Filmmaker Koen Samson has released a new video which features daily life in Rotterdam in all its beautiful springtime glory. In case you missed out, you can also see stunning footage of temporary landmarks such as the giant staircase (Central station) and the giant ferris wheel (Blaak station). 

Rotterdam Spring

For Samson, the new video, which features timelapses and hyperlapses of the city, is a labour of love. Koen Samson usually spends his time producing professional films for businesses and organisations. His latest work, is the latest edition of a four-part series covering the city of Rotterdam in the different seasons.  The previous films show Rotterdam in autumn and winter.  

Can't wait to see the summer edition!

Rotterdam ***Spring*** from koen samson on Vimeo.

Britain has always been the Netherlands' closest ally in the EU and one of its most important export destinations. Now, our friends in Great Britain have voted to leave the European Union. What does that mean for Rotterdam? 

A lot depends on the post-referendum negotiations between Britain and the EU. However, it is clear that the Netherlands (and Rotterdam) will feel the effects of the Brexit.

What does a Brexit mean for Rotterdam?

As for the Netherlands in general, the textiles, chemicals, agriculture, oil industry, electrical and optical equipment, mining, rubber and plastic products, business services and food and beverage industries will all take a hit. It is also projected that the Netherlands' economy will grow by almost 2% less in 2017. Rotterdam's harbour on the other hand, will be fine. Delivery of goods to Britain account for approximately 11% of the port's total exports (+/- 50 million tons). 

What about Whisky?

It is expected that insecurities caused by the negotiations will have a negative influence on trade between Britain and the European mainland. And yes, excise tax on British Whiskey might go up. Why that matters? Of all the different Whisky's in the world, the vast majority are imported from Britain. Nonetheless, Britain's proximity and it's huge market (60 million inhabitants) will continue to be beneficial to Rotterdam. This too shall pass.

Rotterdam is making it cheaper for you to park your car in parking garages. Sound too good to be true? Well, you're right. It's also becoming more expensive to park on the street. 

Rotterdam is trying to reduce the amount of cars in the city centre in order to improve the air quality and make more room for pedestrians, cyclists and, well, terraces. It is expected tht up to 2000 parking spots will disappear in the coming years.

This is great news for travellers wanting to visit the city by car. P+R locations along the outskirts of the city will be free on weekends. Government owned parking garages will undergo a 70 cent price reduction. The new €2 euro per hour rate (and €1 per hour after 22:00) will go in effect at the following parking garages: 

• Museumpark
• Kruisplein
• Schouwburgplein
• Meent
• Boompjes
• Erasmusbrug

Also new, is the introduction of a €7,50 day rate for special events. As for parking on the street? We're going to be paying 4 euro's an hour from now on. 

De Doelen turns 50 this year! The concert hall as we know it was officially opened by Queen Juliana on May 18th 1966. But did you know De Doelen has been around since 1697?

Uitagenda Rotterdam wrote a nice article (in Dutch) about it: http://bit.ly/1Y88B08