As you move towards the North in Europe, you find out that people who have the least amount of sun make the best use of it. As a perfect example, Rotterdammers have the timeless terrace of the Wester Paviljoen. A real "grand cafe", it is one of those old-timers where people can stay the whole day having coffee and reading an the press table (a great Dutch thing, if you ask me). But besides the comfortable interior and the menu with all kinds of snacks and Dutch comfort foods, you can also sit outside.
This is one of those perennial terraces where time literally stops. Where the whole city feels welcome and becomes part of a lovely Hopper-like image that makes you forget that you actually had to be somewhere else. I love to pass by and see all kinds of people: families, groups of friends, couples and loners lean their head back a bit, just enough to get those precious rays of light, and then come back to reality, where beer, coffee and bitterballen are always available.
Go here if you need to just stop and enjoy.
Find your way with 146 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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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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"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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"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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"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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"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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"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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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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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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Surrounded by a residential area, Het Kasteel creates an electric atmosphere that extends beyond its historical significance...
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In a life where everything changes, Seth has managed to stay the same: the best quality poffertjes and many other Dutchie favorites.
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146 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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✓ 146 Insider Tips