Destination guides > Europe > Netherlands > South Holland (Zuid-Holland) > Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Much of Rotterdam's old city was destroyed during World War II, however the city has been rebuilt to become the world's largest port and a major business city. In contrast to elsewhere in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is a thoroughly modern city with a reputation for innovative architecture although it lacks the charm of Amsterdam or even The Hague. A boat trip on the harbour is one of the highlights of a trip to Rotterdam.
Practical information
Rotterdam Tourist Infomation Centre (VVV)
Coolsingel 67, Rotterdam
Metro Stadhuis Tram 20, 21, 23 (stop: metro station Stadhuis)
Tel 0900 403 4065
Website www.rotterdam.info
Tourist Infomation (Use-It)
The Use-It information centre has loads of excellent information for backpackers including a nifty free guide to Rotterdam, maps, free lockers and bike rental for €6 a day.
Schaatsbaan 41-45, Rotterdam
Metro Centraal Station
Tel (010) 240 9158
Website www.use-it.nl
Open 1 Jan-14 May Tue-Sat 9am-5pm; 15 May-15 Sep Tue-Sun 9am-6pm; 16 Sep-31 Dec Tue-Sat 9am-5pm
Coming & going
Rotterdam Airport is accessible by bus 33 from centraal Station, which costs €2.70. This airport handles mostly short flights within Europe and most longer flights depart from Amsterdam or Brussels, which are easily accessible by train.
Eurolines buses depart from Conradstraat next to Centraal Station.
The train is the easiest way in and out of Rotterdam. Centraal Station (Rotterdam CS) is located to the north of the city centre and is a terminus for trams and the metro. Trains to Amsterdam and The Hague depart every fifteen minutes.
Local transport
Rotterdam has a good public transport network comprising buses, trams and a metro.
You can use either an OV-chipkaart or national strippenkaart to travel on buses and trams, but only the OV-chipkaart is accepted on the metro. Fares paid for with the OV-chipkaart cost 75c plus 10c per km, however you can also buy a one day pass (€6), a two day pass (€9) and a three day pass (€12).
Hostel accommodation
Hostel Boat the Clipper
Scheepmakershaven, Rotterdam
Metro Blaak
Tel (010) 414 15 51
ROOM Rotterdam
Van Vollenhovenstraat 62, 3016 BK Rotterdam
Tram 7 (stop: Westplein), 8 (stop: Vasteland) Metro Leuvehaven
Tel (010) 2827277
Sleep-in Mafkees
Schaatsbaan 41, 3013 Rotterdam
Metro Centraal Station
Tel (010) 404 6912
Sleep-Inn S.S.R.-Rotterdam
Mauritsweg 29 B, 3012 JS Rotterdam
Tram 4, 7 (stop: Eendrachtsplein) Metro Centraal Station, Eendrachtsplein
Tel (010) 414 3256
Stayokay Rotterdam
Overblaak 85-87, 3011 MH Rotterdam
Metro Blaak Tram 21 (stop: Blaak) Bus 32, 46, 48, 50, B5 (stop: Blaak) Train Blaak
Tel (010) 436 57 63
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