With its striking architectural landmarks, art-dominated streets, influential design studios and hip bars and restaurants, Rotterdam cruises along with an oh-so-cool spirit and is a city worth making a detour for.

Rotterdam is absolutely worth visiting in 2026, especially for those who appreciate modern architecture and a grit-meets-glam urban vibe that differs sharply from Amsterdam's canal-centric charm. Almost entirely rebuilt after WWII, Rotterdam is a playground for "starchitecture," featuring the iconic yellow Cube Houses, the massive Markthal with its artistic ceiling, and the "Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen," the world's first publicly accessible art storage facility. The city's maritime history is on full display at the sprawling Port of Rotterdam—the largest in Europe—and the historic Delfshaven district offers a rare glimpse of pre-war Dutch architecture. Rotterdam is also significantly more affordable and less crowded than Amsterdam, offering a more "authentic" local experience with cutting-edge dining and a vibrant streetwear scene. Whether you're exploring the Erasmus Bridge at sunset or taking a water taxi to the nearby windmills of Kinderdijk, Rotterdam provides a dynamic and forward-looking Dutch experience.