City center
Rotterdam is a port city located in the west of the Netherlands, in the province of South Holland. The city is located next to the Nieuwe Maas, one of the rivers in the delta that is formed by the Rijn and the Maas. The port of Rotterdam, former worlds biggest port for a long time, is still the largest and most important in Europe. The port area extends over a length of 40 kilometers.
The name Rotterdam dates from the thirteenth century and refers to a dam in the river Rotte. The historic city center was largely destroyed in May 1940 by a German bombing. Rotterdam is known for its innovative architecture. The inner city consists of a number of districts which are described below.
City triangle
The City Triangle is the actual center of Rotterdam. The name City Triangle refers to the historic triangular shape of the city of Rotterdam, which was bordered by the Coolvest and the Schiedamsevest in the west, the Goudsevest in the northeast and the Nieuwe Maas in the south. The shopping area of Rotterdam is located in the city triangle. Well-known streets are the Coolsingel, Lijnbaan, Kruisplein etc.
Cool
Cool is part of the bustling center of Rotterdam. The attractiveness of the neighborhood is reflected in green and art in the outdoor space. The people from Rotterdam appreciate the existing public green spaces such as the Eendrachtstuin. Cool-Zuid has a strong cultural / artistic character with a mix of living and business. The square Het Landje (between the Schiedamse Vest and the Schiedamsesingel) has a central place in Cool-Zuid. It is the place where residents can meet each other in the outdoor space. De Witte de Withstraat has become one of the most popular places in Rotterdam. A bustling street with restaurants, bars, shops and galleries. The street belongs to the art axis that connects the Museum Park and the Maritime Museum.
Rotterdam Central District
The combination of a hypermodern station with public transport facilities and development space in the heart of the city makes Rotterdam Central District (RCD) a unique place and a beautiful city entrance. The central location and the mix of living, working, traveling and relaxing make RCD a lively area. A place where Rotterdam and Europe meet. In the coming years, new initiatives will get off the ground that will further strengthen the area as an international gateway to the city center of Rotterdam. The City of Rotterdam is cooperating with the Rotterdam Central District Association (RCD Association).
Rotterdam Central District is already distinguished by a very mixed urban and lively character, activity and a strong identity. The place where an office is located is very important for employees. A ’24-hour economy ‘is being developed in Rotterdam Central District. The RCD not only accommodates multinationals such as Shell, Unilever and Robeco. But also, for example, the web store Coolblue, companies in the field of gaming and reputable companies in the field of services. An attractive area to live and work in. With good public transport facilities, lunchrooms, restaurants, entertainment venues and other facilities that employees, residents and visitors who are living or working there, really want. The mix of functions is not only visible in the area, but also in the offices themselves. There are more and more public functions to be found there. Many new catering establishments, shops and entrepreneurs have established themselves in recent years.
Laurenskwartier
The Laurenskwartier can now become an even more attractive living environment for young city dwellers and students. It fits in nicely with the ‘student area’ at the Oostplein. The living environment in the Laurenskwartier is characterized by hip living with the reconstruction around the Meent and Pannekoekstraat.
The river Rotte once flowed here, where a dam was built around 1270 and a small fishing settlement was created. Trade and shipping flourished, causing ‘Rotterdam’ to grow at a rapid pace. The only thing that still reminds of the medieval city center is the late Gothic Laurenskerk. A striking appearance between all architectural new construction! It contrasts nicely with the covered Market Hall, the newest and most striking icon in this area. Under one horseshoe-shaped roof, 150 market stalls, 15 stores, 8 restaurants and 228 apartments have been brought together by architects MVRDV. On Tuesdays and Saturdays there is also marketplace located on the square outside the Market Hall. People come from far and wide to store fresh fruit, vegetables and fish here.
But there is much more to do in the Laurenskwartier. Shopping on the Meent and the Pannenkoekstraat. To an open-air concert on the Grote Kerkplein. Take a look at the famous Cube Houses of architect Piet Blom. Enjoying good food and drinks. The Laurenskwartier is a popular and versatile entertainment area. When the market stalls are gone the rest of the week, the Binnenrotte will fill up with terraces and the fun can continue until late at night.