GETTING THERE

These include the Industriegebouw, a 1950s industrial complex reinvigorated by Rotterdam’s most famous resident architects, MVRDV, who also created the market hall. Their own offices are here as well as a clutch of trendy dining spots and the concept store Groos selling products made only by designers living in Rotterdam — this hub of eclectic shopping delights has some very different souvenirs, from eye-catching socks to stylish homewares.

Or head west to discover the Blue House, by MVRDV founder Winy Maas. The rooftop extension to a family home in the suburbs led to a string of rooftop initiatives as ways of maximising living space in the city and circumventing flooding. Subsidies are now available for all who plant the rooftops of buildings, creating essential greenery to soak up the plentiful rain.

The Blue House itself is an enchanting pair of small houses forming ensuite bedrooms for a family of four who once slept as well as lived in the huge studio on the floor below — and is usually one of the private spaces which opens to the public for Rotterdam Rooftop Days at the beginning of June, revealing the high-level city hidden the rest of the year from public gaze.

One rooftop which you can enjoy year round is Op Het Dak, an urban farm with a cafe and one of the most uplifting places in town to enjoy a meal. With its menus focused on produce freshly picked from the terrace, the vegetarian and fish dishes also make it a haven for observant diners.

EUROSTAR’S new London-Amsterdam service, stopping at Rotterdam, launches on April 4. Tickets are now on sale for £35 one-way. The initial service will see two direct trains per day to The Netherlands, returning via a stop in Brussels for passport control. A direct return service is expected before the end of 2019. eurostar.com

Rooms at Nhow Hotel (nhowrotterdam.com) cost from £115.

For more information on the city, visit rotterdampartners.nl