Rotterdam city guide

The biggest advantage of Spotted by Locals is that it gives you knowledge of areas and places you’d normally skip or wouldn’t even consider. That is why I became a Spotter – because I love the city I live in, I like exploring it and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of spots that are overlooked by most people. Spots like the Pijnackerplein square.

It’s right in the middle of Oude Noorden, an old working-class neighbourhood quite off the tourist map of Rotterdam. But don’t let that discourage you, because what Oude Noorden lacks in class, it compensates generously for in authenticity. And Pijnackerplein is the beating heart of Oude Noorden. The square, surrounded by characteristic late 19th century buildings, is dominated by the century-old bandstand – a great spot for a picnic.

The Pijnackerplein is a great place for uninhibited contact with the locals in their natural habitat at the neighbourhood lunch, to visit a local music festival or have a beer in one of the bars around the square. If you come around to visit here, don’t forget to drink a cup of the best coffee in Rotterdam at Nika, just around the corner!