All things you MUST do when in Rotterdam:
10. Lounging in one of Oude Haven's little cafes...
The 'Old Harbour' is the best place with its small pubs, bars and cafes for students and travelers to enjoy a pint of Dutch beer on a nice and sunny day!
9. Looking over Rotterdam ...
Go to the Euromast for a spectacular view over Rotterdam and The Hague. If you are lucky with the weather, which is unlikely, you could even see Amsterdam!
8. Seeing live bands on Witte de With...
Witte de Withstraat is a street with a bar next to a bar next to a bar next to a bar, and live music playing , so you can never get bored!
7. Going to BED early...
In case Witte de Withstraat or Oude Haven is not your cup of tea, you are welcome to enjoy the most popular student night in Rotterdam, run every Tuesday at Club BED. It's too packed to be able to dance, but incredibly cheap drinks, and long queues for the toilets will leave you wanting more! However, you should arrive early(!), or else risk being crushed by the crowd...
6. Eating a 'kapsalon'..
After a good night out, a real Rotterdame needs to fill his/her belly before hitting the pillow. What better than a 'hairdresser' (kapsalon)? This dish contains it all - chips, kebab meat, salad topped with cheese - and can be bought in most fast-food places around the town.
5. Having bagels for brunch..
As you had obviously hit the bars last night, it is unlikely that you will be up for breakfast. However, if you manage to rise from the dead before midday, I must suggest a brunch at Bagels and Beans(as in coffee beans). A good bagel and a proper cup of coffee will take that headache away, and will be a great start of the day!
4. Floating on a pancake boat..
A nice touch for a sunny day is to go on boats. But there are so many boats in the harbour city of Rotterdam!! How do I choose?! Your best bet is to combine all things dutch - boats and pancakes. Hop on and eat as much as you like! Top your pancake with classic dutch sprinkles, for that extra touch of the Netherlands!
3. Buying a pack of stroopwafels...
Go on and have your afternoon tea, and top it with a stroopwafel (syrup waffle)! The secret is to place it on your cup, so the steam melts the caramel..mmm... best of English and Dutch!
2. Chilling in Kralingse park..
The Kralingen park, probably the most beautiful of parks I have ever seen, hides in this student-populated area and is truly magical on a sunny day!
1. Riding your bicycle!
And last, but not least.. your Rotterdam experience is not complete, if you have not ridden a bicycle! Buy one second hand from a typical Dutch 'junkie' for 10€ and experience the real Netherlands :)
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