Six free things to do in Rotterdam by Mirjam Pronk
| Fancy a tree house in the city? These apartments in Rotterdam offer all modern conveniences and give a quirky angle to city living. Photo courtesy of Mirjam Pronk |
Amsterdam's kid brother is Rotterdam-the second largest port in the world, and the second largest city in the Netherlands after the capital Amsterdam. And it's recently become popular as a cruise-ship port of call. But what is there to see in Rotterdam, away from the tourist hordes? Here are six suggestions that won't cost you a cent. 1. The Laurenskerk church
The Laurenskerk is Rotterdam's oldest structure. Built between 1300 and 1600, the church has a fine interior-spacious and light. Opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Monday. On Saturdays, a stamp market is held in the square in front of the church. 2. Tree houses
One of the most spectacular housing projects anywhere is the Blaakse Bos, a bridge across a city boulevard "planted" with "trees," each of which is an individual apartment. Visit this folly of Rotterdam city planners: cross the bridge-it's public domain-and discover an urban landscape with a difference. To see the challenges the dwellers of these apartments face, visit the Museum Cube, open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (1.75 euro admission). 3. Outdoor port museum
The Havenmuseum is a collection of disused vessels, cranes, and machines that date back to the days when port activity still took place in the canals of the city. Brought together in what is now the business area and standing against a backdrop of modern office towers, they form an ensemble that is both fun and instructive to wander through. Children love it. 4. Fine art
On a broad quayside along the Westersingel street stands a collection of eight sculptures by well-known artists. From the canal, a side-street leads to the fine art museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, with free entry on Wednesday (normally 9 euro, closed on Monday). The museum has a broad collection of paintings, from medieval to modern times. 5. Tunneling down
Crossing the river Maas by bridge or water taxi is an event. It's also an event to go under it, through the Maas Tunnel. There's a separate entrance for pedestrians and cyclists, leading to a 30-meter-long escalator that takes you down 20 meters into the tunnel. Enjoy the ride down and back up, or just the sight of others maneuvering their bikes on the moving steps.
6. Pilgrims and a Pirate
A former warehouse in Delfshaven, a borough of Rotterdam, has been converted into a museum on the history of the city as a hub of trade. Beyond the entrance, however, is a mini exhibit about Delfshaven and its most famous son, the corsair (later admiral) Piet Heijn. No admission is charged for this part of the museum, and there's also a photo gallery on the ground floor. A few doors down is the church where the English Puritans, who were later to become America's Pilgrim Fathers, prayed before leaving mainland Europe. On Saturday from 1 p.m to 5 p.m., the Oude of Pelgrimskerk welcomes visitors, who can admire the fine interior and the stained-glass window that commemorates the Pilgrims' departure from Delfshaven in 1620. | 
