Schielandshuis, an opulent palace from the 17th century, is the only preserved building in the centre of Rotterdam of this vintage. Construction began in 1662 – around the time Rembrandt painted his masterpiece The Night Watch., it’s a museum highlighting Rotterdam’s colourful history and the tourist office is located in the building. It’s like an oasis of the old world, surrounded by ultra-modern, high-rise buildings and office blocks.