nl/ Sorbonne] bar/dancing
- [http://www.paddymurphys.nl/ Paddy murphy's irish pub] live music/sports bar
- [http://www.deapresskihut.nl/ Skihut] dutch apres-ski style partyplace
- [http://www.maassilo.com/events/index.asp Maassilo] & Factory010 Big dance events in an industrial building
- [http://www.herrzimmerman.eu/ Herr Zimmermann] German style techno parties
- [http://www.baroeg.nl/ Baroeg] hardrock/metal venue
- [http://www.frank010.nl/ Frank010] Friday afterwork drink event (see and be seen) in the cruiseterminal
- [http://www.cafestalles.nl/ Stalles] great bar with a good pizza deal
- [http://www.theviproom.eu/ VIP room] mainstream dance parties
- [http://www.dewitteaap.nl/ Witte aap] popular bar
- [http://www.clubvibes.nl/ Club vibes] little club
- [http://www.breakaway.nl/ Breakway cafe] american style bar with pooltables
- [http://www.bedrotterdam.nl/ BED Rotterdam] mainly international student parties (afterparty place of CS/BW meeting)
- [http://www.hmh.nl/home.aspx Hollywood music hall] great club for ages 16-20
- [http://www.club-eclipse.nl/ Club Eclipse] Danceclub with themeparties (surinam, hindi, hardcore, latin)
- [http://www.worm.org Worm] alternative clubbing
- [http://www.schieblock.com/ Schieblock/dependance/Club BAR] popup bar and dance events
- [http://bird-rotterdam.nl/stage/ BIRD] Restaurant/bar/concert venue
- [http://raafrotterdam.nl RAAF] Rotterdam Art Adventure Food
- [http://www.toffler.nl/ Toffler] alternative party place
- [http://www.levagabond.nl/ Le Vagabond] legendary bar with jazz concerts
- [http://www.roffaswing.nl/ Roffaswing] lindyhop and swingdance
- [http://www.hemingwaycafe.nl/ Hemingway Social club] Creative arty new club
- [https://www.facebook.com/lamaisondetre La Maison d'être] Music Art Food

===Cinema's===
Rotterdam is a great city for cinema's, the filmfestival is of course great, but there are a lot of movietheaters, not only blockbuster movieplextype, but also small arthouse cinema's and of course the pleinbioscoop open air cinema :-)

- [http://www.pathe.nl/ Pathe]
- [http://www.cineramabios.nl/ Cinerama]
- [http://www.lantarenvenster.nl/ Lantaarnvenster]
- [http://www.kloosterbioscoop.nl/ Kloosterbioscoop]
- [http://www.pleinbioscooprotterdam.nl/ Pleinbioscoop]

===Markets===
Rotterdam has some great markets where you can buys many fresh foods and items.
The biggest one of the Netherlands is on tuesdays and saturdays on the Binnenrotte, another famous one is the market on the Afrikaanderplein and even a biological market on Eendrachtplein on tuesdays, check the details [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_markten_in_Rotterdam here].

===Pools===
If you like swimming then there is a lot of choice, because Rotterdam has [http://www.rotterdamzwemt.nl/ 14 pools] to choose from.

===Getting around===

'''Cycling'''
Rotterdam is a great city for cycling and there are also many [http://www.fietseninregiorotterdam.nl/content/themaroutes.asp?menu=0030000_000000 cycling routes] around and in the city

'''Trams'''
There are many tramlines in Rotterdam that will get you to your destination quickly and also to the connecting cities like Schiedam, Vlaardingen en Barendrecht. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here].

'''Metro'''
Rotterdam has the oldest and the biggest [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdamse_metro metronetwork] of the Benelux, there are lines from East-West and North-South, but also it is very easy to reach connecting cities like Schiedam, Spijkenisse, Capelle a/d Ijssel, Rhoon, Hoogvliet, Pijnacker, Leidschendam and even to The Hague centre. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here].

'''Bus'''
There are many buslines in Rotterdam that will get you to your destination quickly and also to cities like Oud-Beijerland, Heerjansdam, Dirksland, Zeeland, Leiden, Utrecht and many more. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here] or [http://ov9292.nl here].

'''BOB-bus (nightbus)'''
Rotterdam also has many nightbus lines that run in the weekend at night. Check it [http://www.ret.nl/en/travel-with-ret/timetable/bob-bus.html here].

'''Watertaxi and waterbus'''
As Rotterdam is a watercity there are also [http://www.waterbus.nl/ waterbuses] and [http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl/home/uk_index.php?page=uk_home watertaxis] to transport you within the city and connecting cities or even to Dordrecht or to UNESCO heritage Kinderdijk.

'''Trains'''
Rotterdam also has 8 train station if you would need it. There are good connections to Utrecht, The Hague, Eindhoven, Breda and Amsterdam and Intercity trains to Antwerp and Brussels. There is a [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en hispeed connection] (25 minutes) with Schiphol airport. There are also [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en highspeed trains] directly to Lille and Paris (Thalys) and to Cologne (ICE). Plan your trip [http://www.ns.nl/en/travellers/home here]/

'''Taxi'''
Necessary evil it is, but sometimes you need a taxi, a reliable one is [http://www.rtcnv.nl/ RTC]

'''Airport'''
Even though there is a good connection with Schiphol airport and with the train you can also use Eindhoven airport, Rotterdam also has it's own [http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/ airport], with mainly flights within Europe.

==Meetings & events==
===Hospitality community===

The local hospitality community with many locals, international students and expats makes it supereasy to make friends or attend social events for both travellers and newbies in the city. To get easily in contact with the community the best way is the active [https://www.facebook.com/groups/120605294790036/ Facebook group].

The local hospitality community has a weekly meeting on tuesdays, every other week in [https://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=173055 Haagse Bluf] (near city hall). The meeting has 20-60 people weekly present and starts about 20:00 (but most show up after 21:00)

The Rotterdam local hospitality community organizes several meetings, such as the weekly meetings on Tuesdays. In the summer there are many Barbeque events, usually in Het Park (near the Euromast) in the Kralingse bos or the Vroesenpark (Blijdorp).

===Kitchensurfing===
For the foodlovers and cooking talents there is also the [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=17327 Kitchensurfing group] in Rotterdam. Organize a kitchensurf to let people try the delicious food from your country of join a potluck or attend a foodfestival.

===Winetasting===
For winelovers there is the winetasting group [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/965 Amarotes Rotterdae Veni] this is also on a [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=47157 CS group].

===Bookclub Rotterdam===
For booklovers there is also a group where you can read and discuss literature called [https://www.facebook.com/groups/148620431897286/ Book club Rotterdam]

===CSinterklaas event===
The local hospitality community in Rotterdam is also famous for the 'annual' [http://www.csinterklaas.nl/ CSinterklaas event] at the end of November, the largest CS event in the Netherlands.

Besides the weekly meeting, there are often other meetings as well, from roller skating to visit art exhibitions and festivals. More meetings are either shown in the group it self and/or displayed on the event part of this site.

=== Getting a couch===

Obtaining a place to stay in Rotterdam is relatively easy for a city as big (Dutch standards) as Rotterdam, please write locals a personal request first. If you still have problems finding a place, use the group. A last minute couch might be found easily at Tuesday's weekly meeting. If you still cannot find a couch or don't want to there is also the [http://www.stayokay.com/nl/hostel/rotterdam Stay-ok hostel],
hostel [http://www.roomrotterdam.nl/ Room],
[http://www.sleep-in.nl/ Hostel the Mafkees]

===Looking for a room===
There is a special group on both [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/1325 BW] as [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=31589 CS] for people who are looking for accomodation to live in Rotterdam.

===Free market & Secondhand stuff for sale===
If you want to look for free stuff people give a away or you have something to give away try this [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=21297 group]. If that doesn't work and you want to sell or buy secondhand stuff use this
[https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=40803 group]. Otherwise there is always [http://www.marktplaats.nl Marktplaats].

===Language learning===
Do you need a language tandem partner or you want to organize or join a conversation evening in a certain language, use this [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=38930 group].

===Expat meetings & parties===
For expats & Internationals Engels is regularly organizing parties in the Groothandelsgebouw (near Central Station) on the top floor of the building. More info [http://engels.nl/nieuws/Internationals%20meet%20internationals here].

Also there are expat meetings organized by [http://www.meetup.com/Expatrepublicrotterdam/ Expat Republic].

[http://www.internations.org www.internations.org] has a monthly barmeet in Rotterdam.

Rotterdam

2014-07-01T11:54:46Z

Ernstigdaapje:

Welcome to Rotterdam!

Visit the [http://www.bewelcome.org/places/NL/South%20Holland/Rotterdam Rotterdam place page] To find a host in our city!

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdam Rotterdam] is the second largest city in the Netherlands with 617.347 inhabitants in the city, but the Stadsregio Rotterdam (connected cities Spijkenisse, Schiedam, Vlaardingen, Maassluis, Capelle a/d Ijssel, Krimpen a/d Ijssel, Berkel, Bergschenhoek, Rhoon, Smitshoek, Hoek van Holland, Ridderkerk) it actually has 1.2 million inhabitants. The Metropolian region Rotterdam -The Hague has 2.2 million inhabitants and is the most high-densed area in the Netherlands. Of course Rotterdam is also the biggest port in Europe, the third biggest port in the world. It's the only city in the Netherlands with a real skyline. Rotterdam or 'Manhattan on the Maas' as it is also called, was bombed in the second worldwar. But Rotterdammers have rebuilt it quickly and now it is the capital of modern architecture of the Netherlands! Rotterdam has 173 nationalities and more than 45% of the Rotterdammers immigrated here, which increased diversity of the city.

Rotterdam is also the youngest city in the Netherlands, almost a third of the city's population is under 28 years of age.

Other popular names of Rotterdam are 'Rotjeknor', 010 (referring the dialcode) or Roffa.

===City of business===
Rotterdam is home to the [http://www.eur.nl/english/ Erasmus University], a very famous university for Business and Economics. Despite the fact that Rotterdam is not so well known as a university city, the many cultural events and international and multicultural atmosphere good nightlife and very good transport options makes many students choose for Rotterdam as their university city.

===City of architecture===
Rotterdam is a un-dutch city in a way, because after the world war the historical centre was not restored but room was given to modern architecture. The city is therefore also home to the [http://en.nai.nl/ Dutch Architecture Institute] (Nai) and of course many modern buildings and structures. Most famous is of course the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasmusbrug Erasmus bridge] (the Swan) which completes the futuristic skyline of Rotterdam. Near Blaak station there is another famous architectural site the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cube_house Cube houses]. But there are also new project, like the [http://www.rotterdam.nl/rotterdamcentraal new central station] of Rotterdam. The soon to be built [http://www.markthalrotterdam.nl/ Markthal] of Rotterdam. Crowd-funded airbridge [http://www.imakerotterdam.nl/ de Luchtsingel].

===City of sports===
Rotterdam is in the Netherlands seen as the capital of sports.
First of all there are three professional football clubs in Rotterdam
- [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feyenoord Feyenoord] plays in the [http://eredivisielive.nl/eredivisie/ Dutch Eredivisie] and the best known and the most successfull [http://www.feyenoord.nl club] of the city and plays in the iconic football stadium [http://www.dekuip.nl/ 'the Kuip'] in Rotterdam south.
- [http://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ Sparta Rotterdam] plays in the [http://eredivisielive.nl/jupiler-league/ Eerste Divisie] and is the oldest football club of the Netherlands with a great history and a nice stadium located in the west part of the city.
- The smallest club of Rotterdam is [http://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ SBV Excelsior] they also play in the Eerste Divisie and their stadium is located in the East part of the city.

Next to that Rotterdam is home to the biggest [http://www.marathonrotterdam.nl marathon] of the Netherlands and the [http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ ABN Amro international tennis tournament]. Also there is the indoor cycling event the [http://www.zesdaagserotterdam.nl/ Zesdaagse], the CHIO (equestrian sports), the world port tournament (baseball), the Roparun, Ladiesrun and many more.

===Rotterdam city of art, food and culture===
Rotterdam is a ever-changing city renewing itself quickly time after time. It is visible in the many new pop-up clubs, restaurants, galleries, vintage stores that keep popping up here and there, if something was nice and hip this month, next month it is maybe something else. This is all kept together in a sauce of events, art weeks, food fairs, exhibitions and cultural happenings. Keep up to date with [http://weownrotterdam.nl/ this site].

===Home of the Kapsalon===
The story goes that a hairdresser walked down from his work to local Turkish food store in Schiedamseweg. It must have been one of those finicky days when he was not quite sure what he wanted to eat because he ended up asking Â�for a bit of everything, bit of that and thisÂ� in the takeaway container. Creativity induced by hunger pangs and the [http://www.venere.com/blog/kapsalon-rotterdam/ Kapsalon] was born! With 1800 calories this after drinking food will take all your hunger away!

===Lakes & beaches===
Rotterdam is the city with the most water in the Netherlands. Of course because of all the ports, but also because there are three rivers in the city the Maas (that divides the North and the South of Rotterdam), the Rotte and the Schie. Next to that there are severals recreational lakes in Rotterdam, the Kralingse plas, the Bergse plassen, the Rottemeren en the Vrijenburger plas.

Also a good thing about Rotterdam is that it is close to the sea. There is a direct train that takes you in less then 30 minutes to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoek_van_Holland_Strand_railway_station beach of Hoek van Holland] with many popular [http://www.beachclubroyal.nl/nl/ beachclubs]. Also the ferries to England go from Hoek van Holland.

A second great beach to visit is [http://www.recreatiezuidholland.nl/content/gebieden_detail.asp?menu=0010000_000000_000048_000000 Rockanje beach], a bit to the South west of Rotterdam. Very easy to reach by car, by public transport take metroline D till station Spijkenisse Centrum, then take bus [http://wiki.ovinnederland.nl/wiki/Lijn_103_Spijkenisse_Metro_Centrum_-_Rockanje_Tweede_Slag 103] to Rockanje Tweede Slag. It's a great and popular beach with nice beachclubs, for instance [http://www.havana.nl/ Havana].

A third option is the newly created beach of the [http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/index/show/id/71/Recreatie Maasvlakte ] , this is also a great opportunity to visit [http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/futureland Futureland].
Here you can learn about the new created land that is taken from the sea to extend the port of Rotterdam.

===Things to see===
Rotterdam is the home to one of the oldest and nicest zoo's in the Netherlands, [http://www.blijdorp.nl/?lang=EN Diergaarde Blijdorp]

The world famous UNESCO World Heritage [http://www.kinderdijk.nl/index.html Kinderdijk] (a lot of dutch windmills in a beautiful landscape) is very near Rotterdam, there are even boat tours available from Rotterdam centre. The local hospitality community in Rotterdam usually organizes a bike tour in the summer or spring to this beautiful site.

Even though most historical parts of Rotterdam have been destroyed, there are some real nice historical parts to visit. For instance Delfshaven is a authentic and beautiful neighourhood where you will find the Pilgrimchurch but also many cozy bars and the only beer brewery in Rotterdam [http://www.pelgrimbier.nl/ Pelgrim]. You can try the beer on the bar of the brewery or take a tour. The name is Pelgrim, because the boat that took the Pilgrim fathers (first settlers in North America) left from Delfhaven and then to York.

Another magnificient building is the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_New_York_(Rotterdam) Hotel New York], this used to be the terminal for the famous Holland - America line, which transported many dutch that left to North America after the war to start a better life.

===Museums===

Rotterdam has many museums that are worth visiting, here is a selection:

- Museum [http://www.boijmans.nl/en/ Boymans van Beuningen] Classic and modern art
- the [http://www.kunsthal.nl/en-2-Kunsthal-Rotterdam.html Kunsthal] different art expositions
- the [http://www.maritiemmuseum.nl/website/index.cfm?itm_id=96 Maritime Museum]
- the [http://www.wereldmuseum.nl/en/home.html Wereldmuseum]
- [http://www.nederlandsfotomuseum.nl/index.php?lang=en Nederlands fotomuseum]
- [http://www.hetnatuurhistorisch.nl/ Natuurhistorisch museum]
- [http://www.ovmrotterdam.nl/english/index.php War resistance museum]
- [http://www.havenmuseum.nl/ Port museum]
- [http://www.dedubbeldepalmboom.nl/ Museum de Dubbelde Palmboom]
- [http://www.chabotmuseum.nl/ Chabot museum]
- [http://www.bdmuseum.nl/ Tax and customs museum]
- [http://www.trammuseumrotterdam.nl/ Tram museum]
- [http://www.onderwijsmuseum.nl/ National museum of Education]

===Festivals===
Rotterdam is a real [http://www.rotterdamfestivals.nl/public festival city] and has many annual events:

- [http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ International Film Festival Rotterdam] 22 january - 2 february
- [http://www.artrotterdam.com/users/128/content/home/EN-index.html Art Rotterdam Week] 5 february / 10 february
- [http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament] 11 -17 february
- [http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/en/index.php Museumnight Rotterdam] 9 march
- [http://www.motelmozaique.nl/en/ Motel Mozaique] (arts, live bands, theatre) 5, 6 april
- [http://www.parfumdeboemboem.nl/ Parfum de Boem Boem] (buiding sites tour) 5 - 7 april
- [http://www.circusstad.nl/english Circusstad Festival] 29 april - 5 may
- [http://www.newskoolrules.com/ New skool rules festival] 5 - 7 april
- [http://www.marathonrotterdam.org/home Marathon of Rotterdam] (biggest in NL) 13,14 april
- [http://www.redear.nl/ Red ear festival] (classical music, jazz, bands) 19 - 21 april
- [http://kdfrotterdam.nl/ Queens day festival] Rotterdam 30 april
- [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalzh.nl/ Liberation day festival] 5 may
- [http://www.roparun.org/ Roparun finish] (estafette tour from Paris to Rotterdam) 20 may
- [http://www.operadagenrotterdam.nl/en/ Operadays Rotterdam] 5 may - 2 june
- [http://www.zomerzondagen.nl/ Zomerzondagen] (summer sundays) sunday end may and june
- [http://www.routedunord.nl/ Route du Nord] 7-9 june
- [http://www.ladiesrun.nl/home Ladiesrun Rotterdam] 9 june
- [http://www.poetryinternationalweb.net/pi/site/festival/index/en Poetry International festival Rotterdam] 9 - 15 june
- [http://www.rotterdamunlimited.com/en Rotterdam Unlimited] (former Zomercarnaval and Dunya festival combined, multicultural festval and tropical summercarnaval) 11 - 16 june
- [http://www.chio.nl/EN CHIO Rotterdam] (equestrian sports) 19 - 23 june
- [http://www.deparade.nl/ De Parade Rotterdam] 20 - 30 june
- [http://www.dagvandearchitectuur.nl/ Architecture Day] 22 - 23 june
- [http://www.northseajazz.com/nl Northsea Jazz festival] 28 june / 14 july
- [http://www.worldporttournament.nl/ World Port Tournament] International baseball 30 june / 7 july
- [http://metropolisfestival.nl/ Metropolis Festival] 7 july
- [http://www.campingrotterdam.nl/ Camping Rotterdam] 18 july / 21 july
- [http://www.wednesdaynightskate.nl/ Wednesdaynight skate] wednesdays in july and august
- [http://www.duizelinhetpark.nl/ Duizel in het park] 9 augustus / 11 august
- [http://www.boothstock.nl/ Boothstock Festival] 10 augustus
- [http://www.pleinbioscooprotterdam.nl/ Pleinbioscoop Rotterdam] (open air cinema) 13 august / 2 september
- [http://www.cityracing.nl/ City Racing Rotterdam] 25 august
- [http://www.dagvanderomantischemuziek.nl/nl/ Dag van de Romantische Muziek] 25 august
- [http://www.veerhavenconcert.nl/ OVG Veerhavenconcert] 28 august / 31 august
- [http://www.culinesserotterdam.nl/ CuliNESSE] 29 august / 31 august
- [http://www.wereldhavendagen.nl/ World Port days] 6 september / 8 september
- [http://www.denachtvandekaap.nl/ De Nacht van de Kaap] 7 september
- [http://festivalwww.nl/en/ De Wereld van Witte de With] 13 september / 15 september
- [http://worldfoodfestival.wordpress.com/ World Food Festival] 18 september / 27 october
- [http://www.baroegopenair.nl/nl Baroeg Open Air] 21 september

Tips
- [http://naturthegreeneryelle..com/ Organic farm] near Rotterdam
- [http://www.degroenepassage.nl/ Groene passage] organic shopping
- [https://www.facebook.com/Burgertrut Burgertrut] Art gallery & pop-up restaurant
- [http://www.miniworldrotterdam.com/ENGindex.htm Railz miniworld] Miniature Rotterdam and trains
- [http://www.vapiano.de/frame.php?lang=nl Vapiano] cheap and good italian food (but long lines)
- [http://www.happyitaly.nl/ Happy Italy] cheap and good italian food (but long lines)
- [http://www.veryitalianpizza.nl/nl/home/ Very Italian Pizza] cheap and good italian food (no long lines yet)
- [http://www.rotown.nl/ Rotown] legendary bar/restaurant/club/venue with indie rock/hipsters/concerts
- [http://www.getback.nl/ Get Back] restaurant/club with 70's 80's 90's music
- [http://www.blenderrotterdam.nl/ Blender] restaurant/club 30+ crowd
- [http://corsorotterdam.nl/ Off corso] Big mainstream club
- [http://www.thaliarotterdam.nl/ Thalia] Club with latin house
- [http://www.tikis.nl/ Tiki's] hawaiian style bar
- [http://www.sorbonne.nl/ Sorbonne] bar/dancing
- [http://www.paddymurphys.nl/ Paddy murphy's irish pub] live music/sports bar
- [http://www.deapresskihut.nl/ Skihut] dutch apres-ski style partyplace
- [http://www.maassilo.com/events/index.asp Maassilo] & Factory010 Big dance events in an industrial building
- [http://www.herrzimmerman.eu/ Herr Zimmermann] German style techno parties
- [http://www.baroeg.nl/ Baroeg] hardrock/metal venue
- [http://www.frank010.nl/ Frank010] Friday afterwork drink event (see and be seen) in the cruiseterminal
- [http://www.cafestalles.nl/ Stalles] great bar with a good pizza deal
- [http://www.theviproom.eu/ VIP room] mainstream dance parties
- [http://www.dewitteaap.nl/ Witte aap] popular bar
- [http://www.clubvibes.nl/ Club vibes] little club
- [http://www.breakaway.nl/ Breakway cafe] american style bar with pooltables
- [http://www.bedrotterdam.nl/ BED Rotterdam] mainly international student parties (afterparty place of CS/BW meeting)
- [http://www.hmh.nl/home.aspx Hollywood music hall] great club for ages 16-20
- [http://www.club-eclipse.nl/ Club Eclipse] Danceclub with themeparties (surinam, hindi, hardcore, latin)
- [http://www.worm.org Worm] alternative clubbing
- [http://www.schieblock.com/ Schieblock/dependance/Club BAR] popup bar and dance events
- [http://bird-rotterdam.nl/stage/ BIRD] Restaurant/bar/concert venue
- [http://raafrotterdam.nl RAAF] Rotterdam Art Adventure Food
- [http://www.toffler.nl/ Toffler] alternative party place
- [http://www.levagabond.nl/ Le Vagabond] legendary bar with jazz concerts
- [http://www.roffaswing.nl/ Roffaswing] lindyhop and swingdance
- [http://www.hemingwaycafe.nl/ Hemingway Social club] Creative arty new club
- [https://www.facebook.com/lamaisondetre La Maison d'être] Music Art Food

===Cinema's===
Rotterdam is a great city for cinema's, the filmfestival is of course great, but there are a lot of movietheaters, not only blockbuster movieplextype, but also small arthouse cinema's and of course the pleinbioscoop open air cinema :-)

- [http://www.pathe.nl/ Pathe]
- [http://www.cineramabios.nl/ Cinerama]
- [http://www.lantarenvenster.nl/ Lantaarnvenster]
- [http://www.kloosterbioscoop.nl/ Kloosterbioscoop]
- [http://www.pleinbioscooprotterdam.nl/ Pleinbioscoop]

===Markets===
Rotterdam has some great markets where you can buys many fresh foods and items.
The biggest one of the Netherlands is on tuesdays and saturdays on the Binnenrotte, another famous one is the market on the Afrikaanderplein and even a biological market on Eendrachtplein on tuesdays, check the details [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_markten_in_Rotterdam here].

===Pools===
If you like swimming then there is a lot of choice, because Rotterdam has [http://www.rotterdamzwemt.nl/ 14 pools] to choose from.

===Getting around===

'''Cycling'''
Rotterdam is a great city for cycling and there are also many [http://www.fietseninregiorotterdam.nl/content/themaroutes.asp?menu=0030000_000000 cycling routes] around and in the city

'''Trams'''
There are many tramlines in Rotterdam that will get you to your destination quickly and also to the connecting cities like Schiedam, Vlaardingen en Barendrecht. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here].

'''Metro'''
Rotterdam has the oldest and the biggest [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdamse_metro metronetwork] of the Benelux, there are lines from East-West and North-South, but also it is very easy to reach connecting cities like Schiedam, Spijkenisse, Capelle a/d Ijssel, Rhoon, Hoogvliet, Pijnacker, Leidschendam and even to The Hague centre. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here].

'''Bus'''
There are many buslines in Rotterdam that will get you to your destination quickly and also to cities like Oud-Beijerland, Heerjansdam, Dirksland, Zeeland, Leiden, Utrecht and many more. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here] or [http://ov9292.nl here].

'''BOB-bus (nightbus)'''
Rotterdam also has many nightbus lines that run in the weekend at night. Check it [http://www.ret.nl/en/travel-with-ret/timetable/bob-bus.html here].

'''Watertaxi and waterbus'''
As Rotterdam is a watercity there are also [http://www.waterbus.nl/ waterbuses] and [http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl/home/uk_index.php?page=uk_home watertaxis] to transport you within the city and connecting cities or even to Dordrecht or to UNESCO heritage Kinderdijk.

'''Trains'''
Rotterdam also has 8 train station if you would need it. There are good connections to Utrecht, The Hague, Eindhoven, Breda and Amsterdam and Intercity trains to Antwerp and Brussels. There is a [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en hispeed connection] (25 minutes) with Schiphol airport. There are also [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en highspeed trains] directly to Lille and Paris (Thalys) and to Cologne (ICE). Plan your trip [http://www.ns.nl/en/travellers/home here]/

'''Taxi'''
Necessary evil it is, but sometimes you need a taxi, a reliable one is [http://www.rtcnv.nl/ RTC]

'''Airport'''
Even though there is a good connection with Schiphol airport and with the train you can also use Eindhoven airport, Rotterdam also has it's own [http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/ airport], with mainly flights within Europe.

==Meetings & events==
===Hospitality community===

The local hospitality community with many locals, international students and expats makes it supereasy to make friends or attend social events for both travellers and newbies in the city. To get easily in contact with the community the best way is the active [https://www.facebook.com/groups/120605294790036/ Facebook group].

The local hospitality community has a weekly meeting on tuesdays, every other week in [https://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=173055 Haagse Bluf] (near city hall). The meeting has 20-60 people weekly present and starts about 20:00 (but most show up after 21:00)

The Rotterdam local hospitality community organizes several meetings, such as the weekly meetings on Tuesdays. In the summer there are many Barbeque events, usually in Het Park (near the Euromast) in the Kralingse bos or the Vroesenpark (Blijdorp).

===Kitchensurfing===
For the foodlovers and cooking talents there is also the [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=17327 Kitchensurfing group] in Rotterdam. Organize a kitchensurf to let people try the delicious food from your country of join a potluck or attend a foodfestival.

===Winetasting===
For winelovers there is the winetasting group [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/965 Amarotes Rotterdae Veni] this is also on a [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=47157 CS group].

===Bookclub Rotterdam===
For booklovers there is also a group where you can read and discuss literature called [https://www.facebook.com/groups/148620431897286/ Book club Rotterdam]

===CSinterklaas event===
The local hospitality community in Rotterdam is also famous for the 'annual' [http://www.csinterklaas.nl/ CSinterklaas event] at the end of November, the largest CS event in the Netherlands.

Besides the weekly meeting, there are often other meetings as well, from roller skating to visit art exhibitions and festivals. More meetings are either shown in the group it self and/or displayed on the event part of this site.

=== Getting a couch===

Obtaining a place to stay in Rotterdam is relatively easy for a city as big (Dutch standards) as Rotterdam, please write locals a personal request first. If you still have problems finding a place, use the group. A last minute couch might be found easily at Tuesday's weekly meeting. If you still cannot find a couch or don't want to there is also the [http://www.stayokay.com/nl/hostel/rotterdam Stay-ok hostel],
hostel [http://www.roomrotterdam.nl/ Room].

In the summer (end of july) [http://www.sleep-in.nl/ Sleep-in hostel the Mafkees] opens and there from then are also parties organize by [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it Rotterdam]

===Looking for a room===
There is a special group on both [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/1325 BW] as [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=31589 CS] for people who are looking for accomodation to live in Rotterdam.

===Free market & Secondhand stuff for sale===
If you want to look for free stuff people give a away or you have something to give away try this [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=21297 group]. If that doesn't work and you want to sell or buy secondhand stuff use this
[https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=40803 group]. Otherwise there is always [http://www.marktplaats.nl Marktplaats].

===Language learning===
Do you need a language tandem partner or you want to organize or join a conversation evening in a certain language, use this [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=38930 group].

===Expat meetings & parties===
For expats & Internationals Engels is regularly organizing parties in the Groothandelsgebouw (near Central Station) on the top floor of the building. More info [http://engels.nl/nieuws/Internationals%20meet%20internationals here].

Also there are expat meetings organized by [http://www.meetup.com/Expatrepublicrotterdam/ Expat Republic].

[http://www.internations.org www.internations.org] has a monthly barmeet in Rotterdam.

Rotterdam

2014-07-01T10:32:08Z

Ernstigdaapje: Created page with "Welcome to Rotterdam! Visit the [http://www.bewelcome.org/places/NL/South%20Holland/Rotterdam Rotterdam place page] To find a host in our city! [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki..."

Welcome to Rotterdam!

Visit the [http://www.bewelcome.org/places/NL/South%20Holland/Rotterdam Rotterdam place page] To find a host in our city!

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdam Rotterdam] is the second largest city in the Netherlands with 617.347 inhabitants in the city, but the Stadsregio Rotterdam (connected cities Spijkenisse, Schiedam, Vlaardingen, Maassluis, Capelle a/d Ijssel, Krimpen a/d Ijssel, Berkel, Bergschenhoek, Rhoon, Smitshoek, Hoek van Holland, Ridderkerk) it actually has 1.2 million inhabitants. The Metropolian region Rotterdam -The Hague has 2.2 million inhabitants and is the most high-densed area in the Netherlands. Of course Rotterdam is also the biggest port in Europe, the third biggest port in the world. It's the only city in the Netherlands with a real skyline. Rotterdam or 'Manhattan on the Maas' as it is also called, was bombed in the second worldwar. But Rotterdammers have rebuilt it quickly and now it is the capital of modern architecture of the Netherlands! Rotterdam has 173 nationalities and more than 45% of the Rotterdammers immigrated here, which increased diversity of the city.

Rotterdam is also the youngest city in the Netherlands, almost a third of the city's population is under 28 years of age.

Other popular names of Rotterdam are 'Rotjeknor', 010 (referring the dialcode) or Roffa.

===City of business===
Rotterdam is home to the [http://www.eur.nl/english/ Erasmus University], a very famous university for Business and Economics. Despite the fact that Rotterdam is not so well known as a university city, the many cultural events and international and multicultural atmosphere good nightlife and very good transport options makes many students choose for Rotterdam as their university city.

===City of architecture===
Rotterdam is a un-dutch city in a way, because after the world war the historical centre was not restored but room was given to modern architecture. The city is therefore also home to the [http://en.nai.nl/ Dutch Architecture Institute] (Nai) and of course many modern buildings and structures. Most famous is of course the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erasmusbrug Erasmus bridge] (the Swan) which completes the futuristic skyline of Rotterdam. Near Blaak station there is another famous architectural site the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cube_house Cube houses]. But there are also new project, like the [http://www.rotterdam.nl/rotterdamcentraal new central station] of Rotterdam. The soon to be built [http://www.markthalrotterdam.nl/ Markthal] of Rotterdam. Crowd-funded airbridge [http://www.imakerotterdam.nl/ de Luchtsingel].

===City of sports===
Rotterdam is in the Netherlands seen as the capital of sports.
First of all there are three professional football clubs in Rotterdam
- [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feyenoord Feyenoord] plays in the [http://eredivisielive.nl/eredivisie/ Dutch Eredivisie] and the best known and the most successfull [http://www.feyenoord.nl club] of the city and plays in the iconic football stadium [http://www.dekuip.nl/ 'the Kuip'] in Rotterdam south.
- [http://www.sparta-rotterdam.nl/ Sparta Rotterdam] plays in the [http://eredivisielive.nl/jupiler-league/ Eerste Divisie] and is the oldest football club of the Netherlands with a great history and a nice stadium located in the west part of the city.
- The smallest club of Rotterdam is [http://www.sbvexcelsior.nl/ SBV Excelsior] they also play in the Eerste Divisie and their stadium is located in the East part of the city.

Next to that Rotterdam is home to the biggest [http://www.marathonrotterdam.nl marathon] of the Netherlands and the [http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ ABN Amro international tennis tournament]. Also there is the indoor cycling event the [http://www.zesdaagserotterdam.nl/ Zesdaagse], the CHIO (equestrian sports), the world port tournament (baseball), the Roparun, Ladiesrun and many more.

===Rotterdam city of art, food and culture===
Rotterdam is a ever-changing city renewing itself quickly time after time. It is visible in the many new pop-up clubs, restaurants, galleries, vintage stores that keep popping up here and there, if something was nice and hip this month, next month it is maybe something else. This is all kept together in a sauce of events, art weeks, food fairs, exhibitions and cultural happenings. Keep up to date with [http://weownrotterdam.nl/ this site].

===Home of the Kapsalon===
The story goes that a hairdresser walked down from his work to local Turkish food store in Schiedamseweg. It must have been one of those finicky days when he was not quite sure what he wanted to eat because he ended up asking Â�for a bit of everything, bit of that and thisÂ� in the takeaway container. Creativity induced by hunger pangs and the [http://www.venere.com/blog/kapsalon-rotterdam/ Kapsalon] was born! With 1800 calories this after drinking food will take all your hunger away!

===Lakes & beaches===
Rotterdam is the city with the most water in the Netherlands. Of course because of all the ports, but also because there are three rivers in the city the Maas (that divides the North and the South of Rotterdam), the Rotte and the Schie. Next to that there are severals recreational lakes in Rotterdam, the Kralingse plas, the Bergse plassen, the Rottemeren en the Vrijenburger plas.

Also a good thing about Rotterdam is that it is close to the sea. There is a direct train that takes you in less then 30 minutes to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoek_van_Holland_Strand_railway_station beach of Hoek van Holland] with many popular [http://www.beachclubroyal.nl/nl/ beachclubs]. Also the ferries to England go from Hoek van Holland.

A second great beach to visit is [http://www.recreatiezuidholland.nl/content/gebieden_detail.asp?menu=0010000_000000_000048_000000 Rockanje beach], a bit to the South west of Rotterdam. Very easy to reach by car, by public transport take metroline D till station Spijkenisse Centrum, then take bus [http://wiki.ovinnederland.nl/wiki/Lijn_103_Spijkenisse_Metro_Centrum_-_Rockanje_Tweede_Slag 103] to Rockanje Tweede Slag. It's a great and popular beach with nice beachclubs, for instance [http://www.havana.nl/ Havana].

A third option is the newly created beach of the [http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/index/show/id/71/Recreatie Maasvlakte ] , this is also a great opportunity to visit [http://www.maasvlakte2.com/nl/futureland Futureland].
Here you can learn about the new created land that is taken from the sea to extend the port of Rotterdam.

===Things to see===
Rotterdam is the home to one of the oldest and nicest zoo's in the Netherlands, [http://www.blijdorp.nl/?lang=EN Diergaarde Blijdorp]

The world famous UNESCO World Heritage [http://www.kinderdijk.nl/index.html Kinderdijk] (a lot of dutch windmills in a beautiful landscape) is very near Rotterdam, there are even boat tours available from Rotterdam centre. The local hospitality community in Rotterdam usually organizes a bike tour in the summer or spring to this beautiful site.

Even though most historical parts of Rotterdam have been destroyed, there are some real nice historical parts to visit. For instance Delfshaven is a authentic and beautiful neighourhood where you will find the Pilgrimchurch but also many cozy bars and the only beer brewery in Rotterdam [http://www.pelgrimbier.nl/ Pelgrim]. You can try the beer on the bar of the brewery or take a tour. The name is Pelgrim, because the boat that took the Pilgrim fathers (first settlers in North America) left from Delfhaven and then to York.

Another magnificient building is the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_New_York_(Rotterdam) Hotel New York], this used to be the terminal for the famous Holland - America line, which transported many dutch that left to North America after the war to start a better life.

===Museums===

Rotterdam has many museums that are worth visiting, here is a selection:

- Museum [http://www.boijmans.nl/en/ Boymans van Beuningen] Classic and modern art
- the [http://www.kunsthal.nl/en-2-Kunsthal-Rotterdam.html Kunsthal] different art expositions
- the [http://www.maritiemmuseum.nl/website/index.cfm?itm_id=96 Maritime Museum]
- the [http://www.wereldmuseum.nl/en/home.html Wereldmuseum]
- [http://www.nederlandsfotomuseum.nl/index.php?lang=en Nederlands fotomuseum]
- [http://www.hetnatuurhistorisch.nl/ Natuurhistorisch museum]
- [http://www.ovmrotterdam.nl/english/index.php War resistance museum]
- [http://www.havenmuseum.nl/ Port museum]
- [http://www.dedubbeldepalmboom.nl/ Museum de Dubbelde Palmboom]
- [http://www.chabotmuseum.nl/ Chabot museum]
- [http://www.bdmuseum.nl/ Tax and customs museum]
- [http://www.trammuseumrotterdam.nl/ Tram museum]
- [http://www.onderwijsmuseum.nl/ National museum of Education]

===Festivals===
Rotterdam is a real [http://www.rotterdamfestivals.nl/public festival city] and has many annual events:

- [http://www.filmfestivalrotterdam.com/en/ International Film Festival Rotterdam] 22 january - 2 february
- [http://www.artrotterdam.com/users/128/content/home/EN-index.html Art Rotterdam Week] 5 february / 10 february
- [http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/ ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament] 11 -17 february
- [http://www.rotterdamsemuseumnacht.nl/en/index.php Museumnight Rotterdam] 9 march
- [http://www.motelmozaique.nl/en/ Motel Mozaique] (arts, live bands, theatre) 5, 6 april
- [http://www.parfumdeboemboem.nl/ Parfum de Boem Boem] (buiding sites tour) 5 - 7 april
- [http://www.circusstad.nl/english Circusstad Festival] 29 april - 5 may
- [http://www.newskoolrules.com/ New skool rules festival] 5 - 7 april
- [http://www.marathonrotterdam.org/home Marathon of Rotterdam] (biggest in NL) 13,14 april
- [http://www.redear.nl/ Red ear festival] (classical music, jazz, bands) 19 - 21 april
- [http://kdfrotterdam.nl/ Queens day festival] Rotterdam 30 april
- [http://www.bevrijdingsfestivalzh.nl/ Liberation day festival] 5 may
- [http://www.roparun.org/ Roparun finish] (estafette tour from Paris to Rotterdam) 20 may
- [http://www.operadagenrotterdam.nl/en/ Operadays Rotterdam] 5 may - 2 june
- [http://www.zomerzondagen.nl/ Zomerzondagen] (summer sundays) sunday end may and june
- [http://www.routedunord.nl/ Route du Nord] 7-9 june
- [http://www.ladiesrun.nl/home Ladiesrun Rotterdam] 9 june
- [http://www.poetryinternationalweb.net/pi/site/festival/index/en Poetry International festival Rotterdam] 9 - 15 june
- [http://www.rotterdamunlimited.com/en Rotterdam Unlimited] (former Zomercarnaval and Dunya festival combined, multicultural festval and tropical summercarnaval) 11 - 16 june
- [http://www.chio.nl/EN CHIO Rotterdam] (equestrian sports) 19 - 23 june
- [http://www.deparade.nl/ De Parade Rotterdam] 20 - 30 june
- [http://www.dagvandearchitectuur.nl/ Architecture Day] 22 - 23 june
- [http://www.northseajazz.com/nl Northsea Jazz festival] 28 june / 14 july
- [http://www.worldporttournament.nl/ World Port Tournament] International baseball 30 june / 7 july
- [http://metropolisfestival.nl/ Metropolis Festival] 7 july
- [http://www.campingrotterdam.nl/ Camping Rotterdam] 18 july / 21 july
- [http://www.wednesdaynightskate.nl/ Wednesdaynight skate] wednesdays in july and august
- [http://www.duizelinhetpark.nl/ Duizel in het park] 9 augustus / 11 august
- [http://www.boothstock.nl/ Boothstock Festival] 10 augustus
- [http://www.pleinbioscooprotterdam.nl/ Pleinbioscoop Rotterdam] (open air cinema) 13 august / 2 september
- [http://www.cityracing.nl/ City Racing Rotterdam] 25 august
- [http://www.dagvanderomantischemuziek.nl/nl/ Dag van de Romantische Muziek] 25 august
- [http://www.veerhavenconcert.nl/ OVG Veerhavenconcert] 28 august / 31 august
- [http://www.culinesserotterdam.nl/ CuliNESSE] 29 august / 31 august
- [http://www.wereldhavendagen.nl/ World Port days] 6 september / 8 september
- [http://www.denachtvandekaap.nl/ De Nacht van de Kaap] 7 september
- [http://festivalwww.nl/en/ De Wereld van Witte de With] 13 september / 15 september
- [http://worldfoodfestival.wordpress.com/ World Food Festival] 18 september / 27 october
- [http://www.baroegopenair.nl/nl Baroeg Open Air] 21 september

Tips
- [http://naturthegreeneryelle..com/ Organic farm] near Rotterdam
- [http://www.degroenepassage.nl/ Groene passage] organic shopping
- [https://www.facebook.com/Burgertrut Burgertrut] Art gallery & pop-up restaurant
- [http://www.miniworldrotterdam.com/ENGindex.htm Railz miniworld] Miniature Rotterdam and trains
- [http://www.vapiano.de/frame.php?lang=nl Vapiano] cheap and good italian food (but long lines)
- [http://www.happyitaly.nl/ Happy Italy] cheap and good italian food (but long lines)
- [http://www.veryitalianpizza.nl/nl/home/ Very Italian Pizza] cheap and good italian food (no long lines yet)
- [http://www.rotown.nl/ Rotown] legendary bar/restaurant/club/venue with indie rock/hipsters/concerts
- [http://www.getback.nl/ Get Back] restaurant/club with 70's 80's 90's music
- [http://www.blenderrotterdam.nl/ Blender] restaurant/club 30+ crowd
- [http://corsorotterdam.nl/ Off corso] Big mainstream club
- [http://www.thaliarotterdam.nl/ Thalia] Club with latin house
- [http://www.tikis.nl/ Tiki's] hawaiian style bar
- [http://www.sorbonne.nl/ Sorbonne] bar/dancing
- [http://www.paddymurphys.nl/ Paddy murphy's irish pub] live music/sports bar
- [http://www.deapresskihut.nl/ Skihut] dutch apres-ski style partyplace
- [http://www.maassilo.com/events/index.asp Maassilo] & Factory010 Big dance events in an industrial building
- [http://www.herrzimmerman.eu/ Herr Zimmermann] German style techno parties
- [http://www.baroeg.nl/ Baroeg] hardrock/metal venue
- [http://www.frank010.nl/ Frank010] Friday afterwork drink event (see and be seen) in the cruiseterminal
- [http://www.cafestalles.nl/ Stalles] great bar with a good pizza deal
- [http://www.theviproom.eu/ VIP room] mainstream dance parties
- [http://www.dewitteaap.nl/ Witte aap] popular bar
- [http://www.clubvibes.nl/ Club vibes] little club
- [http://www.breakaway.nl/ Breakway cafe] american style bar with pooltables
- [http://www.bedrotterdam.nl/ BED Rotterdam] mainly international student parties (afterparty place of CS/BW meeting)
- [http://www.hmh.nl/home.aspx Hollywood music hall] great club for ages 16-20
- [http://www.club-eclipse.nl/ Club Eclipse] Danceclub with themeparties (surinam, hindi, hardcore, latin)
- [http://www.worm.org Worm] alternative clubbing
- [http://www.schieblock.com/ Schieblock/dependance/Club BAR] popup bar and dance events
- [http://bird-rotterdam.nl/stage/ BIRD] Restaurant/bar/concert venue
- [http://raafrotterdam.nl RAAF] Rotterdam Art Adventure Food
- [http://www.toffler.nl/ Toffler] alternative party place
- [http://www.levagabond.nl/ Le Vagabond] legendary bar with jazz concerts
- [http://www.roffaswing.nl/ Roffaswing] lindyhop and swingdance
- [http://www.hemingwaycafe.nl/ Hemingway Social club] Creative arty new club
- [https://www.facebook.com/lamaisondetre La Maison d'être] Music Art Food

===Cinema's===
Rotterdam is a great city for cinema's, the filmfestival is of course great, but there are a lot of movietheaters, not only blockbuster movieplextype, but also small arthouse cinema's and of course the pleinbioscoop open air cinema :-)

- [http://www.pathe.nl/ Pathe]
- [http://www.cineramabios.nl/ Cinerama]
- [http://www.lantarenvenster.nl/ Lantaarnvenster]
- [http://www.kloosterbioscoop.nl/ Kloosterbioscoop]
- [http://www.pleinbioscooprotterdam.nl/ Pleinbioscoop]

===Markets===
Rotterdam has some great markets where you can buys many fresh foods and items.
The biggest one of the Netherlands is on tuesdays and saturdays on the Binnenrotte, another famous one is the market on the Afrikaanderplein and even a biological market on Eendrachtplein on tuesdays, check the details [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_markten_in_Rotterdam here].

===Pools===
If you like swimming then there is a lot of choice, because Rotterdam has [http://www.rotterdamzwemt.nl/ 14 pools] to choose from.

===Getting around===

'''Cycling'''
Rotterdam is a great city for cycling and there are also many [http://www.fietseninregiorotterdam.nl/content/themaroutes.asp?menu=0030000_000000 cycling routes] around and in the city

'''Trams'''
There are many tramlines in Rotterdam that will get you to your destination quickly and also to the connecting cities like Schiedam, Vlaardingen en Barendrecht. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here].

'''Metro'''
Rotterdam has the oldest and the biggest [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotterdamse_metro metronetwork] of the Benelux, there are lines from East-West and North-South, but also it is very easy to reach connecting cities like Schiedam, Spijkenisse, Capelle a/d Ijssel, Rhoon, Hoogvliet, Pijnacker, Leidschendam and even to The Hague centre. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here].

'''Bus'''
There are many buslines in Rotterdam that will get you to your destination quickly and also to cities like Oud-Beijerland, Heerjansdam, Dirksland, Zeeland, Leiden, Utrecht and many more. Plan your trip [http://www.ret.nl/en/homepage.html here] or [http://ov9292.nl here].

'''BOB-bus (nightbus)'''
Rotterdam also has many nightbus lines that run in the weekend at night. Check it [http://www.ret.nl/en/travel-with-ret/timetable/bob-bus.html here].

'''Watertaxi and waterbus'''
As Rotterdam is a watercity there are also [http://www.waterbus.nl/ waterbuses] and [http://www.watertaxirotterdam.nl/home/uk_index.php?page=uk_home watertaxis] to transport you within the city and connecting cities or even to Dordrecht or to UNESCO heritage Kinderdijk.

'''Trains'''
Rotterdam also has 8 train station if you would need it. There are good connections to Utrecht, The Hague, Eindhoven, Breda and Amsterdam and Intercity trains to Antwerp and Brussels. There is a [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en hispeed connection] (25 minutes) with Schiphol airport. There are also [http://www.nshispeed.nl/en highspeed trains] directly to Lille and Paris (Thalys) and to Cologne (ICE). Plan your trip [http://www.ns.nl/en/travellers/home here]/

'''Taxi'''
Necessary evil it is, but sometimes you need a taxi, a reliable one is [http://www.rtcnv.nl/ RTC]

'''Airport'''
Even though there is a good connection with Schiphol airport and with the train you can also use Eindhoven airport, Rotterdam also has it's own [http://www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl/ airport], with mainly flights within Europe.

==Meetings & events==
===Hospitality community===

The local hospitality community with many locals, international students and expats makes it supereasy to make friends or attend social events for both travellers and newbies in the city. To get easily in contact with the community the best way is the active [https://www.facebook.com/groups/120605294790036/ Facebook group].

The local hospitality community has a weekly meeting on tuesdays, every other week in [https://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=173055 Haagse Bluf] (near city hall). The meeting has 20-60 people weekly present and starts about 20:00 (but most show up after 21:00)

The other meeting location is [https://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=173054 Villa Kakelbont]

The Rotterdam local hospitality community organizes several meetings, such as the weekly meetings on Tuesdays. In the summer there are many Barbeque events, usually in Het Park (near the Euromast) in the Kralingse bos or the Vroesenpark (Blijdorp).

===Kitchensurfing===
For the foodlovers and cooking talents there is also the [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=17327 Kitchensurfing group] in Rotterdam. Organize a kitchensurf to let people try the delicious food from your country of join a potluck or attend a foodfestival.

===Winetasting===
For winelovers there is the winetasting group [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/965 Amarotes Rotterdae Veni] this is also on a [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=47157 CS group].

===Bookclub Rotterdam===
For booklovers there is also a group where you can read and discuss literature called [https://www.facebook.com/groups/148620431897286/ Book club Rotterdam]

===CSinterklaas event===
The local hospitality community in Rotterdam is also famous for the 'annual' [http://www.csinterklaas.nl/ CSinterklaas event] at the end of November, the largest CS event in the Netherlands.

Besides the weekly meeting, there are often other meetings as well, from roller skating to visit art exhibitions and festivals. More meetings are either shown in the group it self and/or displayed on the event part of this site.

=== Getting a couch===

Obtaining a place to stay in Rotterdam is relatively easy for a city as big (Dutch standards) as Rotterdam, please write locals a personal request first. If you still have problems finding a place, use the group. A last minute couch might be found easily at Tuesday's weekly meeting. If you still cannot find a couch or don't want to there is also the [http://www.stayokay.com/nl/hostel/rotterdam Stay-ok hostel],
hostel [http://www.roomrotterdam.nl/ Room].

In the summer (end of july) [http://www.sleep-in.nl/ Sleep-in hostel the Mafkees] opens and there from then are also parties organize by [http://www.use-it.nl/ Use-it Rotterdam]

===Looking for a room===
There is a special group on both [http://www.bewelcome.org/groups/1325 BW] as [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=31589 CS] for people who are looking for accomodation to live in Rotterdam.

===Free market & Secondhand stuff for sale===
If you want to look for free stuff people give a away or you have something to give away try this [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=21297 group]. If that doesn't work and you want to sell or buy secondhand stuff use this
[https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=40803 group]. Otherwise there is always [http://www.marktplaats.nl Marktplaats].

===Language learning===
Do you need a language tandem partner or you want to organize or join a conversation evening in a certain language, use this [https://www.couchsurfing.org/group.html?gid=38930 group].

===Expat meetings & parties===
For expats & Internationals Engels is regularly organizing parties in the Groothandelsgebouw (near Central Station) on the top floor of the building. More info [http://engels.nl/nieuws/Internationals%20meet%20internationals here].

Also there are expat meetings organized by [http://www.meetup.com/Expatrepublicrotterdam/ Expat Republic].

[http://www.internations.org www.internations.org] has a monthly barmeet in Rotterdam.