Rotterdam (Netherlands)

Rotterdam is the second city of Holland, with near to a million inhabitants it is a small town for american standards. Here in Holland however, it is known as a big city.Historical buildings, such as the merchants buildings at the canals in Amsterdam, are hard to find, due to large bombings from both side in the second world war. but, in effect, there is a lot of modern architecture and the view buildings that weren't bombed are carefully conserved. This gives the town a very own face, with the contrast between ancient and modern styles. For everyone who likes, or is interested in architecture, Rotterdam is a must.
Rotterdam has the largest harbor in the world, always competing with Antwerp, and it is definitely worth a tour. Because most tourists visit Amsterdam and the "keukenhof" and fly on to Paris, Rotterdam isn't crowded with tourists and the prices are agreeable.
Also the stadium of the local football club, Feyenoord, is worth a visit. As city of the working class, with soccer as major sport, the stadium is impressive and has a great ambiance. No nonsense to the max. You'll love it, or you'll hate it, there is no in between.
There are a lot of interesting musea. The ones about sailing, shipping and constructing are infamous. But also for contemporary art, there is the Boymans van Boemingen.. and lots more in de Kunsthal. If you go there, enjoy, for nice bars, you got to go north from the center.