24 hours in Rotterdam

If Simoon is our chief Maastricht, then I am the chef of Rotterdam. I got to call the Maas city my home for four years, but after two moves, it still tops the list of great places. So are you looking for a little getaway to wander around for 24 hours? Choose Rotterdam.
First, take the train, because you want to see the new central station. It's called Station Kapsalon in the Rotterdam vernacular. Why? Well, the metal contraption looks suspiciously like the aluminum container you devour after a night out.

A walking cup

If you're at Central, grab a coffee at Lebkov. Just next to the station, but the perfect to-go to take your first steps in Rotterdam. We could all use a little heart starter after the choo-choo.
Take the Meent towards Hofplein and you'll walk straight to the Oude Noorden of Rotterdam. No worries, you can also just take the tram or bike for your second pit stop.

The Hofbogen

Once upon a time, yes back then, this was the railway line to Hofplein. Now you’ll find the coolest eateries, beautiful design, and (hip hip hooray) fashion under the Hofbogen. But as they say themselves: everything is deliciously Rotterdam.

Lokaal Espresso

You didn’t sneak away, did you? Because you just arrived in Rotterdam, so you probably crave coffee with cake now. I’ll just stay in the coffee-loving vibe for a bit longer. The source of this spot comes from the biggest coffee lover I know, so it’s extremely reliable. The Hofbogen houses Lokaal Espresso. Maybe you’re in the mood for a Flat White? That’s possible. I’ll order a ristretto in advance.

De Jong

Reserve a table here right away for tonight. Where a chef often arranges things around meat or fish, chef Jim de Jong gives that role to vegetables, herbs, or flowers. All from the vegetable garden or picked somewhere in nature. And if they’re not careful, I’ll pluck those tempting chairs right out of their lovely interior.

Hop hop, to the shop

Not for yourself, but for the man. At Denoism, you can have a custom-made pair of jeans made for him. How cool is that? I think it’s great, of course. All nice and dandy with a tailored suit, but at least he wears those jeans daily on his backside.

Opporto

That makes you hungry, right? Great, because it’s lunchtime. Slide your legs under the table at Opporto for grilled fish. I once got this tip with the accompanying text: ‘where you can eat fucking delicious fish’. And believe me, it is.

Very cultural

In Rotterdam, you can drink coffee, eat well, shop wonderfully, but also get quite cultural. You’re in the city of design and architecture, which you must witness at Het Nieuwe Instituut. But also go to the Nederlands Fotomuseum. There you can see ‘The collection illuminated by Jan Cremer’, with fifteen photos that touch him.

Yes, you may again

Have you fed your stomach and mind well? Then start shopping again. Choose the alternative shopping areas. On Pannekoekstraat, you’ll find nice boutiques and tasty little shops. Witte de Withstraat is an excellent location for beautiful fashion. And of course, you’ll also pop into Omoda on Karel Doorman. Around the corner, you’ll also visit Nen Xavier in Van Oldenbarneveldt. And if you’re more boho, head to SHPPR. Now that you’re zooming through Rotterdam, go to concept store GROOS. Here you’ll find design and art from local soil.

Bookworm versus theater

Katendrecht is da-place-to-be in Rotjeknor. The buildings are cool, the atmosphere is laid-back, and everything gets a hip layer there. The Fenix Food Factory houses a lot of goodies, but I actually found the book corner the most fun. It’s like you’re browsing at a market, but with the latest titles. And if you stay overnight, go see something at Theater Walhalla. This old theater is next to the Factory, and the program features no small names, think of: Javier Guzman, Ali B, Erik van Muiswinkel, and Peter Pannekoek.

Best burgers

For the best burger in the city, go to Café Ter Marsch & Co on Witte de Withstraat. Perhaps one of the coziest streets in Rotterdam. You eat the hamburger with the famous and homemade garlic sauce or truffle mayonnaise, but it can also just be with a splash of Wiedewiet sauce made from, yes, cannabis. Just take a bottle home with you, because you can. This street holds my it’s-too-late-so-you-have-to-go-home memories. De Witte Aap is such a location, should you need it.

Fries from Bram

When you think of burgers, you think of fries. Bram is the man when it comes to Rotterdam fries. My mother never ate fries, but for Bram Ladage’s fries, she made an exception. From the stall, in the cone on a Rotterdam square. Just as it should be.

A nightcap before going to sleep

You get that at Kaapse Brouwers, just a shuffle from your hotel. Again in that lovely Fenix Food Factory. A glass brewed in the Maas city; you can hardly get more Rotterdam than that. If you happen to end up here in the afternoon and want a bite to eat? That’s possible too. No changing dishes from the chef, but a changing chef. Look, that’s what I call original.

Good night

You sleep in the Nhow, but you already knew that. This art hotel is the hippest shizzle in the city and is also located in a top location. In De Rotterdam with a view of the Erasmus Bridge (beautiful), just a stumble away from the terrace of Hotel New York, it’s close to Katendrecht, you’re downtown in no time, and those hip Hofbogen are just a flight of stairs away.

Breakfast spot

So, you’re almost through your 24 hours. But of course, you need to take care of the inner person. You probably haven’t eaten enough in the past day (ha, burp). Breakfast at Nhow is a huge recommendation. Think of a dessert in test tubes, a warm croissant from the wall (no joke), and a selection of muesli, fruit, and yogurt. Also again with a view of De Zwaan, just saying. But if you prefer to have breakfast outside, join Man Met Bril. Again, great coffee and a poached egg with avocado on toast. I’m just mentioning something, of course.