![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-984347524-e60f.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe Netherlands\u2019 second city is youthful, vibrant and full of surprises (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tThe Netherlands\u2019 second city is youthful, vibrant and full of surprises (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
In the latest Travel Hot Take<\/a>, Maria Astardjieva reveals why you should skip Amsterdam<\/a> and head to the Netherlands<\/a>\u2019 second city instead.<\/p>\n Visiting Amsterdam for the first time on a cold February weekend right after Covid<\/a>, I was ready for a quintessential Dutch adventure: Van Gogh<\/a>, coffee shops, and canals, the lot.<\/p>\n But besides a lovely boat tour of the city\u2019s labyrinthine canals, I must admit that I was quite disappointed.<\/p>\n There was a hairy spin on a rental bike (locals can spot a tourist on wheels from miles away, and they, rather understandably, do not have time for us); the mildly disturbing Red Light district<\/a>; the swarms of stag-doers and legal high chasers.<\/p>\n And with no intention of dabbling, I counted my losses, snapped a few pics and went back to my hotel.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t get me wrong. I can see its charm, and with the right group of people, Amsterdam is a great choice for a memorable weekend \u2014 it just wasn\u2019t for me. Other Dutch cities<\/a>, though, are different.<\/p>\n \t\t In search of my fix of stroopwafels and windmills, I took a 35-minute train to Rotterdam<\/a> Centraal \u2014 a sprawling steel structure in the heart of the Netherlands\u2019 second city.<\/p>\n That\u2019s when my Dutch adventure really began.<\/p>\n Why I fell in love with Rotterdam<\/p>\n Rotterdam feels young in every sense of the word.<\/p>\n Completely flattened during World War II<\/a>, the city was rebuilt from scratch in the 50s and 60s.<\/p>\n This presented an opportunity for a fresh start. Often described as Amsterdam\u2019s \u2018younger sister\u2019, its tumultuous history has given it a spirit of resilience and an appetite for reinvention. <\/p>\n \t\t Its skyline is a jumbled mixture of shapes and textures. Nothing feels uniform, and yet everything fits perfectly into a colourful architectural tapestry. <\/p>\n From the instantly recognisable Cube Houses by Piet Blom and the proud 802m-tall Erasmus Bridge by Ben van Berkel, to the mirror-wrapped depot of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the streets of Rotterdam are more like an open-air art gallery.<\/p>\n The city is home to several world-renowned universities, which attract young people from all over the world. <\/p>\n It\u2019s also affordable \u2014 food and accommodation are significantly cheaper than in Amsterdam.\u00a0<\/p>\n My brother, who is one of thousands of students in the city, tells me that its nightlife rivals Berlin<\/a>.<\/p>\n You gouda try it<\/p>\n A twenty-minute journey from Rotterdam Centraal is a true hidden gem.\u00a0<\/p>\n Reminiscent of a mini Amsterdam, Gouda delights with its picturesque houses and narrow canals. But its crown jewel is in its name.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a paradise for cheese lovers like me (I\u2019m lactose intolerant, but never mind that).\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t Gouda (or just cheese, as they call it there) is the milder, creamier sister of the classic English cheddar.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re lucky enough to visit the town on a market day \u2013 usually Saturdays \u2013 you will be welcomed by dozens of stalls of locally produced cheese in a variety of sizes and flavours.<\/p>\n We tried the classic gouda, as well as a whole lot of creative herb and spice infusions. Black truffle, red chilli, and thyme and honey were outstanding. <\/p>\n My stomach was in bits and it was totally worth it.<\/p>\n Getting there<\/p>\n Train (Eurostar): Direct trains from London St Pancras to Rotterdam Centraal take around 3h 15m-3h 30m. Tickets start from \u00a351 one-way when booked in advance, but look out for flash sales<\/a> to bag tickets that cost as little as \u00a335.<\/p>\n Plane: Budget airline Transavia just launched flights from London Stansted Airport to Rotterdam The Hague<\/a>, starting from \u00a335 one way. Alternatively, fly out to Amsterdam, Eindhoven or Brussels \u2013 all affordable when booked in advance, and under an hour away from Rotterdam by train.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tWhere to stay\t\t\t<\/p>\n citizenM Rotterdam<\/a>: Stylish, modern and perfectly located by the Old Harbour. Rooms from \u00a385-\u00a3120.<\/p>\n nhow Rotterdam<\/a>: A design hotel in the iconic De Rotterdam building with skyline views over the Erasmus Bridge. Rooms from \u00a395-\u00a3150.<\/p>\n The James Hotel<\/a>: Central, calm, and ideal for budget-conscious travellers. Rooms from \u00a370-\u00a3110.<\/p>\n SS Rotterdam<\/a>: A former ocean liner turned quirky hotel. Perfect for a one-of-a-kind stay. Rooms from \u00a390-\u00a3140.<\/p>\n Best areas<\/p>\n Oude Haven for caf\u00e9s, bars and a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere<\/p>\n City Centre (near Lijnbaan & Markthal) for shopping, food and easy transport<\/p>\n Kop van Zuid for architecture, skyline views, and waterfront strolls<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0970-17fe.jpg\")
\n\t\tAmsterdam\u2019s 17th-century merchant houses are best seen from the water (Picture: Maria Astardjieva)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SEI274758335-1b50.jpg\")
\n\t\tRotterdam is less than one hour from Amsterdam and accessible from the UK on the Eurostar (Picture: Metro \/ Datawrapper)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0469-2-299b-e1763562723201.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe herb and spice-infused options were outstanding (Picture: Maria Astardjieva)<\/p>\n
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