Rotterdam has 7 main stations, Rotterdam Centraal (with Intercity, Sneltrain, Stoptrain, Nachtnet, Sprinter and Thalys lines), Alexander, Blaak, Lombardijen, Noord, Stadion and Zuid. Trains between Ebbsfleet and Rotterdam run around 17 times a week.
Eurostar
trains between Ebbsfleet International and Rotterdam have average journey times of 3 hours, 31 minutes; the route passes throuh Lille and Brussels. Travel to the Netherlands via high speed rail is an easier and more comfortable means of fast travel. The best time to visit is late spring or early summer, as the architecture is one of the reasons for Rotterdam's popularity, and this time of year will best show it.
Rotterdam is known as ‘Manhattan on the Maas’ due to its striking and contemporary architecture, and is home to the largest harbour in Europe. It is also a commercial city with over 580000 inhabitants. The Maas River runs straight through the city and the Erasmus bridge is now world famous. During the evening, Rotterdam has a selection of local venues from traditional bars to exclusive modern clubs, the largest being Now&Wow, which has recently opened in Maasthaven.
The city was first occupied by the French during the 18th and 19th centuries; it was extensively rebuilt after being damaged by Nazi invasion in WW2.
Points of Interest
The Destroyed City
The monument was designed by Russian sculptor Ossip Zadkine and has Cubist and Surrealist influences.
Show-Cube
Example of modern architecture- some of the houses are open to the public.
Schielandshuis
The town's historical museum which was originally the Dikes Headquarters.
Blijdorp Zoo
Over 150 years old, Rotterdam Zoo is one of Europe's most historical zoological gardens.
Euromast
The 185 metre tower has a space-ride simulator and Panorama Restaurant. It is inside Heuvel Park.
Attractions
Shopping in Rotterdam Markets: Stamp, Coin and Book Market, Market of Antiques, Sunday Market, Antiques Fair. World Harbour Days with shopping and themed entertainment
Thermen Holiday Sauna and Beauty Centre
Rondje Rotterdam - a two hour walk around the city.
Diamond Centre with SAP cutting workshops
The Discovery Corner interactive museum of technology
Maasboulevard
Kralingse Plas with restaurants and water sport facilities
Strasbourg Main Attractions - Strasbourg Main Attractions
Historical Museum
Located in the city's historical centre, the museum shows Strasbourg and Alsace's rich history.... Strasbourg, France
LAncienne Douane
Translating as the ?Old Custom?, the medieval building dates from 1358 and was the house of the port and taxes authorities. It now hosts a good restaurant serving Alsatian specialties.... Strasbourg, France
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Recommended also because of the architecture.... Strasbourg, France
Orangerie
A classical park containing a small free zoo featuring and an excellent playground for young children.... Strasbourg, FranceStrasbourg, France
Palais de Rohan
The Palais Rohan is one of the most important buildings in the city of Strasbourg. Palais de Rohan has house three of Strasbourg's most well known museums; the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Decorative Arts.... Strasbourg, France
Stockfeld
Early 20th century garden city built in the south-east of the Neuhof (southern part of the town).... Strasbourg, France
The European district
Where the Council of Europe's seat (?Le Palais de l'Europe?) built by Henry Bernard in 1977,the European Court of Human Rights built by Richard Rogers in 1995 and the European Parliament built by Architecture Studio in 1999.... Strasbourg, France
Zoological Museum
Famous for its bird collection, it is the oldest in France.... Strasbourg, France