Inside Rotterdam

05/08/2024

| 150 𝙔𝙀𝘼𝙍𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙀 𝙃𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙍𝙔 ⛴️ |

The origins of the Maritiem Museum Rotterdam are on Veerkade.There, the former clubhouse belonging to the Royal Yacht Club was located, which was opened in 1852 by King Willem III. His brother Prince Hendrik, the chairman of the Yacht Club, decided to exhibit the collected objects of Rotterdam shipowners, scientists and collectors to the public in 1874, thus laying the foundation for the current Maritime Museum.

The 150th anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year with a delicious birthday offer at the museum café: a slice of apple pie for only 150 cents. During the summer, there is a packed programme with a lot of extra activities for all ages, especially at the Maritime Museum Harbour

Leuvehaven 1
maritiemmuseum.nl

02/08/2024

| 𝙋𝙇𝙎𝙏𝙆 𝘾𝘼𝙁É 𝙄𝙉 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙏𝙊𝙒𝙀𝙍 🌅 |

At PLSTK Café (pronounced as plastic), you won’t find much plastic, as this eco-restaurant is striving to become the first plastic-free eatery in the Netherlands. PLSTK’s Robin, Charlotte and Maxim share their love of water sports and have seen firsthand that the world has a global waste problem.

You can’t miss the place. It is located in a former sea tower that extends 20 metres in height. It’s surrounded by dunes, so let the tranquility sink in while enjoying the view on PLSTK’s terrace located at the back.

Helmweg 7,
Hoek van Holland

31/07/2024

| 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙇𝙊𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙍𝙊𝙊𝙁𝙏𝙊𝙋 𝙋𝘼𝙍𝙆 🌳 |

For almost 100 years, Hofpleinlijn was home to the railway between Rotterdam andThe Hague-Scheveningen. Trains rode in and out of Rotterdam on an elevated rail track. Besides its function as a railway, the viaduct still has an important social function due to the shops and businesses in the arches.

In 2025, the construction of an extraordinary, two-kilometre-long city park atop the monumental arches will start. Where the Netherlands’ first electric train used to run, Rotterdammers and visitors will soon be able to walk between the tops of the trees in the city centre. Hofbogenpark will be the longest rooftop park in the Netherlands and a new, unique icon for Rotterdam.

hofbogen.nl

29/07/2024

| 𝙁𝙍𝙊𝙈 𝘿𝙊𝘾𝙆 𝙏𝙊 𝘽𝘼𝙍 🏗️ |

Once it was Café Schiemond, and in recent years, Eaux Posse. These days, Bar Schiemond can be found here, with a unique waterside terrace. The new owners are paying tribute to Café Schiemond’s past with the name.

In the old days, dock workers used to take the ferry to work, and the place was already packed in the early morning. That cosy, informal atmosphere is what Bar Schiemond aims to revive. Food and drinks are served till late.

Schiemond 40b,
barschiemond.nl

26/07/2024

| 𝙎𝙐𝙈𝙈𝙀𝙍 𝘾𝘼𝙍𝙉𝙄𝙑𝘼𝙇 🥁 |

Rotterdam Unlimited is one of the largest, most exuberant and multicoloured free street festivals in Europe. Every year, Coolsingel is the magnificent backdrop for an exuberant colourful parade, spearheaded by an elected queen and king. They lead an explosion of music and high-energy dancing in a 2.5 km-long procession with iconic floats.

But this year the much-loved event takes on a new form, inviting visitors to celebrate diversity at various locations, instead of a big closing programme in the centre.

Coolsingel and throughout Rotterdam,
27 July, rotterdamunlimited.com

24/07/2024

| 𝙄𝘾𝙀, 𝙄𝘾𝙀, 𝘽𝘼𝘽𝙔🍨|

In Schiebroek and North, you’ll find ice cream shop Koen. The shop looks as simple and basic as the name sounds. White, clean and with a subtle touch of pastel. According to owner Koen, making ice cream used to be typically Italian. And that was also the way Koen learned the trade of ice cream maker.

All good, but since 2014 Koen has been making ice cream Rotterdam style: honest and really good. Koen also offers the cutest single-serve ice cream cakes. Treat yourself or buy a few if you’ve got something to celebrate.

Zwaanshals 317,
Rododendronplein 16

22/07/2024

| 𝘾𝙐𝘽𝙄𝘾𝙇𝙀 𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙏 🟨 |

The Cube Houses were built between 1982 and 1984 to the design of Piet Blom. The whole complex is known as the Blaak Forest. In total, the complex consists of 38 cubic pile houses and 13 company cubes near Oude Haven.

One of the cubes has also housed the Kijk-Kubus for 40 years. This museum home boasts specially designed and handcrafted bespoke furniture, so visitors get a good impression of how to live in this special home with sloping walls. Displays and a scale model inform visitors about the architects and the surroundings.

Overblaak 70,
open: Daily 11 AM – 5 PM,
kubuswoning.nl

19/07/2024

| 𝙁𝙍𝙊𝙈 𝙃𝘼𝙒𝘼𝙄𝙄 𝙏𝙊 𝙃𝙑𝙃 🏖️ |

Pele Surf Shack is unique for being the first 100% plant-based beach pavilion in the Netherlands and well-known for its superb vegan bowls, burgers, pancakes and snacks. For the best laid-back beach vibes, walk barefoot into this cosy hang-out.

Pele is next to a surfing school, and everything breathes a mellow, surfing way of life.You can enjoy an outstanding coffee while watching the surfers ride the waves. Owner Charlotte (from Lilith Coffee in Rotterdam) came up with the idea for Pele while visiting Hawaii and brought back the best of the islands with her.

Rechtestraat 24,
Hoek van Holland

17/07/2024

| 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙍𝙊𝙊𝙁𝙏𝙊𝙋 𝘼𝙏 𝙂𝙃𝙂 🌆 |

The Groot Handelsgebouw is an icon of Rotterdam’s reconstruction. In 2010, the GHG was declared a listed national monument and currently houses more than 450 companies.

In collaboration with Révolt, a local pioneer in innovative events in Rotterdam known for venues such as Annabel and Perron and events like the Kralingse Bos Festival, the roof of the GHG is transformed into a dynamic event venue.

The Rooftop at the GHG is divided into various spaces and terraces, capable of hosting events from 50 to 1,200 people. The indoor spaces feature ample natural light, floor-to-ceiling windows and three-metre-high ceilings. Furthermore, the GHG boasts three interior open-air courtyards connected via a private elevated street through the building.

ghg.nl/rooftop

15/07/2024

| 𝙅𝙊𝙐𝙍𝙉𝙀𝙔 𝘼𝙍𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘿 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙂𝙇𝙊𝘽𝙀 🌍 |

Located very near Central Station where passengers arrive from all over the world, Ayla is a truly international restaurant where visitors can take a journey around the globe at the stylish interior or the lavish Hidden City Garden.

Enjoy the scents of a trattoria, the colours of a taverna, the flavours of a bazaar and the hectic rush of a mercado. All bites, fish, oysters, meat and desserts on the menu are inspired by different international cuisines.

Kruisplein 153,
ayla.nl

15/07/2024

12/07/2024

| 𝙎𝙐𝙍𝙁𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙄𝙉 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘾𝙄𝙏𝙔 🏄‍♀️ |

It took ten years since the first idea, but sheer dedication has resulted in the world’s first surf pool in the middle of a city. A wave machine and a specially shaped bottom make the waves in Steigersgracht. Beginners can take lessons, while experienced surfers can conquer higher and faster waves.

RIF010 also rents out canoes and SUPs to explore Rotterdam and next to the surf pool, there is a beach house. The top floor houses the entrance and a surf shop. The basement has changing rooms with warm showers. On the middle floor, at water level, there is a restaurant and surf bar with a covered terrace for a perfect view.

Steiger 2,
rif010.nl

10/07/2024

| 𝙁𝙄𝙎𝙃 𝙊𝙉 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙆𝘼𝘼𝙋 🐠 |

Katendrecht has gone through quite a transformation over the last decade and has become one of the most popular and vibrant neighbourhoods of Rotterdam. Locale KAAP is located on the cosy Deliplein where restaurants, residents and visitors come together to enjoy a drink, bite to eat and bask in the sun.

The restaurant serves seafood and vegetable dishes with an emphasis on French cuisine, specifically from the Normandy region. Big fruits de mer platters, clams, crab, lobster and oysters are on the menu, as well as beautiful veggie dishes. Fresh fish, organic produce and natural wines: that’s what Locale KAAP stands for.

localekaap.nl
Delistraat 48C

08/07/2024

| 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙐𝙍𝘼𝙇 𝙃𝘼𝘽𝙄𝙏𝘼𝙏 🦔 |

The Natural History Museum Rotterdam is located in a monumental villa with a collection, estimated to hold approximately 400,000 samples, dating back to as early as 1859. There are also new additions in the permanent exhibition, Dead Animal Stories.

It shows how and where humans and animals collide with dramatic consequences, like a hedgehog that got fatally stuck in a McDonald’s McFlurry cup and the world’s most destructive stone marten that shut down the CERN particle accelerator in November 2016.

Westzeedijk 345,
hetnatuurhistorisch.nl

05/07/2024

| 𝙎𝙊𝙅𝙐 + 𝘾𝙃𝙄𝘾𝙆𝙀𝙉 🍗 |

At SOJU Bar, you’ll find delicious Korean comfort food, beer and soju in a cosy setting. As they say themselves, “The Korean culture celebrates companionship with food and drinks”, and we completely agree.

Soju is a popular Korean (alcoholic) drink, similar to Japanese sake, and is usually made from rice. Because it is a very subtle drink, it pairs perfectly with the tasty Korean chicken served with various toppings and sauces.

We couldn’t choose between the Korean fried chicken with honey, onion, cheese, or the spicy variant. It all looked equally delicious. We chose the garlic soy fried chicken, and it was finger-licking good. By the way, there are many more Korean snacks to die for on the menu, such as kimbap and dumplings.

Witte de Withstraat 51a and Markthal,
sojubar.com

03/07/2024

| 𝙁𝙇𝘼𝙈𝘽𝙊𝙔𝘼𝙉𝙏 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙁𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙉𝘿𝙇𝙔 🫶🏼 |

Every city has its own extravagant,glamorous guy. A larger-than-life socialite who is in the know. Rotterdam has Fred van Leer. He started as a “door bitch” and a drag queen in the local scene and has evolved into a national influencer, TV presenter, designer and so much more, Big brands tap him for collaborations.

Fred regularly designs clothing collections for Shoeby and shoes for Steve Madden. He has created postcards for Greetz, and he even helps develop carpets. He is also a show master. In October, he will organise Fred & Friends in his hometown, welcoming (inter)national guests like Maliya Jackson, Emma Kok and Envy Peru for a full-length show.

fredvanleer.nl

28/06/2024

| 𝙏𝙃𝙀 (𝙉𝙊𝙏 𝙎𝙊) 𝙐𝙎𝙐𝘼𝙇 🏩 |

A new innovative hospitality concept, at The Usual every detail has been thought through, with an eye for aesthetics, quality and sustainability. This hybrid design hotel has opened at Westblaak. The Usual is a place where people find each other spontaneously and where ideas and inspiration are given free rein.

Guests can meet while enjoying a croissant and coffee, a good daily snack or connect with like-minded people during events, live music, workshops, and talks. It works closely with local entrepreneurs who also want to make an impact for the dishes.

But it also offers the perfect spaces to combine relaxation and work, with meeting rooms, coworking spaces where possible and a mindgym, a space where guests can especially enjoy yoga, meditation, sound bath sessions and more.

Westblaak 10,
theusual.com/en/locations/rotterdam

26/06/2024

| 𝙈𝙀𝘿𝙄𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙍𝘼𝙉𝙀𝘼𝙉 𝙋𝘼𝙍𝙆 🌳 |

Did you know that Zuiderpark in Rotterdam-Zuid is the biggest park in the Netherlands? The green area that runs through the Charlois neighbourhood boasts a playground, a swamp, a beach and an abundance of trees.

Also located in Zuiderpark is Turkish Nirvana Restaurant Rotterdam. Whether you want to sit on their extended terrace or enjoy their Mediterranean interior, at Nirvana, you’re welcome to stay as long as you please, no matter what time of day. Spoil yourself with their Turkish breakfast buffet, fresh salads or typical Turkish dishes with a modern twist, like köfte, böregi, doner, manti and biber dolmasi. Can’t choose? Have the “Nirvana Mezze” with a chef’s selection.

Zuiderpark
Oldegaarde 345, Rotterdam
nirvanarestaurant.nl

24/06/2024

| 𝙌𝙐𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙎 𝙄𝙉 𝘼𝙇𝙂𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙏𝙃𝙈𝙄𝘾 𝙇𝘼𝙉𝘿𝙎𝘾𝘼𝙋𝙀𝙎 🌸 |

Geert Mul lives and works in Rotterdam. He is a pioneer of digital art and poetic exploration at the intersection of art and technology. Stedelijk Museum Schiedam shows his mesmerising video installation Reflections in a Virtual Nature (Queries in Algorithmic Landscapes).

Visitors are immersed in a dreamy landscape of falling leaves, swirling through the air like a summer breeze. The leaves turn into fiery autumn leaves, snowflakes and swirling blossom petals while listening to an intriguing soundscape with samples from Hollywood films adapted into new dialogues.

All the senses are engaged in this poetic, interactive and immersive installation, which is on display for the first time in a museum setting.

Stedelijk Museum Schiedam
Hoogstraat 112, Schiedam
from 6 April until 15 September

21/06/2024

| 𝙐𝙍𝘽𝘼𝙉 𝙅𝙐𝙉𝙂𝙇𝙀 𝙃𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙊𝙐𝙏 🌆 |

Nestled in the heart of the city’s high-rises, Stadscafé Weena offers a taste of the inner workings of Rotterdam. Open from breakfast until late, this modern establishment is a popular after-work hangout in the urban jungle. Plants, lights, deckchairs and a green environ- ment make for an alluring haven.

Weena 202,
weenarotterdam.nl

19/06/2024

| 𝙈𝙀𝙇𝙇𝙔 𝙓 𝙃𝙄𝙋𝙃𝙊𝙋𝙃𝙐𝙄𝙎 📻 |

Founded in 2002, hiphophuis strives for a world in which young people have opportunities, influence and are given the space to discover their strength, see themselves in all their complexity and see their efforts come to fruition. Hip-hop has been the inspiration at the location near Central Station, but now HipHopHuis is relocating to the iconic building of Kunstinstituut Melly on Witte de Withstraat.

With this move, both institutes respond to a call for a place where contemporary art, performance, and talent development merge effortlessly. This step is crucial for both hip-hop and contemporary art, as it fosters innovation in both genres. Rotterdam is ideally suited for this integration of local and international artistic gatherings. They will be creating an inclusive space that builds bridges between communities in Rotterdam and abroad.

Witte de Withstraat 50

17/06/2024

| 𝙐𝙉-𝘿𝙐𝙏𝘾𝙃 𝙄𝙉 𝙍𝙊𝙏𝙏𝙀𝙍𝘿𝘼𝙈 |

At the site steeped in historical significance as the former editorial office of Het Vrije Volk, 't Slaakhuys restaurant now stands, marking a transformative blend of heritage and innovation. Designed by architect Jo Vegter, the iconic Slaak building has been reimagined to house this new dining concept. Boasting a modern interior adorned with graffiti by Rotterdam artist Marcel Labrie.

Helmed by star chef Tonny Berentsen, the kitchen promises a gastronomic experience. Located in the Fletcher Boutique Hotel Slaak-Rotterdam, the restaurant aims to redefine hotel dining with an international flair, offering everything from luxurious breakfasts to vibrant evening gatherings, challenging traditional hotel norms with a fresh, cosmopolitan approach.�

Slaak 34,
www.slaakhuys.nl

14/06/2024

| 𝙍𝙀𝙏𝙐𝙍𝙉 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙋𝘼𝙍𝘼𝘿𝙀 🎪 |

Due to circumstances, the traveling Theaterfestival de Parade hasn’t taken place in Rotterdam for the last few years. But this year, the Parade is back in town. During the event some 80 theatre, dance, mime and music performances take place in several tents. Most of the performances are specially created for the festival and can only be seen at the Parade. Food trucks and other entertainment make the festival even more attractive.

Museumpark, 21-30 June
deparade.nl

12/06/2024

| 𝘿𝙐𝘿𝙊𝙆 𝙄𝙉 𝙃𝙀𝙏 𝙋𝘼𝙍𝙆 🌳 |

Do you feel like reliving Jane Austen times with stately mansions and beautifully arranged gardens? Then head on over to In Het Park, just next to Parqiet. The old “Heerenhuys” has been�in the hands of Dudok for quite some years now, and it serves�as more than a wedding venue. The beautiful terrace overlooking the park takes you out of the busy city centre and into a dreamy and cosy environment. Pop in for a Croque Dudok, typical Dutch croquettes, or go all out with their stunning and delicious high tea. Don’t forget to make a reservation!

Baden Powelllaan 12,
https://dudok.nl/in-het-park/

10/06/2024

| 𝙁𝙄𝘿𝘿𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝘼𝙍𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘿 🎨 |

75B is a Rotterdam-based design agency. Their flyers, posters, logos, and trailers are unmissable additions to our cityscapes. The exhibition ‘Fiddling Around’, a knowing wink to the experimental and playful working method of founders Rens Muis and Pieter Vos, brings together 25 years of creative design. Based on personal stories and sketches, the exhibition shows how 75B creates and never shy away from humour and controversy. Check it out this month in the Kunsthal.

Westzeedijk 341,
until 30 June

07/06/2024

| 𝘼𝙇𝙇 𝙃𝘼𝙉𝘿𝙎 𝙊𝙉 𝘿𝙀𝘾𝙆 🚢 |

Once the flagship of the Holland America Line, hotel and restaurant Rotterdam now offers a drink with a spectacular view. It boasts a large terrace with a pool where you can enjoy a cocktail and a panorama of the city.

3e Katendrechtsehoofd 25,
Mon-Sun 10 AM – 8 PM

05/06/2024

| 𝙉𝙊 𝙇𝙊𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍 𝙀𝙉𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍𝙀𝘿 🐠 |

Apart from being one of the most beautiful zoos in Europe for almost 170 years, Diergaarde Blijdorp / Rotterdam Zoo takes on another essential role. The zoo is introducing a sharpened mission and vision for species conservation and nature restoration.

Diergaarde Blijdorp will initially focus on the following ten animal and plant species: red panda, rüppell vulture, pygmy hippopotamus, Antillean iguana, common skate, Asian elephant, crocodile pelican, doctor fish, annam water turtle and Rwanda warm water lily.

The aim is that by 2050, these species will no longer be listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. The zoo believes it is their responsibility to take action now for nature and biodiversity so that the children can enjoy a healthy and balanced planet. Current choices and efforts determine the legacy we leave for future generations.

diergaardeblijdorp.nl

03/06/2024

| 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘽𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙍𝙊𝙈 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙒𝙀𝙎𝙏 🧭 |

A true cornerstone of the community in the western part of the city centre, Wester Paviljoen Rotterdam has been an inviting classic café for over several decades. It’s a place to enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and a drink. With a terrace almost as big as the space indoors, one can have a good time inside or outside, with a view on the bustling corner of Nieuwe Binnenweg and Mathenesserlaan.

Mathenesserlaan 157,
westerpaviljoen.nl

31/05/2024

| 𝘼𝙍𝘾𝙃𝙄𝙏𝙀𝘾𝙏𝙐𝙍𝙀 𝘼𝙇𝙇 𝘼𝙍𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘿 🌆 |

Rotterdam Architecture Month (which always takes place in June) is the Netherlands’ largest architecture festival about the future of the city. It is open to everyone, regardless of know- ledge or experience with architecture. With over 100 partners from the education, cultural and design sectors, RA Month organises and facilitates over 125 activities across 40 locations. Discover how architecture and city-making influence and improve everyday life.Visit striking interventions, tours, workshops, lectures, exhibitions, films and festivities.

Various locations, 1-30 June,
rotterdamarchitectuurmaand.nl

29/05/2024

| 𝘿𝙄𝙉𝙀 𝘼𝙏 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙆𝙍𝘼𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙂𝙎𝙀 𝙋𝙇𝘼𝙎 🚣‍♀️ |

Going for a walk around Kralingse Plas? Then you won’t regret making a stop at Restaurant de Schone Lei. This quaint building looks like it could come straight out of the amusement park De Efteling in Noord-Brabant. Don’t be fooled though because there’s no hocus- pocus here.

De Schone Lei serves straight forward food like a smoked ribeye sandwich, French onion soup, quiche, or hamburger. If you want to dip your feet into the water, just take a seat at the dock and breathe in the spectacular sunset overlooking the entire city. This restaurant truly serves one of the best views in town.

deschonelei.nl