Discover our locals' 160 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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Things to do in Rotterdam

Station Bergweg

Foodmarket in old train station

Here Sundays come alive with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee & delectable pastries, drawing locals to enjoy lazy afternoons and hangover cures.

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Bars
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Snacks

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Floor

Sonneveld

May 21, 2025

Biergarten

Rotterdam's outdoor party spot

When the sun’s out, Biergarten Rotterdam is the go-to: craft beer, tasty bites, DJs, and a summer-festival vibe just steps from Central Station.

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Bars
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Music
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Relaxing

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Blanca

Nagore

May 20, 2025
Theemaas Rotterdam

Theemaas

Heaven for tea and coffeelovers

Delve into a selection of Chinese teas like Pu-erh or Japanese delicacies such as Matcha, stored in climate-controlled cabinets akin to fine wine...

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Coffee & tea
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Shopping

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Floor

Sonneveld

May 19, 2025

Leuvehoofd

My favorite view

The placement of benches invites you to sit back and savour the unique atmosphere of what I (firmly) believe is the only 'real' city in the Netherlands.

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

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Floor

Sonneveld

May 19, 2025

Watertaxi Rotterdam

Hold on tight!

With approximately 50 pick-up and drop-off locations scattered throughout Rotterdam, the Watertaxi offers an easy and convenient way to get around.

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

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Floor

Sonneveld

May 19, 2025
Bertmans Rotterdam

Bertmans

Guiltfree Allergy-friendly Deliciousness

A Rotterdam institution for the diversity of dishes catering to all dietary requirements including those who do not have any.

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Bars
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Coffee & tea
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Silvia

Graham

May 17, 2025

Harvest Café and Bakery

Coffee with a view

If, like me, coffee to you is life, then Harvest Café and Bakery will be your vibe. With beautiful views and a sleek design, it is a coffee lover's dream.

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

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Silvia

Graham

May 14, 2025
30ml Rotterdam Centrum Rotterdam

30ml Rotterdam Centrum

Roasting me beans delish

"30ml Rotterdam Centrum" is a little oasis on busy Nieuwe Binnenweg. Their coffees are caffeinated elixirs and their desserts & breakfast burritos perfect.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

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Silvia

Graham

May 14, 2025
Cafe LaBru Rotterdam

Cafe LaBru

Vermouths and live jazz

"Cafe LaBru" in Rotterdam is an artful cafe/bar that feels like a friend's living room. There's always art & photographs that define its style...

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Art & culture
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Bars
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Music

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Irina

Bulat

May 14, 2025

Little Italy

Shop Italy in the heart of Rotterdam

"Little Italy" in Rotterdam is exactly like a deli of any Italian city. They even have ready-made meals like trout lasagne. Dessert is homemade tiramisu...

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Shopping
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Snacks

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Silvia

Graham

May 14, 2025
Sajoer Cafe Rotterdam

Sajoer Cafe

Fresh juice and healthy breakfast

"Sajoer Cafe" in Rotterdam is great for having a break from sight-seeing. I always go there on Saturdays after yoga for a chai latte & a mangolicious bowl.

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Coffee & tea

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Irina

Bulat

May 11, 2025
Hinoki Rotterdam

Hinoki

Authentic Japanese noodle soup

"Hinoki" makes the most authentic noodle soup you could possibly find in Rotterdam. Looks unimpressive, but I won't allow you to miss it!

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Restaurants

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Irina

Bulat

May 11, 2025

Heading to Rotterdam?

160 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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