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An hour from is the smaller port city of Rotterdam. Though it is less well-known, it is just as good as the capital and sees half the tourists.

Three friends and I visited Rotterdam over the winter. At first, I was doubtful it would be as exciting or beautiful as , but was left pleasantly surprised by its hidden gems, stunning views, and thriving bar scene. One afternoon, we visited Amsterdam to attend an event and were shocked by how busy it was, with every street, shop, and packed with tourists. It made us all the more appreciative of how laid-back and quiet Rotterdam was.

One of the highlights of our trip was the Depot of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. It is the world's first publicly accessible art storage facility, where visitors can see a collection of 155,000 objects compiled over 175 years.

It provides a great way to see the works of world-famous artists without having to book weeks in advance or try to catch a glimpse of a famous piece through the crowd. Works by Rembrandt, Monet, van Gogh, Cézanne, Dalí, Rothko, Munch, Kooning, Rubens, and more are on display.

Another must-see is the Euromast. At 315 feet, the observation tower has a visitable crow's nest. It offers views across the city, even in the rain as I saw it, and was the highest building in the Netherlands until 2021.

The Markthal - a residential and office building with a market hall underneath - is a great spot for lunch, dinner, or just exploring.

The glass facade hides more than 100 food spots, including one stall selling the best dates I've ever had and another offering the beloved combination of French fries and mayonnaise.

Just outside the city is Delfshaven, a historic area with old buildings, canals, and a windmill. Located on the banks of the Nieuwe Maas, it is picturesque and feels like stepping back in time.

Other sights to see include Museumpark, the cube houses, Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, Europe's biggest port, and Erasmus Bridge, which is particularly pretty by night.

You can easily get to Rotterdam by car or train from Amsterdam, which is a short flight from the UK. The city has many places to stay, including holiday lets, hotels, and B&Bs.