With its picturesque canals that can be enjoyed aboard a classic boat or via one of its parallel bike lanes, it’s hardly surprising that Amsterdam is one of Europe’s leading city break destinations. However, in recent years, it appears that everyone has cottoned on to the trend and has flocked to the Dutch city in their millions.

In fact, according to some reports, there are now roughly 12 times as many tourists as residents in Amsterdam. In a bid to crack down on the chaos, its authorities have implemented a string of measures, including its pricey tourist tax, a visitor cap of 20 million overnight stays a year and restrictions on both short-term rentals and on the construction of new hotels. For those dreaming of a quiet city break, away from the crowds that have descended on the canal city, luckily, there are several great alternatives just a short distance away.

Holding the crown as Europe’s largest seaport, Rotterdam is tucked away on the northern Dutch coast, much like Amsterdam. However, unlike its neighbour, this port city is far cheaper for accommodation. Rotterdam covers an area of 125 square miles, 41 square miles of which are water, and is home to just over 600,000 people as of 2025.

Incredibly, the city was rebuilt after World War 2, when much of the city was destroyed by heavy bombing by the Luftwaffe during the German invasion. Today, it stands as one of Europe’s coolest cities, boasting unique cubed houses designed by Piet Blom and the impressive Erasmus Bridge, which spans the Nieuwe Maas, connecting the north and south parts of the city.

Away from the urban areas, the borough of Delfshaven is a must-see, an area steeped in maritime history and boasting picturesque canals, original Dutch architecture, wooden boats and even a windmill. Here, you can scratch every itch that comes with a trip to Amsterdam. Delfshaven plays an important role in world history as it was the starting point for the Dutch Pilgrims, who sailed to England on the Speedwell and then on to America aboard the Mayflower.

It stands as one of the very few areas to survive the German bombardment in 1940. 

Rotterdam is also highly recommended by recent visitors on TripAdvisor. Having visited Delfshaven, one tourist said: “A lovely hidden gem of a place a short water taxi ride from the city centre, historic and so pretty. I’m so glad we made the time to visit.”

“Delfshaven is a nice and beautiful neighbourhood, perfect for taking nice photos and walking without rush,” another said. “The tour itself is the walk, see the shops or cafes, if you give a time to breathe and enjoy the landscape.”

A third wrote: “It’s nice and peaceful here. The canal is pretty with the boats and windmill. This is a residential neighbourhood, though, not a party zone.

Brits can easily access Rotterdam by taking a direct train via Eurostar from London St Pancras to Rotterdam Centraal, the fastest option, which takes just over three hours. Visitors can also take an overnight ferry from ports in the UK, including Hull or Newcastle. There are also direct flights available from airports including London City, Stansted and Edinburgh, landing at Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM). According to Skyscanner, direct flights start at just £36 with Transavia for early December.