Discover our locals' 146 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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Know your way in Rotterdam like a local!

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✓ 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

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Check out our latest hidden gems in Rotterdam

Things to do in Rotterdam

Al-Malek Sweets

Syrian baklava

If you are strolling through the area of Delfshaven in Rotterdam and craving something sweet, you have to try the baklava at "Al-Malek Sweets"...

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Snacks

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Nour

Nassar

Apr 21, 2025

Park Schoonoord

City zen moments

"Park Schoonoord" in Rotterdam is one of my favorite hidden secret spots. Once I enter this park, all the noise from the city just disappears - so zen...

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Relaxing

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Davy

Baas

Apr 20, 2025
Aji Rotterdam

Aji

Culinary adventure travel

"Aji" is a South-American and Asian fusion restaurant in Rotterdam. Wait, don't stop reading! The combinations here are truly excellent...

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Restaurants

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 18, 2025
By Ami Urban Bistro Rotterdam

By Ami Urban Bistro

Colour your day and plate

"By Ami Urban Bistro" is my happy place. It's like no other in Rotterdam. This restaurant is colourful, instagrammable, hip, funky & industrial all in one!

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 18, 2025

Jan Bussing Boulangerie

A touch of France

"Jan Bussing Boulangerie" in Rotterdam has delicious French bread. I love the roast beef sandwich and I never leave without a fig & almond bread.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 18, 2025
Kralingse Plas & Bos Rotterdam

Kralingse Plas & Bos

Skyline seen by nature

"Kralingse Plas" and the woodland surrounding it is the largest recreational area in Rotterdam. There's something fairy-tale-like in some of its paths...

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Relaxing

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 17, 2025

Mouterbrug

Hangout spot

Mouterbrug is a little floating deck in a canal in Delfshaven, Rotterdam. There's lots to explore around, and the neighborhood shared garden is here, too!

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Relaxing

by

Nour

Nassar

Apr 16, 2025

Shaami Huis

The taste of Syria

Shaami Huis in Rotterdam makes shoarma exactly like they do in the Levant! Not a fancy place, but not to miss - their kubba is one of my favorites...

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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Nour

Nassar

Apr 16, 2025
Het Kasteel Rotterdam

Het Kasteel

SP-AR-TA!

Surrounded by a residential area, Het Kasteel creates an electric atmosphere that extends beyond its historical significance...

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Art & culture

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Floor

Sonneveld

Apr 15, 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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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 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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Coffee & tea
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Relaxing
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Restaurants

by

Nour

Nassar

Apr 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

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 11, 2025

Heading to Rotterdam?

146 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Going to Rotterdam?

✓ Escape the Crowds

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✓ Authentic Stories

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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?

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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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