Completely changed
Working-class district becomes design valhalla. That’s the shortest version of what happened in the older area on the north side of town. The transformation that this area has gone through in the past decade is astounding. Prewar premises were renovated and historic façades were refurbished. Shoarma stands and sex shops gave way to vintage furniture boutiques, galleries and lunchroos. Take a stroll around the block and walk the route down Zaagmolenkade, Zaagmolendrift, Zwaanshals and Noordplein and you can’t miss them. Don’t skip Brancoplein for the authentic dash of village charm in an urban setting. Situated on the corner, Tosca is a cute little neighbourhood restaurant serving delicious Mediterranean food.
Enjoy design, jazz and the best food in the city
But there’s more! Bordering on the Oude Noorden area, the Hofbogen archways under the former Hofplein station house dozens of creative entrepreneurs. Sip a world-class cup of coffee at Lokaal and browse the design boutique, and then plunge into the nightlife as evening falls. Restaurant de Jong and FG Food Lab are known as two of the city’s best restaurants, and the BIRD jazz club guarantees great concerts. Soon you’ll be able to head up to the roof of the former Hofplein station, where Rotterdam is developing a city park and event location.
