Top 10 Hidden gems Rotterdam 

1. Inner garden City Hall

What makes City Hall so unique is that it is one of the few buildings in the centre of Rotterdam that survived the bombing during World War II. Many visitors therefore admire the building’s historic architecture from the street.

What not everyone knows is that Stadhuis houses a hidden inner garden, a place that is freely accessible during Stadhuis opening hours. This hidden green oasis is definitely worth a visit! Address: Coolsingel 40 (Google Maps)

Inner garden City Hall Rotterdam

2. Het Industriegebouw

Here you will find several hotspots in Rotterdam. At EVERNOW, they sell a mix of accessories, interior design, botanics, food and care products. A few doors down, you can eat the delicious stone-oven pizzas at Old Scuola, and a bit further on you can immerse yourself in Mexican spheres at Alfredo’s Taqueria. Address: Goudsesingel 66 (Google Maps)

3. Kop van Zuid

Kop van Zuid In a place where in earlier times dockworkers labored and emigrants bode farewell to their country, there is now a place for mundane living, going out and enjoying life. The Kop van Zuid, located on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas, has been developed in the former harbor areas around the Binnenhaven, Entrepothaven, Rijnhaven, Spoorweghaven and Wilhelminapier.

Together with the Nieuwe Maas, these ports created a large physical distance between the city center just north of the Maas and Rotterdam South. By transforming this area into urban areas, the North and South were united. (Google Maps)

Kop van Zuid Rotterdam

4. Delfshaven

Delfshaven Historic Delfshaven is a beautiful historic area in the western part of Rotterdam. Since 1972, the historic part of Delfshaven was deemed a ‘protected cityscape’.In 1389 a canal known as the Delfshavense Schie was dug from Delft to the Maas river. The ships could thus find their way to the Nieuwe Maas. Around the lock, the Delfshaven town was formed as part of the city of Delft, which wanted to create a private seaport.

After a rowdy history, Delfshaven declared itself an independent municipality in 1795 and in 1886 Delfshaven was united with Rotterdam. (Google Maps)

Delfshaven - Rotterdam

5. Maastunnel

The Maastunnel is the Netherlands’ oldest submerged tunnel, inaugurated in 1942 amidst World War II. It was constructed on land and then submerged into the water.

Alongside the vehicle tunnel, a separate passage for cyclists and pedestrians was created. So, if you ever find yourself wanting to stroll 1.2 kilometers across the city for no particular reason, this tunnel is a great option! Address: Charloisse Hoofd 29 (Google Maps)

Maastunnel Rotterdam

6. Proeflokaal de Riddert

In its own words, Rotterdam’s smallest pop venue, where you can enjoy special beers, whiskies and live music. Address: Mauritsweg 28 (Google Maps), www.riddert.nl

7. Sonneveld House

Sonneveld House Museum is one of the best-preserved homes built in the Dutch Functionalist style. It was designed in the 1930s by architecture office Brinkman and Van der Vlugt, renowned for the Van Nelle Factory and Feyenoord Stadium.

Step back to the year 1933 and explore Sonneveld House with its extraordinary architecture, design and remarkable technical gadgets. Address: Jongkindstraat 12 (Google Maps), www.nieuweinstituut.nl

Huis Sonneveld - Rotterdam

8. Rotterdam Jazz Artists Memorial

When you are in Rotterdam, there is a fascinating place you should definitely explore: the series of artworks at the Rotterdam Jazz Artists Memorial. Created in honour of the city’s jazz musicians, this project is an initiative of the foundation of the same name, established after the death of drummer Tony Viola in 2008. As you walk along the Oude Binnenweg, you can admire portraits of these musicians along the street.

This location was not chosen by chance; it was once home to the famous jazz club Negropalace Mephisto, an important centre for Rotterdam’s jazz scene. New artworks are added every year, keeping this monument a lively and ever-changing attraction. Address: around Oude Binnenweg (Google Maps)

9. Rotterdam’s Old City Wall

The city wall is situated at Rotterdam Blaak station, which serves both metro and train lines. You can find the city wall positioned above train platform 1 by descending the stairs on the south side of the station.

There is a small sign that outlines the history of the structure, although it is written in Dutch. The wall is a wonderful reminder of Rotterdam’s history and provides a brief glance at architecture from the city’s medieval past. Location: Station Rotterdam Blaak (Google Maps)

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