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

Strand De Esch Rotterdam

Strand De Esch

A hidden beach on the Maas

This beach along the Maas River is perfect as a quiet, secluded, sandy beach. It's taken over by nature and even has some willow trees! Just bring a towel.

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Relaxing

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Nour

Nassar

Jun 22, 2025

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

Jun 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

Jun 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

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Silvia

Graham

Jun 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

Jun 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

Jun 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

Jun 17, 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

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Nour

Nassar

Jun 16, 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

Jun 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

Jun 15, 2025

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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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

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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Bars

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Blanca

Nagore

Jun 12, 2025

Heading to Rotterdam?

164 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

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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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