Why Rotterdam

Rotterdam. Gateway to Europe

Rotterdam is a young dynamic world city which is rapidly innovating. Unique at home, internationally renowned for our innovative drive and unpolished charm. Whether it’s the constantly changing skyline with its bold architecture, our port which is the smartest in the world or the can-do mentality of our residents. Rotterdam is a city with a distinct character, energetic and always in motion. A city of forerunners, pioneers and people with the courage and will to drive change.

Rotterdam. Dynamic world city

Rotterdam is a dynamic world city, internationally known as the ‘gateway to Europe’. Our port is the hub of Europe’s maritime cluster, but we also operate at global level in other economic sectors like Clean Tech, Life Sciences & Health, Energy, Agro-food, Transport & Logistics and Finance. Thanks to our many internationally acclaimed knowledge institutions, a flourishing international business community, high quality culture and architecture, a wide range of entertainment and leisure options and a very diverse population, Rotterdam offers everything in one. From our strategic location in Europe, we are literally connected with the rest of the world. Our compact city centre is home to many business and congress venues, hotels and other amenities within walking distance of each other. Connections are created organically in Rotterdam - perhaps because of these literally short distances.

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Rotterdam. City of innovation and progress

Rotterdam is a city of forerunners, pioneers and people with the courage and will to drive change. Business, innovation and experimentation are all part of the city’s DNA. Traditionally, Rotterdam has attracted immigrants from near and far. They came here to fulfil their dreams, to build a future. That pioneering drive ensured that Rotterdam expanded to become the world port city it is today. A city which is still characterised by its bold innovative drive: whether in terms of its architecture, its creative sector or its port. It also means that our city is frequently a trendsetter. Take the development of the Tweede Maasvlakte, for example, and the architectural masterpieces on the Kop van Zuid. Or our universities, educational institutes and knowledge centres which are internationally renowned for their high quality research and education.

Rotterdam. Unique city

Rotterdam is a city with a distinct character, energetic and always in motion. Here experimentation is embraced; nearly anything is possible. Expansive statements relating to architecture, urban development and design are combined with small scale activities. Here there is unrivalled scope for innovation and entrepreneurship. The city welcomes creative spirits who believe in the future of the city and want to be part of an innovation culture. The ‘solution-based’ approach in Rotterdam ensures that innovations are also translated into production and thus become inspiring examples for the rest of the world. A city is never finished, so Rotterdam continues to re-invent itself. Here, old port areas are successfully transformed into innovative living and working areas. Vacancy acts as a catalyst for urban innovation. The growing city works creatively with the available space: up, down or on the water. A range of densification strategies are being applied to liven up the city centre in a green and attractive way.

Rotterdam. Urban city

Thanks to our strategic location in Europe, we are literally connected with the rest of the world. And with more than 170 nationalities living next to and with each other, we are also home to the world. Some of us were born here, some of us have come to build our future here. That great diversity of dreams, wishes and residents means that Rotterdam is rich in many subcultures. You can see that in our art - culture, in our night life, in our eating culture, in our business community and literally on the street. Thanks to its diversity, Rotterdam has a unique urban vibe. Our city is cool, lively, diverse and constantly developing. And that makes us a truly ‘must see‘ city. A city where there is room for everyone.