All but silent on the other side
Beyond the south banks of the Maas River, a whole world is waiting for you to discover it! The Afrikaanderwijk, Vreewijk, Bloemhof and Hillesluis areas each have their own unique charm. Explore the south side by metro or bicycle, because make no mistake: Rotterdam Zuid is sprawling and extensive. You’ll be amazed by the lush greenery on every corner. The Zuiderpark is a wonderful place for an afternoon stroll, picnic, sports and barbecue. It has forests, meadows and fields, swamps, a fantastic playground, even a small beach. A gorgeous nature reserve is tucked away under the Van Brienenoordbrug, too, home to beautiful trees, plants, butterflies and birds, not to mention shaggy Scottish Highlander cows.
Feel like a refreshing dip in the water? Swing by the Vreijenburgplas lake or the ‘secret’ beach on Heijplaat, an untamed corner in the heart of Rotterdam’s port. Visiting Heijplaat is a great idea even if you’re not planning to swim. The former wharf of the Rotterdam Drydock Company (abbreviated in Dutch as RDM) now houses enterprise, education and research. Cultural events are often hosted at Heijplaat, too; exhibitions are regularly displayed in the Submarine Wharf. Take the Aqualiner for a beautiful boat trip on the Maas, or take a cycle or walking tour of the port of Rotterdam. Numerous routes are available that guide visitors through an ever-changing scenery of industrial areas and nature.
