Food scene
Vegan restaurant in old train carriage. Great for 4 people max. Make sure to call for a reservation!
26 locals recommend
Restaurant Gare du Nord
2 AnthoniestraatVegan restaurant in old train carriage. Great for 4 people max. Make sure to call for a reservation!
Dunya Lokanta
40A ProveniersstraatGreat food and opposite of street
This fantastic place helps ex-convicts to reintegrate by giving them training as baristas. Really nice atmosphere and very friendly staff.
14 locals recommend
Heilige Boontjes
3 EendrachtspleinThis fantastic place helps ex-convicts to reintegrate by giving them training as baristas. Really nice atmosphere and very friendly staff.
Knoflookrestaurant 'Look
140B 's-GravendijkwalEvery meal is based on garlic, and it’s delicious!
Lof der Zoetheid
1 NoordpleinDelicious cakes, lovely area, lots of vegan options!
Bazar
16 Witte de WithstraatAwesome space, good food, good service, and inexpensive.
Going out
Best beers in town + awesome building. Go upstairs to get the full experience!
12 locals recommend
Kaapse Maria
52 MauritswegBest beers in town + awesome building. Go upstairs to get the full experience!
Absolute favourite. The interior is super low budget but awesome. Be sure to visit their neighbours, WORM, as well if you get the chance.
16 locals recommend
Wunderbar
71 BoomgaardsstraatAbsolute favourite. The interior is super low budget but awesome. Be sure to visit their neighbours, WORM, as well if you get the chance.
WORM
71 BoomgaardsstraatThe party-neighbour of Wunderbar.
Jazzcafé Dizzy
127 's-GravendijkwalHas a courtyard garden too!
Classic. Have drinks, or go to a party, or a concert—depending on the night.
64 locals recommend
Rotown
19 Nieuwe BinnenwegClassic. Have drinks, or go to a party, or a concert—depending on the night.
If you want techno, this is the closest place near the apartment.
11 locals recommend
Cultuurpodium Perron
42 SchiestraatIf you want techno, this is the closest place near the apartment.
Toffler
33 Weena-ZuidTechno bunker.
Maassilo
1-2 Maashaven ZuidzijdeEpic old factory with techno. Make sure to check if there’s a party.
Sightseeing
Go over the famous Erasmusbridge and find yourself at an old industrial area that has now loads of restaurants, places to go out, et cetera, along with an accumulation of buildings by famous architects (Rem Koolhaas, Norman Foster, MVRDV).
Personal favourites: cinema/restaurant Lantarenvenster, Fenix Food Factory. Hotel New York has good oysters.
Fun fact: the bridge to Fenix Food Factory is nicknamed “Hoerenloper” (whore’s walker) because the area used to be the red light district.
28 locals recommend
Kop van Zuid
Go over the famous Erasmusbridge and find yourself at an old industrial area that has now loads of restaurants, places to go out, et cetera, along with an accumulation of buildings by famous architects (Rem Koolhaas, Norman Foster, MVRDV).
Personal favourites: cinema/restaurant Lantarenvenster, Fenix Food Factory. Hotel New York has good oysters.
Fun fact: the bridge to Fenix Food Factory is nicknamed “Hoerenloper” (whore’s walker) because the area used to be the red light district.
Stroll along the quay of the Maas river and cross to Zuid (South).
221 locals recommend
Erasmus Bridge
ErasmusbrugStroll along the quay of the Maas river and cross to Zuid (South).
See Rotterdam from a different perspective! Crowdfunded wooden, yellow bridge designed by ZUS that was built to improve the connection between three areas. Good for Instagram too.
13 locals recommend
Luchtsingel
LuchtsingelSee Rotterdam from a different perspective! Crowdfunded wooden, yellow bridge designed by ZUS that was built to improve the connection between three areas. Good for Instagram too.
Shopping
Pannekoekstraat
PannekoekstraatLots of great vintage stores
Sweet Rebels
89B Schiedamse VestVintage store
Coffee
Proper Italian place: great coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. Good place for breakfast :) Also vegan options!
39 locals recommend
Booon
31 ProveniersstraatProper Italian place: great coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. Good place for breakfast :) Also vegan options!
Lebkov & Sons
50 StationspleinBest place to work and get good coffee
Diner@Donner
129 CoolsingelCafé in a huge book store in the former office of ABN Amro. Very friendly staff.
30ml Rotterdam Centrum
105a Nieuwe BinnenwegGreat coffee and surprising combinations