Apr 20, 2025

Park Schoonoord Rotterdam

City zen moments

""Park Schoonoord" in Rotterdam is one of my favorite hidden secret spots. Once I enter this park, all the noise from the city just disappears - so zen..."

Once in a while one stumbles upon a place that has that ‘wow factor’. I guess you could call those places hidden secrets. ‘Park Schoonoord’ is one of those hidden secrets. With this article I’ll expose Schoonoord and risk a crowded park, but it is for the greater good of having a chill day.

Park Schoonoord is a small park/garden near the Euromast. Its history dates back to the 18th century when it was a garden that belonged to one of the nearby villas. After numerous owners, the park came to the possession of the Mees family, a banker family. They opened Schoonoord for the public in 1970 and since then the city has been responsible for its maintenance.

Once you enter through the gates, all that noise from the city disappears. Instead you’ll hear chirping birds, a waterfall and zooming insects. The park has a large pond with some pretty big fish in it and some ancient-looking trees. The perfect place to stroll around. It even has a bird house with adorable-looking fluffy birds. The lapwings are the cutest!

This park is wonderful to have a city Zen moment in. I find it lovely to sit at a quiet spot under the trees and close my eyes for a moment. There may or may not have been some power naps. Be warned!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Kievitslaan 8

free

Find your way with 146 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Rotterdam guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Rotterdam

CEO Baas van het Vlees Rotterdam

CEO Baas van het Vlees

Carnivores rejoice!

"CEO Baas van het Vlees" restaurant in Rotterdam calls itself the CEO of meat. It might come across as arrogant, but these guys can really back it up...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 23, 2025
Strand De Esch Rotterdam

Strand De Esch

A hidden beach on the Maas

This beach along the Maas River is perfect as a quiet, secluded, sandy beach. It's taken over by nature and even has some willow trees! Just bring a towel.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Nour

Nassar

Apr 22, 2025

Al-Malek Sweets

Syrian baklava

If you are strolling through the area of Delfshaven in Rotterdam and craving something sweet, you have to try the baklava at "Al-Malek Sweets"...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Nour

Nassar

Apr 21, 2025
Aji Rotterdam

Aji

Culinary adventure travel

"Aji" is a South-American and Asian fusion restaurant in Rotterdam. Wait, don't stop reading! The combinations here are truly excellent...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 18, 2025
By Ami Urban Bistro Rotterdam

By Ami Urban Bistro

Colour your day and plate

"By Ami Urban Bistro" is my happy place. It's like no other in Rotterdam. This restaurant is colourful, instagrammable, hip, funky & industrial all in one!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 18, 2025

Jan Bussing Boulangerie

A touch of France

"Jan Bussing Boulangerie" in Rotterdam has delicious French bread. I love the roast beef sandwich and I never leave without a fig & almond bread.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 18, 2025
Kralingse Plas & Bos Rotterdam

Kralingse Plas & Bos

Skyline seen by nature

"Kralingse Plas" and the woodland surrounding it is the largest recreational area in Rotterdam. There's something fairy-tale-like in some of its paths...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 17, 2025

Mouterbrug

Hangout spot

Mouterbrug is a little floating deck in a canal in Delfshaven, Rotterdam. There's lots to explore around, and the neighborhood shared garden is here, too!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Nour

Nassar

Apr 16, 2025

Shaami Huis

The taste of Syria

Shaami Huis in Rotterdam makes shoarma exactly like they do in the Levant! Not a fancy place, but not to miss - their kubba is one of my favorites...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Nour

Nassar

Apr 16, 2025
Het Kasteel Rotterdam

Het Kasteel

SP-AR-TA!

Surrounded by a residential area, Het Kasteel creates an electric atmosphere that extends beyond its historical significance...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Floor

Sonneveld

Apr 15, 2025
Poffertjes Salon Seth Rotterdam

Poffertjes Salon Seth

True Dutchie treats

In a life where everything changes, Seth has managed to stay the same: the best quality poffertjes and many other Dutchie favorites.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Silvia

Graham

Apr 11, 2025

Parqiet

Coffee, Brunch, in the Park

Sitting in this place gives an absolutely calming and full of serenity and peace vibe that is hard to find right in the middle of the city.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Nour

Nassar

Apr 11, 2025

Heading to Rotterdam?

146 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

146 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Relaxing

Our team loves Rotterdam

Get to know our other Spotters from Rotterdam

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
40
Filters