Meeting the locals
While staying in Rotterdam we got put in contact with a group of local students. These showed us around Rotterdam on some guides tours and to see typical tourist attractions, but also to experience the city like the locals. The Dutch students were very eager to show their city and the small hidden gems you need to be local to find. In my experience asking the locals for advice about where and when to eat resulted in wonderful places for both food and drinks. One of the bigger differences in The Netherlands compared to Norway is that they leave earlier after grabbing a drink. The students we were introduced to went home at around 23.00 because the public transport stops going or is greatly reduced around midnight.
While roaming around with the Dutch students they were very helpful to tell us about what is the do’s and don’ts. They invited us to join them on a pancake boat trip on the river in Rotterdam. This was a very interesting trip which is a more typical tourist attraction were we got to see a lot of the city from the river, combined with good pancakes and drinks.
Rotterdam's public transport system is known for its efficiency, reliability, and affordability. The city has an extensive network of buses, trams, and trains that operate on time and frequently throughout the day, providing residents and visitors with easy access to all parts of the city. With the introduction of the new RET Metro line, it has become even easier to travel around Rotterdam. Additionally, the system is well-connected to neighbouring cities, making it convenient for those who commute for work or study. Rotterdam's public transport system is also affordable, with various ticket options and discounts available for frequent users, including the OV-card, which allows travellers to use any mode of public transport with a single card. Overall, the public transport system in Rotterdam is considered one of the best in Europe, making it a convenient, reliable, and cost-effective way to travel around the city.
