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. 

A visit to the Bloom Effects tulip fields

This August I am living here in the Netherlands for three years which blows my mind. One of my favourite things to do here is to visit the picturesque tulip fields in the Spring. I was delighted to be invited along to the Bloom Effects fields and WOW they were just incredible. Bloom Effects is a Dutch skincare brand which uses the natural ingredients from tulips to make their unique, award winning clean beauty products. If you are visiting the Netherlands in the future I highly recommend paying a visit to the fields this time of year, they never disappoint! 

My poplin midi dress is new stock Zara which I have linked here. TikTok clip: linked here.

An escape to the Dutch countryside - A stay at STEURSHOEVE

We had the most incredible weekend away here in The Netherlands and I had to share it on here after all of the messages I received over on Instagram & Tiktok. We live in Rotterdam city which we love but after months in and out of lock down plus living in a busy area we were craving some fresh air & down time. I found the most perfect property in Burgh-Haamstede, Zeeland & without researching it (v unusual for me) I booked it within seconds.

REBRAND - www.eadaoinburke.com

I hope everyone reading this is keeping safe and your loved ones are all well. It has been a crazy couple of months for us all so I really hope everyone is doing ok especially those who are yet to be reunited with loved ones. I am so happy to finally launch my new site www.eadaoinburke.com.

Travel Croatia - Podstrana Split and Hvar

Last summer Martijn and I went to Croatia for the last two weeks of our summer travels and absolutely loved it. We did have to do it on a very tight budget as we were still broke students but because everywhere we went was so beautiful the basic accommodation did us just fine for getting some sleep...we never stopped exploring. This year My Mam surprised me with a family holiday to Croatia at the very end of August to celebrate my Masters and the trip was just perfection. Of course, because it was a family trip the accommodation was a lot more luxurious so this post will give those of you with more of a budget some inspiration on potential places to stay etc.

Exploring Portugal - Lisbon, Cascais and Sintra

I am back with yet another travel post and this one has been highly requested. If you follow my Instagram you would have seen myself and Martijn went away in the middle of August to Portugal. The holiday was incredible from start to finish and because I documented it on Instagram so many of you wanted to know the details so here they are.

Our Croatia Travels - Budget Edition

Hey, I am finally back on the blog after yet another long time away from writing but as the majority of you will already know Fashion Aid has had to be put to one side until after my Masters here in Amsterdam. I have been receiving so many messages in relation to my Croatia travels last summer so I am finally sitting down to write it all up. Just a side note, Martijn and I had very tight budgets for our trip so despite the fact I do really recommend where we stayed it is VERY VERY basic and most definitely for a tight student budget.

Summer in Slovenia

Good morning, I am honestly so happy to be back on the blog after a very long time away! When I got back from my summer travels I had all of 7 days to unpack and repack for my big move to Amsterdam. I am now all settled in and am finally getting on to fill you in on what I got up to for the summer. 

Once we finished up our time in France and Italy with our families we set off to Slovenia which by the way is such a beautiful country, it certainly did not disappoint! We did only allocate a couple of days before heading off to Croatia but what we did see was incredible....highly recommend you adding it to your endless list of places to visit.