Non-Touristy Things in Rotterdam

Travelling to world famous destinations is great, but sometimes you want to explore the non-touristy side, and that’s what we’ll show you in Rotterdam!

If you know a local in any destination, you know how much better and different your experiences in that place can be. You get an authentic experience, and for half the price. You avoid crowds and queues, so you really get to see the things that most tourists won’t. If you’re heading to 鹿特丹, we’ve got you covered! A few of the staff member at 旅馆 ROOM have shared their fav places to eat, drink, and chill so you can do all the non-touristy things in Rotterdam!

Top Staff Picks

We asked many staff members what they felt were the best non-touristy things in 鹿特丹, and nearly everyone came up with the following places:

Witte de With Straat is the best street to eat, drink, and explore the nightlife
Fenix Food Factory, great food and with fantastic views & chill atmosphere
Aloha Bar is also a fav with great food, a tropical vibe, and amazing views of Rotterdam.
Hotel New York is a Rotterdam famous hotel and restaurant

Angela’s Picks

Our lovely team member Angela is from Westland and has been in 鹿特丹 for quite awhile now, after spending some time in Breda. We happily consider her a local, so here are her tips on non-touristy things in Rotterdam:

Unusual Place to Grab a Drink is the brewery Pelgrim
Best Place to Grab a Drink are the bars on Witte de With Straat (Bokaal or Shiebroek)
Cool Café Experiences are Bar Labru 和 Vessel 1 (it’s on a boat!)
Best Place to Dine Alfresco is Vroesen Paviljoen (check out the blueberry pancakes!)
Coolest Place to Party is 酒吧

Angela

Where to Eat Typical Dutch Food in Rotterdam

Solveiga is a dynamic team member from Latvia and has been living in Rotterdam for 6 years. She’s crazy about Kapsalon and says it’s the one thing you really have to try here. She suggests Jaffa on Witte de With Straat (personal fav is the falafel) for the best Kapsalon.

On the other hand, Dutch team member Melanie is Dutch says it’s all about the Kibbeling! She’s pretty sure it’s the best fried fish you’ll ever eat. Monique is a Rotterdam native and also agrees that Kibbeling is something you must try! They say the best is definitely at the Rotterdam Market on Binnerotte (open Tues & Sat).

Monique has also shared her best kept secret lunch spot in Rotterdam with you! Get the local experience and check out the outside waterfront spot at Veerhaven.

Where To Chill Out

Room Team member Pablo is from Spain and has been living in Rotterdam for 4 years. He’s done the ‘tough’ job of finding the best places in bike-friendly Rotterdam to chill out and rounded them up for you! He says the best place in the summer is one of the many beer gardens 或 Het Park. But a cool secret summer place is the Deliplein.

Melanie loves to sit next to the water under the Erasmus bridge. It’s an iconic spot, so it’s not so secret, but it offers a great view!

Pablo

For Festivals & Events

Monique is our local expert on the festivals and parties. Rotterdam has a reputation for good festivals like the Summer Carnival Parade, King’s Day, and Metropolis, but she’s got some other hot tips. She recommends trying the festivals that take place at cool venues Revolt 和 Annabel.

Her personal fav is the North Sea Jazz Around Town 和 North Sea Jazz at Ahoy. It’s a world famous jazz festival which takes place over 3 days on the second weekend in July. Book early because it’s a very popular time in the city with music lovers!

Pablo recommends several of the free music festivals in the city in the summer, such as the Bluegrass Festival.

Melanie likes the Liberation Day Festival at the Euro Mast on May 5th, and everyone recommends Rotterdam Pride Week!

Monique

And as Monique tells us – don’t leave Rotterdam until you’ve experienced the view of the River Maas from a water taxi. It’s affordable and a ‘must do’ experience!

Where to Stay in Rotterdam

Our top recommendation in Rotterdam is 旅馆 ROOM. No matter your travel style, there’s a place for you at Hostel ROOM. With clean and comfortable rooms, a great in-house bar, daily activities, and friendly staff, you’ll feel at home here.