1. Hotel New York

The world is your oyster

Almost nowhere do you have such a wide view of the New Maas and the city as on the terrace of Hotel New York, at the head of Wilhelminapier. As soon as the sun starts shining, it feels like vacation here and the oyster bar enhances this feeling. In the basement of Hotel New York, NY Basement, you will also find a restaurant and cocktail bar. 

2. Putaine

Drinks in Rijnhaven

In the ever-changing Rijnhaven, Putaine proudly floats on the largest sustainable office in the world, the Floating Office Rotterdam (FOR). With stunning views inside and out, a large terrace, and a Summer pool. Whether you come for a sumptuous meal, a quick lunch or just a drink, Putaine offers a unique experience.

3. Stadshaven Brouwerij

The Fearless Brewers

Stadshaven Brouwerij is directly the second largest independent brewery in the Netherlands and brews 2 million liters of craft beer annually. You can come here for tours, beer tastings and a gastronomic experience in their impressive gastropub. The gastropub is divided into different 'areas, all with their own identity. 

4. Lido terrace (ss Rotterdam)

Terrace on the former cruise ship ss Rotterdam

The ss Rotterdam, former flagship of the Holland-America Line and cruise ship, has been permanently moored in the Rijnhaven near Katendrecht since 1959. While the sun sets, enjoy a bite to eat and a drink here and enjoy the skyline of Rotterdam on the Lido Terrace. In 2014, the terrace was voted the best terrace in Rotterdam by the Algemeen Dagblad. 

5. Gastrobar ELVY (by nhow)

Another breathtaking view of the skyline

Gastrobar ELVY is a trendy hotspot in Rotterdam, located on the seventh floor of the Nhow hotel. With a beautiful view of the city and the Maas river, it is the perfect place for both dinner and cocktails. On weekends, the bar is open until 2 a.m. and you can dance to the records of Rotterdam-based DJs.

6. Vessel11

The ideal hang-out spot with live music

Vessel11, a British gastro-pub in an old port of Rotterdam, is the ideal place to enjoy a drink and the city atmosphere. The former lighthouse ship serves British food, its own beer on tap and offers live music performances below deck.

7. Garden of BIRD

Sunny city garden

From Spring to Autumn, weather permitting, you can visit the sunny city garden Garden of BIRD. This 'sister' of the adjacent restaurant and stage is somewhat hidden between Luchtsingel and Hofbogen. Drink a cocktail or special beer, eat pizza from BIRD's wood oven. Lie in the grass, hang out in a chair and listen to music....

8. Grand Locale - Old Scuola

The newest culinary hotspot in Nieuw Kralingen

One of the newest hotspots in Rotterdam is Grand Locale. Their sunny terrace is the perfect spot to relax, surrounded by the diverse architectural styles of Nieuw Kralingen. With its prime location near Kralingse Bos and the Plas, it offers a scenic escape just minutes from the city center. Grand Locale is open seven days a week for deli, lunch, drinks, and dinner. It serves authentic Italian classics with a modern twist, all centered around the wood oven. From crispy Neapolitan pizzas and premium pasta to homemade gelato: every dish is crafted with care and features seasonal ingredients from local partners.

9. Kaapse Brouwers

Three unique locations across the city

At Kaapse Brouwers, you can enjoy a true taste of Rotterdam with 24 specialty beers on tap, a wide selection of ciders, and natural wines. With three unique locations across the city, each offers a terrace with its own charm. The top spot is Kaapse Kaap, boasting a stunning terrace overlooking the ever-moving Rijnhaven and the impressive skyline. In the heart of the city, Kaapse Maria offers a lively atmosphere just steps from Rotterdam’s bustling center. Lastly, Kaapse Will’ns, the newest addition, is a modern take on the traditional brown café, bringing warmth and character to the vibrant Nieuwe Binnenweg.

10. Parqiet

For all kinds of birds

Named after the free-spirited green collar parakeet so abundant in this park, since 2015 Parqiet became precisely a place for visitors from very diverse walks of life. Because who doesn't like to sit in an old and charming coach house in the middle of Het Park, overlooking beautiful old trees and the Euromast?

11. Kula

Relax and recharge

In Rotterdam's Coolhaven you will find Kula, a modern 'gathering place' where you can enjoy the sunny terrace after attending a yoga class - not just for yogi. For lovers of fresh juices, there is an extensive selection, but you can also go there for a matcha latte or wine!

12. Vroesenpaviljoen

Grows greener and larger

The Vroesenpark was known as “the barbecue park” until 2015: that changed with the arrival of the Vroesenpaviljoen. People still barbecue there, but the Vroesenpaviljoen became in itself a reason for people to cycle towards the residential area Blijdorp. Its green - and ever-expanding - terrace, deck chairs, fine menu and events make this a nice place for everyone to start, break or end the day.

13. De Maaskantine

Beach bar next to the Maas River

With the vibe of a beach bar and surrounded by the Nieuwe Maas, imagine yourself on vacation for a moment at De Maaskantine. The café-restaurant is located on the banks of the river Maas and offers not only a relaxed atmosphere with a beautiful terrace and colorful (lounge) chairs and picnic tables, but also good food. There is even a small beach with loungers to laze on.

14. Keilecafé

Party maker in Rotterdam Makers District

Keilecafe is more than a café: it has the atmosphere of a never-ending festival. A place where pizzas always seem to bake in the wood-fired oven, sangria flows richly, DJs spin on and everyone always seems a little tipsy. If you're not careful, you'll get drunk on the dynamics here. Keilecafé is located in M4H: Rotterdam's Makers District. 

Rotterdam pubs and (cocktail) bars

A night at the pub or cocktail bar is more than a good glass these days. Many venues offer live performances and new talent. Discover the hot spots and favorite locations of locals. 

Een foto van mensen die proosten met bier in de Stadshaven Brouwerij