If you have an hour...

Feeling a little under the weather? You might as well take the opportunity to admire the new Rotterdam halls, the MarkthalIt's a great way to get a feel for this bold architectural project, while filling up on local specialities. On leaving the market, take a stroll through the cubic houses A visit to a house-museum will take no more than half an hour, enough time to wonder about the 'meaning' of life in a senseless construction...

... or an afternoon

Rotterdam's cultural offering is on a par with that of other major European cities, thanks in particular to the famous museum Boijmans Van Beuningenthe star of the local museum scene with its Rembrandts, Rubens, Breughels, Van Goghs... Most of which are concentrated in the aptly named MuseumParkThe city's museums have built their reputation on an often audacious catalogue. The inauguration of the Public Art Depot, expected in 2018, should consolidate this status. The new building, in the shape of a flowerpot designed by MVRDV, will expand the number of works presented to the public by the Boijmans Van Beuningen. Visitors will also be able to see behind the scenes of a major museum, including the work involved in restoring paintings.

Shopping

Whether you're looking for a drink or a spot of shopping in Rotterdam, the solution is usually to be found on Witte De With, the city's main shopping street. Art galleries and designer furniture are followed by a multitude of bars of all kinds, including De Witte Aap, recently named the best bar in the world by
Lonely Planet. But the most popular shop is to be found near the station with Groos - 'pride' in local dialect - a concept store ideal for arty and original souvenirs.