Spring is in the air in Rotterdam, and like every year our boys have two weeks holidays. We didn’t plan to go anywhere this time, which means our family enjoys staying in the city. I thought it would be a good idea to continue our blog series – Discover City with kids. Do you remember my post about holidays in Barcelona?

I will tell you honestly that it seems to me that Rotterdam is not a city for everyone. You wonder why? This modern place doesn’t have a bright city center or many tourist’s attractions which you need to see. A few years ago we would hardly notice any tourists around, as I believe they rather go to a party in Amsterdam. I can understand that! Rotterdam is a raw, modern city where you need to put an extra effort to discover it. It’s going to be trials and errors before you would know – either you hate it or love it!

I could make a few posts about different areas of Rotterdam and what we like about each spot, but today I will start with these:

If you are in Rotterdam, you have to try a water taxi! We are lucky to have the Maas river crossing the city, and the area around it is one of my favorite. Just a walk along from Erasmus bridge to Euromast park makes my day. Please try it, and you will feel the energy this city has to offer.

You can find all the spots to board your Rotterdam Taxi here.
A taxi from Parkade to NewYork Hotel or SSrotterdam ship, for example, is a great idea and kids will love the exciting ride!
You can walk on the impressive huge cruise ship, cool off at the pool on the deck and get your lunch with a great view over Rotterdam waterfront.
If you decide to visit the New York Hotel, there is a photo museum worth visit, great theater, cinema or you can cross the bridge and discover Fenix Food Factory and Deliplein with its bars and cafes. This part of Rotterdam is new and hip at the moment.

Our favorite spot to hang out in the center of Rotterdam will be the Library, just in front of the very popular MARKTHALL. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, there is a big city market in front of it with food, flowers, and many different things! Very busy but if you like this kind of atmosphere than put the date in your agenda.

Don’t forget to make some pictures in front of impressive MARKTHALL and go direction – Botersloot street, Pannekoekstraat. There is plenty of little stores and cafes.

If you fancy a Baker’s Dough – here you find the first one opened in the Netherlands! Surprisingly I’m the only one in our family who loves it. Our kids are not fans of the dough, but it could be an exciting experience to try something new.

For all of you vegans and veggie lovers – there is a beautiful biological supermarket and a perfect lunch spot with plenty of choices – called Green passage. Our favorite spot to eat in this area though is a Vietnamese restaurant with great food and a cozy interior called Little V. or an excellent Mexican spot called Alfredo’s Taqueria.

Our favorite and the most kids and family friendly children book store over there is called de Kleine kapitein. The owner is super friendly, and he will jump on a chance to advise a perfect book for your kids! My older son loves to read, so he could sit on the sofa and read for hours over there. Happily, there is a small cafe corner for parents, and the little ones can play with the toys around. You will fill relaxed and comfortable.

Which child doesn’t like ice cream? Well, in Rotterdam the IJS SALON is an institution. The ice cream here is simply delicious. Don’t miss the pistachio ones. I have a weak spot for the cherry mania!

SCOTCH&SODA kids store is just next door, and after the ice cream we always pop in there to spy the latest trends. It’s a unique little place, with super friendly staff. Follow the street if you fancy some shopping or cross it direction the Sint-Laurens church to relax and let kids play around the green square.

I could go on and on but for now, I feel this is enough. I will tell you more about other places next time…