Shopping in Rotterdam

The Lijnbaan and the "Koopgoot": who doesn’t know them? These have traditionally been the shopping streets of Rotterdam, right next to the Coolsingel. With large chain stores, well-known brands, and timeless favorites such as the luxury department store De Bijenkorf and Hema, the department store for everyone. Just behind lies the Meent, known as the most glamorous street in the city, with exclusive shoe and fashion stores in the high-end segment, various beauty salons, and the HAY design store. In this part of the city, you can shop to your heart’s content: in and out of shops, until you're ready for a break. Even then, there’s plenty to choose from: from the iconic Dudok (yes, the place with the apple pie) to restaurant and underground bar Thoms, or get ice cream at de IJssalon on warm days (or cold, it doesn’t matter).

Of course, we can't capture the wealth of shops in Rotterdam North under a single label, but if we had to choose three keywords, they would be: artisanal, intimate, and original. Start your shopping route in the Zwaanshalskwartier, where you’ll find more than a hundred charming shops, cafés, and restaurants here. Each runned by passionate people who leave their individual mark on the neighborhood. Here trendy boutiques are located right next to nostalgic specialty stores. The interiors and atmospheres vary from modern minimalism to cozy vintage, yet they all share an eye for detail and a warm, welcoming vibe.

The Noordplein, Zwaanshals, and Zaagmolenkade are the shopping streets you need to visit here. Whether you're looking for vintage furniture and clothing, or art and design, this area has it all. This former working-class neighborhood has transformed in recent years into a design hotspot. It's also a great place for lunchrooms, restaurants, and even a true Rotterdam pub crawl (make sure to stop by Faas!). You’ll naturally come across all of this during your walk. Iconic spots include the Rotterdamse Oogstmarkt at Noordplein (every Saturday), Kookpunt and Brouwerij Noordt. Be sure to take a stroll through Brancoplein to experience the true ‘village feel in the city’ and discover some charming, intimate restaurants.

Another hotspot you can’t miss during your tour are the Hofbogen. This longest monumental structure in the Netherlands houses two kilometers of design, fashion, craftsmanship, coffee, and treats, all beneath an old railway viaduct. Right next to it lies the Zomerhofkwartier (ZoHo): a place full of creative entrepreneurs and like-minded businesses. 

The shops, businesses, and eateries you encounter here are as unique as the neighborhood and the building they’re housed in. Here, you won’t find big chains or brand stores, but small, specialty shops with unique products, such as Bird (jazz stage and restaurant), ‘s Zomers (flowers), Pantoufle (slow design for daily life) and Man Met Bril Koffie (restaurant and roastery). These are truly Rotterdam businesses, with a “can-do” mentality, always focused on innovation, surprise, and sustainability.

Walk past the Markthal and enter the eastern part of the city center for adventurous shoppers who like to go off the beaten track. The Hoogstraat starts in the heart of the center with many large shops and well-known chains but becomes much more intimate and exclusive in offering as you move beyond the Binnenrotte. Here, you’ll find relatively small shops with big reputations, like the exclusive sneakershop WOEI and the sustainable shopping center De Groene Passage. 

Hoogstraat, Mariniersweg, and Goudsesingel are the places to be in this somewhat urban shopping area. One of the reasons for the area's appeal is Het Industriegebouw: a monumental building full of (mostly creative) companies, eateries (By Jarmusch!), and modern art. Want to go for an even more unique shopping adventure? Head even further east, via the Oostzeedijk, towards the heart of Kralingen. There, you’ll find Lusthofstraat, a charming shopping street with lovely boutiques, specialty stores, and great eateries, such as Juffrouw van Zanten and the delicatessen Westerkaatje. On the Oostzeedijk, you’ll also find the second store (and office) of Susan Bijl, along with beautiful design objects.

For those who want to shop under cover, hop on the metro at Oostplein, heading east, and get off at Alexander (a max of 20 minutes). Continue your discovery at the covered Alexandrium Shopping Center, surrounded by an abundance of fashion boutiques, international brands, and cozy eateries. Outside, the Megastores await. Interior design enthusiast? Walk further to Woonmall, home to various furniture stores and inspiring home décor shops.

You haven’t truly experienced Rotterdam if you haven’t visited Oude Binnenweg and Nieuwe Binnenweg. The historic Oude Binnenweg is a charming street where old pubs and specialty stores—ranging from jewelers to sustainable gift shops to cheesemongers—alternate. Walk towards Eendrachtsplein, where you’ll find everything from coffee to LPs, gifts, and books (Van Gennep!). You’re now at a literal and figurative crossroads. Cross over and enter one of the most celebrated (shopping) streets in Rotterdam: Nieuwe Binnenweg, a two-kilometer stretch of shops and eateries. Here, you can buy artisanal bread, the best cookies and chocolate, handmade jewelry, or timeless and sustainable fashion, such as from Joline Jolink.

For a sustainable and colorful bag, step into Susan Bijl, perhaps the best Rotterdam souvenir. You'll also find plenty of brown bars, fancy lunchrooms, all-day breakfast spots, design shops, and old-fashioned barbershops on Nieuwe Binnenweg. It’s a feast for the eyes, and before you know it... you’ll be deep in Rotterdam West. Lucky you! This vibrant neighborhood is known for its good mix of traditional, diverse in every sense, and both timeless and trendy, much like the people you’ll encounter. 

The end of Meent borders Pannekoekstraat, Botersloot, and Nieuwe Markt. Here too, you’ll find plenty of exciting shops: from a colorful vintage store to expressive eyewear and fashion (like at Very Cherry) to sustainable classics at Objet Trouvé and The GoodPeople. Visit the market for treats, on Tuesdays or Saturdays. Here you can see: even Rotterdam’s city center offers a lot of joy and expressiveness beyond the grand, hip, and famous. Need Help or Tips on Rotterdam? Visit Rotterdam Centrum online or in Hennekijnstraat for tips and information. For the best Rotterdam souvenirs and specific details, head to Rotterdam Tourist Information at Rotterdam Central Station.

Rotterdam South is undoubtedly one of the city's biggest surprises. Cross the Nieuwe Maas River via the iconic Erasmus Bridge and discover that the southern part of the city has so much more to offer. Once an area that few ventured into unless they lived or worked there, Rotterdam South is now a vibrant hotspot, brimming with new opportunities, exciting shops, and trendy eateries. The transformation of Kop van Zuid, Katendrecht, and Zuidplein has turned this district into a must-see destination.

Once a mostly overlooked area, now South Rotterdam is buzzing with life. You’ll find chic new restaurants, hotels, and exclusive fashion boutiques like Margreeth Olsthoorn on the Wilhelminakade. Her high-end fashion boutique showcases avant-garde and conceptually driven design that defines Rotterdam's forward-thinking style.

Head over to Katendrecht, where you can stop by the Fenix Food Factory for artisanal delights, and on Deliplein, enjoy a coffee at Kopi Soesoe, grab a beer at De Ouwehoer, or dine at de Matroos en het Meisje, a restaurant that celebrates the area’s historic maritime culture. But if you're really looking to shop on the south side, hop on the metro and head over to Zuidplein.

Zuidplein boasts a wide variety of modern and sustainable shopping options. It’s home to one of the largest indoor shopping malls in the Netherlands, where you'll find all the big retail chains and popular fashion brands. Alongside a bustling boulevard of eateries, a swimming pool, a theatre, and the event venue Ahoy, Zuidplein serves as the beating heart of Rotterdam South. And this vibrant district is only just getting started!

Shopping in Rotterdam is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself, and if you're someone who cares about sustainability, you're in the right place. Many creative and forward-thinking Rotterdam entrepreneurs have embraced more sustainable practices in their businesses, focusing on people and the environment. Here are some surprising and timeless sustainable stores worth checking out:

• Susan Bijl: A favorite for its colorful, durable bags made from recycled materials, supporting a sustainable mission.
• The Swapshop: Swap your clothes instead of shopping for new ones—give your wardrobe a new life while being eco-friendly.
• WEAR (Online): Buy second-hand sneakers or get your shoes a second chance at life under the motto ‘better for the planet and your wallet.’
• De Groene Passage: A one-stop shop for environmentally friendly products, from food to home accessories and makeup.
• Binnenrotte: Every Tuesday and Saturday, visit this vibrant open-air market (right in front of the Markthal) for fresh produce, fish, and a great crowd of Rotterdam locals.
• Freitag Rotterdam: A pioneer in upcycling, Freitag turns used truck tarps into stylish, durable bags, turning waste into design art.
• Dearhunter: Discover beautiful vintage items at this stylish store housed in a monument on Eendrachtsweg.
• Very Cherry: Timeless and feminine fashion that’s locally produced in a sustainable and fairtrade manner.