About Rotterdam
ISBI 2010 will be held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Bordering the North Sea, the Netherlands with its main ports, the Port of Rotterdam and Schiphol International Airport, is the Gateway to Europe. The country is relatively small, just under 16,000 square miles (41,500 square kilometers), with a population of about 16.5 million people. It is a geographically very flat and low-lying country, with about 27 percent of its area and 60 percent of its population located below sea level. Within its boundaries (which keep expanding as the Dutch battle incessantly with the sea to reclaim their land) are some of the most fascinating sights: peaceful farmlands, woodlands, flat polders, picturesque villages and old fishing ports, medieval castles and bustling modern cities. And, of course, the windmills, dikes, wooden shoes and tulips, that have become the country's international symbols.
The Netherlands ranks among the richest countries in the world. Its history has been preserved in monuments of all kinds. Holland is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. For historical reasons the government and parliament are in the city of The Hague, although Amsterdam is in fact the capital. By tradition, the provinces of North and South Holland form the seat of the political and economic structure, which is why through the ages the name of Holland was also used for the country as a whole. This is how Holland became synonymous with the Netherlands, so that today both these names are used interchangeably when referring to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Rotterdam is the second largest city of the Netherlands, with around 600,000 inhabitants (1.2 million including Greater Rotterdam) and over 100 nationalities. It is the most important commercial city of the country, and is increasingly seen as the front door to Europe, which should not really come as a surprise considering the fact that 250 million well-off consumers live within 300 miles. Rotterdam is one of the largest ports in the world and the home base for many important industries, especially in the petrochemical field, pharmaceutics, banking and insurance, high-tech and science. Erasmus University Rotterdam ranks among the top universities of the world, especially in the medical and economic sciences.
In the years following World War II, Rotterdam has rebuilt an almost totally devastated city. And the result is impressive. Rotterdam has emerged as the most modern, internationally oriented city of the Netherlands, full of delightful contrasts. Past, present and future are interrelated in a dynamic townscape. Rotterdam has an exceptionally well developed cultural infrastructure encompassing all major art forms: music, the visual arts, film, photography, architecture, theater and ballet. These cultural activities are supported by first-rate museums, art schools and other educational institutes. For those who want to spend some time in this "new Rotterdam", the city offers an array of attractions ranging from shopping and sporting to cultural and gastronomic enjoyments.
Attractions
- The euromast. A must see. Enjoy a gorgeous view of Rotterdam from 185 meters! [parkhaven 20]
- Spido. A speedy trip around the Rotterdam harbors. [Willemsplein 85, next to the erasmus bridge]
- Diergaarde blijdorp/Rotterdam zoo. Fun for Young and Old. This zoo exists for already 150 years! [Blijdorplaan 8]
- Port Experience. A nice impression of the entire port area of Rotterdam without having to set foot in a boat or car. [Willemsplein 73-79, next to the erasmus bridge]
Architecture
- Saint-Laurens church. The only gothic building remaining in Rotterdam. Enjoy this little piece of history in the centre of modern architecture. [Grotekerkplein 27]
- KPN building. Right at the end of the Erasmus bridge. You can enjoy the light show even better after dark. [Wilhelminakade 123]
- Hotel New York. One of the remaining buildings connected to the Holland America line. A nice hotel with a restaurant and terrace. [koninginnehoofd 1]
- Kijkkubus. Already amazed by the form of these houses from the outside? Then you should take a look on the inside! [Overblaak 70]
- Erasmus bridge. A good example of architectural craftsmanship. Also called ‘the Swan’.
- City hall and the postal office. Two unique monuments. [coolsingel]
Cultural
- Rotterdamse Schouwburg. Just across ‘de Doelen’. Perfect for a cultural night out. [Schouwburgplein 25]
- Oude Luxor Theater. A building with great cultural history. Fill your evening with theater, cabaret or even opera. Also visit the new luxor theatre for more cultural goodness. [the old luxor theatre:Kruiskade 10/ the new luxor theatre: Posthumalaan 1]
- Concert- en congresgebouw de Doelen. [Schouwburgplein 50]
- Witte de with. A street filled with culture. Think galleries and artsy shops.
- Museumpark. In this park you’ll find the highest concentration of museums in town. Highlights are Boijmans van Beuningen, NAI and the kunsthal.
Gastronomy
- L'ouest. From the name you can tell it’s all about wine here. And amuses of course. [Van Oldenbarneveltstraat 139]
- espresso bar lungo. Perfect for a quick coffee in the morning. [Delftseplein 39]
- Amarone. Located in one of the most popular streets in Rotterdam: de Meent. Lives up to its Michelin star. [Meent 72-A]
- Westelijk Handelsterrein. This old warehouse transformed into the gastronomic hearth of Rotterdam. Inside you’ll find 10 very diverse restaurants. [Van Vollenhovenstraat 15]
- Restaurant Ivy. The new gastronomic hotspot of Rotterdam. Reservations definitely needed. [Lloydstraat 204]
- Restaurant Prachtig. Enjoy your food and drinks with a perfect view on the Erasmus bridge. [Willemsplein 77]
Going out
- Rotown. Very popular arts café for open minded people. Regular band performances.[Nieuwe Binnenweg 19]
- Worm. Into alternative music? This underground club will introduce you to the newest artists. [Achterhaven 148]
- Watt. Sustainable dance club in the centre of Rotterdam. A very broad selection of performances. [West-Kruiskade 26]
- Martini bar. Sip on your martini while you watch the glamorous people go by. [Meent 71a]
- Cocktailbar Elit. One of the most elaborate cocktail menu’s in Rotterdam. Also check out Stockholm for more cocktails. Both are located in the ‘old harbor’ packed with nice restaurants, cafés and bars. [Wijnhaven 3]
- De witte aap. A traditional looking pub with very modern music and people. Voted best bar in 2009. [Witte De Withstraat 78]
Shopping
- Beurstraverse (koopgoot). A shopping street below groundlevel. Filled with popular chain stores.
- LokalHeroz. An all inclusive store for men. Whatever you want you can find it here. Also check out the hip neighboring stores. [Oppert 294]
- American apparel. Do you like colorful clothing? You’ll definitely find it here. [Meent 95]
- Shoebaloo. This store looks fabulous, as do the Shoes it sells. [Kruiskade 57]
- Nieuwe Ontwerpers.nl. A store which offers new designers the opportunity to sell their brand. [William Boothlaan 13a]
- Market. Tuesdays and Saturdays at the big square ‘de binnerotte’.