Shopping – All our local tips

In a traffic busy street in the Old North and near the historic Zwaanshalsstreet, you can find 3xS. The 3 S’s used to stand for the 3 owners but now it’s only Sebastian who runs the place.

He still offers a combined shopping formula in his store: not only shop for clothes, you can visit the art gallery and get your make up done in one go if you wish!

His aim is to distinguish himself from other stores by offering a selection of new brands, vintage clothing, shoes and accessories. (Yet) unknown and new brands by upcoming designers and their own designs are also on sale. Fashionable urban/Street style is the look and choice of clothing you can find here.

Like to customize your chosen piece of garment on the spot? A sewing machine is standby for any small alterations necessary done by the capable hands of Sebastian.

Both art and clothes collections change from time to time.

I like the combination of the whole shop with an array of furniture and lamps giving the interior a cosy look. New finds of furniture are done in a secret place and resold for reasonable prices.

Find Sebastian this Saturday March 6 at the Westelijk Handels Terrein (check the Westelijk Handels Terrein article) where he and his partners will be participating during the Museumnacht (check the Museumnacht article) in Rotterdam. In the space of “Make a Move” Sebastian and Fee Arnold will present old coats in a new design from 20:00 till 01:00.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
3XS/Fashion, Beauty and Art | Art & culture, Shopping | From € 5.00
Zaagmolenstraat 22 | Noord | +31104656275
Tue – Thu 11:00 – 18:00, Fri 12:00 – 21:00, Sat 11:00 – 17:00

I like games. Little gadget and toys I am also fond of. In some way the little boy in me takes up a big space. Considering I am a woman, that might be a little odd. It is therefor no surprise my son and I can be settled for hours in this shop called Arabesk. They sell toys. But not just any toys, but optical illusions, insight, sciences and so on. Puzzles that make you dizzy by even looking at them, let alone trying to solve it. The fact that I love the little things, does not mean I am any good at solving the puzzles.

If I come by here I often stop by just to browse. But it is an excellent place to buy little presents. Their shop is loaded with all kind of toys and puzzles, shelves, tables and even on the ground. There is a basement with even more, if you have the time to browse through everything.

The only thing I was searching for, I couldn’t find, an old fashion abacus. But I will keep searching.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Arabesk | Shopping
Oostzeedijk Beneden 111-115 | Kralingen | +310102140361
Tue – Sat 11:00 – 18:00

Skip breakfast in your hotel or hop over for lunch and enjoy the ultimate freshness of bread baked right under your feet. The orange juice is equally freshly squeezed and so are the espressos brewed and cappuccinos steamed…

Bammetje is a nice little artisan bakery, run by the owners couple, with a tempting variety of breads, rolls, cakes, pies, sweets, baguettes and croissants. The door is always open as the bakery is keeping it pleasantly warm all day.

A tight entrance shows you the split level shop with the ovens and bakers working area in full sight on the lower level and the eating section just above. Discuss your choice of delicacies – made to order – at the counter and hop upstairs for your food and beverages to arrive.

As the stimulating smell of freshly baked bread seeps up, endure the tantalizing wait – it is well worth it! Sit and relax, read your paper here or plan your further wandering around town and realize that you are just a few footsteps away from the art cinema center Lantaren Venster (check the Lantaren Venster article) just around the corner, featuring mostly foreign films in undubbed version.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Bammetje | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks
Nieuwe Binnenweg 65 | Center | +31102250188
Tue – Fri 07:30 – 17:00, Sun 09:00 – 16:00

I just noticed something special lately here in Rotterdam. New cool places are located at squares. Deliplein, Noordplein, Eendrachtsplein, … feel free to comment:)

Bob Smit is know for his window gallery in the Witte the Withstraat close to the Eendrachtsingel. He is a young enthusiastic artist who works as brand promoter and is always busy, full of ideas and just passionate about art. He recently got a beautiful space at Eendrachtplein 16, where he and his team manage a gallery.

Right now they are showing impressive works of Rotterdam based artist Michel Wieggers and work of young English artist Thoms I’Anson, who is in the Netherlands for his masters at St. Joost. The Michel Wieggers and Thoms I’Anson show can be seen till March 21.Something interesting Bob Smit Gallery strives for is exhibiting a known and a starting artist.

On Friday Night there will be art related film screenings from 19:00 – 22:00 for free.

Check out this new place while you stroll from Central Station to the Witte de Withstraat or the Museum Quarter, while enjoying the art in the public space. Tip Around the corner at the Nieuwe Binnenweg, you’ll find also Delta Gallery (really like Ron van de Ende objects) and Van Krimpen gallery (former director of Kunsthal). Both worth a visit too:)

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Bob Smit Gallery + | Art & culture, Cinemas, Festivals & events, Shopping
Eendrachtsplein 16 | Center | +310108409584
Tue – Sun 12:30 – 19:00, Fri 19:00 – 22:00

One of the benefits besides getting to know the city by wandering around the Oude Noorden area, is accidentally bumping into interesting shops like Chez Maria. The location Pijnackerplein(square) serves as a nice backdrop with old houses and a ‘music tent’ adding extra flair to the area. It’s no wonder to find Chez Maria here blending so well with the surrounding. Versatile person Maria (Ria) la Rivière started this shop as a way for relaxation. Bearing the (multicutural)locals in mind, she keeps her items affordable for any budget.

With a passion for styling and clothes and hating to throw away good articles, Maria adds new fabrics to customize the selected second hand clothing into new and unique pieces. Her manner of restyling clothes this way, got her a big network of customers who knows where to find Maria and asking her to redo their clothes as well. Locals and people from far and wide visit Maria for her advise and clothing or interior styling tips. Maria’s motto “Second Chance” counts for both clothing and furniture.

Apart from clothes, there’s art from local artists, (mosaic) furniture, fashion magazines from the eighties, shoes, romantic crockery, books and more.
By adding all these items into the shop with a keen sense for interior styling, it has a really nice welcoming vibe and it’s a cosy place to visit and linger around.
The cute little studio in the back of the garden is reserved for those interested in taking sewing classes.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Chez Maria | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Shopping | from € 7.50
Pijnackerplein 6-B | Noord
Wed – Sat 12:00 – 17:30

In the past the Nieuwe Binnenweg connected Delfshaven with Rotterdam. Nowadays it’s reckoned to be the longest shopping street in the Netherlands.

Why not bike from the city centre all the way down to Marconiplein, through West to Delfshaven. Or hop on and off tram 4? On your way you’ll find many interesting shops, bars and resto’s from all over the world.

One of them is traiteur-catering Chez Mo-i, which was recently opened by Monica van Leeuwen at number 302. Opposite Verheyden where we used to do our luxury food shopping for special occasions when we still lived close. Now Chez Mo-i gives us a new reason to go West.

Monica acquired her chef experiences as caterar and her colleague Catrine Bakken in the Zwetheul kitchen. Having her own traiteur – catering shop was a dream come true for Monica.

The place is light, spacious, cosy and beautifully styled with a mixture of 60ties furniture, nicely integrated in the total design done by Wouter Roeterin

k. In the back ther is a reoom where you can eat or drink and read in books about Rotterdam and food.

Upstairs is also a nice room specially for kids to play! In the front they sell Vlaamsch Broodhuys bread, in the middle freshly made sandwiches, pies, delicious grilled vegetables, couscous-, chicken- and tuna salads, olives, pasta, salt, oils and more mouth watering things to eat in or to go. Different Bionade lemonade available too! That presentation is important for Monica is obvious as everything looks tasteful.

Fans of Vlaamsch Broodhuys and cook books like Moro, The River Café and Ottolenghi amongst others can eat their heart out at Chez Mo-i.

The only thing I regret is that they don’t use fresh milk for the cappuccino.

In the summer you can sit outside in the garden!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Chez Mo-i | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants (Bread)
Nieuwe Binnenweg 302 | West | +31104771578
Tue – Sat 10:00 – 17:00

The Groene Passage is a paradise for Eco(friendly)lovers.

Vanbinnen, Natuurlijk Wonen at number 1.
They sell natural quality products for the interior. Have a look or get advise how to make your home greener. It’s expensive but I do enjoy every minute sleeping between my organic Damai sheets.

Part of my daily shopping is at number 9.
Gimsel is the largest biological supermarket in Rotterdam with a wide range of fresh EKO products. Vegetables can be found here, you can’t buy anywhere else.
I love the dried herbs from Het Blauwe Huis. Try the Arabic mix on your pumpkin dish! On sale is also delicious sour dough bread by famous Menno ‘t Hoen!
I always like the wall full of containers with products that come in bulk: dried mushrooms, nuts, cereals. Anything from your choice which can be weighed and packed by yourself.

In the middle of the shop you will find beauty products like Aveda. Ask the ladies for advice, they’re amazing!

Upstairs is the Wereldwinkel which sells Fair Trade global gifts and presents.
The Oost West Centre is for workshops.

Downstairs is bar-lunchroom/restaurant Spirit. I go there for a coffee or self-service salads. It’s not really a cozy place but good enough for when you have an appetite or as a meeting point. They serve good inexpensive biological foods and drinks.

Himalaya, a spiritual bookshop, is next to it.

De Groene Weg is at number 33, in my opinion the best biological butcher in town.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
De Groene Passage | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants (Biological)
Mariniersweg 1-33 | Center | +310102331933
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 20:00, Sat 08:00 – 18:00

I get good vibes at this no-nonsense Rotterdam style Deli Bird Thai restaurant and Take Away.

The chatty owner is very welcoming and the chefs smile behind the pots cause they know they can cook.

Some may already know the take away at number 44A, but since mid January they openen a restaurant next door,. It’s only divided by the shared open kitchen.

Deli Bird Restaurant is family friendly and has a no-nonsense interior with some nice features like a sun set behind bamboo.

For those who never been to Katendrecht, it’s a pier in the harbour area. I truly recommend you to go and discover it by bike, over water or walking. Deliplein is surrounded by some of my favourite restaurants, Walhalla, tattoo bob and a cultvideotheek amongst many other things. This square is the place to at Katendrecht and you’ll meet mainly locals here of whom from different cultures, many creative professionals and young families.

You don’t like to wait, try to get a hold of the menu and place your order at the Take Away by phone 010-4854004, so the food will be ready when you arrive. They also sell Hottie sambals here.

I recommend to eat in at 44 B-C, for freshly (no ve-tsin used!) made Thai soups, Curry’s, salads, wok dishes and more. My favourite dishes are Moo ping and Kaend phed with a cool Singha beer. Till the summer you order from the Take Away menu, but it gives you a taste of the future when the restaurant. Different dishes to share, just like in Thailand.

Let the water taxi bring you to Katendrecht. It’s just a small walk to Deliplein.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Deli Bird Thai Kitchen | Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants (Thai) | Starters € 3.75
Delistraat 43 A-C | Zuid | +310104854004
Tue – Sun 17:00 – 21:30

Down Town Rotterdam at the Nieuwe Binnenweg you’ll find many unique shops, for example Dorine Christ for Dutch designers shoes (60), Odile Hemmen for wine (92) or Art & Casey for colourful casuals (16H). But I want you to look out for a special Gallery Zigt, for contemporary jewelery at number 107A.

Zigt is located in Rotterdam since 2004. Often I hop in after breakfast at Koekela at number 97A (check the Koekela article).

Its an inspiring place where you can find unique jewelery to crown a special occasion or buy yourself a present. Although it had a beautiful modern interior with a warm atmosphere, the two owners and goldsmiths Myriam Oude Vrielink and Neeltje Huddleston Slater are changing the whole interior and are hoping to finish it soon. I just love how they display the jewelery in an original way, like on bended plates as if they are shoulders or hanging on antique wooden hands that just comes out of the wall.

Zigt sells an interesting contemporary jewelery. Made from unique materials such as porcelain, silicon, paper, felt, but also silver, gold, diamonds and pearls.

With a special event ‘Garnet from Aunt Agaat’ Zigt owners changed old jewelery into a new design, with a great sense of humor or style. In case you ever inherent a piece you don’t like, go talk to Zigt as it’s their passion to change it into a jewel you would love to wear. Apart from this, both Myriam and Neeltje create jewelery sculpted from fine structures, looking delicate and beautiful.

Zigt sell collections of contemporary designers. Like Hester Zagt known for her delicate white ceramic designs inspired by Dutch folklore. Jennifer Hoes who use her own body as mould for her ceramic jewelery. Misun Won’s folds silver as if its origami what makes her big silver rings featherweight. Margreeth Muller’s is known for her special jewelery with moving geometric forms.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Gallery Zigt | Art & culture, Shopping
Nieuwe Binnenweg 107A | Center | +310104369668
Tue – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

I have been coming here for years. And although I do not come here daily (or even monthly) I wouldn’t want you to miss this store if you have any interest in creative expression what so ever. It is above all a store for graphic supplies, but that covers a lot of area.

I like to draw and try painting every now and then, so when I am in the middle of a drawing project, it is not a shop I can skip. It is a narrow and long space packed up to the ceiling with pencils, pens, papers, paint, brushes and everything you can image to use during drawing, painting, airbrushing and all other techniques I am not even aware of they exist.

I must admit to my shame that I sometimes completely forget about them, because I only go there when I’m drawing on paper. It’s like a have this blind spot. So they have probably more then I can imagine.

In the course of the year I have been given also some advice there from their employees. I have never had any tutorial in material and techniques, since have been quit auto-didactic with most of my art works. I can not imagine that people working there are not artistic in some way. But maybe that’s just prejudice.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Harolds | Shopping
Burgemeester van Walsumweg 730 | Center | +310104120512
Mon – Thu 09:00 – 18:00, Fri 09:00 – 21:00, Sat 09:00 – 17:00

This may be the most uncommon entry on the Rotterdam blog, but especially for those non-Dutch visiting Rotterdam, the HEMA is a must visit.

Why? The Netherlands are famous for their Dutch design. However, the majority of those products come with a price-tag and aren’t available beyond exclusive shops. However, being a designer myself, I would like to argue that real Dutch design should be affordable so the majority of people can benefit from good functionality and pleasant aesthetics. This promise is fulfilled by HEMA. They turn everyday products into beautiful things and experiences; with a Dutch twist -and it is damn cheap! If you want to shop presents for those at home, go here.

The HEMA department store is located on Beursplein (metro Beurs) and has multiple stories. Head for the toys department and stationary department (check the postcards and gift paper -it is beautiful) downstairs, personal care and fashion on ground floor. And don’t forget first floor because there you find home decoration and furniture.

Anyhow, just wonder around a bit, but before you leave, go downstairs again and get yourself a rookworst, also known as a HEMA-worst. Or go all the way upstairs for a tompouce -a pastry, traditionally bought at HEMA.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Hema Rotterdam | Art & culture, Shopping, Snacks | Sandwich rookworst € 2.00
Beursplein 2 | Center
Mon 11:00 – 18:00, Tue – Thu & Sat 09:00 – 18:00, Fri 09:00 – 21:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:30

I discovered this bakery filled with homemade cookies, bread and other mouth-watering goodies some years ago when I attended school nearby.

One day during a break, I browsed the streets and as I have a flavour for savoury food I was immediately drawn towards the window where these freshly baked buns with feta cheese and tomato were displayed.

That was my first contact with the Kaya family, the second generation of a bakers family, originally from Hatay, Antakya in Turkey. They have their shop since 1982 in this busy street in Rotterdam. It’s still a nice place to visit from time to time to either get that feta cheese bread or many other yummy things.

Kaya refurbished the shop some time ago and now you’re able to sit there too and have a cup of çay or coffee accompanied with a nice piece of baklava or whatever your choice is.

Their sweet and sticky goodies like the baklava come in several flavours and shapes with exotic names like Dolama and Havuç (bigger pieces of baklava).
Other sweet stuff are Lokum (Turkish fruit), Bülbül Yuvasi (unfilled airy pastry) and Dilber dudagi (pastry dough with nuts).

The wide range of cookies always look attractive and inviting to eat. Do try the Peynirli Börek (Kaya bun with cheese), a simple Simit or even the Turkish pizza, Lahmacun.

Turkish wines are also for sale.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Kaya Pastanesi | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks | From € 1.50
1e Middellandstraat 123 | West | +310104772319
Mon – Thu 10:00 – 18:30, Fri 10:00 – 21:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

I can write a lot about this cute little bakery, but there’s only one thing important.

Koekela has got the best cakes and cookies in town and I dare say, maybe even the country!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Koekela | Shopping, Snacks | Lemon merinque € 9.50
Nieuwe binnenweg 97a | Center | +31104364774
Mon – Sat 08:30 – 17:30

It all started as the place to get your kitchen knives sharpened and maintained, but now this father to son enterprise has virtually taken over the Noordplein and has become a leading quality kitchen center in Holland and beyond.

With hundreds of square meters floorspace, divided over separate theme shops it is now a one stop shop that has it all. An astounding variety of appliances either simplifies or complicates the choice, depending on the range of your preferences and wallet.

Cross the street and face an equally comfortably wide choice of coffee and espresso machines, as well as anything you could think of for making tea. Coffee and tea, cups, mugs, pots – for you to choose. Next door the main shop with a fine selection of knives of course and expert advice how to use and handle them, pots and pans, all the smaller and larger gadgets and kitchen top appliances  to make the preparation of food a feast rather than a chore, an extensive collection of local and international cookbooks.

In the back a cooking school is set up with enough kitchen work space to improve your practical skills or to watch invited top cooks show their style and expertise. Gazing around here helps so much to get the inspiration to put that apron on and start for either cake or cookies or an elaborate dinner.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Kookpunt | Shopping
Noordplein | Kralingen | +31104431077
Mon 12:00 – 18:00, Tue – Thu 09:30 – 18:00, Fri 09:30 – 21:00, Sat 09:30 – 17:30, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

Check out the area where the weekly Tuesday and Saturday market crosses the Meent.

At a corner you will find one of the popular bars of Rotterdam, Café Pol.
Across Pol is cafe-restaurant Boudoir where the Beau Riche wine, dine and lounge.
Kookpunt (check the Kookpunt article) next door is for small presents, crockery, cutlery and great bargains in the basement. Coffee Studio for coffee and lunch. For Interior, colour advise and murals: duo MishMash at Lombardkade 53A.

In the middle of all these nice places you will find a typical small Italian supermarket-caterer, named Little Italy. Officially located at the Lombardkade 51A, they use the back entrance to enter which you will find at the Binnenrotte.

Little Italy is a pleasure to shop for delicious, affordable and authentic delicacies or for a quick bite, get a pizza slice or sandwich. As they’re specialized in Italian Food and not too busy, the staff is very helpful in giving tips. I like to joke that in Little Italy size does matter, well, when you are looking for the right size spaghetti.

A good place to snoop around and anything you can think of, you will find here for your Italian cooking. Cheeses, cold cuts, wide range of red, white, sweet, bubbling wines and if you look closely you will find some biological ones too, pasta´s, different kinds of olives, olive oils, truffles, herbs, mouth watering antipasti’s like the dried tomatoes, sea fruits, grilled eggplant and tapenades.

No time to cook?
Get their fresh Lasagna and heat it up at home. Do try their Tiramisu, available in small and large portions!

The only down side of Little Italy is paying with cash only!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Little Italy | Shopping, Snacks
Lombardkade 51/A (entree Binnenrotte) | Center | +310104139609
Mon – Thu 09:00 – 18:15, Fri 09:00 – 21.00, Sat 09:00 – 17.00

I love the wind, so I love kites.

Just outside of the centre of town you will find Luchtwerk. A shop that is known for their big collection of kites and also a wide range of juggling equipments, yoyo’s, frisbees, aerobies, boomerangs and disc golfs. And if you really want to challenge gravity you can also find one-wheel bikes here.

The enthusiastic staff is very helpful and if you’re only looking for original presents, know that fun shoppers are always welcome.

Why mentioning this shop?

First of all, Luchtwerk is located in a beautiful old street with buildings from the 1917 and big Sycamore trees. It’s an interesting street with a strong and active local community. Who cares about the history, the present and the future of the street; they invite you to come and have a look.

Secondly, it’s a nice neighbourhood to wander around. Opposite Luchtwerk is the the Beatrijsstraat. A side street of the Graaf Florisstraat where the Rotterdam based MVRDV architects built a blue rooftop extension that can’t be missed and is very photogenic!

Thirdly, because Luchtwerk is the best place to buy your kite or boomerang in town and gives you a reason to play in one of the many Parks in Rotterdam or take the train to the beach in Hoek van Holland.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Luchtwerk | Art & culture, Shopping
Graaf Florisstraat 24 b | West
Wed – Thu 10:00 – 19:00, Fri 11:00 – 20:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

For me, spending a perfectly relaxing day in Rotterdam, is not complete without a visit to this shop. Calling it a spiritual bookshop will do it no justice. Next to the 4000 different book titles, they sell music, audio-meditations, candles, incenses, esoteric oils, clothing, sculptures and so much more… Beside that, they also have a coffee corner.

I use to come here about once a week. Nowadays I’m so occupied I’m happy if I can go here once a month. When I stay away too long, I really feel I’m missing something. Then I might just go downtown just to visit this store. The people here are very nice and the atmosphere is very soothing. I love to take a look around. Then I settle myself on the couch with a pile of books I might find interesting and enjoy a cup of coffee. I just let the relaxing music and scent of sweet incense overwhelm me.

I always have to be careful not to spend too much on books, no matter which bookstore. So there was a time that I some times avoided coming here, because I was afraid I would see another book I wanted. But working in a bookstore myself now, all hope has faded anyway.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mystiek | Shopping
Schiedamse Vest 79 | Center | +310104113160
Mon 12:00 – 17:30, Tue – Thu 10:00 – 17:30, Fri 10:00 – 21:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

Check out the handcrafted jewelery OXO Edelsmederij and find some unique pieces. This small shop is for more than 15 years located in a basement in the Oldebarneveltstraat. This is one of the nice shopping streets Down Town Rotterdam. Don’t get discouraged by the ongoing renovations here as many special shops are open.

Ring the bell at number 152A and go in to look at the jewelery displayed in showcases with small drawers. You will be surprised by the creative and playful designs and diversity of choice.Most of the jewelery are designed and made right in the back of this little shop by goldsmith Sabine Verhoeven and her team. She makes imaginary jewelery, often using gems, pearls and mixes silver with gold in an original and appealing way. Original, touching, handcrafted designs with a touch of chic or humor. I love the necklace with the pearled and one golden leaves. Or the golden ring with black pearls inside and tiny glittering olive green diamonds on top. Go have a look at the golden ring with rough and cut diamonds. There is choice enough as OXO also sells jewelery from other goldsmiths.

If there is a design you like but you want it to be customised to your personal taste, it’s all possible because OXO takes assignments. When you are looking for original jewelery for a special occasion or a compliment jerker, go to OXO first. Because the compliments I received for wearing OXO jewelery are countless!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
OXO Edelsmederij | Shopping
Van Oldenbarneveltstraat 152a | Center
Wed – only by appointment, Thu 10:30 – 18:00, Fri 10:30 – 20:00, Sat 10:30 – 17:00

Tucked away between a block of houses located in between the Zwaanshals and the river Rotte, you can see this interestingly shaped building.
It was empty for some time after having served as a building for the municipal sanitation service Roteb. Hence the name Rotabs.

Luckily this place was included in the renovation plans to spruce up the entire block which is still in progress. The building is now turned into a creative warehouse where entrepreneurs of diverse disciplines have put up small businesses.

The interior inside is divided into several units which have tenants like a photographer, a publisher, a goldsmith, a cafe, a gallery and others. There are some units left waiting for other daring adventurers.

Initiator Paul Posse is active in the neighbourhood and hopes to create an area like a Camden Town in the Oude Noorden. As Rotabs can be pretty hard to find for even the locals, a special bus service is in the making to transport anyone interested to visit this part of the town where much is waiting to be discovered.
This circle bus will drive between city centre and the Old North to hop off and on if you’re done strolling about.

Want to find it yourself? Just walk into the Zwaanshals where there’s an entrance through a building leading you to Rotabs. Or do the upcoming Route du Nord weekend (24 -27 Sep) as an introduction to this area and it’s creative spots, artists and variety of shops.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
ROTABS Stylecenter | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Festivals & events, Music, Shopping
Zaagmolenkade 46 | Noord | +31653623230
Wed – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 -17:00

At the South end of the Lijnbaan – the pedestrians only – shopping street with the regular mix of chain stores for fashion and clothing a book lovers paradise merits your attention, even if it is part of a chain aswell. Other than 6 floors of books and books and books, it has a video and a DVD shop, a coffee shop with great bagels, salads and cakes, a large, very internationally based magazine section, an outlet section and a reading theatre in the cellar.

For the travelling tourist from abroad the foreign languages section – English, French, German – will be of interest there, aswell as the map shop.

Take the elevator to the top floor and slope down – stop at the Bagel and Beans coffee shop and – weather permit – enjoy your food and drink from the outdoor terrace overlooking the busy shopping street.

The huge selection effectively arranged by well listed departments is the principal reason to go wandering here, while the open space corkscrew concept of downsloping floors with the elevator shaft in the center makes it a most pleasurable space to be in.

Look around and sample, withdraw in a chair for a quick read and I am sure you will have no trouble finding the items of your interest. Still at a loss?: information booths throughout the store manned by veritable specialists will be your expert help.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Selexyz | Coffee & tea, Relaxing, Shopping, Snacks
Lijnbaan 150 | Center | +31104132070
Mon 11:00 – 18:00, Tue – Thu 09:30 – 18:00, Fri 09:30 – 21:00
Sat 09:30 – 17:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

Unbeknownst from each other both artists Sandra Breuer and Marcel Niehoff have a peculiar taste and broad flavour for furniture and stuff made in the ’50s to the ’80s of last century. They found a lot of things over the years and their collection grew big time.

One day they bumped into each other in the Old North and found out they both collected the same things. As well as sharing the habit of ringing people’s doorbells when they see something interesting hanging from the ceiling or on the wall while passing by.

Sandra and Marcel decided to find a studio together and partially decorated it with some furniture for extra atmosphere. Visitors were interested to buy what they saw there. This encouraged them to start a real store with enough room to display their enormous and varied collection of furniture, lamps, ceramics and anything that catches their eye.

Their first shop was located in the Zwaanshals but they had to move out due to renovation work on the building. Moving out across the street not only gave them more space for their extensive collection, they hope to keep this space when it’s time to move back to the original location.

The shop is inviting to snoop around and perhaps you’ll find that missing piece of chair, couch or lamp you’ve been looking for. Have a chat while there’s music coming from a turntable and either one of them is maybe busy repairing an item.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
SPAM | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Shopping | from € 10.00
Zaagmolendrift 53 | Noord | +31642437036
Wed – Sat 11:00 – 17:00

The city’s former pride and glory – the ss (steamship) Rotterdam – of its maritime top rank position has been revitalized to be a landmark for the port for years to come.

The initial owner – the Holland America Line – operating from the head office at the Wilhelmina pier (see the Hotel New York article) had the Rotterdam make its maiden trip to New York in 1959 as part of a transatlantic Europe – America service.

Till 2000 the ss Rotterdam traversed world wide seas first as a passenger liner and later as a cruise ship. When the ship had been decommissioned and was withering away, a conservation society was founded to enable the Rotterdam to return home as a hotel and conference center, a tourist attraction and a variety of dining and eating, drinking and lounging spots. After a lengthy and costly renovation with a focus on restoring its former grandeur and style of the sixties, it is now permanently moored in Katendrecht across from the Euromast (see the Euromast article).

It is a great destination for getting a feel of an ocean liner from the old days, now fixed up with up to day amenities. Guided tours can be booked or audioguide self exploration trips to acquire a look and feel of the decks, engine room and steering bridge and so on. A small museum records the ship’s history in more detail, an experience center will be opened shortly, a boutique shop with memorabilia and a theater all help to revive the nostalgia.

The Lido restaurant offers food and drink almost all day long from 06.30 till 22.00, just like the days when the ship was at large (I know from experience: I worked as a pantry boy on the Rotterdam in 1964 and again as the ship’s doctor in 1974). The adjacent Club Room offers fine dining from 18.00 – 22.00.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
ss Rotterdam | Art & culture, Bars, Shopping, Restaurants (Intern.)
Katendrecht | Zuid | +31107410900
Apr – Oct 09:00 -19:30 daily | Nov – Mar 09:00 – 16:00 daily

I’m a person with a broad interest and I have affinities with fabric, different materials and techniques. Combine this with a feeling for the environment and recycling stuff as much as possible and you’ve certainly gotten my interest.
One store annex gallery and workshop which always draws my curiosity is Studio Hergebruik (Re-use). The shop is situated at the Coolsingel in the centre. You might pass it without noticing as the space is in a former office building. They try to attract passersby with some of the original products shown on display in the large window and outside.

Studio Hergebruik  represent (inter)national artists from different disciplines whose work and concept is to re-use and re-cycle old materials and waste products which have lost their initial use and value. A large and diverse collection of articles and products can be found at the shop. Ranging from clothes, bags, china, lamps, furniture etc.; it’s a perfect place for finding original presents or getting inspired yourself.

It changes the way you look at all the things we carelessly throw away which are still of great value to others.

There are several workshops if you want to try and make something new out of old or ordinary materials like bike tyres, books, billboard posters, keyboards etc…

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Studio Hergebruik | Art & culture, Shopping
Coolsingel 53 | Center
Tue – Sat 11:00 – 18:00

The HUB is a place for working, meeting, innovating, learning, for people who sees and do things differently, where ideas originate that might change the world a little.

It was only a matter of time, but finally The HUB ROTTERDAM opened a SHOP in at the Nieuwe Binnenweg 195B, a concept where HUB members sell their fair trade or organic products and services.

If you are hip, authentic and involved, THE HUB shop is definitely a must go!

What they sell is as diverse as the HUB members are, what makes this a unique place. Shakshulca is an original baby-line, Ecocouture for elegant woman’s wear made of bamboo, Streethip Ecokatoen t-shirts and boxer shorts with great prints, original bike handglovers from Colores, support starting jewelery designers from Chili, swap clothes or buy for only €5,00 a piece, be beautiful with Isabella pearls, cool with wooden furniture made by Niels Verwey, learn you can fight poverty, isn’t doing business all about flirting or find a light in a jar and more …

I found some original presents for Sinterklaas that will be great for X-mas too. A stylish bouncing ball of elastics, a car as ‘key chain’ made in Madagascar of old can, a bottle of wine with a story. All around €5,00 each. Got a good laugh and a poem for free. These are things you are hoping for when you are stressing around to get ready in time.

It’s typical for THE HUB SHOP, meet interesting people, find time for humor, a story, inspiration, exchange ideas and activities.

This all happens in a spacious, nicely designed shop ran by Mila, Cathelijne and Ursel.

Upstairs they welcome you for cake and drinks. Via the shop-blog you can vote which cake they’ll bake next week.

For the latest news check the THE HUB SHOP ROTTERDAM blog.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The HUB Shop | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks | From € 2.50
Nieuwe Binnenweg 195B | West
Tue – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

“Voorlopig” could be translated into ‘for the time being’. A nice name for a special gift shop focused on creative people like me. Located in one of the nicest shopping streets down town, the Nieuwe Binnenweg. Opposite the oldest Dutch interior design-shop Metz at number 170.

At Voorlopig you will find a mixture of intuitively combined collection of beautiful presents you won’t find anywhere else. Handcrafted art objects made by poets, writers and artists. Funny gifts such as ceramic elements that can be used as a vase, mini garden. The ‘Raaf birds’ are beautiful. I like the envelopes I bought, made of recycled maps. Ever since I sent my bills in these envelopes and feel I sent a hidden treasure along;)

Ask for the ceramic ‘Rotterdamse Aardmannen’. They are really cute mini gnomes with a mark on the back of the date when they made. Notepads from recycled posters comes with a free pen holder.

There are many interesting, touching, surprising books on architecture, tree houses, birds, life, poetry and more. Limited edition screen prints, lino’s and paintings, lucky balloons, amazing birdcages, crow your own mushrooms, original postcards.

Snoop around, be touched and warned as this shop will inspire you finding nice presents for, young and old, yourself and your beloved ones.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Voorlopig | Art & culture, Shopping
Nieuwe Binnenweg 165 | West | +310104367668
Wed – Thu 14:00 – 18:00, Fri – Sat 11:00 – 18:00/19:00

This complex of restored 19th century warehouses now packs some of the best art-galleries, bars and restaurants of Rotterdam.

For Dutch speaking people, go to De Belastingdienst (Eng: Tax-service); every dish or element in the restaurant has been named after some tax-related phenomena. Starters are called ‘Voorheffingen’, mains are ‘hoofdheffingen’ and desert is called a ‘naheffing’. I once went here and had a great laugh over the funny references. However, it is a tad expensive and reservations beforehand are recommended.

For art-lovers I would recommend the gallery Smelik & Stokking. Although their selection of works does not fully comply with my personal taste, they are renowned for the art on display.

For those that have somewhat less to spend, like me, and still want to have dinner at this nice place, head for the Italian restaurant, Abacanto, at the back on the top floor. Here you can have an affordable pizza and dance afterwards.

Design lovers head for Van Oostrom Concept Store. They are a reseller for many famous design labels. Especially look out for the Moooi design founded by Marcel Wanders. This label features the work of Ross Lovegrove, Front and Trent Jansen.

And besides the aforementioned places, there are plenty of other nice places, shops and bars to hang around on either of the two floors. Wherever you go, expect high-end bars and restaurants. For a nice virtual tour on beforehand, go the website of Smelik & Stokking.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Westelijk Handels Terrein | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Restaurants (intern.)
Van Vollenhovenstraat 15 | Center
Daily

Just be happy that you did: you forgot your toothbrush. No problem: this is where you go to stock up – clinically speaking – on the latest in dental hygiene or just simply where you get the means and tools to adorn your great smile with big white and shiny teeth.

Here they have it all: great advice to guide you to all the sizes, all the tastes, all the gadgets for a happy spotless, teasingly seductively smelling mouth. You can always spoil it all by going across the street to munch the goodies of Koekela (nr. 97) (check the Koekela article) or get the former wine stains back on by shopping for fine wine at Odile’s (nr 92) or those brown rims around the edges of your teeth by drinking the great coffee from Bammetje (nr 65a) (check the Bammetje article).

But let us be serious: this shop is unique not only for Rotterdam but for Holland as well, except the sister shop in Amsterdam. Let curiosity be your guide: there is certainly something to be learned here and taken home; better still, you will be proud to show it off, being caught with your mouth open is no longer a shame.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Witte Tanden Winkel | Shopping
Nieuwe Binnenweg 62 | Center | +31104360860
Mon 13:00 – 17:30, Tue – Fri 10:00 – 17:30, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

WORM in Delfshaven is one of the most cutting-edge cultural hotspots in the Netherlands. Go to WORM for concerts of electronic music and sound-art, films, workshops, masterclasses and the awesome WORM-shop. But do not expect your average known band-nights; WORM is experimental and avant garde! More often than not, I was at WORM and thought the performances went beyond my comprehension. However, these evening have been engraved in my memory for being at least impressive.

Furthermore, not only art and culture is shown, it is created as well in the labs and studios. The creations are about art, technology, music, sound, cultural reflection and innovation beyond your imagination!

WORM is located in a nice old building in historic Delfshaven. Although it is slightly off the map, it is worth the trip. Check their website for interesting events and performances or go to their shop that is open daily from 12 to 18h, except for Sundays that is.

Please note, WORM is not a mainstream attraction, go to their website to see if this is your kind of ball game.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
WORM | Art & culture, Music, Shopping
Achterhaven 148 | Delfshaven
Shop: Tue – Sat 12:00 – 18:00, for events check their website

I come here sometimes when I am shopping. I used to come here more often when they also sold more role-playing gear. But since the request for such stuff has reduced, they began to sell less and less of these items. I think that is because of the fact that most role-players order their stuff online. Like I do…

Nonetheless it is still a pleasant shop to visit. Especially if you are still a little boy (regardless of the age…). They sell Dutch and English comics and Graphic Novels. And they have the largest collection of comic statues in the Netherlands. On the first floor you will find the latest action figurines.

The men (and one woman) working there are very nice people. Although they can not help me with role-playing supplies anymore, I still have a very little boy in me, who on some levels dominates the mature woman I should be. Of course my son still IS a little boy.

I love to walk through the store to browse superhero comics and graphic novels. Some years ago when I saw a graphic novel for the first time, the little boy in me was awestruck. Nice glossy paper, great graphics,… These graphic novels have become more and more common, and I would almost buy it, just for the fact that it is a graphic novel.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Yendor | Shopping
Korte Hoogstraat 16 | Center | +310104331710
Mon 11:00 – 17:30, Tue – Thu 10:00 – 17:30, Fri 10:00 – 21:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00