📖 About Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the Netherlands' second-largest city and home to Europe's largest seaport, a massive 12,600-hectare complex stretching 40 kilometers that handled over 320 million tonnes of cargo in just the first nine months of 2025. With a metropolitan population of 2.7 million in the Rotterdam-The Hague area and over 180 nationalities calling it home, Rotterdam stands as one of Europe's most diverse and dynamic cities.

After the devastating WWII bombing of 1940 that razed the city center, Rotterdam rebuilt itself as a showcase of modern architecture rather than attempting to recreate its historical past. This bold decision has transformed the city into an architectural laboratory where cutting-edge designs like MVRDV's Portlantis, which opened in March 2025 and won the Wallpaper Design Awards 2025, continue to push boundaries and attract global attention.

With earnings 22% above the national average, a GDP per capita of 53,432 pounds, and 157 businesses per 1,000 residents, Rotterdam's economy thrives on its port operations and innovative business environment. The city's 2024 budget of 47.8 billion pounds reflects its ambition to remain a global leader in trade, logistics, and sustainable urban development.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Rotterdam's economy is built on its position as Europe's logistics and trade hub. The port's throughput of 320.2 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2025 demonstrates its continued dominance in global shipping. The city's business density of 157 companies per 1,000 residents and earnings 22% above the Dutch national average reflect a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. From traditional maritime industries to cutting-edge sustainable technology and circular economy initiatives, Rotterdam is positioning itself as a leader in the green transition of global shipping.

Culturally, Rotterdam has emerged as the Netherlands' architecture capital. The city's embrace of experimental design has attracted world-renowned architects who use Rotterdam as a canvas for bold ideas. Recent additions like Portlantis by MVRDV continue this tradition, winning international acclaim including the Wallpaper Design Awards 2025. The city's multicultural character, with over 180 nationalities represented, creates a vibrant fusion of cuisines, festivals, and creative expressions that sets it apart from more traditional Dutch cities.

📜 History

Rotterdam's modern history is defined by destruction and rebirth. On May 14, 1940, German bombers destroyed the entire city center, killing hundreds and leaving thousands homeless. Rather than rebuild a replica of the old city, Rotterdam's planners made the visionary decision to embrace modernity. This choice transformed what could have been a tragedy into an opportunity, allowing Rotterdam to become one of the world's most innovative urban laboratories.

The city's development as a port city began centuries earlier, but the post-war reconstruction accelerated its growth into Europe's dominant maritime gateway. From the city center's 655,468 residents to the broader metropolitan area of 2.7 million, Rotterdam has evolved from a bombed-out ruin into a symbol of resilience, innovation, and forward-thinking urban planning that continues to inspire cities worldwide.