Are you looking for great insider tips? In addition to the abundance of inspiration that you will find on our website and social media channels, you may wonder: what are the best spots?
That we don't have the answer to, there are so many great places in Rotterdam. What we can do however, is share our own personal favourite hotspots. Below our frontrunners share their favourite tips in Rotterdam Centre! Be sure to click on the buttons to find more local tips and discover amazing shops, restaurants and more.
Who doesn't love ramen? Ramen is one of my favourite (comfort) dishes, and my go-to place for it is Tensai Ramen. I always like to share this tip with people who visit Rotterdam for the first time!
Tensai Ramen is located just next to the Coolsingel. What makes it extra special is that the noodles are prepared on-site, rather than imported from Japan, which really improves the taste and texture.
According to our frontrunner Thijs, you start the day well at Harvest Café & Bakery with a hearty breakfast and a nice cup of coffee.
"In a pleasantly busy and cozy atmosphere, they serve true works of art on your plate. The menu offers a good selection and there are also a number of “specials”. These dishes/coffees change every few weeks and always surprise. My favourite is the toasted sourdough bread with scrambled eggs to which you can add all kinds of side dishes such as fried mushrooms, sausages that really crackle or the homemade butter. Everything comes from the area and is farm-fresh. A perfectly brewed cappuccino completes it."
Another tip from frontrunner Thijs is De Kade on West-Kruiskade. According to him, this is where you can get the tastiest Surinamese-Chinese sandwiches!
"It doesn't really matter what day of the week I come here, there is always a line. Fortunately, they are always working hard behind the counter and you can quickly walk out with your sandwich. There is a small terrace, but you can also enjoy your lunch in the park across the street."
For frontrunner Mathilde, a visit to the Skins is definitely an outing. She highly recommends this luxury store on the Kruiskade!
"Not only is the interior super luxurious, I love all the unique perfumes they sell here. Brands and scents that I can't find anywhere else, so I discover something new every time. They also sell beautiful make-up brands here that you can otherwise have to shop online.
And did you know that you can also book facial treatments here? I once received one as a gift and it was delicious."
Anyone who knows Mathilde knows that she is very enthusiastic about healthy food. So it's not a surprise that she enjoys going to the Groene Passage!
"A visit to the Green Passage is something I shouldn't do if I'm in a hurry. The Gimsel supermarket is full of organic products from brands that you won't find at regular supermarkets. And here you have the option to buy some products without plastic!
Next to Gimsel is Spirit, a buffet-style restaurant, where you can fill your plate with organic, freshly made dishes. Ideal if you want a healthy lunch and want to taste a little bit of everything."
Our social media guru Petra also likes to share her favourite hotspots in Rotterdam. She recommends Amazing Oriental, where she likes to immerse herself in a world of Asian flavours and ingredients.
"Because of my passion for Oriental cuisine, I regularly go exploring here, always with the challenge of taking home at least three new items. I am currently completely captivated by Japanese cuisine and am planning to make onigiri at home this weekend. This is a Japanese snack in the shape of a triangle, consisting of rice with filling, wrapped in seaweed. At Amazing Oriental I can find all the necessary ingredients for this.
It's truly a one-stop-shop experience! In addition, there are often cooking demonstrations and tastings on weekends, which makes the visit extra fun."
Do you love vintage shopping? Then you should go to frontrunner Dimple. She shares her favourite vintage shops in Rotterdam, including REJOES.
"REJOES is located in the centre of Rotterdam, on the corner of the Oude Binnenweg. Take the escalator up and enter a true vintage paradise.
There are racks full of clothing, where you will undoubtedly find unique vintage gems. Think of dresses in various styles, party tops, casual sportswear, skirts from all kinds of brands and much more. There are also various bags, caps and other accessories throughout the store."
Which local tip are you going to try?