Center Rotterdam – All our local tips

Located right next to Central station (and therefor right next to a construction site for the past 2 years) and still excisting shows how good this restaurant is.

When I celebrated my 11 year friendship with my best friends we chose this place for dinner. How refreshing it was. The first thing I noticed were their beautiful wine glasses.

By the time we wanted to look at the menu one of the staff members came with this big message board with the menu written on it. Haha what a wonderful idea! And handy too if you have a menu that changes often.

The food was absolutely delicious. If you still have some space left for desert try the tiramisu. You really need some leftover space though, cause it’s a big piece!

Apparently A proposito is popular for lunch as well. At whatever time of the the day, I can’t wait to eat there again.

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A proposito | Restaurants (Italian) | Pasta peperoni € 9.50
weena 505 | Center | +31102132334
Mon – Fri 12:00 – 14:30 & 16:30 – 21:30 (kitchen closes at this time)

During the filmfestival 27 January – 07 February 2010 Japanese production designer/filmset-designer Yohei Taneda, known as the production designer of Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Volume 1, has been commissioned by Sculpture International Rotterdam (SIR) to design a temporary facade for the Monisima Cube at Kruiskade 2 in Rotterdam. Can’t miss it when you face the Kruiskade from the Coolsingel.

It’s part of the Sculpture International Rotterdam. I like this kind of art that provokes a smile on your face.

There’s more art in public space if you continue your way to Kruisplein. Cross West Kruiskade towards the Westersingel. Along this canal which is partly a promenade, you will find sculptures from famous artists such as Moore, Rodin, Sapiro amongst many others.

Look for Paul McCarthy’s ´Santa Claus´ at Eendrachtsplein. For several years it was placed at a museum´s courtyard. I guess you can imagine why it offended people in the beginning. Locals call this sculpture Gnome Buttplug

I don´t like David Bade’s sculpture ‘Anita’ which stands in the middle of West Blaak. Do look pass it and you’ll see an amazingly designed skate park. Why not check it out and have a look at the skaters, boarders and bikers doing their tricks?

Continue your way on the Westersingel towards West Zeedijk. At the corner of Museum park you’ll see a large Picasso sculpture.

My favourite sculpture is Guiseppe Penone´s Elevazione, a bronze tree that slowly elevates by nature.

More art in public space.

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Art in the public space | Art & culture, Relaxing
Westersingel 1 | Center
24 hours daily

It certainly is not hip, nor trendy, nor a lounge bar, nor a VIP place, it is just the place where everybody and anybody comes. It breathes the genuine Rotterdam harbour spirit, where the suit and tie types meet the artists, housewives and harbour labourers. On the walls many artifacts of the famous Holland America Line – their former head-office and departure pier just across the river -.

From the in and outside terrace all the action on the river can be watched at ease. Awarded twice as best harbour pub of the year, in part because of the famous meatballs and beer on tap  (take their do-it-yourself beertapping course from the website and impress friends like a pro).

Old fashioned harbour songs, singalongs, live music add to the easygoing congeniality of this old fashioned pub. Have a beer and have a ball!

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Ballentent | Bars, Coffee & tea, Relaxing, Snacks
Parkkade 1 | Center | +31104360462
09:00 – 23:00 daily

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.

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Bammetje | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks
Nieuwe Binnenweg 65 | Center | +31102250188
Tue – Fri 07:30 – 17:00, Sun 09:00 – 16:00

If some random hipster is not hanging around at Tiki’s, he/she can probably be found next door at Bar Dancing de Camping. After closing of the Herr Zimmerman, tout hip Rotterdam gathered in this awesome place. The catch of ‘de Camping’ is that it is totally pink. And by that I mean, totally pink! Floor, furniture, bar, ceiling, walls, all pink! Furthermore it has totally black toilets and the DJ-booth sits in a caravan.

Things are changing a lot around ‘de Camping’, but by the time of writing I can really recommend dinner at the camping. Music may be a little loud during dinner, the food makes up for it. Dishes are basic, cheap but really delicious!

After dinner, go for a stroll and come back at eleven, because that is when the party starts! Treat yourself on one of the fine cocktails and enjoy the DJ’s that play an eclectic mess of electro and cheerful tunes. I cannot imagine you leaving this place without a smile and some inspiration for some fashion shopping the following day.

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Bar Dancing de Camping | Bars
Hartmannstraat 18a | Center
Nobody actually knows the opening times

Rotterdam’s citizens come from all over the world. The ratio native Dutch and people with foreign roots is about 50/50 which is an unlike any other city in the Netherlands. It would be a pity not to take that along in your Rotterdam experience. And the easiest way to experience the melting pot is to go to Bazar.

Bazar gathers the cuisine of many cultures, mainly from North Africa and the Middle East. Everything they serve is delicious -hence I cannot recommend one dish over another. The atmosphere is really nice as well. For a moment, you think you are in Marrakech.

If you make reservations (recommended) ask for a table downstairs for an intimate atmosphere. Please note, this place is crowded -always! Reservations ahead are recommended. And although the dishes come from tranquilo places around the world, don’t be late or your table will be passed on to the next in line.

Visit their site for a nice impression. Please note, it is also an hotel.

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Bazar | Restaurants (Med.) | Main course € 10.00
Witte de Withstraat 16 | Center | +310102065151
Mon – Sat 09:00 – 02:00, Sun 09:00 – 00:00

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:)

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Bob Smit Gallery + | Art & culture, Cinemas, Festivals & events, Shopping
Eendrachtsplein 16 | Center | +310108409584
Tue – Sun 12:30 – 19:00, Fri 19:00 – 22:00

My boyfriend and I were on our way to my spots to take some new pictures. We passed ‘Pol’ and decided to have a quick drink, as we do more often. I hadn’t even gotten to the bar yet when we ran into a couple of friends of mine. This was at about half past five and at 9ish we left the place. Whoops… no new photo’s of old spots, but hey what a great way to spend the Sunday.

That’s what ‘Pol’ is about. One time you jump in for a quick cup of coffee to have a little rest after shopping at the market right next to it. And the other day you go in with the same idea, but you leave a bit more drunk and full from the ‘bittergarnituur‘.

On Friday’s this place is very popular for the Friday afternoon drinks. This is when, even in winter, their terrace outside is full with people. Thank god they have outside heaters!

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Café Pol | Bars, Coffee & tea | Beer € 2.00
Meent 46-48 | Center | +31104112335
Sun – Mon & Wed – Thu 11:00 – 01:00, Tue 10:00 – 01:00, Fri 11:00 – 02:00, Sat 10:00 – 02:00

This bar has been here for a while, but not so long. It’s not in the middle of the centre, so that might explain why it is not so crowded. I have been here with my mother a couple of times. When I have a day off and want a nice morning break to catch up on daily life, I go here. Last time I crashed here on my own for writing.

Not all the chairs are soft, but enough to find a comfortable seat. They call themselves ‘The Italian espresso bar’, but of course there is more then coffee here. They will probably not be the only one, but it’s the only coffee-bar I know that can provide soy milk. This might be important for the traveling vegan. Beside the obvious cake and sandwiches they also serve soup of the week here. I always consider it a plus, when a bar sells soup, when you’re in the mood for something warm and spicy on a cold day or after a rushing moment in life.

I find the atmosphere very soothing. Most furniture is made of wood and the walls are brown and red. There are tall windows covered with blue blinds which gives it all a blue glow inside. There’s soft music in the backgroudn, until now I have always had a friendly and patient waiter. This all makes the bar feel warm and relaxed. You can just lean back and come to ease.

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Caffe Belmondo | Coffee & tea | Fresh Minttea € 2.75
Goudsesingel 52 | Center | +310104110784
Mon – Fri 07:00 -19:00, Sat 08:00 – 18:00, Sun 09:00 – 18:00

Cambrinus is a good place to start your night out on the town. It is, just like Locus Publicus (check the Locus Publicus article) a pub that serves a lot of different beers, only this one is much bigger and the crowd here is much more varied (although students and graduates form the biggest part). It’s nice and close to the centre and at the end of the old harbour, so your evening could end anywhere.

Now that winter is kicking in, all the fun is inside. The great ambiance this pub has, make it a great place to hide form the cold.

You can also eat here, but I generally do that somewhere else in the old harbour. For me the Cambri, as people call it, is just for drinks.

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Cambrinus | Bars | Beer € 2.00
Blaak 4 | Center | +31104146702
Sunny weather Sun – Thu 11:00 – 01:00, Fri & Sat 11:00 – 02:00 | Bad weather Mon – Thu 16:00 – 01:00, Fri 16:00 – 02:00, Sat 14:00 – 02:00, Sun 15:00 – 01:00

This restaurant transforms into a dancing place for salsa, meringue, zouk and bachatta lovers. Cantinero hasn’t been in the city for a very long time, but has been doing some good business. It does help that two big dance schools offer their lessons upstairs. As with all salsa parties, it starts at 22:00 but only get’s a bit busy from 23:00 on.

Before showing your moves on the dance floor, you can enjoy some great tapas or some Mexican food here. There are also special menu’s for groups who want to do a dance workshop at Cantinero.

If you’re here just to dance, you might want to try one of their cocktails to loosen up the hips.

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Cantinero | Bars, Music, Restaurants (Tapas)
Coolsingel 18 | Center | +31102810014
Sun – Thu 16:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 16:00 – 05:00

If it was up to me, I would make an article about every bookstore in Rotterdam I can find. Since I work in a bookstore. I spend most of my salary on books. And I have almost my own privat library. (that’s subjective, I think it isn’t nearly enough, but a lot of friends think I have a library…). Of course there is the biggest bookstore in the Netherlands -Selexyz Donner at the Lijnbaan in Rotterdam – their collection covers about 90% the majority of readers desires. Furthermore there are specialist bookstores like Mystiek for spiritual books and Yendor for comics and graphic novels.

But nothing is more perfect for browsing and relaxed reading than the library. To borrow books, you need to have a membership card. But just sitting inside reading your books on a sofa or couch, that’s absolutely free. And besides books they have magazines, newspapers, a children’s book-playground, a youth corner, computers with Internet access, copy machines,… and a lot more.

I go here sometimes with my son on a Wednesday afternoon. There is someone reading to the children at 14.00. Although he is becoming a little bit too old for that. I also come here now and then, when I have to wait for an appointment. And of course to study the library is a perfect place.

It is a big building that looks like a giant factory. It also contains a theater, a discotheque (for cd-rental), an information desk about Rotterdam and a cafe. Their escalators take you upstairs all the way to the sixth floor giving you a nice view over the centre of Rotterdam. They have a monthly theme and there is always some kind of exhibition going on.

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Centrale Bibliotheek | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Hoogstraat 110 | Center | +31010281611
Mon 13:00 – 20:00, Tue – Fri 10:00 – 20:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00
Wintertime (till May 30th) Sun 13:00 – 17:00

Rotterdam used to have a lot of cinemas and most of them slowly disappeared. Some only to remain by name like Off-Corso or Thalia. Youngsters visit them now and they probably don’t even know what the venues were before the spaces were turned into a club.

The surviving theatres Lantaren/Venster (L/V) (check the Lantaren/Venster article) and Cinerama are still the two left standing with an alternative program besides the commercial Pathe.

Whereas L/V has a more alternative program (Spanish movies, Italian oldies, gay minded films and retrospectives), Cinerama also show movies with a commercial edge, e.g. the movie hit “Slum Dog Millionaire”.

Cinerama at the WestBlaak upgraded their venue recently so it can hold more movie loving visitors. Some halls have bigger chairs and offer more legroom.

Both have nice cafés to hang around before and after the movie which is frequented by a mixed and interesting crowd.

These locations are also part of the annual international film festival at the end of January.

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Cinema Cinerama | Cinemas | Ticket € 8.75
WestBlaak 18 | Center | +31104115300
from 12:00 daily

When people visit Rotterdam, they will automatically visit an area known as the Oude Haven (Old harbour) due to the Cube houses (check the kubuswoningen article). It’s between Haringvliet and the Wijnhaven.

In a way it’s a shame that a lot of the old Rotterdam was wiped away during WWII and on the other hand we wouldn’t have these contrast-rich areas like the these harbours.

The Old harbour is a peek into the past as it is the oldest harbour in Rotterdam with historic boats. I like the houseboats and the small wharf Koningspoort where people repair their historic boats. This is definitely worth a visit.

While the Oude Haven is lined with lots of cafes and terraces, the Haringvliet which dates from 1590 is a more tranquil area.

The Wijnhaven is divided in the past and present. The once highest building in Europe, the Witte Huis (White House) still stands firmly accompanied with a row of nice old houses. A lot of slim tall buildings with the new Red Apple building dominate this small piece of land on the other side of the Verlengde Willemsbrug. The Red Apple looks crooked and with a reason. The red lines are thinner towards the top as the view gets wider for the happy few. The name has a connection with the past; apples were transported by boat here.

There are plans for another tall building with the emphasis on slim and high. Construction work is never ending so it seems…

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Cityharbours Oude Haven | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Relaxing
Spaansekade | Center
Daily

To me this place is a little fun factory. Some of my friends don’t like this place because they find it so dark and they have met some annoying people here (a.k.a. guys dancing way too close in the hope to get some love or, better yet, resident permit out of you). I on the other hand have had the best nights out in this place and the most fun. The music is never the same, but they do have theme nights, like ‘Dirty Disco’ or ‘Karaoke night’.

Besides, the place has just gotten a bit of a make over and isn’t as dark as it used to be.

Don’t go too early to this place, it’s not the same if it’s not a bit busy. So have an other beer at ‘Stalles’ (check the Stalles article) or Parket’ and walk right on through to ‘Vibes’. And don’t take yourself too serious when you’re going here.

Just relax, be a bit crazy and have lots and lots of fun.

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Club Vibes | Bars, Music | Late entrance € 5.00
Westersingel 50a | Center | +31104361655
Thu – Sat 00:00 – 05:00

Not far from the market square and the central library there are some streets with quaint shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.

One of them is SOHO Bar which is located in the Pannekoekstraat and is partially sharing a corner with the Nationaal Onderwijs museum (National museum of Education).

When approaching from the museum side, you will see the all white interior in this tiny bar. During summer season it’s extended outside with a nice round terrace with white lounge seats, gas heaters and fleece blankets for when the drinks don’t keep you warm anymore.

They serve the usual but are also known for their cocktails. Having won an important Cocktail making award, they have to keep up their high standards. The cocktails don’t come cheap but indulge yourself with one or more when you have money to burn.

Spanish and Portuguese style tapas as finger food is also available when you’re starting to feel the munchies.

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Cocktailbar SOHO | Bars, Snacks | Tapas from € 3.50
Pannekoek 53 | Center
Sun &Tue – Wed 16:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 16:00 – 02.00

Last year August there was a Brazilian atmosphere in Rotterdam. The whole month was cramped with exhibitions, lectures and what not about the social and cultural life in Brazil.

The tropical heat from Brazil seemed to also have driven over as last summer was a hot one.

A left over from that month are the murals which were made by 10 Brazilian graffiti artists for a big Graffiti exhibition called R.U.A. They were invited by Caramundo, a non-profit organisation with projects in Latin America.

The murals are around the city center and for some it can be a challenge to find them. There are now about 9 murals left, the one on the NAi building has been removed and i sincerely hope that the rest will remain and be maintained as it gives the city colour and flair to otherwise empty and ugly walls waiting to be vandalized by boring nametags of wanna be graffiti ‘artists’.

One of my favorites is the Guernica inspired mural made by Speto close to central station. Another favorite is the woman on a schoolbuilding almost across this one.
Find them all by yourself or with the aid of this map on the Rua website and note the elaborate details on some of the murals..

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Colourful Murals | Art & culture | Free
Delftsehof | Center
24 hours daily

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.

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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

Suppose you just arrived in Rotterdam and you wonder how to go about to experience this diverse worldly harbour city… and you realize you could well do with a bit of something, to eat that is. Restaurants, tea corners, coffee bars, wine and snack buffets are all there in a wide variety. So maybe for that first step into this world unknown, go easy with a choice of the familiar: go for the ubiquitous world wide available food: go Chinese!!!

Walk down about 400 metres South from the central station and then turn right for the West Kruiskade and the very first restaurant on the corner of this multi cultural street is called: De Lange Muur – (The Long Wall).

A light Dim Sum meal for a pleasantly light lunch is a pretty good start for the tour around town. You may get a feeling of being anywhere but Rotterdam, as this place caters almost exclusively to Chinese ( 95% Chinese for lunch – 50/50 Chinese /Westerners for dinner ).

The menu could pose a puzzle if you are unfamiliar with Chinese characters, so Westerners get a handy menu with pictures of the over 200 dishes and short descriptions in English to help out. Just jot down the numbers of your choice – Bingo style – , hand it over to your waiter and with an amazing speed the table will fill up with the plates and dishes that you ordered.

This fast service allows you to order in waves or courses, so do not order all at once unless you are ravenous and in a hurry. The food is excellent, fresh and genuine and the restaurant is often filled up to capacity, but with 140 couverts available and a smooth turnover waiting time is no big deal.

Still, the atmosphere is surprisingly serene and relatively quiet: large, three generation families share a multitude of food rotating and turning in carrousel fashion in the middle of huge round tables and all you hear is humming contentment. Now start exploring Rotterdam or use it on the way out.

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De Lange Muur | Restaurants (Chinese) | Dinner € 20.00
West Kruiskade 1 | Center | +31102800518
12:00 – 00:00 daily

In this small pub you can find all kind of people, a reason for me to go there. The vibe is just really nice , even though it can be very crowded inside. This pub is open till late, so you might see the sun come up when you were just going to have one drink!

Since smoking isn’t aloud inside anymore, De Witte Aap has build a permanent terrace with heater on the pavement right in front of the pub. A very smart thing to do I think. Smokers happy, the pub is extended and it always looks as if there are lots of people there.

The coolest thing is the art inside. Every month the pub offers an artist to show’s his of her art here.

The Lonely Planet has voted De Witte Aap the best pub in the world, fair enough.

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De Witte Aap | Art & culture, Bars | Beer € 2.30
Witte de withstraat 78 | Center | +31104149565
Sun – Thu 13:00 – 04:00, Fri – Sat 13:00 – 05:00

The interior doesn’t give it away, but this place is tops!

I just got rid of my fried rice with mushroom addiction, cause I discovered how good their sushi is.

This place is always very busy, so you might have to wait for a seat at one of the long tables. Or…you can ask for take away and eat your dinner/lunch at a nicer place.

Don’t be afraid you won’t have enough food. It come in pretty good portions (you know, just a little too much that you eat anyway and then feel way too full!)

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Dim Daily | Restaurants (Asian) | Mixed sushi 8 pieces € 14.00
Rode zand 48 | Center | +31102809026
Sat -Thu 12:00 – 22:00, Fri 12:00 – 23:00

Mankind always wanted to be free, so we enjoy living in a democracy. But better still, we also want to be free and fly like the birds – an art we yet have to master.

In ancient Greek mythology Icaros did not fare well by going up higher and higher, so here we present you with a safe alternative way by only going down. Your turn to be free and hang loose by holding tight on a taut rope and let gravity do the work and help you sail down.

Join the birds and sail down, make do and improvise to get that glorious sinking feeling by going over the edge on weather permitting weekend days from the Euromast. Expert guidance and safety precautions mix and add up to the rush of adrenalin of making the descent all by yourself with an accompanying coach.

Organized from May to September for the 16 year olds and above the challenge is up to you for the 100m way down!

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Euromast | Relaxing | Sail down € 45.00
Parkhaven 20 | Center | +31102411781
May – Sep | Sat – Sun

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.

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Gallery Zigt | Art & culture, Shopping
Nieuwe Binnenweg 107A | Center | +310104369668
Tue – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

A great location for watching all the action on the river, while lounging, drinking and eating. See the Rhine barges, tankers, yachts, ferries, wherries, tugs, tourist and speedboats, watertaxi’s and just about anything that floats go up and downstream.

Half hidden under the southern section of the Erasmus bridge the Swan – its popular name) with a huge panoramic all glass double gabled front, this grand café offers a wide view across its huge terrace over the river, the “Noorder eiland” and the line up of the tall and magnificent architecture of the office and residential towers along the river Maas waterfront.

Prachtig = “beautiful / gorgeous” – aims to offer happy drinking and eating just about all day and evening long. Simple “bitterballen” and luxurious snacks – why not some oysters or lobster tail with a crisp Chardonnay ? – and sandwiches throughout the day, or lunch or dinner with good waterfront food like bouillabaisse or fruits de mer.

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Grand Cafe Prachtig | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Intern.) | Lunch € 10
Willemsplein 77 | Center | +31102130640
11:30 – 23:30 daily

It often happens to me that I am travelling and having a bad hair day. The best thing to solve this is looking for a hairdresser to style my hair.

If you recognise this, than your solution can be found at the Meent. One of the busy shopping streets in the Centre of town with many restaurants and some really nice shops.

Look for Hairish at number 37A, an unisex hairdresser where you are always welcome without an appointment.

Just walk in and they will tell you how long you have to wait until they can help you. It can be busy, so be prepared as waiting time up to 90 minutes can happen sometimes. But its worth the waiting. Just kill your time watching around as an interesting mixture of people coming in or passing by. Hairish is located close to the Tuesday and Saturday market at the Binnenrotte and popular places as Cafe Pol, Boudoir and De IJssalon.
You don’t like watching people, well get yourself a head massage (ask for the Biominoil treatment, but be warned, they wash it out with cold water) or read nice magazines. I like Hairish, not for their loud music;) but for their true advise, good cuts and they are really great with colouring, styling and they use excellent product such as Swedish REF and Australian NAK.

Bonus 1 
At Hairish they really listen to you and will do what you ask them to do.

Bonus 2
They trim your pony or contour for free in between your haircuts, so you can enjoy your hairdo longer.

Bonus 3
You can order now a delicious yymmy ciabatta or Tostini from Galiano, while waiting. They will bring it to you as Galiano is located just a few shops down the road. Hairish will serve you free coffee or tea.

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Hairish | Relaxing
Meent 37A | Center | +310102141467
Tue – Thu 10:00 – 19:00, Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 18:00, Sun 12:00 – 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.

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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.

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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

In the last century at the end of the Wilhelminapier the Holland America Line had its head office and passenger terminal for the regular line service to New York. The company now operates mostly from the USA and the historic building is now being dwarfed by the surrounding towers built on this peninsula.

However the hotel New York will keep its open view to the West over a wide terrace and grass field with cross paths named after famous Manhattan streets; here thousands of immigrants once left for a future in the Americas.

Entering from the terrace you pass the seafood section, where the famous seafood platters are made up, and you face a very large multi-level high ceiling café and restaurant area with over a hundred tables still in the century old ornamental style. It is always busy and it hums with the activity of brisk walking waiters and a broad mix of people, hotel-guests, locals, tourists and day trippers.

The huge reading table is a favorite reading or meeting place for friends, partner or blind date ( here I met my wife ).

These days the ever more glamorous hyper-modern cruise liners will regularly moor up along the nearby passenger terminal, but Hotel New York still makes you feel like and long for the old times.

This place offers everything food and drink-wise, whereas the view on the river and the city skyline is mesmerizing day and night.

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Hotel New York | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Grand cafe)
Koninginnenhoofd 1 | Center | +31104390555
07:00 – 00:00 daily

As I’m from a former Dutch colony, Suriname, I still have a craving for real Suriname cuisine.

What is ‘Surinam cuisine’, you may ask?
It’s hard to define but I’ve heard of an interesting research about the origins of the dishes we have. From some it’s easy to tell like the nasi and bami goreng (fried rice and noodles) as they are from my other roots, Indonesia. Roti comes from motherland India, and there’s even a Jewish dish known as ‘pom’.

Digging into the history of these dishes gives you an interesting tale and history of how this country has shaped itself through its inhabitants and mixing not only their cultures but also their cooking.

A nice place to experience it yourself and challenging your taste buds is Kiem Foei at the West- Kruiskade near central station. West-Kruiskade is known as ‘China Town’ but the Surinam toko’s (shops) also dominate the street.

Kiem Foei’s interior doesn’t look hip but nobody cares as it’s all about the food here, which is partly Surinamese and partly Antillean. Eat in or to go. Mingle with the crowd and try choosing a snack or dish. Buns filled with either vegetables, meat or shrimps are more for snacking. But whatever you choose, get ready for some interesting flavours.

The Suriname kitchen is a good choice in variety if you’re on a tight budget but don’t feel like cooking.

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Kiem Foei | Snacks, Restaurants (Surinam) | Snacks from € 3.00
West-Kruiskade 29 | Center | +31104139983
12:00 – 23:00 daily

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!

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Koekela | Shopping, Snacks | Lemon merinque € 9.50
Nieuwe binnenweg 97a | Center | +31104364774
Mon – Sat 08:30 – 17:30

Sometimes you discover something new at places you have been a thousand times before. I have biked here on the Schiedamse Dijk for years and years. And I walked there across the Walk of Fame, a collection of floor tiles enriched with names, hand- and foot prints of celebrities. I went to the Maritime Museum and the ship The Buffel. But it was only a few months ago I discovered the pedestrian bridge which crossed the Leuvehaven, during an architectural city tour by bike.

It was dark the first time I crossed that bridge. But was amazing nonetheless. Normally you would be at the quayside looking at the boats and water life. Crossing this bridge places you right in the middle of the action. There is also a stop for the Water Taxi, which brings you for a fee over the waters of Rotterdam.

This little secret was right in the middle of the center without me knowing and when I found out at last, I was awestruck. This is a part of the ports and harbours you would not want to miss visiting Rotterdam. It takes you just a little while crossing this bridge, but the sight is spectacular.

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Kraneschipbrug | Art & culture | Free
Kraneschipbrug | Center
24 hours daily

This lunchroom is very near to where I work. So I come here often when I have a long break, or after work with a colleague. But have been coming here for some years before. I think they got a new owner, since there was always this tall man walking around, and now there are two women. The quality is still very good.

I have been eating all kinds of things here, like omelets, pancakes, salads, pasta… And it all tastes very good. The only problem I have is choosing what I would like every time I come there. I think the prices and the portions are very reasonable. Also you do not have to wait too terribly long for you meal to arrive, except on some crowded hours when all the shops nearby are having their lunch break, or dinner break on Fridays, since there is always shopping night on Fridays.

On the menu there is also ’soup of the day’, but there are usually two or three kinds. So be sure to ask what it is, if you like a cup of soup. They also sell fresh mint tea, my very own addiction.

What I like about this lunchroom, is the fact that it has an open kitchen. So even when you have to wait for a while, you know they are working on it. But the main reason is that there is no better joy, then watching some one else working, while you’re sitting on your behind.

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La Corbeille | Snacks, Restaurants (Lunch)
Aert van Nesstraat 24 | Center | +310104332550
Kitchen Mon – Thu 07:45 – 18:30, Fri 07:45 – 20:30, Sat 08:30 – 17:30, Sun 10:30 – 16:30

I’ve had my first salsa lessons at La Luna and therefore still have good memories of this place. I still like coming here, but since Cantinero (check the Cantinero article)  is in town (which is much bigger), La luna hasn’t been having getting the big crowd they have before. Unfortunately they also stopped their salsa classes. But this little salsa club hasn’t lost her charm.

Inside the dance floor takes up the most space, but there is also a bar and even an indoor smoke area. Don’t get confused with discotheque Electric next to/under La Luna. You don’t really what to spend your evenings there unprepared.

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La Luna | Bars, Music
Mauritsweg 46 | Center
Thu – Sat 17:00 – 04:30

Rotterdam is the homebase of Lastplak, a collective of 9 painters and graffiti-artists. Actually, it is hard to point out their exact spot, as their work can be found anywhere around town. They appear to be the preferred supplier of colorful artwork for the city as any temporary wall or fence is covered in their paintings.

However, I do not actually need to point out the location of their works as a mere introduction to them would prime you to see their art around town. The style of lastplak is diverse, though outspoken.

Check their website for their upcoming performances or recently finished pieces.

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Lastplak | Art & culture | Free
Schouwburgplein | Center
Always

Level is situated in the upcoming area around the Meent and this describes the place a bit as well. It’s decked out very trendy and lots of people come here to be seen. All the others come for the cocktails, especially the “Porn star”. I’m not the biggest cocktail drinker, but even I like some of the ones they make here.

During summer the front, which is fully made out of glass doors, opens up. This way the terrace is an extension of the bar. Plus they have heaters to keep you warm when the sun goes down.

Before 21:00 when the place turns into a crowded cocktail bar, Level is a restaurant. They have nice food and they serve that food pretty, but that’s also what you pay for! Their chocolate dessert for chocolate lovers is to die for though!

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Level | Bars, Restaurants (European) | Chocolate desert € 7.50
Pannekoekstraat 76A | Center | +31102800788
12:00 – 01:00 daily

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!

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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 was planning to go and enjoy some lovely sushi at the Dim Daily (check the Dim Daily article) with one of my friends when she suggested to go to this Vietnamese restaurant right underneath the apartment building where she lives. She said it was very nice and something different, but I shouldn’t expect Dim Daily.

She was so right. What a nice place she took me to. We had to eat at the bar, because we didn’t make a reservation (stupid us, it was a Saturday) and it was very busy. Still the service was quick and very good.

The food was lovely, I enjoyed every bite. The tea we had afterwards was a bit strong, but my friend and I do drink very weak tea.

Dim Daily doesn’t have to worry, nothing beats their friend rice with egg and mushrooms, but Little V did just stole a little place in my heart.

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Little V | Restaurants (Vietnamese) | Noodles with gamba’s € 12.00
Grotekerkplein 109 | Center | +3110413191
Tue – Wed 17:00 – 23:00, Thu 17:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 17:00 – 01:30, Sun 12:00 – 22:00

Witte de Withstraat is the area for culture. Besides Tent (check the Tent article), V2_ (check the V2- article), Blaak10 and Roodkapje there is Mama. Mama is an exhibition space for young artists. The art on display is often daring, provoking and displayed in a fully transformed space. Especially the transformation of the space makes Mama stand out!

I personally remember a beautiful exhibition by Lastplak (check the Lastpak article), a collective of Rotterdam painters. Instead of displaying their paintings, they painted every square centimeter of the exhibition space. Interpreting exhibitions like this makes Mama awesome!

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Mama | Art & culture | Free
Witte de Withstraat 29-31 | Center
Wed – Sun 13:00 – 18:00 & by appointment

Although I do not have much free time, I always intend to go to museums with my son. We both love natural things, so it’s pretty easy to choose one and both be happy. Nevertheless somehow I most of the time end up at the Maritiem Museum. A museum that belongs to Rotterdam just as much as his harbours do.

At the corner of Churchillplein, a white building stands proud next to Leuvehaven, accompanied by the statue of Zadkine (check the Zadkine article) and the Kraneschipbrug. My son likes to go there a lot because of the children’s playground at the roof where a container company is copied in miniature. Children can climb in the hoisting cranes and shuffle containers around. The other floors are filled with at kinds of maritime knowledge, among the the maritime history of Rotterdam itself. What still stayed with me was the gigantic 3d map of Rotterdam, which shows how Rotterdam looks like now and how it looked like in the past. You could even crawl under it. Very impressive.

Most of the time I end up at the Buffel. An old schip that has been restored in its original state and is equipped with dolls and furniture of how life aboard this ship was like. Over the speakers you can here the old sailors talk in there accents and jargon. It is Dutch, but nevertheless it puts an extra ring to it, to get you in the mood of the past. Even if you do not understand.

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Maritiem Museum & Buffel | Art & culture | Museum € 7.50
Leuvehaven 1 | Center | +310104132680
Mon 10:00 – 17:00 (Jul – Aug), Tue – Sat 10:00 – 17:00, Sun 11:00 – 17:00

I do a lot of writing. Whether I translate an article, write a column or work on my book, I have found I get the most of progress sitting in a coffee-bar. That’s why I’ve been to a lot of such places in Rotterdam. Mockamore started a lot of years of ago as Jacquemotte, so I often still call it that way. Later it moved to the location it is now, soon after it changed its name.

The fact that I still like to go there, have four reasons.

First I’m a sucker for fresh mint tea with honey and whenever they’re fresh out of mint I simply can’t resist their special coffees. Like MorningGlow, IndianSummer or WhiteNights to name a few. And they often have a seasonal coffee. I can’t eat here, due to my personal diet. But I’m sure you will like it nonetheless.

The second reason is the simple fact they’re open quit early in the morning. Since I’m downtown quite early most of the time and sometimes begin working rather late, I don’t want to go home. It’s also close to work which is the third reason. I don’t want to bike up and down the city all the time. Simple and plain, but not futile in a busy woman’s life.

The final point might seem a little insignificant, but it ain’t. I don’t like sitting on a tiny hard wooden or metal chair for hours. At Mockamore all benches, sofas and chairs are soft. So there’s always a place for me to rest my spoiled body.

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Mockamore | Coffee & tea | Fresh Minttea € 2.40
Korte Hoogstraat 6 | Center | +310104141585
Mon 10:00 – 17:30, Tue – Sat 08:30 – 17:30, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

March 6 there’s a new edition of the annual Museumnacht (”Museum Night”). Museums and galleries and other creative places will be open in the evening and will provide a special program from 20:00 – 02:00.

The idea is to lure people who usually don’t go or don’t have the time to visit a museum and/or gallery with this event. And to attract new visitors to the more unknown museums.

This Saturday is the 10th Museumnacht and worth a celebration with an even more special program according to the website. This year’s theme is XL XS. Curious yet?

Knowing the event, it’s very extensive and diverse and it will appeal the young and old among us. It’s an impossible task to try visit every location but a challenge every year.

There will be other happenings too:

Mayor Aboutaleb will reveal a new statue “Cascade”, made by Atelier Van Lieshout, at the intersection of Churchillplein at 8.30pm. I’m very curious about it as AVL has a certain reputation of interpreting ideas into shapes.

The opening of De Machinist, Delfshaven at 4pm – 1am with live music, tours, etc. A former Marine Engineering school now turned into a new breeding space for cultural activities and entrepreneurs.

At Meent 119-133, artist collective Roodkapje will run the project ROT(T)TERDAM untill 2011 and the building will be part for a new kind of city office designed by architect Rem Koolhaas.

If you make use of the special Museumnacht Bus and Boat, be ready for surprising performances underway…

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Museumnacht/Museum night | Art & culture, Festivals & events | Presale ticket € 12.00
Meent 119 | Center
March 6th 20:00 – 02:00

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.

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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

Nostra doesn’t have a the biggest menu, but what they have is fantastic. I love the Italian bread roll with pastrami, but I have also tasted their several club sandwiches, yummy!! They make them extra special with all ingredients you’d never expect. And all the food, and you get a lot, is made with love and care. Nostra has an open kitchen is, so you can actually see that they do.

Not too long ago I organised a baby-shower/high tea here and they made such a nice thing out of it. Again the food was delicious and the table was decorated so nice and very trendy!

I always have a fabulous time here. The staff is also very nice and funny, they really make you feel at home.

At the moment the original place on the Van Oldenbarneveldstraat is under construction. So they moved just around the corner at the Mauritsstraat.

If you’re looking for a nice place to have lunch, Nostra is absolutely the place to be!

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Nostra | Coffee & tea, Restaurants (Lunch) | Italian bread/pastrami € 8.50
mauritsstraat 79 | Center | +31104118232
12:00 – 18:00 daily (kithcen closes Mon – Thu 16:00, Sat – Sun 17:00)

Because I don’t like cheese I really like going to this restaurant. Amongst their pizza’s with cheese, their also have two without; and they’re delicious!

O’Pazzo’s is divided into two parts. One serves only the pizza’s and the other, slightly more expensive part, where there’s more to choose from the menu.

The place is very popular, so don’t expect a table right away. But you can have a drink at the bar and nibble on their great foccacia. You can also opt for a take away pizza!

What ever you choose, visit the toilets here. It’s a real experience!

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O’Pazzo | Restaurants (Italian) | Pizza € 9.50
Mariniersweg 90 | Center | +31102827107
10:30 – 00:00 daily

Tucked away in a street between the Van Oldenbarneveldstraat and the Binnenweg there is a small restaurant called Open. Here you can get some good salads and sandwiches. My favourite is the sandwich with smoked chicken with basil dressing, but there is much more to choose from.

The place is small but brightly decorated, something that they change every now and then. The staff isn’t the quickest, but their friendliness makes up for that.

I have had dinner here once, a couple of years ago, but generally come here for lunch.

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Open | Coffee & tea, Restaurants (Mediterranean ) | Bread roll salmon € 7.50
Jacobusstraat 215 | Center | +31102136257
Sun – Thu 12:00 – 21:30, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 22:00

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!

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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

This place is always nice to go to, but on Mondays it’s the best. With every drink you buy you get a free bingo ticket. Around 01:00, when you have enough tickets to have a good shot at a price, and enough to drink to minimise that same chance, the party begins…..LET PLAY BINGO!!!!!

A part from the bingo, there are several other things they organise, like a big Queensday party and of course St. Patrick’s day festivities.
Plus they have a sports channel tv in a seperate part of the pub. There’s also always nice live music and friendly people to chat to.

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Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub | Bars | Pint € 4.00
Rodezand 15 | Center | +31104110078
Mon 16:00 – 04:00, Tue – Thu 16:00 – 01:00, Fri 16:00 – 02:00
Sat – Sun 16:00 – 03:00

Close to the white towering height of the Erasmus Medical Center on the Westzeedijk is a small side street – Kievitslaan – , where Parl Schoonoord has a street number “9″.

This historical oasis of rest and calm and floral beauty dates back to the early 18th century and is now a 1,2 hectares square of narrowly winding paths and several connected ponds. You enter from the Kievitslaan from a descending bridge through a cast iron ornamental gate and you will find over 1000 varieties of plants, shrubs and trees.

Even if you are not a horticulturist, but a curious tourist in search of green tranquility, nice smells and a moment away from the bustling city life, this small heaven next to the large …parc is so rewarding. Styled as an old Englisch country garden it is now maintained by the city council and supported by donations of the Schoonoord foundation. It is enclosed by neighbouring estates, but they are rather rather well hidden by the large trees and the old brick wall in the back.

Take your time to enjoy it when you are on your way to the Euromast or the Norwegian Sailors church (check the Norwegian Sailors church article), use it to let the impressions of the nearby museums sink in or just simply sit down on one of the benches and digest lunch.

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Park Schoonoord | Relaxing | Free
Kievitslaan 8 | Center
Mon – Fri 08:30 – 16:30, Sat – Sun 11:30 – 16:30

On your way in you pass a pile of wooden logs that augur the specialty of this easy going and relaxed restaurant, where the chef/owner reigns in front of the wood fired open oven.

Try and get a chair close to him facing the oven and watch him create wonderful dishes over an array of herbs, spices, oils and vinegars. You are in for a feast of the palate, when you go for the standard option of the 4 or 6 course menu of mostly biological ingredients from his own selection of local suppliers of meat, fish and veggies.

Double the delight by letting him accompany them with a surprising choice of wines by the glass. He will casually inform you – if you want – how each course is put together and otherwise the staff will fill in likewise.

The cool and concentrated style of cooking will not miss to raise you to the challenge of wanting your taste buds to discover how and what it is made of.

This is a really good place for an evening of calm and relaxed great dining and talking, attended by a watchful, but unobtrusive staff – another one of my favorites!

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Restaurant Eendracht | Restaurants (Biological) | Dinner +/- € 35.00
Eendrachtsweg 31a | Center | +31614865478
Fri – Mon 18:00 – 21:30

Stylish and yet bohemian in style and setting, creative, season based Italian cuisine with a Sicilian twist, a chef, who has been there since the opening in 1987 and adds new dishes all the time, an attentive staff with a youthful radiating smile are the key ingredients of Lux solid reputation. Book ahead or come in late and await your turn.

A menu with limited quantity daily changing specials is your starting pojnt for a tempting choice. As the season is the main guide for what appears on your table, you can be guaranteed of variety, freshness and inventiveness. Bread – 2 types and breadsticks – and water appear on your white paper clothed table while you deliberate what to pick: start with the appetizers -antipasti-. Make up your own mix and share with your dinner partners. Then follow through with a pasta or the daily changing risotto and it is the time for the main course, while you select your side orders separately. Let at least one order the plump and crispy potato fries or rather wedges – they may not be particularly Sicilian, but they are the best.

The all Italian winelist covers most regions, is nicely selected for a reasonable price.

Try the granita for dessert or the ice creams or the cakes and you will certainly understand why this is one my favorites. Then relax or go back to the bar for espresso and your fancy of the grappas and digestifs and take a peek from there in the downstairs kitchen to watch the care and attention of a happy team.

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Restaurant Lux | Restaurants (Italian ) | Dinner € 40.00
’s Gravendijkwal 133 | Center | +31104762206
Tue – Sat 18:00 – 23:00

Facing the Veerhaven, close to the river with a great view of the Erasmus Bridge and the regularly visiting ocean-liners moored on the Wilhelmina Pier Rob and Emmy – versatile veterans in the Rotterdam culinary scene – run their latest addition with a terrace, wine bar and restaurant in a pleasantly stylish and relaxed two floor former warehouse.

You enter either through the wine bar that doubles as restaurant if reservations add up or through the delicatessen store with a variety of vegetables, olive oils and dressings, fresh French cheeses and sausages.

Take the stairs in the back, passing the all French wine store imported by the owner and find yourself in the restaurant featuring fresh often biological food. Seafood platters, great salads, seasonally cooking with a delicate, rural French twist , savoury herbs and wines – even by the glass – to suit your lunch and dinner.

Or as an alternative for a hot day: make up your own picnic with the goodies from the delicatessen store and walk up to the river and enjoy your food at the tables right next to the waterside in the shade.

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Restaurant Z & M | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (French) | 3-course dinner € 30.00
Veerhaven 13 | Center | +31102800980
Tue – Sun 12:00 – 22:00

Rotterdam has its own Walk of Fame. Although it looks more like a gray pavement on a windy street, hey, it is a walk of fame! Actually, I just recently went there myself and I was quite surprised who left their mark in Rotterdam.

Amongst Dutch artists and some people I did not know, there were foot and handprints of many international stars. Bon Jovi, 
Bryan Adams,
Carlos Santana,
Carmine Coppola,
Dave Brubeck,
Grace Jones,
James Brown,
John Denver,
Johnny Cash,
Lionel Richie,
Mark Knopfler,
 Shirley Bassey, Spandau Ballet,
Tina Turner,
Tom Jones,
Willy Nelson and………… MC Hammer.

This is the greatest Walk of Fame of Europe, and although it are just imprints in concrete, it is quite fun to discover famous name after famous name. Just combine it with a walk from the Witte de Withstraat to the Erasmusbrug and you’ll have a great time!

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Rotterdam Walk of Fame | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Schiedamsedijk | Center
24 hours daily

If you come to Rotterdam you cannot miss out on our great museums like the Kunsthal, Boijmans van Beuningen and the NAI (Nederlands Architectuur Instituut). But, although strolling through museums seems relaxing, it can be really tiresome. And then, the best place to rest your head and body is actually just around the corner: the rose garden.

This little park is the preferred chill-out in the city centre. With a view on the Boijmans statue park, you can enjoy the smell of roses while lying on fresh cut grass. Expect to see some eccentric people to come along, as people come here to see and be seen.

It is one of the most quiet places in the city centre as no traffic comes close, and even better, most tourist do not recognize it as a really cool spot and walk along.

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Rozentuin (Rose garden) | Relaxing | Free
Museumlaanbrug 1 | Center
24 hours daily

And old and beautiful place right in the centre of Rotterdam holds one part of the historical museum of Rotterdam. Het Schielandhuis’ got the permanent exhibition ‘City of the people of Rotterdam’ on the first floor. Here you’re being guided through the history of Rotterdam up till today.

In the basement there is a restaurant, museum shop, but also the ‘Atlas van Stolk’. This part of the museum has a great collection of historical drawings of the Rotterdam wood collector Abraham van Stolk. The best of his collections is shown here and changes three times a year.

The attic and the ground floor are reserved for all kinds of contemporary exhibitions. The attic is, until august, for the exhibition ‘Nooit gebouwd Rotterdam’. There are always new things getting build in Rotterdam. Here you see the things that have never made the cut. Very cool!

Het Schielandhuis is my favourite museum, not only in Rotterdam but in the whole country. The exhibitions are always very innovative, creative and original. During my uni years I worked here, so as a trusted source I can tell you that the staff here is great.

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Schielandhuis | Art & culture | Entrance adults € 3.00
Korte Hoogstraat 31 | Center | +31102176767
Tue – Sun 11:00 – 17:00

Rotterdam’s long history as one of the main ports of the globe has created a need for many sailors from all over the world to seek a temporary recluse and a moment of contemplation and religious service.

Nowadays with modern shipping schedules requiring immediate pulling in and out of harbors sailors lack the time for attending church services, just as much as the Katendrecht area on the South bank of the river no longer features the bars and brothels of the bygone days of shore leave.

Still a wonderful series of authentic church buildings representative of their denominations and original architecture can be admired from the outside and often inside and merits a walk. This can easily be combined and integrated with a visit of any of the museums in the museum quarter. Particularly worth taking a look at are the Norwegian Sailors church, the Russian orthodox church on (opened by Poetin himself ) and the Greek Church – all 3 of them can easily be spotted from the Westzeedijk

Nowadays German and Finnish Seamans churches only draw small numbers of devotees and largely from the current non maritime expats. They are now hidden in stately residential mansions ( ’s Gravendijkwal). Before the X-mas season – usually la

te November – front door and in house sales of national goodies are held, drawing expats together for a reunion.

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Seaman’s Churches | Art & culture | Free
Westzeedijk 300 | Center | +31104365123
Tue – Sat 12:00 – 19:00, Sun 10:00 – 19:00

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.

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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

One of my favorite bars in Rotterdam is definitely ‘Stalles’.

The location and its terrace is ideal for some good people watching. The different type of visitors to this place is also the reason I like it so much, a nice mixture of all kind of people. One thing they all have in common is that they’re relaxed.

Next to Stalles is ‘Parket’, which is the same kind of place. In fact only one wall separates the two places form being one. They share owner, staff and bathrooms.
Where Furore is more a restaurant, ‘Stalles’ and ‘Parket’ are known as pubs, when the menu here is very good and gets regular up-dates. Monday and Tuesdays are pizza night. From 15:00 pizza’s cost between € 4.50 and € 6.00. For me the salads are the best.

If you stay long enough during the weekend you can walk straight onto Club Vibes (check the Club Vibes article), yaay!

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Stalles | Bars, Restaurants (European) | Salad € 9.50
Nieuwe Binnenweg 11a | Center | +31104361655
Mon – Thu 16:00 – 01:00, Fri 16:00 – 02:00, Sat 14:00 – 02:00, Sun 14:00 – 01:00

I have absolutely no idea how famous Marten Toonder is outside the Netherlands, but here his cartoons are an icon. Tom Poes (”Tom Puss”) and Oliver B. Bommel (”Oliver B. Bumble”) have been well-known for many years. The cartoonist was born in Rotterdam, what might explain the reason why there is a statue of Tom Poes and several other cartoon figures in the centre of Rotterdam.

Personally I not so fond of most art pieces all around Rotterdam. There are only a few I like and this one is one of them. My father had these little cartoon when I was young, which I read and I have seen the Oliver B. Bommel movie a couple of times too, about this big sophisticated brown bear who finds a dragon egg. So it was a pleasant surprises when I first got eye to eye with the little white cat standing between lighting.

It is a colorful statue and it also serves as a resting place for people tired of shopping or to eat your fish freshly bought at the market, almost every day. Above the benches you can find some other characters from the cartoons, but no Oliver B. Bommel. ‘Tom Poes’ is also the name of a very Dutch pastry. Behind one of the figures you can find one made of stone.

I have a very personal memory to this statue and I have sat here more than one time to eat my fish or just used it as a meeting spot. At the moment it is surrounded by building sites, but in Rotterdam that’s almost a natural habitat.

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Statue Tom Poes | Art & culture | Free
Binnenrotte | Center
24 hours 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…

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Studio Hergebruik | Art & culture, Shopping
Coolsingel 53 | Center
Tue – Sat 11:00 – 18:00

Rotterdam is famous for its art museums and galleries. The epicentrum of cultural activities is Tent. This exhibition space features the nicest exhibitions and events.

As there are different events throughout the year, I can only recommend to check out their website to see if there is anything you might like. However, they usually feature an excellent selection.

Last year, I attended a free concert of Jamie Lidell, a symposium on architecture and saw some impressive exhibitions.

A suggestion, watch for openings of exhibitions. They usually feature a little party, with (free) drinks and some music. An excellent opportunity to meet people and get a little social.

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Tent | Art & culture, Theaters | admission € 3.00
Witte de Withstraat 50 | Center
Tue – Sun 11:00 – 18:00

Tiki’s is one of the nicest bars in Rotterdam. It is the hang-out of artists, musicians, designers, hip-folk and other taste-makers of Rotterdam. Expect to meet some artistic and extraordinary people.

Tiki’s style can be grasped with a mere word: ‘Aloha’! Walls are covered in bamboo and everything is decorated in Hawaii-an style complete with diner-style furniture and jukeboxes.

This bar is a nice place to go both at the start of the evening as later at night. Start the night off with a delicious yet very affordable burger (or other dish). Then move to the far left corner, and spent an hour or two exploring the cocktail-menu as you sit surrounded by a tropic wall-painting (try to spot Spongebob). As the night kicks in, expect Tiki’s to become crowded -and finally packed.

Unlike the typical ‘hip’ spots, Tiki’s is laid-back and ‘gezellig’ (Eng: cosy). And if it is all a bit too laid-back, hit the dancefloor next door at Bar Dancing de Camping.

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Tiki’s | Bars | Dinner € 12.00
Hartmanstraat 16 | Center
Tue – Thu 15:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 16:00 – 02:00

In the upcoming trendy section of town East of the main Tuesday – Saturday Open Air Market on the Binnenrotte the Urban espresso Bar is located parallel to the market on the Botersloot – this is where farmers used to sell their butter and dairy products from their barges – . UEB provides you with the kick start for a day packed to go in good spirits.

Sit either outside on the small terrace on the street side or on the large one out in the morning sun on the other side on a pedestrians only square. On the inside the smell of organic coffee, the cakes and goodies display, a cosy reading table, a large sitting bench and tables and an artistic video lounge in the basement.

This is where owner and Australian born Jo MacCambridge introduced Rotterdam to the Sydney favorite: a ” Flat White”: 2 shots of espresso with a fine layer of foamed milk – just a tad more milk than a macchiato, and a lot less than a capuccino – Whatever you fancy, it is all there.

The all day urban breakfast on the weekend is served till 12.00 on weekdays, but a great selection of bread, open and closed sandwiches, croissants and baguettes, as well as cakes, tarts and muffins should take care of any need throughout the day for a good bite.

As the day passes on, when your need for coffee and tea transforms into a desire for something with more of a punch, simply switch to beer, cocktails and liqueurs.

Good news: Go West young man – have gun – will travel, as the old slogan for exploring the Great Wild West goes, is now adapted to a more peaceful mission to accomodate the coffee aficionados in Rotterdam West. In hopefully the early spring of 2010 the Urban Coffee Shop West will open in the Nieuwe Binnenweg

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Urban Coffee Shop – UEB | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Fair € 2,00
Botersloot 44a | Center | +31102130768
Tue – Sat 09:00 – 17:30, Sun – Mon 11:00 – 17:30

Rotterdam is not about tradition of years past, Rotterdam is about today… and some people are all about tomorrow. You can notice this through architecture and design scattered around town that express this sense of moving forward.

An example of this attitude is found at the South bank of the Maas. The headquarters of Unilever is one of my favorite examples, the new headquarters are built literally across the old Unilever factory.

But to experience tomorrow, go to V2_ Medialabs, institute for unstable media. Right across the corner in the Witte de Withstraat the V2_ institute has its headquarters and exhibition space.

Their shows and exhibitions feature the most innovative interaction designers and contemporary artists in the field of media and technology. An example is the renowned Daan Roosegaarde who recently revealed his latest creation at V2_.

They organize talks, exhibitions and showcases of new projects. Check their website for events due and go there for an experience never to be forget! This is what Rotterdam is all about!

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V2_ | Art & culture
Eendrachtsstraat 10 | Center
Check their website for events

Rotterdam has a vibrant Suriname community and they brought some excellent food to the streets of Rotterdam. Famous are the Surinaamse Broodjes (Eng: Surinam Sandwiches). These sandwiches are available practically everywhere. These sandwiches are stuffed with all kinds of meat, fish or shrimps. Try out Pom which is made from sweet potato and chicken, Bakkeljauw made from fish or Kouseband garnalen which is shrimps with yardlong beans.

The best place to go for Surinaamse broodjes or any Surinam dish is Warung Mini. This authentic little place serves the best dishes in town for very little money. Try Nasi Moksi Meti -fried rice with all kinds of meat or tjaumin with any kind of topping. For a drink, try some of the more popular drinks like Dawet (the pink stuff) or Old Jamaican ginger beer (the real deal, so no root beer!)

And if you didn’t manage to have lunch or dinner here, you can always come back at night as they are open until 6:00 in the morning in weekends.

Although it looks like a restaurant, you have to order your food at the counter in the back. Just walk to the far end of the place and mind the queue. You pay in advance, but will bring your food to the table. Expect an honest meal, no delicate cuisine.

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Warung Mini | Restaurants (Surinam) | Dinner & drink € 10.00
Witte de Withstraat 47 | Center | +31104047456
Mon – Thu 12:00 – 00:00, Fri 12:00 – 06:00, Sat 16:00 – 06:00, Sun 16:00 – 00:00

If you want to get to Hotel New York (check the Hotel New York article), the metro is a convenient and affordable way to get there. However, you would miss out on a beautiful trip across the Nieuwe Maas river.

With small, fast and comfortable boats you can get from Veerhaven to Hotel New York. Maybe the 4 minute ride does not seem worth the 4 euro at first, but the beautiful view on both of the river banks and the impressive Erasmusbridge is worth every penny. And it is not only beautiful, it is superfast.

From the Witte de Withstraat the Veerhaven is only a 5 minute walk. Please note the Veerhaven itself is also a beautiful area. The Westelijk Handelsterrein (Western Trade Location) offers nice bars, shops, galleries and restaurants. Furthermore, you can eat at Lulu, sleep at Room Rotterdam or enjoy the sunshine at Loos.

In other words, the Watertaxi connects two beautiful places in an elegant way! A must-do!

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Watertaxi | Relaxing | Onw way € 4.00
Veerkade | Center | +314030303
Mon – Thu 07:00 – 00:00, Fri 07:00 – 01:00, Sat – Sun 09:00 – 00:00

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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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

This statue is at Plein 1940 and was made by the French artist Ossip Zadkine, who was Russian from origin. It represents the city after the second worldwar when the heart of the city had been bombed and burned down. Well, and that’s exactly what it is, a man without a heart.

For years I thought the statue actually was called Zadkine, but that was the artist’s name. It is called De Verwoeste stad (The Destroyed City) and is sometimes called Jan Gat (John Hole) by the city’s inhabitants who always have a neck for giving not so flattering names to city monuments.

Every Rotterdammer knows the statue, for it represented the sorrow of its lost city heart for years. Since the entire center has been rebuilt with high buildings, it seems not so appropriate anymore. But actually it is. For me, it feels like the hole is just filled with concrete and glass. It doesn’t breath, it radiates no warmth.

Even though I’m not fond of modern art, this is one I like. It really shows the pain and despair of the city right after the war.

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Zadkine | Art & culture | Free
Plein 1940 | Center
24 hours daily