Rotterdam (Amsterdam)

Rotterdam is the second largest city of the Netherlands with approximately 600,000 citizens. The port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe and one of the biggest ports in the world. Delfshaven is a historic harbor and one of the oldest places in Rotterdam. You will find many antique shops, the historic museum Rotterdam, shipyard De Delft and the famous Pilgrim Fathers Church in this area.

 

Settlement at the lower end of the stream Rotte dates from at least 900. Around 1260 a dam was built at the present day Hoogstraat. This resulted in the name Rotterdam.  At the end of the 19th century the city grew very rapidly and became a very important port. During the second World War the heart of the city was almost completely destroyed by the Germans. It took many years to rebuild the city but at present there's a modern, architectural and lively city center with a new skyline.  Although Dutch is the main language most people speak English as well.  Shops in the centre are open every day of the week but on Friday they have extended opening hours and remain open until 9pm