When walking the Van Vollenhovenstraat in the historic Scheepvaartskwartier, your attention will be grabbed by the smell of fresh bread and croissants. Follow your nose to Jan Bussing Boulangerie. This bakery is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. The bread is delicious and there are some great flavour combinations. For me, the fig and almond bread and the prune and hazelnut bread always end up in my bag. There are a variety of sandwich rolls to choose from -- be it the petit pain to spelt varieties and they are so delicious and really don’t need anything on them. The (cheese) croissants are out of this world! The baguette is a favourite in any season; no Rotterdam barbecue is complete without it. The smell of fresh coffee completes the senses. Fortunately, there are a few tables to have a great breakfast, coffee with a pastry or lunch in the bakery.
There are a variety of sandwiches, but my personal favourite is the roast beef. Now, it's not all about the bread; the pastries will leave you in a state of exhilaration. The raspberry, chocolate, caramel or lemon tartelette are all delicious tastes of France. The typical Dutch “cookie” the bokkepoot which is two pieces of almond meringue with the ends dipped in chocolate and sandwiched together with cream is the very best version you can get.
There are jams, cookies, quick breads, sweets & all things sugar and spice to take away. It would be a shame to leave without something...
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
I personally love the tiramisu, rocky road, lavender lemon, and the very berry. The double choco cookie regularly finds its way to my bag as well...
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From crepes with Comte cheese and truffles, Croque Monsieur, and delicious pastries to even a doggie croissant for your faithful four-pawed friend.
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Freddy does things to chicken in an OG southern US way that is rarely done well. They have crunchy and juicy chicken, but even more, they have pazazz.
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"AAP Noot Brood" in Rotterdam West is a neighborhood bakery with the tastiest sourdough bread around! Get some breakfast, coffee or a sandwich for lunch...
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"Teds Café" in the Schiekade building is perfect if you want to have brunch, breakfast or lunch with a view of the Rotterdam skyline in a green terrace!
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Bun, once a Blijdorp pop-up, is now a Rotterdam West staple. Fresh buns, cool vibes, and standout options like the Vegan Extravaganza. Worth the wait!
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"Kula" Cafe is a one-of-a-kind place overlooking the beautiful, calm waters of Coolhaven, in Rotterdam. Get a delicious drink and then join a yoga class!
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"Brienenoord Island", right on the Maas in Rotterdam, is so beautiful! It has walking paths, but it's mostly a natural paradise, despite being artificial!
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"Historic Delfshaven" is an area in Rotterdam filled with history and stories. It is one of the few places that survived the 1940 bombing...
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The story of "Dak Park" in Rotterdam is inspiring: some people wanted this land to be developed, and others for a park to be built here. So they did both!
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De Distilleerketel windmill in Rotterdam is considered one of the Netherlands' largest windmills. It makes for an absolutely photogenic scene!
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Het Park in Rotterdam is a part of nature around the famous landmark Euromast. There are old buildings to visit, art & beautiful birds, too.
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