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After eight

Rotterdam in the evening: tips for an unforgettable night

Comedy Club Haug Maas Rotterdam Centrum
Kruiskade de Beurs Iris van den Broek
Oude Luxor Iris van den Broek

Rotterdam truly comes alive at night. From movies and cocktails to dancing, live music, and late-night bites, there's always something going on in Rotterdam city center after 8 PM. Here are some great tips for an unforgettable night out.

Cinema visit at Pathé Schouwburgplein

Pathé Schouwburgplein is Rotterdam's most central cinema. Here you can enjoy the latest blockbusters, thrilling thrillers, family shows, and impressive 3D and IMAX films. The cinema has multiple rooms, so there's always a great film playing.

You'll also find plenty of cafés and restaurants surrounding the cinema to complete your evening. You can start with a drink, then watch a film, and finish the evening with a bite to eat in the city center, for example, at Floor or Bertmans which is located next door.

Schouwburgplein Tino van den Berg

Cocktails at Amehoela Rotterdam

Amehoela on Lijnbaan is a popular cocktail bar in Rotterdam city centre. With creative cocktails, a menu inspired by Japanese and South American cuisine, and a relaxed, modern atmosphere, it's the perfect way to start or end a night out on the town.

Beurs: café, restaurant and club all in one

Originally a cinema foyer, it now combines a café, restaurant, and club. During the day, you can enjoy lunch and dinner here, and in the evening, De Beurs transforms into a popular nightlife spot, where you can enjoy music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere. It's an ideal location for a night out with friends or to meet new people in the heart of the city.

Kruiskade de Beurs Iris van den Broek

A night of theater at the Oude Luxor

The Oude Luxor Theater on the Kruiskade is an iconic theater in Rotterdam. With its rich history and beautiful interior, it's the perfect venue for a night out. The theater offers a varied programme of cabaret, theater, music, and more. Performances often begin around 8:00 PM, making it the perfect venue for an evening of entertainment.

Oude Luxor Iris van den Broek

A night of laughter at Comedy Club Haug

For an evening full of sharp wit and raw humor, Comedy Club Haug is the place to be. Located on the Maas River, it's the ultimate stand-up comedy venue in Rotterdam. Almost every day, there are shows featuring top comedians, emerging talent, and international guests.

From the diverse Best of Stand-Up lineups to solos, open mic nights, and tryouts during Is This Anything, the programme is surprising and diverse. Big names like Ronald Goedemondt, Theo Maassen, Louis CK, and Najib Amhali have graced its stage.

Comedy Club Haug Maas Rotterdam Centrum

De Doelen: classical music and more

De Doelen is Rotterdam's concert hall, located on Schouwburgplein. It's one of the city's most important cultural institutions and offers a wide range of music performances, from classical concerts to pop and jazz.

Keep an eye on the agenda, as there are also regular fun parties and festivals, such as 90s R&B karaoke and the Cross Comix Festival.

De Doelen Schouwburg Rotterdam Centrum

A fun night out at Paddy Murphy's Irish Pub

For a lively evening, Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub is highly recommended. Located on Rodezand in the heart of the city centre, the pub feels like a warm, Irish living room where everyone is welcome. You can enjoy live music, from folk to rock, while sampling a selection of Irish beers, whiskeys, or classic pub dishes like fish and chips.

It’s also a perfect spot for sports fans: you can watch live football, rugby, or Formula 1 on large screens. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink, an evening of live music, or want to watch a match with friends, Paddy Murphy’s is a top spot for a night out.

Dance the night away at Toffler

Toffler is one of Rotterdam's most famous nightclubs, housed in a former metro tunnel. With electronic music and international DJs, it's a hotspot for Rotterdam nightlife enthusiasts who want to dance the night away.

Evening cruise with Spido

An evening cruise with Spido lets you see Rotterdam from a unique perspective. Enjoy the illuminated skyline, the Erasmus Bridge, and the Kop van Zuid during a peaceful and atmospheric evening activity in Rotterdam.

Erasmusbrug skyline 2015 ️ Claire Droppert

Late-night snacks at Warung Mini

For a tasty late-night snack in Rotterdam, head to Warung Mini on Witte de Withstraat. This Indonesian, Javanese, and Surinamese eatery is known for its delicious dishes and cozy atmosphere; perfect for a bite to eat after a night out.

Karaoke at Duke of Tokyo

Duke of Tokyo is a karaoke bar in Rotterdam inspired by... Tokyo, of course! With private karaoke rooms, a spacious dance floor, and a cocktail bar, it's the perfect place to sing, dance, and enjoy an evening of neon atmosphere and entertainment.

Duke of Tokyo 1
Duke of Tokyo 2

Night walk over the Erasmus bridge

An evening stroll across the Erasmus Bridge is, of course, an iconic activity in Rotterdam after 8:00 PM. The bridge offers stunning views of the skyline and harbour, especially in the evening when the city is beautifully lit. It's ideal if you don't feel like going out for the evening and want to enjoy our beautiful city by night.

Erasmusbrug at night

FAQ: Going out in Rotterdam

All tips summarized? See at a glance which spots you shouldn’t miss!

What are the best evening activities in Rotterdam Centrum?

Rotterdam offers a wide range of evening activities. You can catch a movie at Pathé Schouwburgplein or Cinerama, enjoy cocktails at Amehoela, dance the night away at Toffler, or listen to live music at Bird. For a cultural evening, head to the Oude Luxor Theater or De Doelen, and for Irish cheer, Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub is a top spot.

Where can I get late-night snacks in Rotterdam?

For a tasty late-night bite, visit Warung Mini on Witte de Withstraat. Or try Jaffa Shoarma Rotterdam for a classic kapsalon or döner kebab.

Which places are best for live music or performances?

For live music, Bird is perfect for jazz, soul, and funk. Jazz lovers should also check out Jazzcafé Dizzy. The Oude Luxor Theater and De Doelen host evening shows and concerts, ranging from theater to classical music and pop concerts.

Where can I watch sports or matches during a night out in Rotterdam?

Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub is ideal for sports fans, with big screens showing football, rugby, and other major events. You can also try Panenka or ’t Fust for a lively sports atmosphere.

Which places are good for dancing and nightlife in Rotterdam?

Villa Thalia and De Beurs are popular nightlife spots in Rotterdam Centrum. Toffler is perfect for fans of electronic music. Don’t forget Annabel, THOMS, The Grit, or Biergarten for even more evening fun.

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