A little over 100 years ago, Kralingen was an independent village where good money was being made in the peat extraction business. It was a place where the elite built retreats and almshouses for widows and elderly maidservants. Words: Evelien Baks You may often hear locals describing something old as being ‘as old as the…
VOCES8 & Codarts Dance The eight top vocalists from VOCES8 will treat you to a colourful collection of ‘Winter Tales’: music for the cold winter months! You’ll be dreaming of soft twinkling lights, snowy landscapes, cosy blankets with a roaring fire. After the break, the singers join together with Codarts Dance for an exciting show.…
Scapino Ballet Rotterdam and pianist Michiel Borstlap present dance concert Pas de Deux After a successful tour in 2016 and a nomination for the VSCD dance prize, Pas de Deux will re-enter the theaters from 8 February. Pas de Deux is a pure dance and music experience, a dance concert in which two worlds come…
Can you think of anything more romantic than ice skating in the winter? Skating rink Rotterdam is open throughout the winter months, offering two covered skating courses: a 400-metre covered track with official ISU dimensions for competitive skaters, and a 800-square metre course for anyone that just wants to have fun on the ice! Please note…
From a baggage chest of the Holland America Line to a beautiful 1950s suitcase set in old blue, you will find it all at Mijn Tante (my aunt). But do not expect a hodgepodge of old furniture, all items have been carefully selected and are interspersed with contemporary items. Like small paintings made by local…
New Year’s organ concert Come celebrate the new year with a concert by Hayo Boerema, the Laurenscantorij led by Wiecher Mandemaker and a ‘mystery guest’. After the concert, there will be New Year’s drinks. Concerts in the ‘Organ’ series are free but require reservation and there will be a collection afterwards. > 6 January, 15.00…
Fancy a coffee? Check out Rotterdam’s newest coffee bar, Joy Espresso and More, located near the cube houses. Their delicious coffee from the brand Single Estate goes nicely with a slice of homemade apple pie or smoothie. Our favourite breakfast option is the farm yoghurt with seasonal fruit, homemade granola, honey and nuts. It’s the…
Hans Kleinjan, Maikel Kleinjan and Roderik Faasen, otherwise known as the artistic trio AAA, have been working together for 10 years. Recently these three artists have announced their collaboration with the Italian restaurant Mangiare to open a restaurant in their gallery: GaleriAAA by Mangiare. Both the artist trio and the restaurant desire to create something…
A stone’s throw from Centraal Station, Miso Sushi has opened their doors at Plaza. Like most sushi restaurants in Rotterdam, Miso Sushi is all-you-can-eat but with the allure of fine dining. The menu includes vegetarian Makis and handrolls, specialties from the grill and also poké bowls. No time to sit down? Take-away is an option.…
Enjoy a memorable Christmas concert in the beautiful Laurenskerk! Conductor Pieter Jan Leusink has compiled a special and varied programme, with special compositions by Bach, Händel and Vivaldi. From spectacular to quiet, from passionate to tender, the Christmas classics sung by a choir sound heavenly in this historic church. Ticket prices start from €52,50 per…
Closer to Jazz Sessions Let’s swing! Closer to Jazz brings music back to where it belongs: in the middle of the city, close to the people, with a series of weekly evening concerts and jam sessions at the Stadsbrasserie Rotterdam. After an opening concert, the jam sessions starts and everyone can share the stage. Entrance…
Experience Rotterdam in a unique way: in the moving tram restaurant RotterTram. While you slowly take in the city’s skyline and highlights, you’ll be served a four-course gastronomic meal with matching wines. RotterTram is a crowdfunded dream come true of Suzanne Knegt, who used to work for RET, the city’s public transport operator. A historic…
Immerse yourself in the ultimate Chirstmas experience at Hudson’s Bay! The popular department store, Hudson’s Bay, offers an assortment of fashion, beauty, lifestyle and home, designed by exclusive brands and popular designers. From Tuesday 27 November to Thursday 27 December, they will surprise guests with a magic mirror on the shop floor. Through the advanced…
A romantic & intimate festival with mesmirising lights right next to the Euromast! This year is the 2nd edition of IJsvrij Park Festival, and will be hosting an extensive range of events and activities for you to enjoy. In addition to skating with friends, family and colleagues, visitors can also enjoy numerous activities and performances…
Jungle By Night These nine Amsterdam-based musicians have toured all over the world, surprising audiences with their vibrant, very danceable shows. Their style is best described as a combination of afro-beats, ethio-breaks, Turkish psych and hot cumbia. Tickets for this concert are €19 and can be bought through Rotown’s website. > 29 November, Maassilo (Charlois)…
Photo expo by Lars van den Brink At first glance, you think you’re looking at a normal picture of a city streetscape. But look again at this and you’re left wondering: is it night or day? That’s exactly the reaction noted Dutch photographer Lars van den Brink is aiming for. He shows what the world…
Salsa aan de Haven – Fall Fiesta – Ladies Edition If salsa, bachata and kizomba music and dance are your thing, this huge Latin party is one for you. Take part in workshops and enjoy shows by the greatest Latin dancers. The party is held regularly at different locations, so check out the de Doelen…
Good news for all you party people! The legendary club Now&Wow has reopened its doors in Factory 010 in the south of Rotterdam. Expect an international vibe where art, fashion and humour come together. The club is divided into three rooms: the Now room, Kiss My Ass and Disco l’Amour. Dance the night away to techno, house,…
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).…