On the water

The constant movement of the water helps you unwind; you’ll want to stay forever.

1. Putaine, in the heart of Rijnhaven

Putaine is there to tease, please, and surprise with a modern and seasonal international restaurant and bar, run by Michael Schook and Eva Eekman. In the ever-changing Rijnhaven, Putaine proudly floats on the world’s largest sustainable office, the Floating Office Rotterdam (FOR). With stunning views inside and out, a spacious terrace, and a summer pool. Whether you’re coming for an elaborate meal, a quick lunch, or just a drink, Putaine offers a unique experience.

2. De Maaskantine: beach bar on the Maas River

De Maaskantine, with its beach bar vibe on the banks of the river Maas, feels like a holiday destination. The café-restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere with a beautiful terrace and colourful (lounge) chairs and picnic tables. They serve good food from Wednesday to Sunday. They also have a small beach with loungers to laze on.

3. Bar Stroom: from tropical pool to trendy bar

This spring, Bar Stroom opened its doors in the former wild water course of Tropicana. Creative, playful, and against the current, Bar Stroom offers lunch, drinks, and dinner from Thursday to Sunday at one of the most unique spots in Rotterdam. Part of BlueCity, Bar Stroom collaborates with local farmers, innovative food entrepreneurs, and Rotterdam’s cultural makers to bring about change. On your plate, in your glass, and on the stage. Think falafel made from vegetable scraps and pasta from regenerative crops. And yes, the famous oyster mushrooms from Rotterzwam, grown on their own coffee grounds, are served as rendang or bitterballen. Can you see yourself sitting on the sun-drenched terrace of the former tropical pool?

4. Vessel11: for lounging and music

Sitting on the deck, sipping your drink and surrounded by the dynamics of the city, Vessel11 is the ideal place to hang out. This British gastro-pub was built in the UK and served as a mobile lighthouse in Wales, but has been in Rotterdam since 1999. Here, in one of Rotterdam’s oldest harbours, you can eat dishes inspired by British cuisine, taste Vessel11 beer on tap and watch bands perform below deck.

5. Hotel New York: the world is your oyster

The wide view of the Nieuwe Maas and the city from the terrace of Hotel New York at the head of Wilhelminapier is like no other. When the sun shines, you’ll feel like you’re on holiday. The oyster bar only adds to this feeling. Where people once bought tickets to sail to America, fresh seafood is now prepared daily. Lower yourself into a beach chair and relax…With half a lobster on your lap.

Surrounded by green

Green is good for the soul, so settle down happily on one of these terraces (you won’t be leaving anytime soon.)

6. Parqiet: relax in the park

Named after the free-spirited rose-ringed parakeet so abundant in this park, Parqiet has been welcoming guests since 2015. Because what’s not to like about relaxing in a charming, old coach house in the middle of Het Park with a view of beautiful old trees and the Euromast while your child/dog/spouse rolls about carefree in the grass?

7. Garden of BIRD: music and food

The sunny city Garden of BIRD is open from spring to autumn from 4 pm, weather permitting (no rain or wind). This ‘sister’ of the restaurant and stage next door is somewhat hidden between the Luchtsingel and Hofbogen. Have a cocktail or a speciality beer, eat pizza from BIRD’s wood-fired oven, lie in the grass, hang out in a chair, listen to music and feel free as a…Bird.

8. Vroesenpaviljoen: grows greener and bigger

Vroesenpark was known as ‘the barbecue park’ until 2015: that changed with the arrival of the Vroesenpaviljoen. People still barbecue there, but the Vroesenpaviljoen itself became a reason for people to cycle to Blijdorp. Its green – and ever-expanding – terrace, deck chairs, good menu and events make this a lovely spot for everyone to start, pause or end the day.

In the heart of the city

You are in Rotterdam, and you want to see, feel and experience it! These terraces are worth a visit.

9. Biergarten: good beer and burgers

Did you know that Rotterdam also has a beer garden? Rotterdam’s first and only Biergarten has been a lively (and seasonal) place where you can enjoy the sun, burgers, snacks and a wide range of craft and draught beers since 2012. The neighbourhood is as effervescent as the beers they serve: Biergarten is in the garden of the creative collective building the Schieblock and an important part of the city’s dynamic Central District.

10. Keilecafé: party maker in the Makers District

Keilecafe is more than a café: it has the atmosphere of a never-ending festival. A place where pizzas always seem to be baking in the wood-fired oven, sangria flows richly, DJs keep spinning and everyone always seems a bit tipsy. If you aren’t careful, you will get drunk on the dynamism here. Keilecafé is located in M4H: Rotterdam’s Makers District. This is where creative energy and entrepreneurial spirit flow, and you can feel it.

11. Westerpaviljoen: the heart of the West

Welcome to West. Where the Westerpaviljoen has long dominated the corner of Nieuwe Binnenweg and Mathenesserlaan. And regular visitors abound: for many Rotterdammers, this is a base to return to again and again. The large terrace certainly contributes to that unwavering popularity. As does the extensive menu full of good classics: a crispy Caesar salad, chicken satay, salmon fillet and Black Angus or beyond burger (vegan). The Westerpaviljoen plays a leading role in the Oude Westen and is here to stay.