Things to do in Rotterdam
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Kip
A lovely place that's more elegant than its moniker might imply. It's won a swag of 'Lekkers' (the Dutch restaurant-awards) and has crisp, white tablecloths, a dainty dining room, and delicious and immaculately prepared meat, poultry and vegetable concoctions with a haute cuisine feel.
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Oude Haven
The Oude Haven area, near the Blaak train, metro and tram station, preserves the oldest part of the harbour, some of which dates from the 14th century. It's a decent place for a stroll, especially if you take time to look at the large collection of historic boats.
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Parkheuvel
Some say it's the Netherlands' best restaurant - as one of only two Dutch fancies with three Michelin stars, it's got a strong claim. The French/international menu is especially fab with seafood - red mullet with balsamic dressing, anyone?
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Dizzy
Live concerts Monday and Tuesday nights and Sunday afternoons. The evening performances are scorching: everything from hot jazz to fast and funky Brazilian and salsa. There’s regular jazz jam sessions.
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Willemswerf
Walk alongside the water on Boompjes until you see the striking 1998 Willemswerf, the headquarters of the huge Nedlloyd shipping company. Note the dramatic lines casting shadows on its sleek, white surface.
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De Doelen
Home venue of the renowned Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, a sumptuous concert centre that dates from 1935 and seats 1300.
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Museum Boijmans van Beuningen
Among Europe’s very finest museums, the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen has a permanent collection spanning all eras of Dutch and European art, including superb old masters. Among the highlights are The Marriage at Cana by Hieronymus Bosch, the Three Maries at the Open Sepulchre by Van Eyck, the minutely detailed Tower of Babel by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, and Portrait of Titus and Man in a Red Cap by Rembrandt. Renaissance Italy is well represented; look for The Wise and Foolish Virgins by Tintoretto and Satyr and Nymph by Titian.
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Oude Kerk
One of Rotterdam's few districts to survive the war, Delfshaven was once the official seaport for the city of Delft. A reconstructed 18th-century windmill overlooks the water at Voorhaven 210. One of the area's claims to fame is that it was where the Pilgrims left Holland for America aboard the Speedwell. They could barely keep the leaky boat afloat and, in England, eventually transferred to the Mayflower - the rest is history.
The Oude Kerk on Voorhaven is where the Pilgrims prayed for the last time before leaving on 22 July 1620.
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De Ballentent
De Ballentent Rotterdam’s best waterfront pub-cafe is also a great spot for a meal. Dine on one of two terraces or inside. Mussels, schnitzels and more line the menu but the real speciality here are bals, huge homemade meatloafy meatballs. The plain ones are tremendous, but go for the house style with a piquant sauce of fresh peppers, mushrooms and more.
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Dudok
There are always crowds at this sprawling brasserie near the city centre. Inside it’s all high ceilings and walls of glass. Outside, you have your pick of an array of tables lining the street. Meals range from breakfasts to snacks to cafe fare such as soup and pasta. The name comes from noted architect WM Dudok who designed these former insurance offices.
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Huis Sonneveld
Huis Sonneveld, designed by Brinkman and Van der Vlugt is an outstanding example of the Dutch New Building architectural strain (also known as Dutch functionalism). This 1933 villa has been lovingly restored, with furniture, wallpaper and fixtures present and correct – it is an astonishing experience, almost like virtual reality.
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Blits
It was only a matter of time. In a city that loves diverse food and cutting-edge architecture, here's a restaurant that combines both: wall-length windows looking out over the Maas, and a classy international menu. Seating arrangements are 'out there': try the bench with pillows or the 'Love Suite', a heart-shaped, rich-red enclosure.
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Look
This one's especially recommended for single people, Buffy and Francophiles. Look is a cosy little restaurant that specialises in garlic-based dishes: steamed garlic, fried garlic, garlic soup, garlic vegetables… even garlic dessert, on occasion. It's delicious and you can even be a spoilsport and plump for nongarlic dishes.
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Oorlogs Verzets Museum
A much darker theme is found at the Oorlogs Verzets Museum, where the sounds of German bombers greet you for exhibits that fittingly are sheltered under a bridge. Displays recount life in Rotterdam during WWII; the fear in the faces of people fleeing the bombing in a 1940 photo is raw.
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Rotterdam Walk of Fame
The Rotterdam Walk of Fame features handprints from luminaries including Bryan Adams, Bryan Ferry, Dizzy Gillespie, 'Diamond' David Lee Roth, Kamahl, Roxette, Willie Nelson - and even Spandau Ballet (the Netherlands being perhaps the only country in the world that still remembers who they are).
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Nederlands Fotomuseum
The Nederlands Fotomuseum mainly has large, special exhibitions, so the value of a visit depends on what’s on (if it’s Hans van der Meer, go!). Bits of the permanent collection (which is magnificent but hidden) can be accessed by various form-over-function gizmos.
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De Unie
Truly cultural, this venue is a vision in white, which provides a blank slate for events from cabaret to forums about taxation and the middle class to acoustic folk. It’s safe to say that the high-brow debates here continue right out to the tables out the front.
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The Beurstraverse
Rotterdam's most recent shopping strip is known locally as Koopgoot, or The Shopping Ditch. With a futuristic design, this space perfectly complements the city's outlandish persona. It begins at Lijnbaan, passes under Coolsingel and finishes up in Hoogstraat.
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Stadsbrouwerij De Pelgrim
It’s named for the religious folk who passed through on their way to America, and you can take your own voyage through the various beers brewed in the vintage surrounds. Meals range from casual lunches to more ambitious multicourse dinners.
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Worm
Off in a corner of Delftshaven is the ideal Dutch venue: parties are chaotic with a try-anything, do-anything vibe. Media mash-ups, performance art and experimental music are some of the more mundane events. The free magazine gives a peak inside.
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Show Cube
The fittingly named Show Cube, is open to the public. Look for the tiny chess museum in the cube complex, with all kinds of chess pieces on display – everything from ancient Hindu examples to likenesses of Jabba the Hut.
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Willemsbrug
This old-time, maritime-themed pub attracts salty sea dogs from the island. However, it’s all bark and no bite. There’s an underlying genial charm that finds full throat when impromptu singing spreads like a fire on the poop deck.
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The Lijnbaan
The Lijnbaan, lined with mainstream shops, was a trendsetter when it very gradually opened between 1951-66. It was the first car-free, pedestrianised shopping arcade and was copied worldwide. It is the heart of Rotterdam's shopping centre.
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Zinc
A cosy, chic French/Mediterranean bistro revered for using only organic produce from small farms, a rarity in the factory-farm-laden Netherlands. The busy little kitchen overlooks the street and outside tables. Famous mashed potatoes.
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De Dubbelde Palmboom
De Dubbelde Palmboom is a history museum housing an excellent collection of items relating to Rotterdam’s history as a port. Displays are spread throughout the 1826 warehouse, and many have a sociological bent.
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