| With a 2007 population of 584,000, Rotterdam lies on | | | | attractive destination, and was rewarded for that |
| the vast delta of the river Rhine, and is the largest port | | | | effort with the European Capital of Culture designation |
| in Europe. It is the Netherlands' second-largest city next | | | | in 2001. The city is also rich in museums of which there |
| to the more high profile Amsterdam, but Rotterdam | | | | are many, including the Maritime Museum, which has |
| definitely has its own unique appeal that makes it an | | | | over a half million exhibits. There is much excellent |
| excellent tourist destination. In fact, 4 million people per | | | | shopping as well, with the Linjbaan pedestrian shopping |
| year visit Rotterdam. | | | | area standing out with its many fine specialty |
| The city center was largely destroyed right at the | | | | restaurants. Also be sure to visit the Oceanium, which |
| beginning of World War II, and the city was rebuilt with | | | | is a wonderful sea aquarium that features a |
| a look toward the future. Thus Rotterdam is a modern | | | | particularly scary shark tunnel. |
| city compared to some of its European | | | | Don't miss the popular Walk of Fame, which |
| contemporaries, and features much stunning modern | | | | commemorates 200 international celebrities in concrete |
| architecture. The city is known for its impressive | | | | along "Star Boulevard". The port is particularly well lit |
| skyline. It has the tallest residential building in the | | | | and impressive at night -- before you leave Rotterdam, |
| Netherlands at 524 feet, as well as the 520 foot tallest | | | | you have to take a cruise on the colorful "pancake |
| office building, called Delftse Poort. Another prominent | | | | boat", where you can cruise along the nighttime |
| feature of the skyline is the 610 foot Euromast Tower, | | | | cityscape and port while ingesting all the pancakes you |
| which is a very popular tourist attraction. | | | | can pack away. |
| Rotterdam has worked hard to make itself an | | | | |