The centre of vibrant Rotterdam is packed with nice restaurants, hotels, shops and more! But sometimes it’s hard to choose with so many options. There is something for everyone, but we all want more than we need and it is nice if going out does not require hours of thinking.
Walking around every now and then and seeing where you end up brings the best spontaneous adventures, in addition, occasionally knowing exactly where you are going is accompanied by a noteworthy experience.
From my own experience I know that walking in circles only to stand in front of closed doors, or to find out that a location is permanently closed, is not exactly efficient. It can spoil the fun a bit. That’s why a city guide focused on Rotterdam Centre is the solution I’ve been waiting for. And hopefully you have too!
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Restaurants in Rotterdam Centre
Tech-Noir
Blade Runner and Terminator meets American pop culture from the 80s in a location that not only functions as a restaurant, but also a co*cktail bar, event hall and movie night ‘arcade’.
The interior is flashy and completely in the style of the technological film-noir genre that inspired the name Tech-Noir. The dishes vary from diner classics such as pancakes and chicken & waffles to burgers and loaded fries.
Address
Schiedamse Vest 154, 3011 BH Rotterdam
Bertmans
Bertmans is a household name among Rotterdammers. It all started in Rotterdam Noord, where a smaller location has been supplying hungry hangover-heads with avocado toast with poached egg for years. Then Bertmans opened a location in the centre (and closed the location in Noord).
Besides the fact that this restaurant is a true interior gem, especially the dishes are something to write home about. Everyone can enjoy a meal at Bertmans, regardless of allergies, dietary requirements or other preferences.
Address
Karel Doormanstraat 292, 3012 GP Rotterdam
OX
Chinese cuisine has never been so tasty and cool. OX is chic and raw, full of flavour and a little naughty. This restaurant is hidden, because it is not immediately noticeable at first, but the actual location is in the heart of the city centre.
Go to OX with friends as the dishes are meant to be shared. The co*cktails – which are composed with care – also make toasting with loved ones even more fun.
Address
Schiekade 189, 3013 BR Rotterdam
The Harvest
Behind Central Station you will find the cozy Proveniersstraat, where one of our favourite restaurants is located. Both me and my Weekends in Rotterdam colleagues eat here regularly. Why? Because The Harvest is really tasty, prepares healthy dishes and also supports local farmers and entrepreneurs.
The bowls consist of seasonal products, so you are guaranteed to eat what is best for your health per season. Everything is fresh, you have to taste this.
Address
Proveniersstraat 36a, 3033 CK Rotterdam
TEDS
TEDS is the place to be if you’re into All Day Brunch. Do you want to enjoy a relaxed brunch on weekdays between 09:00 and 11:00 or between 15:00 and 17:00? You can!
What makes this location so special is that it is situated on the top floor of the iconic Schieblok, which is accompanied by a view of the Rotterdam skyline. Devour banana pancakes, yogurt with fruit, or go for waffle fries and a co*cktail. No shame!
Address
Schiekade 189, 3013 BR Rotterdam
Things to do in Rotterdam Centre
Kunsthal Rotterdam
Photo by Jeroen Musch.
You don’t have to be an art fan to enjoy a visit to this beautiful and modern museum. The exhibitions vary enormously (think paintings, fashion, photography, reportage, craftsmanship, and so on).
The building itself is a reason to visit Kunsthal Rotterdam, because the route along all floors is entertaining if you have an affinity with architecture.
I make it a priority to visit this museum a few times a year and even after visiting many other locations I can still say that I have seen the most beautiful art in my favourite museum ‘de Kunsthal’.
Address
Museumpark, Westzeedijk 341, 3015 AA Rotterdam
Euromast
The Euromast lookout tower is not a cliché. Rather, it is something every Rotterdammer should have done. A visit to the Euromast is a must, especially when you moved to cosy 010 from another city. Rotterdam has a special skyline, it is a mix of greenery, water, old and new buildings. The 360 degree view in our most world famous building shows the true beauty of our town.
TIP: buy your entrance ticket for the Euromast here.
Address
Parkhaven 20, 3016 GM Rotterdam
Laurenskerk
Photo by Iris van den Broek
The Laurenskerk (Laurens church) is a beautiful national monument where special activities are regularly organized. It is possible (almost daily) to visit the church to admire all the splendor, and the tower can also be climbed a few months a year.
But do you want the full magical experience? Then drop by during one of the musical events.
TIP: buy your entrance ticket for the Laurenskerk here.
Address
Grotekerkplein 27, 3011 GC Rotterdam
Hotels in Rotterdam Centre
the bellhop
In the most vibrant street of Rotterdam Centre you will find the bellhop, a hotel where not only comfort is important, but also the environment. Sustainability speaks volumes and travelers with a love for our planet are more than welcome at this trendy hotel.
In addition to staying overnight at the bellhop, you can also enjoy Instagram-worthy dishes with international flavours in the kitchen & bar. Of course these are prepared with an eye for health for both humankind and the planet.
Address
Witte de Withstraat 77, 3012 BN Rotterdam
King Kong Hostel
King Kong is a modern boutique hostel also located in the lively Witte de Withstraat, diagonally opposite the bellhop. Nice, isn’t it, to have such a cool neighbour? King Kong Hostel aims to inspire visitors and hostel guests to create, travel, learn and improve the world. They do this by maintaining a true community – also known as their monkey family.
The private rooms as well as the shared dorms are stylish and decorated with works of art or murals. And for the lovebirds among us, there is The Lovers Loft, a red-lit room with a view of the Rotterdam skyline.
Address
Witte de Withstraat 74, 3012 BS Rotterdam
CitizenM
CitizenM builds intelligent, sustainable hotels and obtains 90% of their electricity from renewable energy. How cool is that? You check-in quickly with an app that puts everything in your own hands and you also choose a hotel that contributes to the health of the planet. Win-win, right?
The Rotterdam location of CitizenM is located on a beautiful old-fashioned part of the harbour where you can enjoy a bite and a drink. But this hotel is also directly opposite the Markthal and the market square of the Binnenrotte market. You will be able to go everywhere you need to go in no time.
Address
Gelderseplein 50, 3011 WZ Rotterdam
Hotel New York
Who doesn’t know Hotel New York? It is one of the most famous locations in Rotterdam. The property is impressive, both from the outside and the inside. The terrace is the place to be by the water during the summer months. And the restaurant is highly regarded (or makes many people’s mouth water).
We know that this hotel officially belongs to the Kop van Zuid, but Hotel New York is visible from the waterfront after a day of shopping. A walk across the Erasmusbrug doesn’t take too long… you can make the effort.
Address
Koninginnenhoofd 1, 3072 AD Rotterdam
Shopping in Rotterdam Centre
Von Deux
Vintage lover Rosanne opened a physical location besides her webstore where her Von Deux second-hand gems are for sale. Her shop is not only full of beautiful things, but it’s also a beautiful location to visit in itself.
The vintage items sold at Von Deux are unique, cool and carefully selected, each and every one of them. Different decades, cultures and styles are covered.
Address
Goudsesingel 69, 3031 EE Rotterdam
Funkie House
Funkie House is for hip people, by hip people. This is also a location that has acquired an iconic quality. Or even cult status. You will not find streetwear and -fashion more extensive than at this mini department store in the heart of Rotterdam.
Both men and women, and everything in between, have found the right place when it comes to cool pants, sweaters, jackets, shoes, accessories and more. At Funkie House you buy everything you need, from the top of your head to your little toe.
Address
Korte Hoogstraat 15-A, 3011 GJ Rotterdam
HAY
Your home also wants something nice. Or you also want something nice for your home. It’s okay, I won’t make a fuss about it… and neither will HAY. The Danish design brand HAY values sustainability and high quality, but fortunately they also value affordable prices.
Buy the most ‘Scandinavian cool’ sofas and tables for both indoors and outdoors, kitchen and living room accessories, as well as items for the office and bathroom. And don’t forget the rugs, pillows, bedding and lamps!
Address
Haagseveer 99, 3011 AH Rotterdam
Nature in Rotterdam Centre
Het Park
Parqiet restaurant
The Euromast is here. You will find restaurants such as Parqiet, Parkheuvel and The Harbour Club. You can play miniature golf at Midget Golfbaan Parkhaven. But what makes Het Park really nice is all the greenery.
The beautiful large lawns, the trees, bushes, shrubs, flowers and water lilies. The Park is bursting with ponds, each filled with chirping birds that evoke a soothing feeling.
Address
Baden Powelllaan 2, 3016 GJ Rotterdam
Museumpark
Photo by Walter Herfst.
The name says it all, this park is dedicated to museums. Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, Kunsthal Rotterdam and Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam that is.
In Museumpark you will find lawns to strike down upon with a picnic blanket, paths to walk on, flowers to admire and a square to skate on. Events are regularly organized in Museumpark, such as food festivals or movie nights.
Address
Museumpark, 3015 CB Rotterdam
Nieuwe Maas
Rotterdam would not be Rotterdam without all its water. The Nieuwe Maas is a large part of the centre and runs along the entire width of the city centre. It is wonderful to walk along the Maasboulevard, take in the splashing sound of the water and gaze at the old houses on Noordereiland.
Address
Maasboulevard
If this guide doesn’t keep you busy for a weekend (or several weekends), then I don’t know what will. Hopefully you immediately feel like taking a city trip to Rotterdam or like having a good time in your own city. Have fun!
