Being a port town, there is one word that can easily describe Rotterdam: diversity. And if you would like to understand Roffa's diversity in one street, I have the one for you: West Kruiskade. Located a couple of hundred meters from Centraal Station, West Kruiskade is one of the preferred destination of the town's foodies... both hipsters and not. You can see some of the old facades that survived the bombing in the '40s and most of them are filled with food business -- let that be tasty restaurants to interesting tokos (grocery stores where you can buy whatever you need to cook yourself an international meal).
I felt really at home the day I went into a toko owned by a Pakistani to find Mexican products. And then, in the butcher's shop next door, I can always talk a mixture of Spanish with Portuguese with some of the vendors, while I listen to an infinite number of other languages.
When you get to the West Kruiskade, walk slowly. Let your ears and your eyes savor the colors and the tones. Let yourself wander in the international supermarkets on both sides of the street: discover food you had never seen before. Eat an ice-cream. Greet a senior. Listen to a conversation. Buy a flower. Experience the city. Sometimes it only takes a street.
Find your way with 146 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"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...
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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.
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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"...
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"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...
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"Aji" is a South-American and Asian fusion restaurant in Rotterdam. Wait, don't stop reading! The combinations here are truly excellent...
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"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!
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"Jan Bussing Boulangerie" in Rotterdam has delicious French bread. I love the roast beef sandwich and I never leave without a fig & almond bread.
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"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...
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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!
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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...
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Surrounded by a residential area, Het Kasteel creates an electric atmosphere that extends beyond its historical significance...
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In a life where everything changes, Seth has managed to stay the same: the best quality poffertjes and many other Dutchie favorites.
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146 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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✓ 146 Insider Tips