The best 10 cafes in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Rotterdam, where coffee and charm go hand in hand! Grab your steaming cup of joe and brace yourself for the 10 best cafes that promise to tickle your taste buds and caffeinate your senses. From hipster hideouts to cozy corners, Rotterdam's caffeine scene will surely leave you buzzing with delight, and maybe just a touch of coffee-induced euphoria. Take a sip, take a seat, and prepare to embark on a caffeinated adventure like no other!

Save destination

1. Lokaal Espresso Rotterdam

4.3 (381)

Nieuwe Binnenweg 263, 3021 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Rotterdam, Lokaal Espresso Rotterdam is a caffeinated oasis for the weary traveler. With its quirky decor and hipster staff sporting impressively trendy facial hair, this cozy little coffee joint is the perfect spot to fuel up for exploring the city or indulge in some serious people-watching. Don't be surprised if you are torn between admiring the latte art on your cup and the equally artful tattoos adorning the baristas—here, even the coffee itself takes its appearance seriously, as if it's been personally trained by Van Gogh in the art of caffeine extraction.

www.urbanespressobar.nl

Learn more

2. Hopper Coffee

4.3 (606)

Schiedamse Vest 146, 3011 BG Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Hopper Coffee, a little slice of caffeinated heaven in the heart of Rotterdam! With quirky decor and hipster vibes, this coffee haven is the undisputed champion of fueling bleary-eyed locals and bewildered travelers alike. Whether you're in dire need of an espresso pick-me-up or craving a meticulously brewed pour-over, Hopper's skilled baristas will whip up a cup of joe so delectable, it'll make your taste buds do a little happy dance. So grab a seat, sip your java, and make sure to leave your non-coffee-drinking friends outside to wallow in their FOMO.

www.hopper-coffee.nl

Learn more

3. Breakaway

4.3 (1111)

Central Plaza, Karel Doormanstraat 1, 3012 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Breakaway, the city's ultimate escape room experience in Rotterdam! Dive into an adventure where you'll use your wits, instincts, and limited common sense to solve mind-boggling puzzles and escape before the clock runs out. Prepare to unleash your inner Sherlock Holmes, or better yet, your goofy cousin who thinks they are Sherlock Holmes but keeps getting distracted by their stomach rumblings! Embark on a journey that transports you into various insane scenarios – channel your inner Indiana Jones as you dodge booby traps, or pretend to be Houdini as you squirm your way out of confounding locks and mazes. With movie set-worthy settings, you'll feel like a total superstar, only with less makeup and way too many brain cells being fried! So gather your team, put on your thinking caps (or fancy fedoras, if you're feeling extra adventurous), and get ready to Breakaway – because escaping reality was never this hilariously entertaining!

breakaway.nl

Learn more

4. Cepar Cafe

4.9 (10)

Mathenesserweg 81, 3026 HD Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Cepar Cafe, a quirky little haven tucked away in the heart of Rotterdam. This charming cafe is a delightful mishmash of cozy seating, vintage decor, and a menu that's as unpredictable as the Dutch weather. Don't be surprised if you find yourself sipping on a cappuccino next to a retro typewriter, wondering if you've stumbled into a time warp where caffeine and creativity collide.

Learn more

5. Dudok

4.2 (4660)

Meent 88, 3011 JP Rotterdam, Netherlands

Tucked away amidst the bustling streets of Rotterdam sits Dudok, a charming piece of architectural wonder that will make you squee with delight. Step into this quirky cafe and prepare to be serenaded by their delicious coffee and scrumptious pastries, so good they should come with a warning label for addictive tendencies! As you marvel at the unconventional combination of brick and steel, don't be surprised if you find yourself falling head over heels for a building - yes, it's possible, and Dudok is proof!

www.dudokrotterdam.nl

Learn more

6. ELLEA Coffee & Kitchen

Baarlandhof 48, 3086 EB Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to ELLEA Coffee & Kitchen, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the clanking of pots and pans dance together in perfect harmony. This quirky little café in Rotterdam is like a hidden gem tucked away in a maze of streets, where you can indulge in delicious food and coffee while pretending to be a sophisticated local. With its vibrant and Instagram-worthy interior, be prepared to snap some "professional" food pics that will make your friends question if you've secretly become a famous food blogger overnight.

Learn more

7. Man met bril koffie

4.5 (570)

Vijverhofstraat 70, 3032 SN Rotterdam, Netherlands

If you find yourself in the vibrant city of Rotterdam, be sure to swing by Man met bril koffie for a delightful caffeine fix. This quirky coffee joint, known for its hipster vibes and killer brews, is a haven for coffee enthusiasts and people-watchers alike. Walk in and you'll be greeted by bespectacled baristas passionately crafting your cuppa, as if each bean is a precious gem.

www.manmetbrilkoffie.nl

Learn more

8. Café Engels

4.7 (9)

Eendrachtsweg 19, 3012 LB Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Café Engels in Rotterdam, where culinary adventures await amidst a backdrop of vibrant chaos and delightful surprises. This eclectic eatery is a whimsical carousel of flavors, offering everything from traditional Dutch treats to international fare that will leave your taste buds calling for a passport. So, pull up a peculiarly mismatched chair, sip on an espresso that waltzes with caffeine, and let Café Engels take you on a culinary rollercoaster ride through the heart of Rotterdam.

Learn more

9. Urban Espresso Bar

4.3 (381)

Nieuwe Binnenweg 263, 3021 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Urban Espresso Bar in the lovely city of Rotterdam, where the combination of caffeine and quirkiness is simply unbeatable. This hipster haven will charm you with its mismatched furniture, bold wall art, and enough vintage bicycles hanging from the ceiling to make a hipster's heart skip a beat. Don't be alarmed if you spot more beards and plaid shirts here than at a lumberjack convention, because Urban Espresso Bar is the epitome of Rotterdam's cool coffee culture.

www.urbanespressobar.nl

Learn more

10. Obba's Gastrobar

4.1 (286)

Witte de Withstraat 79-A, 3012 BN Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Obba's Gastrobar in Rotterdam, where you'll find enough mouth-watering food to make your taste buds do the samba! This lively joint offers a vibrant mix of flavors that will have you tap dancing on the table. With every bite, you'll feel like a culinary superstar, and your stomach will thank you for the VIP treatment.

www.obbas.nl

Learn more

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Rotterdam by plane is to fly into Rotterdam The Hague Airport, which is 7.5 km from the city center. You can catch a direct flight to Rotterdam from many European cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin. Alternatively, you can also fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, which is about 50 km away from Rotterdam. From there, you can take a train or bus to Rotterdam.

Car

The best way to get to Rotterdam by car is to take the A16 motorway, which runs from Rotterdam in the south to Breda in the north. The journey from Amsterdam to Rotterdam takes about an hour, depending on traffic. Once you arrive in Rotterdam, you can park your car in one of the many public parking lots or garages located throughout the city.

Train

The best way to get to Rotterdam by train is to take a high-speed train to Rotterdam Centraal Station, which is the main train station in Rotterdam. You can catch a direct train to Rotterdam from many European cities such as Paris, Brussels, and Cologne. The train is a comfortable and convenient way to travel to Rotterdam, and it offers scenic views of the Dutch countryside.

Boat

The best way to get to Rotterdam by boat is to take a cruise from many ports in Northern Europe such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Hamburg. The cruise will arrive at the Port of Rotterdam, which is one of the largest ports in the world. Once you arrive, you can explore Rotterdam's many attractions or take a tour of the port itself.

Bus

The best way to get to Rotterdam by bus is to take a coach from many European cities such as London, Paris, and Berlin. The coach will arrive at Rotterdam Centraal Station, which is the main bus station in Rotterdam. The journey is usually quite long, but it can be a great way to see Europe while traveling to Rotterdam.

More guides

Experience Rotterdam's Modern Marvels on a Budget

Experience the vibrant city of Rotterdam on a limited budget, where you can admire the stunning modern architecture, vibrant art scene, and bustling port. Take advantage of budget-friendly accommodation options such as hostels or Airbnb, and explore the city by bike, which is cheaper than public transit. Don't miss out on free attractions such as the Erasmus Bridge, Markthal, and the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum.

Rotterdam on a Budget: The Ultimate Family Adventure!

Rotterdam, Netherlands offers a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip filled with unique attractions and experiences. Explore the bustling Market Hall, where kids can indulge in their favorite snacks while learning about local produce. Take a delightful boat tour along Rotterdam's river, the Maas, to admire the iconic architecture, including the famous Cube Houses, followed by a visit to the interactive Maritime Museum, catering to both young and old explorers.

Rotterdam Revealed: A 4-Day Budget Adventure

Rotterdam is the perfect destination for those seeking an affordable European adventure. Explore the stunning architecture and modern landmarks such as the Markthal or Erasmus Bridge, and visit the iconic Cube Houses for a truly unique experience. Save money by using public transportation or renting a bike, and enjoy affordable meals at local markets and food stalls.

Rotterdam: Modern Marvels and Culinary Delights.

As a tourist in Rotterdam, visitors can expect to admire the stunning modern architecture of the city, explore its rich cultural offerings, and indulge in its world-renowned culinary scene. From the iconic Erasmus Bridge to the bustling Markthal market and the contemporary art galleries, Rotterdam is a dynamic and vibrant destination that has something for everyone. With its easy access to the rest of the Netherlands and Europe, it's the perfect place for a thrilling and unforgettable adventure.