Under $100: Rotterdam

If you spend the entirety of your vacation to the Netherlands in Amsterdam, you may be missing out. Rotterdam, the largest port city in Europe, is bustling with activities and life unlike that which you can find elsewhere. Of course, this doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few things you can do to have an incredible day in Rotterdam for less than $100.

In the morning, get breathtaking views of the Netherlands from the tallest building in Rotterdam — the Euromast. From the top of the observation deck, you can see the Erasmus, the famous cable bridge iconic to Rotterdam. The Euromast also has a reasonably priced cafe, where you can get a good breakfast for less than €8 euros. Tickets to the observation deck sell for just €9.50.

© Benkrut | Dreamstime

What would a visit to the second-largest port city in the world be without learning about boats? For €10 a ticket, you can visit the Maritime Museum and learn about the impact shipping has on the global economy through interactive exhibits. If you wish to do this and the Euromast, combination package tickets are available for €16 each.

In the Netherlands, lunch is usually a lighter fare. After a busy morning, you will want to check out some traditional Dutch cuisine for lunch, available at the Roomservice Cafe. Check out this cafe in Hotel Droog for sandwiches, soups and salads with a Dutch flair for a reasonable price.

Erasmus Bridge © Petarneychev | Dreamstime

There is perhaps no better way to see the beautiful port city of Rotterdam than on a Splashtour. This 90-minute excursion begins as a trip through the city on your vehicle and continues with the same vehicle being transformed into a fully functioning boat, riding next to cargo ships near the port. Tickets are €24.50 per adult passenger.