Beursplein is a vibrant, car-free square in the heart of Rotterdam. It connects the stately Coolsingel with the lively Hoogstraat and owes its name to the historic Koopmansbeurs (Merchants' Exchange). Before the 1940 bombing, the square was located a few blocks east, near today’s Blaak station.
The history of the World Trade Center (WTC) on Beursplein dates back to 1598, when Rotterdam’s first stock exchange was founded. As trade expanded, impressive exchange buildings were built, shaping the city’s financial core.
After the war, Beursplein became the center of shopping in Rotterdam. Major brands like HEMA, C&A, H&M, and WE set up shop here, attracting countless visitors.
In 1968, the Beurs metro station opened, featuring an underground passage to the famous Lijnbaan shopping area. Today, Beursplein remains a dynamic hub where history, commerce, and urban life converge.
Sources. Story: Source Story: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beursplein_(Rotterdam) Photos: Source Photo: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic license.
