The Dutch city of Rotterdam is overshadowed by nearby popular tourist hotspot Amsterdam.
But I chose to spend my first stay in the Netherlands there, lured by the prospect of eye-catching architecture.
With its river setting spanned by graceful bridges, I discovered an attractive city which looks good from many angles. What do you think?
Oh and Rotterdam really is packed with delicious architecture – there’ll be a lot more on that next time.
My break in the Dutch city of Rotterdam turned into a sun-soaked summer day on the beach.
The city’s metro system extends to Hoek Van Holland Strand, with a new station practically metres from the sea.
This was my first seaside experience in the Netherlands – so how was it? CONTINUES BELOW
I see a lot of the Irish Sea living in north-west England, so it was good to return to the North Sea coast which was familiar to me growing up in Essex.
Here in the Netherlands there are miles of soft golden sands and blue seas under stellar skies if the weather favours you.
But look in one direction and the industrial heft of Hoek Van Holland port is impossible to ignore. Simply point yourself northwards and forget it’s there.
The seaside is dotted with beach huts and a wealth of relaxed places to eat and drink, creating a Mediterranean vibe.
Dutch beachgoers enjoying a seaside trip
There’s also a naaktstrand (nudist beach) on full display and not furtively hidden away in the dunes.
Sorry! My British sensibilities caused me to surreptitiously glance and snigger in equal measure. I didn’t remove my clothes but respectfully put away my camera as I walked briskly through the naturist zone.
It was a busy Monday on the sunny Dutch beach, similar to the UK but minus our amusement arcades and piers. It felt a little classier and well organised.
It’s just 40 minutes away from the glorious city of Rotterdam – more of that to come soon!
