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Reality be instructed, we have lined quite a few Amsterdam alternatives because the iconic metropolis hasn’t precisely been essentially the most welcoming host lately.
They’re going so far as implementing ‘Keep Away’ campaigns, hoping to change their picture as a party-driven vacation spot, but their well-known purple lights nonetheless illuminate many darkish nights.
Go determine.
That being stated, regardless of Amsterdam inserting its personal self-induced issues within the palms of incoming vacationers, the remainder of the Netherlands is teeming with vibrant cities and cities able to welcome guests with open arms.


TimeOut simply revealed Europe’s prime metropolis to go to in 2025, and never solely is it not Amsterdam, however a surprising city escape you’ve got doubtless by no means heard of because the former has lengthy been the one Dutch family title except you’ve got heard of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Heeswijk-Dinther, or Hellevoetsluis.
Yeah, did not assume so…
Nonetheless, 2025 is all about discovering new locations as most of the world’s icons cope with an overflow of tourists like Barcelona, Athens, and certainly Amsterdam would elevate their hand too.
Rotterdam: A Vibrant Dutch Metropolis Set To Steal Amsterdam’s Vacationers Away


The place on the earth is Rotterdam? Effectively, you’ve got gathered it is within the Netherlands, however why the sudden hype for a metropolis largely missed by mainstream vacationers?
Rotterdam is a big port metropolis in South Holland. Being a Dutch metropolis, it clearly boasts scenic canals with an analogous ambiance to Amsterdam, however locals might be a lot happier to see you exploring their metropolis versus Europe’s new “Karen”.
Whereas Amsterdam has been a staple of Dutch tradition, many argue in opposition to town being The Netherlands’ primary tourism hub, as Rotterdam is seen as being the true heartbeat of the nation.


House to round 200,000 fewer folks than Amsterdam, Rotterdam is a reasonably large metropolis teeming with many city delights and outside sights, however maybe not more than a brand new highly-anticipated museum set to open doorways in Might 2025.
Fenix, in accordance with their website, is the ‘first museum on the earth that tells tales of migration by way of artwork’, and TimeOut is setting large expectations for this new idea, ranking Fenix as one of many ’25 finest new issues to do on the earth in 2025′.
Till then, you’ll be able to get pleasure from warming up in Rotterdam’s one-of-a-kind jacuzzi boats, HotTug, or get pleasure from a scenic bike trip in typical Ditch vogue.
Rotterdam’s Actually Cool Neighborhoods


I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the world’s coolest neighborhood, however Rotterdam ought to positively be within the dialog.
What was previously Rotterdam’s buzzing Chinatown district with seedy bars and darkish underbelly actions, Katendecht has remodeled right into a hip neighborhood of classy eating places and meals halls, welcomed graffiti murals, and even a Dutch Pinball Museum as a result of why not?
The place you may discover the heartbeat of town is Witte de Withstraat, a hub for all issues enjoyable. Neighboring the Museum Quarter, visiting Witte de Withstraat ought to prime your Rotterdam itinerary so long as you might have an open thoughts since you by no means know what quirks and delights you may uncover.


These with an adventurous palate might be enthralled by the number of cuisines starting from Vietnamese to Surinamese and off-the-wall bars serving up native brews.
Whereas we’re simply scratching the floor right here, historical past buffs will love diving into the fascinating timeline of Spido Harbour, the one part of town not slammed with WWII bombs and now serves as an excellent spot for photo-ops with sweeping views of Rotterdam’s vibrant skyline and waterways.
Diving deeper into Rotterdam’s timeline, you’ll be able to go to one of many metropolis’s oldest neighborhoods, Delfshaven, house to the staggering Oude Kirk courting again to the 1600s.


However these days, you’ll be able to play 9-hole avenue golf, get pleasure from quaint cafes, and savor the flavour of Dutch distilleries.
How To Attain Rotterdam
No U.S. airports provide direct flights to Rotterdam, so no less than one connection, both by airplane or prepare, is required.
Flights connect with Rotterdam from main European hubs similar to London, Istanbul, Barcelona, and Lisbon.
You might additionally fly into Amsterdam and attain Rotterdam by train as rapidly as 33 minutes.


Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 30 nations and written over 400 articles with a concentrate on sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.
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