Rotterdam is one of the hippest cities in the Netherlands, and the great thing about it is that there is something for everyone!
Whether you want to dance the night away, drink a good beer, enjoy the view of the city from a terrace or just relax with a cocktail, it’s all possible in Rotterdam!
Here is our selection of the best places to go out in Rotterdam at night.
Table des matières
The best area to go out and party in Rotterdam: Cool District
Yes, Rotterdam has a district called Cool… and it certainly lives up to its name! The proof is in the pudding: the place is lively at any time of day
During the day, you can stop by the various stores selling handicrafts all made in Rotterdam, visit an exhibition gallery, admire the street art on the facades of the buildings or simply enjoy the sun on the terrace. In the evening, the atmosphere is also great!
The Cool District is the place to go for a good night out in Rotterdam.
In the famous Witte de Withstraat, you’ll find cafés, bars and restaurants where tourists and locals alike can enjoy a good night out. See where the night can take you in the Cool District!
Website: https: //www.cooldistrict.eu/
Best cocktail bars and lounge bars
De Witte Aap
Right in the middle of the Cool District is De Witte Aap. If we had to recommend only one bar in Rotterdam, this would be it!
Why? Because it’s located in the Witte de Withsraat, the most lively street in the city. Also because it has a terrace outside and a lounge area inside, and of course because it serves a range of beers unmatched in Rotterdam at very affordable prices!
Go with your head down, because you’ll have a great time at Witte Aap!
Website: http: //www.dewitteaap.nl/
Tiki’s
Still in the Cool district, there is also a very good lounge bar that we invite you to visit: it’s Tiki’s
In a decor with an exotic atmosphere, you enter Tiki’s with the assurance to spend a good evening!
The choice of beers is considerable, but the place is especially known for its very original, innovative and quite daring cocktails
To accompany your drinks, they also make very good burgers, delicious and that go down well.
Website : http://www.tikis.nl/
Best rooftop bar – terrace bar
Op Het Dak
Just a step away from the Luchtsingel, the emblematic yellow bridge of Rotterdam, is Op Het Fak: we suggest this place here because this bar is located on a rooftop terrace, it offers a very nice view on the surrounding contemporary buildings and it also has a garden where you can taste its production!
The food here is seasonal, elaborate and freshly prepared… and it’s a treat! The terrace of Op Het Dak is also very nice to have a drink while admiring the landscape.
Website: http: //www.ophetdak.com/
nhow Rotterdam
The terrace of nhow Rotterdam is located on the roof of the hotel of the same name. With its breathtaking view of the Nieuwe Maas, the Erasmus Bridge and the buildings along the river, it is one of the best rooftop bars in Rotterdam!
In addition to the scenery, the rooftop bar at nhow Rotterdam of course offers a wide selection of elaborate cocktails to sip while admiring the beauty of the surroundings
The drinks served may be a bit more expensive than elsewhere, but it’s still worth it to go there at least once!
Website: https: //www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nhow-rotterdam?utm_campaign=local-gmb&utm_medium=organic_search&utm_source=google_gmb
Best bars to listen to music (concerts)
Rotown
Just a stone’s throw from the Witte de WIthstraat is Rotown, a bar that we strongly recommend to go to if you love listening to live music and having a few drinks at the same time!
You can even have a meal there. The venue is quite big but it is designed so that the stage and the artists are close to the audience
The atmosphere at Rotown is truly insane, and it’s a place you should definitely try if you’re in Rotterdam!
Website: https: //www.rotown.nl/
Jazzcafé Dizzy
For jazz music lovers, Jazzcafé Dizzy is the place for you! Not far from the city center, this warm place welcomes you in a subdued atmosphere to spend a relaxing evening to the sound of talented musicians
And the music is not too loud, which is nice to talk with your traveler friends at the same time!
The staff is very nice and serves your drinks in no time. Nice choice of beers and gin and tonics by the way: top notch!
Website: http: //www.dizzy.nl/
Best nightclubs and bars to dance
Annabel
If after eating on the terrace of the restaurant Op Het Dak (mentioned above) you feel like dancing, we advise you to go to Annabel: this nightclub is located almost opposite the restaurant!
It welcomes you in an alternative atmosphere with street art frescoes at the entrance, and the huge room inside is also not bad in the same way!
This place is also known in Rotterdam as a music scene, so with a bit of luck you’ll also be able to attend a great concert.
Website: http: //www.annabel.nu/
Villa Thalia
Almost in front of the Rotterdam city hall is the Villa Thalia: now a grandiose reception hall and nightclub with a crazy atmosphere, the building used to be a cinema (hence the amazing configuration inside… which makes the place so charming!).
Drinks are a bit more expensive than elsewhere, but if you go there you are promised a remarkable show where anything can happen: DJ set, acrobats show, latino night… There is something for everyone!
Website : http://www.villathalia.nl/
Club Vibes
There is always a happy and relaxed atmosphere in this small and intimate Rotterdam nightclub. From 80’s classics to contemporary hits, you’ll hear all kinds of music at Club Vibes!
If you want to dance the night away, this is where we suggest you go! Plus, drinks are not too expensive there, so why not take advantage of it?
Website: http: //www.clubvibes.nl/
Best restaurants to go out at night in Rotterdam (3)
Fenix Food Factory
The Fenix Food Factory is the place where we absolutely recommend you to go for good food during your stay in Rotterdam!
The former warehouse has been transformed into a food market with many cheeses, Dutch and foreign delicacies, a beautiful bakery, craft beers and much more
You’ll find many types of food to satisfy all your cravings. Sit outside (weather permitting) and enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Nieuwe Maas river!
Website: http: //www.fenixfoodfactory.nl/
De Matroos en Het Meisje
Do you want to honor the culinary culture of the country you are visiting? In that case, we give you the right address of Matroos en Het Meisje.
Just a stone’s throw from the Fenix Food Factory, this restaurant welcomes you in a warm atmosphere and offers you many typical Dutch dishes of an incomparable quality in Rotterdam
The interior design is a mix of traditional and modern, and it perfectly matches the high quality presentation of the traditional dishes served!
Website: http: //www.dematroosenhetmeisje.nl/
Café van Zanten
Along the Meent, another lively street in downtown Rotterdam, is Café van Zanten. We especially invite you to try their cakes, as they are simply delicious!
The place is also perfect to have a coffee or a small beer in the sun while enjoying the huge terrace of the café!
Website: http: //www.cafevanzanten.com/
What to do in Rotterdam at night: other things to do at night (for those who don’t like bars or clubs)
Oude Haven
If you’re looking for a place to sit and relax on a sunny late day, you can’t miss the Oude Haven!
This place is extremely popular during the summer months, when it stays lit until 10:30 pm
We especially liked Oude Haven because it’s a great place to have a drink outside with a view of a small harbor where a few boats are moored, and a building that at one point was considered the tallest in Europe: the Witte Huis.
Oude Haven is located right next to the Cube Houses, so take the opportunity to go and admire the contemporary facades of this emblematic building of Rotterdam!
Website: https: //en.rotterdam.info/locations/oude-haven/
Euromast
If you love breathtaking illuminated city views, we urge you not to miss an evening visit to the Euromast! Measuring 185 meters high, this tower is the highest point in Rotterdam
Go to the top and climb the Euroscoop, a rotating elevator (with seats) that gives you a great view of the city lights
There is also a brasserie-restaurant at the top of the Euromast where you can have a drink or a nice little meal and enjoy the view!
The tower stays open until 10pm, so you have plenty of time.
Website: http: //www.euromast.nl/
The Erasmus Bridge
This bridge is an icon of Rotterdam… and maybe even of the whole Netherlands, so don’t miss it when you visit the city!
This 800 meter long, sleek and modern swan-like bridge really has a beautiful design, and the views you get while crossing it are truly breathtaking!
During the day it is very beautiful, but in the evening it is even more impressive when lit up.
Website: https: //www.holland.com/fr/tourisme/destinations/rotterdam/le-pont-erasme-a-rotterdam.htm
Markthal
Visiting Markthal and eating your evening meal there is definitely a must do in Rotterdam!
Not far from the Cube Houses and Oude Haven, you can enjoy good local food, such as Dutch cheese and stroopwafels
The Rotterdam Market is a combination of apartments, food stalls, stores, restaurants and museums that also has one of the world’s largest works of art on its ceiling: be sure to look up to see it!
The Markthal closes at 9pm, so plan to eat the delicious food the place has to offer early.
Website: https: //www.holland.com/fr/tourisme/destinations/rotterdam/markthal-rotterdam-5.htm
Ahoy
Are you more into Rotterdam concerts, conferences, festivals or sports events?
Ahoy is a convention center in Rotterdam that welcomes you depending on the program offered and the type of activities you like
This huge hall has a great capacity, and the bar that serves events also offers a popular selection of drinks and food
Check out the website mentioned below to see if Ahoy has a fun night out during your stay. You’ll be glad you did!
Website: http: //www.ahoy.nl/