Shimmy Shake Festival Ever dreamt of learning to belly dance? Well, now’s your chance! There will be a variety of workshops for all levels at this festival, as well as performances by the greatest fusion dancers from Holland and abroad, and an open stage with different dance styles. A bazaar filled with the tastiest bites…
Wedged between the city’s north and south is a unique area of Rotterdam called Noordereiland. Nowadays it’s a peaceful suburb, but it wasn’t always that way. During the Second World War, Dutch marines stood their ground on the old Hef Bridge, valiantly defending the city. Words: Evelien Baks Noordereiland is a residential island lying in the…
REC. Festival The area around Annabel and Biergarten will be turned into a festival village with concerts showcasing various musical genres, including disco, soul, afrobeat, hip-hop, indie and future R&B. The festival is the place to discover new sounds, as it attracts up-and-coming stars, alongside legendary acts. Keep an eye on the website for the…
Metropole Orkest – Vince Mendoza Invites Becca Stevens The Metropole Orchestra, the world’s leading pop and jazz orchestra, has come together with Vince Mendoza, some of the best arrangers from around the world and singer Becca Stevens to create a new work that will be revealed at this concert. Tickets are €23,50 and can be bought…
Festival Jazz International An indoor festival promising a huge variety of high-quality concerts! For jazz lovers and connoisseurs, this is the go-to event to discover new sounds and enjoy the best acts over there. Thanks to the festival’s small scale, the concerts are very intimate. See the website for ticket details and updates on the…
Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam With a focus on nature, this festival will screen films and documentaries by young talent as well as big names such as David Attenborough. There will be awards in different categories, Q&A sessions, theme nights and children’s activities. Be sure to check the website for ticket details and updates to the…
Jimmy Carr – Best Of, Ultimate, Gold, Greatest Hits World tour The legendary British comedian, famous for his dark humour and dry wit, returns to Rotterdam as part of his world tour. In its review, The Guardian described Carr as “a comedy hero for our times”. Hear his best jokes from his 15-year career along…
The wild flowers on the tables say it all. Jim de Jong’s says his restaurant creates dishes using “the best nature has to offer”. Seasonal vegetables, flowers and herbs feature in his kitchen located under the hip Hofbogen, a stone’s throw from the Hofplein and its landmark fountain. Some of the produce comes from de…
A hip organic eatery decorated with green living walls. This sustainable restaurant’s vegetarian and vegan customers are spoilt for choice, whether they are coming for breakfast (pancakes with blueberries), lunch (sweet potato burger) or dinner. Tip: Try the Meatless Loaf or Kapsalon, a healthy version of the famous Rotterdam junk food meal, with tempeh, sweet…
Left of the Dial A new showcase festival, organised by Rotown, and offering the best in (post-) punk, garage, shoegaze and noiserock. With more than 30 bands playing across five different locations, rock and punk lovers will be sure to find something they like. The line-up consists of, among others, Bad Breeding, Jo Passed and…
A Festival Downtown A mix of Rotterdam’s best electronic music and artists from abroad, this small festival is a real gem for anyone who likes surprising and emerging acts. From electronic to jazz, hip-hop and all types of exciting combinations in-between. It͛s also free, so you can dip in and out of the various venues until…
Unplugged – The Suicide Club A night of live music at Rotterdam’͛s coolest rooftop bar, where you can enjoy concerts, spoken-word performances, live painting and vinyl records (you can even bring your own). Entrance is free, but if you want to have dinner or be sure of a good spot, do reserve a table through the…
Fancy tapping some home-brewed beer while you eat? Guests eat and drink among the beer tanks at this city centre brewery. They can even draw their own refreshments, with a choice of Thoms Keilen, Thoms Weizen, Thoms Hoppy Pale Ale, Thoms Brut IPA and others. Beer really doesn’t get any fresher. But if ale isn’t…
Rotterdam-West’s top deli, established more than 100 years ago with a Royal warrant of appointment, and a reputation as a trusted supplier of local and imported delicacies. For quality breads, cheeses, meats, luxury olive oils, vinegar, coffee, tea, and wine. It’s all available in the shop annex and lunchroom. Vermeyden delicatessen also sells filled rolls…
Swan Market Bags made from old tyres, art on canvas, home decor, jewellery, vintage dresses? They’re all here at this hip lifestyle market. Foodwise, expect everything from locally-sourced bread to the cutest cupcakes. Add some live music, activities for kids and a great location and you have the perfect day out. 23 September & 28…
It may not be the easiest coffee bar in town to find, but it’s got to be one of the best. Tucked away in Glashaven, Harvest is owned by Zjevaun Janga, winner of the 2012 Dutch Championship Barista competition. So you can expect really good coffee, as well as healthy breakfasts and lunchs such as…
Hotspot: The Foodhallen Words: Ellen Scholtens Photo: Bart Hoogveld A former warehouse transformed into a designer hotel with its own mercado is the latest hotspot at Kop van Zuid. Located in a historic building that, from 1818 onwards, was originally used to store tea, seeds and nuts. The mercado, or food court Foodhallen Rotterdam, dishes…
A perfect festival to end the summer. Inspired by the Marrakech square of the same name, Djemaa el Fna will transform Museumpark into a bustling Moroccan village, where you can smell the tajines and hear the beat of the drums. There will even be a colourful souk, where you will find literature, music, theatre, comedy,…
This brand-new mini warehouse is like a candy store. It’s an explosion of coloured and printed homeware, including a pink couch, golden tables, flower frames, cute candles, palm-tree wallpaper and plenty more. Fans of the trendy bohemian lifestyle will adore it. Whether you’re after something for your own home, an off-beat present or just inspiration, you’ll…
Koekela is an American-style cakes and cookies store. During the weekend, Rotterdammers will line up here to get their fix of brownies, bars, muffins, cakes, scones and other irresistible treats sold by weight or per item. Also cheesecakes, lemon and meringue pies, and Koekela’s very own version of American Pie. Everything is made by hand…
An eccentric department store – that’s how the owners refer to this unique gift shop. This place is a feast for your eyes, there are just so many lovely things to see and buy. A wall covered in little fish, made from porcelain and sourced from Portugal, nesting stations for birds, picture postcards, and hypoallergenic jewellery. Shelves…
Rotterdam Philharmonic Gergiev Festival The city’s pride, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Valery Gergiev, will headline at this year’s classical festival celebrating Russian music. And this year there will be much to celebrate, with it being the Russian conductor’s 30th festival. The rest of the fantastic line-up consists of Sergei Babayan, the choir of…
Conny Janssen Danst – Danslokaal 6 Conny Janssen, one of Holland’s most highly regarded choreographers, gives young talent the chance to develop their ideas into an annual show with her company. The result is an absolute delight for anyone who likes modern dance. Tickets cost €12,50 and can be bought through the website. 6-29 September…
Wereld Havendagen (World Harbour Days) A weekend filled with activities and performances in and around Europe’s biggest harbour, topped off with the famous fireworks show on Saturday night. The event showcases many different aspects of the harbour to all its national and international visitors. Take part in various events and excursions or step aboard the…
A new style of dining at Mario’s Rotterdammers call him a go-getter. That’s a huge compliment, especially for someone hailing from Amsterdam. People who roll up their sleeves and put in the hard yards are held in high regard in this city on the Maas, and chef Mario Ridder has been putting in some serious…
A city icon full of history Emigrants once left in droves on board the Holland America Line, steaming across the ocean to the other side of the world in search of happiness and a new life. There’s a different sort of pressure these days in the old Holland America Line head office, where management once…
Don’t like the average mainstream fashion? Want an outfit that has that je ne sais quoi? OSKA & Sirene Mode, two shops located under one roof, is where you’ll find a great selection showcasing exceptional design and great quality. OSKA is a world-famous German label best known for its stylish and sustainable, comfortable and elegant…
A new brasserie in The Heerenhuys, Dudok is owned by the people behind Zochers and Heerenhuis De Heuvel, its predecessors being in the same building. The catering company Dudok has owned the 18th-century villa near the Euromast for more than 25 years. This latest venture follows the rhythm of Het Park, serving breakfast, mid-morning coffee,…
Backyard is exactly how it sounds. Its interior is designed to look like an industrial backyard with lots of plants and wires hung with softly glowing lamps. It is all very lovely and Instagram-worthy. Divided into different areas — diner, lounge and working space — the restaurant only serves plant-based food. Try the smokey vegan…
The Pannekoekstraat is a small street filled with cute boutiques, nice little restaurants and unique shops. Go shopping in ‘Rotterdam’s SoHo’ and be sure to visit these hotspots, selected by Inside Rotterdam! Louen A lovely little boutique tucked in amongst the bigger fashion shops on the Pannekoekstraat. Sells a streamlined collection that is a bit…
Feel like shopping or want to try some delicious food? The Meent is your place to be: this versatile shopping street in the middle of the city centre has many hotspots. We selected 10 of the best ones for you! Thoms This restaurant and (on Fridays and Saturdays) Underground Bar is a great place to meet…
Located close to the main shopping district of Rotterdam and to the central station, Karel Doormanstraat is a vibrant street with many shops, cool cafés and restaurants. Inside Rotterdam shows you the best places. Theemaas This specialty shop sells over 180 teas and 45 different coffee varieties from all around the world. It also sells beautiful…
Located just 5 minutes walking from the impressive Rotterdam Central Station, Van Oldenbarneveltstraat is a paradise for anyone who likes good food and shopping in small luxury boutiques. Inside Rotterdam lists 12 hotspots that are worth a visit! Mangiare You feel like you have landed in Italy when you step into Mangiare (Italian for eating).…