Exploring Rotterdam - The Ultimate Guide

It has been over five years since the first time I visited Rotterdam city so as you can imagine after 5 + years, 3 of those living here I have accumulated quite a list of must visit spots in Rotterdam including bars, restaurants, attractions etc. I do also have a Rotterdam highlight over on my Instagram if you want to see more videos, sometimes that gives you a bit of a better impression of the spots. I hope this post helps you to plan the perfect trip to Rotterdam....you are in for a treat!

Food spots in Rotterdam

Brunch, lunch & treats:

Grab a treat at Koekela bakery - By far the best bakery for cake & baked goods in Rotterdam, 100% one to visit for a takeaway coffee & treat whilst you roam the streets.

Lilith - If you are a brunch fan this is one for you. The most delicious brunch options & those of you who are vegetarian/vegan are also covered.

Westkop for pizza & drinks in the sun - This is a spot we have been going to since it opened. Westkop is located right beside the newly opened Boijmans museum, a must if you are in the area especially if the sun is out (tiktok video).

Dudok Rotterdam - Dudok has two spots in the city, one in Het Park & also on the Meent. If you are in the mood for a good hearty lunch this is a great spot, their apple pie is also famous in The Netherlands & one to try if you have a sweet tooth ;)

Pirqiet in Het Park - Always a great spot to grab something to eat or even a takeaway coffee & treat while you go for a walk in the park. This is one of my favourite areas in the whole city, so cozy & full of cute dogs which is a plus if you are dog obsessed like me.

ALOHA - A low waste foodbar with incredibly healthy food options & in the summer a terrace for a drink in the sun overlooking the water.

LOT&DAN - I have had brunch at LOT&DAN a couple of times & it has never disappointed. Another great brunch spot with gorgeous decor, perfect for a girly date.

Bertmans - Bertmans is always a good idea if you are craving a good lunch or brunch spot in the city center.

Lilith, Nieuwe Binnenweg 125 H, 3014 GJ Rotterdam

Wesktop, Museumpark 35, 3015 CB Rotterdam

Dudok Rotterdam, Meent 88, 3011 JP Rotterdam

Parqiet cafe, Baden Powelllaan 20, 3016 GJ Rotterdam

Dinner spots in the city - My top picks

La Pizza Centrum - An incredible Italian spot, delicious wood-fired pizzas & top class wine, what more could you want.

Sijf - Sijf has always been our go to spot & one you can not miss especially if you are a fan of craft beers & a hearty meal. I love Sijf around Christmas, it is one of our favourites in Rotterdam.

Bar Pulpo - A fab seafood tapas bar - Highly recommend the gambas if you pay a visit.

Little V - If you are a fan of Vietnamese food Little V is a must visit! I have been here for both lunch & dinner & can confirm it is worth a visit.

Just Rotterdam - Just is a really nice spot, a concept restaurant offering the best of Caribbean French fusion dishes. One thing to note, Just do not have a menu to choose from. You simply tell them what you do not like/allergic to & for the rest it is a surprise & a real experience.

Tapasbar De Hemel op Aarde - If you are a tapas fan this is one for you. A real hidden gem a couple of minutes walk from The Market Hall, I love sitting outdoors here in the summer months.

DoDo Café - When DoDo 1st opened pre pandemic I was there at my 1st opportunity & loved it. A really nice spot with tasty food & drinks.

Huson - An incredible Michelin star restaurant which has been awarded for their excellent price for the quality delivered. If you are looking for an extra special meal definitely check it out....they also are famous for their homemade limoncello so if you are a fan make sure to give it a try.

La Pizza Centrum, Scheepstimmermanslaan 21, 3016 AD Rotterdam

Bar Pulpo, Scheepstimmermanslaan 15a, 3016 AC Rotterdam

Bar restaurant Sijf, Oude Binnenweg 115, 3012 JB Rotterdam

Just Rotterdam, Mauritsweg 53B, 3012 JX Rotterdam

Huson Rotterdam

Coffee & drink spots

Sijf - You can't go wrong with a night at Sijf especially if you are a fan of craft beers. They have a great selection & the atmosphere is always perfect.

Spikizi cocktail bar - If you are looking for a hidden gem, cocktail bar in Rotterdam look no further than Spikizi. Located off the well-known Witte De Witte straat, this place knows how to make cocktails, highly recommend it! Just keep in mind the bar is very small so do make a reservation in advance if you are a bigger group :)

Beer boutique - A small, cosy beer bar located on the famous Witte de Withstraat - I also love it here at night, it is always packed on the weekends and for good reason.

NRC - This is a good combination of a club + bar vibe. In my opinion, you cant go wrong if you are in Rotterdam for a night out out as we say in Ireland.

Nhow, a drink with a view - A spot we have visited for years & if you want to have a drink with the perfect view of Rotterdam I would highly recommend checking it out. On the weekends they typically have a DJ on the desks & sunset on their terrace when the weather is good is magical.

Ballroom - If you are a G&T fan, Ballroom is one for you. Ballroom is known for its wide range of gin....162 different types to be specific.

Amehoela Rotterdam - A trendy cocktail & street food bar in the city.

NY Basement - We visited NY Basement pre-pandemic which is in the basement of the well known & historic Hotel New York. I couldn't recommend it enough if you are looking for a date night spot. Delicious cocktails & a wow atmosphere.

Sijf Rotterdam, Oude Binnenweg 115, 3012 JB Rotterdam

nhow Rotterdam, Wilhelminakade 137, 3072 AP Rotterdam

What to see in the city

The Euromast - The Euromast is an observation tower located right at Het Park (one of my favourite spots) & is definitely worth a visit if you are in the city. You can get a ticket to go right up to the top + they have a restaurant & bar to shop and have a bite & admire the views.

Cube Houses - The cube houses are an iconic tourist spot in Rotterdam, you pay a couple of euro to go inside if you are curious however, a walk through on the way to the old harbour or Market Hall is also enough.

A water trip on speedo - A trip along the water to see the famous Rotterdam ports is always a good way to get a preview of the city from the water.

Market Hall - The Market Hall is an absolute must if you are visiting Rotterdam. Filled with a large range of food, drinks & snacks.

Het Park - A park I spend a lot of my time in and a real escape from the busy city centre of Rotterdam. Het Park has some lovely lunch spots in it including the Harbour Club, Parqiet and Dudok.

A walk on the Erasmus bridge followed by a coffee at the harbour - The Erasmus bridge is a must see if you are in Rotterdam for a visit but don't stop there. The harbour at Veerhaven is my favourite area in Rotterdam and the perfect place to sit and take in the views with a coffee at Loos. Another spot I love here is Louis Petit, a gorgeous French cafe and restaurant with incredible views from their outdoor seating area.

Boijmans Museum - A newly opened art deport hosting over 150,000 art objects, we have visited twice now and love it. Once you finish exploring the depot you can enjoy a drink or bite to eat at their fab restaurant located on the top floor & do make sure to go outside to check out the views. We also love to visit Westkop for a bite to eat or drink, the view of the building is so cool, especially at sunset.