2_1_DiscoverBenelux_22_Oct_2015_Scan Magazine 1 30/09/2015 20:47 Page 32
Discover Benelux | Rotterdam Special | Introduction
MAIN IMAGE: A little bit of New York and Holland as seen from the Wijnhaven.
you can try out Europe’s fastest zip wire or aerial runway. If you prefer to keep both feet on the ground, or are ready for some refreshments, head to De Oude Haven or Old Harbour. Rotterdam’s port is the biggest in the world and is stretched over a large area. De Oude Haven gives you another splendid look over the town and offers you a mix of cosy restaurants and cafes. Just like Manhattan, Rotterdam is filled with taxis, but here they don’t take to the streets. Instead the charming yellow cabs are on the water. Sailing over the Maas River, these boats can take you to over 50 destinations in the city. Another way to see the sights is by ‘splash bus’, a bus that turns into a boat halfway through the tour to sail over the Maas. If you are looking for a quieter place to enjoy the town’s landscape, visit the Kralingse Plas, just outside of the city centre, where you will find a wealth of nature and classical windmills (see page 45).
ABOVE LEFT: Parts of the Hoorn Des Overvloeds (Horn of plenty) artwork. LEFT: The impressive architecture of former tea factory Van Nelle.
Shopping can be done at the Witte de With Street. It is lined with fashion shops and boutiques selling the latest trends. In the evenings, it is also a great place for a glass of wine or a bite to eat. If you really want to experience food, head to the socalled food Walhalla of the Netherlands; the newly opened Markthal (see page 50). At just a ten-minute walk from the Witte de With Street, the indoor market hall offers daily fresh products from local dealers. If you look up, you’ll see the impressive Horn of Plenty artwork on the ceiling, showing the different sorts of food that the Markthal sells. The creation refers to the cornucopia, a horn overflowing with unlimited fruits and gifts, symbolising fertility, fortune and abundance. It is no wonder Rotterdam was named European City of the Year by the Academy of Urbanism last year. This is also thanks to the city’s young, open and tolerant community that embraces urban design, offers excellent public transport and examples of innovative architecture.
32 | Issue 22 | October 2015