Heemtuin Kralingse Bos Rotterdam
Apr 5, 2025

Heemtuin Kralingse Bos Rotterdam

Secret chillspot

"Heemtuin in Rotterdam's Kralingse Bos, the city's largest park, is one of them, if not its most beautiful and lesser known gardens. Go there for animals!"

When spring knocks on the door I like to visit the Heemtuin. One of the, if not the, most beautiful garden in the city. It is most certainly one of the lesser known. The Heemtuin is hidden within the Kralingse Bos, Rotterdam’s largest park. Most people walk straight past it. Although I cannot blame them, the entrance isn’t that obvious to spot.

The Heemtuin is situated on the Northside of the Kralingse Plas (the lake within the Kralingse Bos). It has some dry and wet grasslands, plants, trees, shrubs... On top of that many, different (small) animals can be found in the garden such as frogs, salamanders, birds and insects. It even has birdhouses, so with a bit of luck you can spot some bird younglings.

I prefer to visit the garden in the evening, when it’s quiet and the sun sets. You can follow the piers within the garden. It feels a bit like a maze but in the end you’ll have a magnificent view over the Kralingse Plas with birds chirping in your ears and fish swimming under your feet. The most spectacular thing by far is the skyline of the city. I love to bring a few beers, enjoy the sunset and chill. Be careful of the bird droppings, though. For some reason, unknown to men, they like to poop on the piers!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Langepad 3062

free

Find your way with 160 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Rotterdam guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems 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.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

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.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

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...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

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.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

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.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

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.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

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.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

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.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

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...

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

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...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

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.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

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!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

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

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

160 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Relaxing

Our team loves Rotterdam

Get to know our other Spotters from Rotterdam

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
40
Filters