Things to do in Kinderdijk

Gaze up at the towering white pylon of the Erasmus Bridge, which stands taller than many of the city’s highest skyscrapers. It is one of many hypermodern structures built in the city over the past few decades, helping to cement Rotterdam’s reputation for innovative, cutting-edge architecture. Enjoy superb views of the city skyline from the bridge. The vistas are particularly lovely in the late afternoon when the sun sets over the river.

Take a tour of the collection of buildings and open spaces called Binnenhof to see inside the official chambers of the Dutch government. Before you enter, view the complex from across the Hofvijver (Royal Pond). Look for the Dutch prime minister’s hexagonal office called Het Torentje (The Little Tower).

Visit the Mauritshuis and admire the way in which Vermeer portrays the play of the light on the water in his famous View of Delft, come face to face with his famous work Girl with a Pearl Earring or examine a self-portrait and other works by the famous Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn. The temple-like building itself is considered to be one of the finest examples of Dutch classicism.

Step into the elevator and make your way to the crow’s nest of the spectacular Euromast, located 328 feet (100 meters) above ground level. If you are feeling brave, take the fully transparent elevator all the way up to 606 feet (185 meters). Enjoy a relaxing meal at the brasserie or for a real adrenaline rush try abseiling down the side of the mast.

Admire the well-preserved windmills and learn more about the Dutch efforts to claim land from the water at Kinderdijk. This UNESCO-listed site features 19 historic windmills, which were erected to prevent the village from being destroyed by water. Though they are no longer used for this purpose, the original windmills remain standing on the canal edges, looking out over the bleak and beautiful surrounding marshland.