Discover our locals' 164 hidden gems in Rotterdam

Uncover Rotterdam’s hidden gems with Spotted by Locals! Discover hip bars, cafes overlooking the harbor, and unique vintage shops. Experience Rotterdam like a local with an insider travel guide and explore the unique places the city has to offer.

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City guides by those who know Rotterdam best!

Travel Guides by these Rotterdam Locals!

Our Rotterdam Cityguide - Made by Locals

Know your way in Rotterdam like a local!

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Rotterdam through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Rotterdam

Check out our latest hidden gems in Rotterdam

Things to do in Rotterdam

Juffrouw van Zanten

brunch deal in Kralingen

Juffrouw van Zanten's brunch platter has it all: pancakes, avo toast, banana bread, and more. All this in a cozy, family-friendly, living room-like setting.

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Blanca

Nagore

Jun 12, 2025

Paddy Murphys's

Irish Pub in Rotterdam Centrum

Paddy Murphy's is the go-to spot to catch any game, enjoy hearty food, and connect with a lively crowd in a true Irish pub atmosphere.

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Blanca

Nagore

Jun 12, 2025
Poffertjes Salon Seth Rotterdam

Poffertjes Salon Seth

True Dutchie treats

In a life where everything changes, Seth has managed to stay the same: the best quality poffertjes and many other Dutchie favorites.

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Bars
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Silvia

Graham

Jun 11, 2025

Parqiet

Coffee, Brunch, in the Park

Sitting in this place gives an absolutely calming and full of serenity and peace vibe that is hard to find right in the middle of the city.

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Nour

Nassar

Jun 11, 2025
Maashaven to Rijnhaven Metro Rotterdam

Maashaven to Rijnhaven Metro

Street art galore

Walkling from Maashaven to Rijnhaven Metro stations in Rotterdam is like visiting a street art gallery! Which of the pillars will be your favorite?

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Art & culture

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Silvia

Graham

Jun 11, 2025
De Ballentent Rotterdam

De Ballentent

Yummie meatballs

"De Ballentent" - the best place in Rotterdam, nay, the whole country to overeat on meatballs. This restaurant is a little piece of heaven and then some.

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Davy

Baas

Jun 10, 2025
Das Brot Rotterdam

Das Brot

The healthiest & tastiest bread in town

Das Brot is a small neighborhood bakery in Rotterdam that makes 'sourdough bread as it should be'. If you see the door closed, don't be afraid to knock!

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Cinthya

Uribe

Jun 10, 2025
Vroesenpaviljoen Rotterdam

Vroesenpaviljoen

Hangout in the park

And for us personally, it’s the simple pleasure of strolling through Vroesenpark with our dog, Andes, culminating in a leisurely break at the pavilion.

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Floor

Sonneveld

Jun 10, 2025

Fenix Food Factory

Little food market Katendrecht

Katendrecht's Fenix Food Factory offers craft beers, natural wines, tasty bites, and riverfront views — perfect for food, drinks, and culture in Rotterdam.

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Floor

Sonneveld

Jun 10, 2025

Cafe Unfiltered

Minimalistic coffee bar

Cafe Unfiltered sits on a peaceful street lined with classic Dutch houses, a refreshing contrast to Rotterdam’s skyline. Pause here to appreciate the city’s hidden corners.

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Coffee & tea

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Blanca

Nagore

Jun 9, 2025

BAKKIT Bakery

fresh bakes in Oude Noorden

BAKKIT is a modern, yet cozy bakery founded by two sisters. Try their famous Rotterdamse Rol filled with pistachio cream, coated in white chocolate & nuts.

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Coffee & tea

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Blanca

Nagore

Jun 9, 2025

De Burgemeester

Special beers

De Burgemeester in Rotterdam distinguishes itself by the impressive collection of special beers that will get your head spinning...

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Bars
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Irina

Bulat

Jun 8, 2025

Heading to Rotterdam?

164 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Going to Rotterdam?

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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