1) Plaatboef
Nieuwe Binnenweg 81A – De Plaatboef is a record, DVD and CD store in the center of Rotterdam. From rock to punk or jazz, every music lover will find something that suits their taste. Note that you might get sucked and spend a lot of time digging through the crates of many new and second-hand vinyl in the search for that amazing record for your (new) collection.
Have a look here:
Source: https://onthegrid.city/rotterdam/centrum/plaatboef
2) Kunsthal
341 Westzeedijk – At Kunsthal Rotterdam a small artistic staff organizes exhibitions yearly, as well as fairs and numerous activities for the public. The programming at the Kunsthal is flexible in order to immediately jump on topical developments and unexpected possibilities. The building was designed by the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. The Kunsthal is located on the edge of the attractive Museumpark and close to Het Park in case you want to extend your activities for the day.
Have a look here:
Source: https://onthegrid.city/rotterdam/centrum/kunsthal https://www.kunsthal.nl/en/about-kunsthal/building/
3) Trompenburg Botanical Garden & Arboretum
Honingerdijk 86 – Trompenburg is a beautifully designed botanic garden only 10 minutes walking distance from campus. If you are not a passionate plant lover and, therefore, hesitant to visit, think of it as a great place to go for a walk to clear your mind, spend some time with a few friends or simply enjoy the beautiful sights. Make sure to check out the succulent and cacti greenhouse, mature tree collection (btw that’s what an arboretum is) and rhododendron collection. The garden has nice spots for photo ops on its little white bridges, a hidden waterfall for a chilling spot and a tea room in case you get thirsty and hungry. Although the place is definitely worth a visit, do note that the entrance fee for students is € 5,50.
Have a look here:
Source: https://www.trompenburg.nl/plan-your-visit/ https://en.rotterdam.info/locations/trompenburg-tuinen-arboretum-3/ https://www.greenwithpurpose.com/visit-trompenburg-arboretum-and-botanical-garden-in-rotterdam/
4) Delfshaven
Delfshaven is one of very few spots in Rotterdam to enjoy the pre-war architecture. If you want to get an impression of what Rotterdam looked like before the bombings, you should go and visit Delfshaven. Full of history, in this little inner-city harbor, there is the construction of De Delft, a replica of the 18th century warship. Also, when you are visiting Delfshaven, make sure you taste and enjoy some authentic Rotterdam beer in the brewery De Pilgrim, which is the only city brewery in Rotterdam. Despite having a whole different vibe, Delfshaven is not far from your favorite spots in the city! From Rotterdam Centraal, it only takes around 20 minutes by tram or metro to go there. For a unique experience that takes you back in time, visit Delfshaven!
Have a look here:
Source: https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/rotterdam/delfshaven.htm
5) Kralingse Plas / Bos
For nature lovers, one of the best spots to go in the city of Rotterdam is Kralingse Plas. With wide walking and bicycle lanes, surrounded by the forest and beautiful lake view, this is the ultimate spot to wander around and exercise. More so, you can have an amazing picnic with your group of friends around Kralingse Plas, enjoying the sunset with the view of the Bos. It is even possible to see the skyline of the city from this area. If you want to get away from the busy atmosphere of the city and brace yourself with nature, Kralingse Plas is the spot for you!
Have a look here:
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kralingse_Plas
Kralingse Bos – Kralingse Plas | City Rotterdam | Stadsgids
6) Poing Arcade
Schiekade 201 – For an out of the box weekend event, don’t miss Poing Arcade, game hall, bar & kitchen. Good food and drinks are combined with a fun nostalgic experience of playing arcade games awaits you in Poing. Aside from the authentic retro arcade games such as Sega Racer, Pong, Dance Dance Revolution, Pacman, Air Hockey, there are also two private karaoke rooms! The location is also very convenient because it is very close to the city center. For an ultimate fun night in Rotterdam, try Poing Arcade and you will not regret it!
Have a look here:
Source: https://en.rotterdam.info/locations/poing-arcade/
7) Schaatsbaan Rotterdam
Toepad 95 – Winter is knocking at our door, so what is better than spending an afternoon or evening in the company of your friends ice-skating? Then Schaatsbaan is the perfect place for you! This is a unique ice rink with a tunnel of 400 meters, that includes a rink of 1600 square meters with rainbow lighting. And if the weather is in your favor the sides of the tunnel cover will be opened. That way you have the experience of outdoor skating with the benefits of indoor skating. See you on the ice!
Have a look here:
Source: https://rotterdam.info/locaties/schaatsbaan-rotterdam/
8) Witte de Withstraat
From the iconic hotel bazar to many upcoming hip bars and cafes, Witte de Withstraat is the ideal street to roam around in Rotterdam. In the 1970s, the street had a bad reputation for its many shady cafes and illegal gambling houses . In the 1990s, an extensive metamorphosis was set in motion as part of the Kunst-As that connects the Museum Park and the Maritime Museum.
Some of our favorite picks of bars and restaurants here are:
- Tikis – that offers you amazing cocktails.
- Vegan Junk Food Bar – that offers you delicious burgers.
- De Witte Aap – pay a visit and discover!
P.S. Don’t forget to spot some incredible street art!
Have a look here:
Source:https://www.ad.nl/rotterdam/onrust-over-anti-terreurhek-witte-de-withstraat~a0eb7dd1/ https://indebuurt.nl/rotterdam/eten-drinken/jaaa-de-locatie-van-de-vegan-junk-food-bar-is-bekend~86946/ https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witte_de_Withstraat_(Rotterdam)
9) Fenix Food Factory
Nico Koomanskade 1025 – Another unique concept of combining fresh markets with delicious food can be found at Fenix Food Factory. From producing artisanal raw-milk cheeses to brewing non-conformist beers and even importing natural pure wines from Europe, this place truly has it all! Don’t forget to check out their 1900’s inspired Soda Pop Shop!
Have a look here:
Source: https://indebuurt.nl/rotterdam/nieuws/fenix-food-factory~123953/ https://www.fenixfoodfactory.nl/
10) Adventure City Rotterdam
Dorpslaan 428 – One cannot miss the Netherland’s largest in & outdoor activity park: Adventure City Rotterdam! It includes daring activities such as a rollercoaster zipline and freewill jumps. It also offers safe climbing and bouldering courses for beginners! P.S. The ticket prices for adults start from €22.75 per 2.5 hours.
Have a look here:
Source: https://www.adventurecityrotterdam.nl/adventures/klimparcoursen-indoor
Enjoy Rotterdam,
ESN Rotterdam Content Committee