The very best 12 nightlife spots in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Rotterdam, a city where the nights come alive like flamingos with disco fever. If you're looking to shake what your mama gave you, then be sure to check out the top 12 nightlife spots in this vibrant Dutch gem. From rooftop dance parties at Maassilo to sipping cocktails aboard a floating pub at DÂK, Rotterdam has a nightlife scene that is anything but flat. So put on your dancing shoes, grab a Pina Colada (or five), and prepare to party like the windmills never stop spinning!

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1. Dudok Rotterdam

4.2 (4660)

Meent 88, 3011 JP Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Dudok Rotterdam, where the architecture will make you feel like you've landed in a whimsical world where rectangles and squares have their own fan clubs. Prepare yourself for a sightseeing adventure that will leave you charmed, puzzled, and plotting how to fit a giant pudding-like structure into your suitcase. Whether you're a connoisseur of geometric shapes or just a curious traveler, this architectural marvel is a must-visit spot that will have you contemplating the meaning of right angles and questioning your own ability to fold origami.

www.dudokrotterdam.nl

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2. Supermercado

4.1 (2416)

Schiedamse Vest 91, 3012 BG Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Supermercado, the foodie's paradise tucked away in Rotterdam! This culinary wonderland is where diverse flavors from around the world come together to create a spectacular fusion. Prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure, as you explore countless aisles brimming with delightful surprises and navigate the labyrinthine maze of tantalizing smells. Whether you're hunting for exotic spices, savoring freshly baked pastries, or simply in the mood for a zesty taco, Supermercado has it all - a momentary escape from the ordinary into a realm of foodie fun!

www.supermercadorotterdam.nl

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3. The Stirr

4.4 (164)

Eendrachtsweg 29B, 3012 LB Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to The Stirr in Rotterdam, a trendy hotspot that will leave your taste buds doing the happy dance! This bustling café is more than just your average coffee joint—it's a caffeine-fueled playground for the cool cats of Rotterdam. Step inside and prepare for an explosion of flavors; from the zesty aromas of freshly brewed coffee to the smoky symphony of sizzling bacon, this place has it all. Just don't blame us when you leave with a newfound addiction to their irresistible waffles.

www.thestirr.nl

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4. Rotown

4.4 (1703)

Nieuwe Binnenweg 19, 3014 GB Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Rotown, where the hippest cats in Rotterdam gather to groove the night away! This legendary music venue is as cozy as your grandma's living room, but with way more psychedelic posters on the walls. From indie rock to jazz and everything in between, Rotown serves up a smorgasbord of sounds that will leave your feet tapping and your ears grinning. So grab a drink, find a spot on the vintage couch, and let the good times roll at this funky musical oasis.

www.rotown.nl

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5. Bar Buka

4.7 (193)

Albert Cuypstraat 124, 1072 EA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Bar Buka in Rotterdam, where the only thing better than their drinks is their cleverly named Wi-Fi network. Located in the heart of the city, Buka is the perfect place to enjoy a beverage while admiring the eclectic mix of hipsters, tourists, and pigeons outside. With its cozy atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails, this bar offers a delightful escape from the outside world, assuming you can resist the temptation to Instagram your every sip.

www.barbuka.nl

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6. Biergarten Rotterdam

4.4 (2364)

Schiestraat 18, 3013 BR Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Biergarten Rotterdam, where beer flows like the rivers and good times are as plentiful as bicycle lanes in this Dutch delight! Step into a charming oasis that combines the best of a German beer garden and a quirky Rotterdam hangout. With an inviting atmosphere, a wide range of brews, and communal wooden tables that can turn even the grumpiest traveler into a social butterfly, Biergarten Rotterdam is the perfect place to relish in hoppy happiness.

biergartenrotterdam.nl

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7. Café Sijf

4.3 (2235)

Oude Binnenweg 115, 3012 JB Rotterdam, Netherlands

Nestled in the heart of Rotterdam stands Café Sijf, where time slows down and beer seems to flow endlessly, delighting locals and foreigners alike. This hidden gem boasts a charming, cozy atmosphere, making it a prime spot for indulging in witty banter with friends or engaging in a fierce debate about the latest football match. As you enter, brace yourself for a sensory overload of delectable snacks, including the infamous bitterballen that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

www.sijf.nl

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8. De Witte Aap

4.1 (1851)

Witte de Withstraat 78, 3012 BS Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to De Witte Aap, the quirky gem of Rotterdam! This lively establishment proudly stands as one of the city's most beloved bars, attracting locals and adventurous travelers alike. Prepare to be transported into a cozy, eccentric space with an unforgettable ambiance, where art, music, and good vibes meld together like a perfect cocktail – just be sure to keep an eye out for their mischievous resident monkey!

www.dewitteaap.nl

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9. Bokaal Rotterdam

4.3 (2311)

Nieuwemarkt 11, 3011 HP Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Bokaal Rotterdam, a drinking haven for the thirsty souls of the city. This charismatic spot boasts a beer selection so extensive that even hop aficionados will feel like frothy explorers embarking on a beerventure. The bar's laid-back ambiance, combined with the endless tales spun by the lively locals, guarantees an unforgettable night where you'll laugh, make new friends, and probably tell the most hilarious jokes you've ever heard.

bokaalrotterdam.nl

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10. NRC Café

3.9 (2240)

Witte de Withstraat 63, 3012 BN Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to NRC Café in Rotterdam, a delightful haven for caffeine enthusiasts and quirky souls alike. This eclectic café boasts an atmosphere that blends the nostalgia of a vintage library with the funkiness of an avant-garde art gallery. As you sip your expertly brewed coffee, take a moment to appreciate the walls adorned with mismatched frames, where quirky sketches and obscure quotes from eccentric authors reside in perfect harmony.

www.nieuwrotterdamscafe.nl

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11. Wunderbar

4.3 (584)

Boomgaardsstraat 71, 3012 XA Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Wunderbar, where beer is not just a drink, it's a way of life. Situated in the heart of Rotterdam, this quirky little spot is the kind of place that makes you question whether you're in a bar or a whimsical beer wonderland. Step inside and prepare to be greeted by an eclectic mix of vintage beer memorabilia, including an impressive collection of beer steins, which prompts you to wonder if you've entered the secret lair of a mild-mannered beer superhero. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just someone looking for a good time, Wunderbar will undoubtedly quench your thirst for fun, frothy laughter, and a touch of beer-infused magic.

worm.org

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12. Ballroom

4.3 (331)

Witte de Withstraat 88b, 3012 BT Rotterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Ballroom in Rotterdam, where the rhythm flows through the air like a well-rehearsed dance routine! This vibrant space invites you to shake off your inhibitions and prance around like a graceful wildebeest. With its flickering disco balls, mesmerizing music, and fashionable crowd, Ballroom offers an electric atmosphere that will make you want to strut your stuff and declare yourself the reigning ruler of the dance floor.

www.ballroomrotterdam.nl

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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.

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