We’re fairly sure we can show you some undiscovered beauties of this wonderful city. The best part? This list of Rotterdam’s 8 hidden locations will lead you to every section of the city. The majority of the places on the list are at no cost!
1. Park Schoonoord: for views of nature
But did you know that there is a small park named Schoonoord right adjacent to Het Park, hidden behind a small stream, some trees, and a fence? Pass through its gates to enter a sizable garden that dates back to 1706!
Formerly a backyard, this location is now accessible to everyone and is free to visit. The park is home to a lovely pond, a botanical garden, birds, and over 250-year-old trees! You can even adopt a tree, but you are not allowed to engrave your name on it.
You should bring your date here to have a glass of wine. But be sure to go out for a daytime drink because the park shuts at 4:30.
2. Escape to the mountains on Eiland van Brienenoord (the island of Brienenoord)
There is an exit that goes to a little bridge not far from the Feyenoord football stadium. You may get to Brienenoord Island through this bridge. a Scottish Highlander-populated island with a forest and open waters.
You can approach the tame animals and walk alongside them. Just don’t give these animals any food! Have you watched the movie Gremlins? So you’ll be aware of what happens if you feed them.
You can locate tiny cottages with gardens containing a variety of plants and vegetables around halfway around the island. The Brienenoord bridge is pretty spectacular to walk underneath, and the rest of the island, covered in nature, offers a stark contrast. It may not be the ideal location for some quiet nature because of the bridge and the noise from automobiles, but you do get some excellent skyline views.
3. A lovely garden is on the roof of the Hofplein train station
After enjoying your delicious hummus, quinoa, bean, falafel, potato, and herb burger, head over to the former Hofplein train station for a beverage and the view. There is a little garden containing herbs, fruits, vegetables, and other plants near this station, which was constructed over the remains of ancient train tracks. You might even happen upon an event over the summer.
This is your chance to cross train tracks unharmed if you’ve always wanted to! The ancient Hofplein train tracks will be turned into a 1.2-kilometer-long park in Rotterdam, just like they did in New York. The well-known yellow pedestrian bridge “de Luchtsingel,” which also links to the Biergarten, is connected to this station.
4. Noordereiland: rich in history and beautiful scenery
There is an island in Rotterdam, so you don’t have to travel to Zeeland or the north to locate them! De Willemsbrug and Koninginnebrug connect the floating Noordereiland to Rotterdam’s north and south.
Although the island is technically a part of the city’s south side and neighborhood of Feijenoord, there is an ongoing debate about whether it actually belongs there. As a result, Noordereiland is still in the middle.
At the start of World War Two, the island had a significant impact. The Dutch army and marines fought directly at the south side of the bridge for four days when the German army caught them off guard at the old Willemsbrug on May 10, 1940.
The Dutch army, while being small, unprepared, and underdeveloped, was able to prevent the German soldiers from seizing the bridges. Of course, after the city was bombed on May 14, 1940, things altered.
The island has a fascinating history in addition to beautiful scenery and photogenic spots. The ancient homes are in front of a fantastic skyline view on the north side. The Maastoren and Erasmusbrug can be seen from a distinctive perspective on the west side.
5. Maastunnel for pedestrians: 1.2 kilometers of underground walking
The Maastunnel, which was constructed during World War II, is the oldest “sunken” tunnel in the Netherlands. The tunnel was constructed on land, then submerged into the sea.
The city constructed a tunnel for cyclists and pedestrians next to the car tunnel. This tunnel might be your friend if you ever feel like walking 1.2 kilometers to the opposite side of the city for no reason!
6. For historical remembrance, the Boompjes Merchant Marine Memorial and Park
One of our favorite summertime hangouts is here. A little park with lots of vibrant flowers and plants was erected by the city next to the Merchant Monument honoring all seafarers who died in World War Two. “Ze Hielden Koers” park, which translates to “they kept course,” is the official name of the area.
The park is conveniently located adjacent to Erasmusbrug. It’s a wonderful spot to bring drinks, companions, or a date, sit on a bench, and take in the sunset reflected in the nearby structures. It’s a good idea to use the restroom before entering the park because it is quite a distance away.
7. Heemraadssingel: go for a stroll by yourself
Built about 1900, the Heemraadssingel is a 1.5 km long park in Delfshaven. The promenade includes little bridges, several tree species, birds, and bird poop. Both antique homes and works of art can be seen on each side of the singel (stream or brook). The explanation texts taped to tiny electric cottages along the sea are enjoyable if you can understand Dutch.
One of the several singels in Rotterdam is the Heemraadssingel. Noordsingel and Provinierssingel are two other singels. Did you know that Coolsingel used to resemble these singels circa 1900? Why the name? Access the path from the north side at Beukelsdijk or the south side at the metro station Coolhaven.
8. Townhall Garden: a place for contemplation
Would it be accurate to say that you have likely yet to find this cozy garden? The garden may be accessed through two doors on either side of the town hall in Coolsingel, constructed between 1914 and 1920.
It is open to the public, and entrance is free. Even if the garden is quite small, it doesn’t really matter. The type of sandwich you bring matters. Remarkably, this level of silence can be found right in the middle of the metropolis.
