Drinking

Where to drink in Rotterdam: Best bar and terrace areas

Looking for somewhere to have a drink in Rotterdam? The city has areas for almost every kind of night out: waterfront terraces, lively bar streets, cocktail spots, student areas and quieter neighbourhoods for a relaxed beer.

Instead of listing specific bars that may change or close over time, this guide focuses on the best areas for drinking in Rotterdam, the atmosphere you can expect in each one and some typical Dutch drinks and snacks worth trying.

Best areas for drinks in Rotterdam

Witte de Withstraat

Witte de Withstraat is one of Rotterdam’s best-known streets for going out. It has bars, terraces, restaurants and nightlife venues and is especially lively in the late afternoon and evening.

Its location between the city centre and Museumpark also makes it an easy place to stop for a drink after sightseeing.

Oude Haven

Oude Haven is one of the best places to enjoy a beer or cocktail by the water, especially in good weather. The terraces around the old harbour also offer attractive views of Blaak and the Cube Houses.

Stadhuisplein

Stadhuisplein, in the heart of the city centre, has several bars and terraces close together. It is particularly suited to visitors looking for nightlife and a place to continue into the late evening.

Meent

Meent is one of the livelier streets in central Rotterdam and a good choice for combining shopping, restaurants, terraces and drinks. The atmosphere is generally more urban and relaxed than in the main nightlife areas.

Nieuwe Binnenweg and Oude Binnenweg

Nieuwe Binnenweg and Oude Binnenweg are good choices if you prefer informal bars and a slightly more alternative atmosphere. Along these streets you will find cafés, terraces, restaurants and nightlife venues.

Katendrecht and Deliplein

Katendrecht and Deliplein are a good option if you want to combine dinner with drinks in a more relaxed setting. This former port district has developed into one of Rotterdam’s most interesting areas for food and going out.

Wilhelminapier

Wilhelminapier, in Kop van Zuid, stands out for its river views and Rotterdam skyline. It is particularly pleasant for a drink around sunset and combines easily with Katendrecht and Deliplein.

Delfshaven

Delfshaven offers a very different atmosphere from modern central Rotterdam. Its canals, historic buildings and terraces make it a pleasant area for a beer or drink in a quieter setting.

Oostplein

Oostplein and the surrounding streets have a younger, student-oriented atmosphere. It is a useful alternative to the more touristy bar areas in the city centre.

Westersingel

Westersingel and the nearby streets are a good option if you prefer a more relaxed drink away from Rotterdam’s busiest nightlife areas. From here it is also easy to continue towards Witte de Withstraat or Nieuwe Binnenweg.

What to drink in Rotterdam

Rotterdam bars offer everything from major Dutch beer brands to local and international craft beers. Heineken, Amstel, Hertog Jan, Grolsch and Bavaria are some of the common Dutch brands, although every bar has its own selection.

If you order draft beer, you may hear the Dutch expression bier van het vat. Two common glass styles are the fluitje, a smaller narrow glass, and the vaasje, a slightly wider glass commonly used for draft beer.

Jenever: a traditional drink from nearby Schiedam

Just a few kilometres from Rotterdam is Schiedam, a city historically associated with the production of jenever, a traditional Dutch spirit.

Jenever is an important part of Dutch drinking culture and comes in different styles. If you want to try something more traditional than beer, it is one of the characteristic drinks of this part of the Netherlands.

What to eat with your drink

Many bars serve small Dutch snacks alongside drinks. The best known are bitterballen, but you may also find kroket, kaassoufflé, loempia and other fried snacks.

Another common option is a bittergarnituur, a mixed selection of snacks designed for sharing. You can discover more Dutch dishes and food options in our guide to where to eat in Rotterdam.

Where to have a drink depending on the atmosphere

Tips for going out for drinks in Rotterdam

Start in the city centre: if it is your first night in Rotterdam, Witte de Withstraat, Meent and Oude Haven are easy areas to combine on foot.
Look for terraces in good weather: Oude Haven, Wilhelminapier and other waterfront areas are particularly pleasant during the warmer months.
For something quieter: Katendrecht, Delfshaven and Westersingel offer alternatives to the busier nightlife in the centre.
For a later night: Stadhuisplein, Witte de Withstraat and the city centre contain much of Rotterdam’s nightlife.

Other options to go out in Rotterdam

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