Rotterdam

Delft
It is a short train ride from Rotterdam, and has a lot of history, canals and a nice old town.
You are right, Rotterdam city centre had the misfortune to be extensively bomber in the Second World War, and was re-built in the 1950's. It is not very inspiring.

There are many interesting museums in Rotterdam (such as the Maritime museum).

You can visit the brand-new food market (markthal)

There are also the world-famous cube houses, one of which open to visitation, which are located right by the markthal.

On a clear sky day, you can climb the Euromast and take a 360-degree look on the vast plains, farms, canals and the ocean nearby. There is a good restaurant up there.

If you have time, you can visit the Maaslantkering, the huge flood control structures that guarantee the safety or 20% of the country.

If you have more time, you can make a half-day trip to Kinderdijk.

If large indoor model railroads interest you, Trainz Miniworld, next to the main station, is worth a little bit of time. Not nearly as impressive as Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, but not bad if you're there anyway.

If you just want to stroll, there's a large pedestrian shopping area with plenty of restaurants.

If you like unusual architecture, Rotterdam is fascinating. It's also very interesting as a contrast to other Dutch cities. I loved my architecture walking tour (self-guided following the tourist office's free brochure), particularly the Cube Houses. I also went to the photography museum. Rotterdam reminded me a lot of Frankfurt - another city that I feel gets a bum rap.

However, if none of this (or the ideas above) sounds like what you're looking for, you should indeed go somewhere else in the Netherlands for your day.

Hi,

I read somewhere that there is a boat ride around Rotterdam that is very interesting to take to learn more about the city, and see it from another vantage point.

I can not find this boat tour, the only tour I can find is on a boat that has a buffet, Pancake, but it doesn't say where it goes.

THANK YOU everyone for all of your advice.

Peace,

Susan

You are referring to http://spido.nl/en

Hello Andre,

Thank you for letting me know about the site. This is what I have been looking for.

We are also thinking of taking the train ride, going to the new market, and other sites people have written about.

I thank you all for taking the time to share your information and knowledge, I appreciate it.

Peace