It was our first visit, but it seems that Rotterdam has a way of surprising you, even when the weather decides to wrap the entire city in a soft grey mist. During my recent visit, that hazy atmosphere didn’t dampen the experience at all—if anything, it added a cinematic quality to the day, as though the whole city were quietly posing for a photograph.
First stop was the Markthal, Rotterdam’s iconic food hall and architectural showpiece. Stepping inside felt like entering a vibrant, bustling cocoon. The vast arching ceiling—covered in a riot of colourful artwork—contrasted beautifully with the muted weather outside. I wandered between stalls offering everything from Dutch classics to global street food, eventually settling on a warm, comforting bite that made the perfect start to the day. There’s something special about eating delicious food while surrounded by the hum of locals and travellers all doing the same.
From there, we meandered to the Cube Houses, one of Rotterdam’s most distinctive architectural experiments. Even in the mist, their bold geometry stood out—tilted cubes perched on hexagonal pylons, like a surreal forest of modern design. Walking through them felt like stepping into a playful reimagining of urban living, a reminder of how boldly Rotterdam embraces innovation.
The highlight, though, was seeing Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen emerge through the fog like a futuristic mirage. Its mirrored façade reflected the softened skyline, blurring the line between building and atmosphere. It’s rare to encounter architecture that feels both monumental and dreamlike, but the Depot manages exactly that.
Despite the muted weather—or perhaps because of it—Rotterdam revealed itself as a city of creativity, resilience, and imagination. Mist or no mist, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression, and we are already looking forward to returning.
