Rotterdam, The Netherlands

ROTTERDAM lies at the heart of a maze of rivers and artificial waterways that together form the outlet of the rivers Rijn (Rhine) and Maas (Meuse). After devastating damage during World War II, Rotterdam has grown into a vibrant, forceful city dotted with first-division cultural attractions. Neither has redevelopment obliterated the city's earthy character: its tough grittiness is part of its appeal, as are its boisterous bars and clubs.

The Europoort, jutting out into the North Sea, some 25km to the west of the old town and completed in 1968, can accommodate the largest of ships and now Rotterdam is the largest port in the world, handling some 350 million tonnes of goods a year, with more than half of all goods heading into Europe passing through it.