Markthal, Rotterdam, January 2020
We’ll set out for our ramble from the Markthal. It’s easy to get to (just a short walk from Blaak Station) and its size and shape make it hard to miss.
I joined one of Rotterdam’s free guided walks from here and thoroughly enjoyed it. It gave me a good overview of the history of the city, and showed me all of the key sites, plus tips on other things to do. I’m not going to give full details of the tour route as I don’t want to divulge their secrets; just be sure to join one of their walks when you get to wonderful Rotterdam.
So instead of a step-by-step walk, I’ll give you a selection of photos, most of which I took in a hurry as I was too busy listening to really concentrate on the camera – and I don’t often resist the subtleties of the shutter button!
Laurenskerk – badly damaged in the 1940 bombing, but renovated
Monument to Desiderius Erasmus, humanist, theologian and philosopher born in Rotterdam in 1467
The tour ended at the yellow Cube Houses, just a short walk across the square from the Markthal. They are worth a good explore (one is open as a museum if you want to pop in when the walk finishes).
The balcony at the back gives good views onto the Oudehaven and the red bridge Willemsbrug.
Book your free walking tour with freewalkingtourrotterdam.com
This is not a sponsored blog post, it is my personal recommendation.
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 17 February 2020
Posted as part of Jo’s Monday Walks
I loved Rotterdam, but looking at your photos I just noticed the Markthal has a heart in the window! The city actually really took me by surprise with the amazing architecture though, not what I had expected at all.
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It had changed so much in recent years that I didn’t recognise it. I was there in run up to Valentines Day, hence the heart 🙂
A great fun and friendly city – I will be back. One day!!
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We always try to do a free walking tour in a strange city, Debs. It helps you orientate and if you only have a short time gives you a great flavour of a place. Rotterdam does indeed look a good one to explore. Haven’t even been to Amsterdam yet. The dams are ganging up on me 🙂 🙂 Thanks a lot for linking, hon!
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It’s more hip and edgy than Amsterdam. Good trains service in Netherlands makes it easy to visit the key towns with ease. A nice summer break if you want to escape the heat
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The modern architecture is truly impressive! I love the market, yellow dwellings, and Erasmus monument!
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Hard to beat for modern architecture. The market is amazing inside too – good food and great decoration. I’ll show more soon
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My dad just retired from his work as an architect. I sent him the link, he loved it too.
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I think he’d enjoy a visit to Rotterdam. Although their first attempt at rebuilding after the war was rushed and not very attractive, they have really turned it around in the last 10-20 years
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I’m a huge fan of the ‘free’ walking tours, even though of course you pay-as-you-feel. They’re hugely informative as well as often being a little idiosyncratic. This one looks a goodie. I’ll remember it later this year. Rotterdam will only be a stopover, but maybe we should engineer longer.
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Do spend a little longer if you can. Well worth it. My guide for this walk was Hans and he added a few Personal stories. Good fun!
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Well done for listening, it’s not like you to resist the shutter button, but you’ve given us a small flavour of the place!
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So much beauty! I remember when I was younger the thought of a tour made me cringe. I didn’t understand how much more there is that just what our eyes reveal!
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I used to avoid tours too. But now there is an excellent choice of tours in small groups, or private, by locals – a great way to spend a couple of hours.
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