Leuvehoofd Rotterdam – My favorite view
Without a doubt, one of Rotterdam’s gems is the Leuvehoofd park. Here, Piet Oudolf's mastery in garden design truly shines. Every moment spent gazing at the Erasmus Bridge from this spot is stunning. The clever 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. This is why Rotterdam is fondly called 'Manhattan aan de Maas'.
As you look out over the Erasmus Bridge and the Maas River from Leuvehoofd, the grandeur is palpable. The charming gardens, brimming with ornamental grasses and blooming perennials, provide a delightful contrast to the severe architecture of the towering concrete high-rises nearby. Adding to the historical significance of the place is the Boeg monument, which towers over the park, dedicated to the Dutch merchant navy victims of 1939-1945.
There’s an undeniable charm to this area. It's where the careful planning of a renowned garden designer meets the spontaneous rhythms of urban life. Whether it's the way the light dances on the bridge's cables or the serene environment amidst the city’s hustle. This spot, more than any other, captures the essence of Rotterdam in my opinion!
There’s so much more to discover
Discover more 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.
By
Floor
Sonneveld
Joods Kindermonument – Memorial for Jewish children
"Joods Kindermonument", or the Jewish Child Monument in Rotterdam, is a memorial commemorating this city's underage Holocaust victims that makes me think.
By
Davy
Baas
Loos Café – A glimpse of art-deco in Rotterdam
"Loos Café" in Rotterdam, on the ground floor of the monumental Atlantic house, is a grand café where you can experience the city in its old glory...
By
Floor
Sonneveld
Bazar Restaurant – Middle Eastern Cuisine
"Bazar Restaurant" in Rotterdam, nestled in the famous Witte de Withstraat, is dazzling with its number of decorative lights - and the food is amazing!
By
Nour
Nassar
Fröbel – Lunch making a difference
The serving staff at "Frobel" in Rotterdam are all mentally impaired & super-friendly servers. It's one of my favorite stops for breakfast & lunch...
By
Silvia
Graham
Heemtuin Kralingse Bos – 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!
By
Davy
Baas
Brewpub Reijngoud – Brewery and lively terrace
"Brewpub Reijngoud" in Rotterdam is a pub that is passionate about beer. Great if you want a good conversation in the sun & having a good laugh w/ locals!
By
Irina
Bulat
Dudok Rotterdam – Insured for tastiness
"Dudok Rotterdam" is known for their appeltaart. What's great about it though is the interesting building, designed right after the city was destroyed...
By
Cinthya
Uribe
Backyard – Your backyard in the center of Rotterdam
They serve all types of eaters, including vegetarians and vegans, which is a big yes for me! And of course, options are always yummy.
By
Gözde
Eyce
Lot & Daan – Your healthy living room
"Lot & Daan" near Rotterdam's Markthal has an instantly relaxing vibe -- I love their all-day breakfast pancakes; an indulgent but not unhealthy treat...
By
Silvia
Graham
Het Kasteel – SP-AR-TA!
Surrounded by a residential area, Het Kasteel creates an electric atmosphere that extends beyond its historical significance...
By
Floor
Sonneveld
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...
By
Nour
Nassar
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