You’d be mistaken to think that Rotterdam is a serious, boring place. The city may be all modern and businessy during the day, but at night Rotterdam becomes seriously laid-back and fun! Cocktail bars, Irish pubs, sports bars… you’re sure to find whatever fits your vibe in ‘the Manhattan on the Meuse’. But while there are countless bars you can visit, the most exciting way to experience Rotterdam’s nightlife is to go where the locals are. To help you decide how to spend your Friday night in the city, we’ve curated this list of the 10 best bars in Rotterdam. Here you go:
1. The Rumah- Cocktails Bar
It’s no coincidence that ‘Rumah’ means home in Indonesian. This cozy cocktail bar in Rotterdam’s center is a real haven from the city’s hustle and bustle! They specialize in creating unique rum-based cocktails. So if you’re not yet a fan of the spirit, be prepared to become one after your visit to Rumah! Rumah’s bartenders are not only incredibly knowledgeable about the art of cocktail making, they are also super friendly. Don’t be shy to have a chat with them – they’ll craft you a godly mix of rum and literally whatever you like!
Our Tps For a Great Experience:
- Try their special drink called “Rumah Punch.” It’s a mix of tropical flavors and tastes great.
- If you go during happy hour, you can get some cocktails at a lower price.
- Check out their outdoor area. It’s a nice place to sit in the sun and enjoy your drink.
The Rumah | Oude Binnenweg 110C, Centrum
2. Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub- Irish Charm
Is an Irish pub not exactly what you think of when you picture Rotterdam’s modern skyline? Then you’ll be (pleasantly) surprised to get to know Paddy Murphy’s! In true Irish pub style, this is a great place to enjoy fresh stout beers while listening to live music. Dying to watch a sports match? Paddy Murphy’s turns into a lively sports bar whenever there is an important game being played! If you’re around on a Monday night, feel free to join their famous bingo games. It’s nearly impossible to leave this pub without making some new Rotterdam friends!
Our Tps For a Great Experience:
- Attend one of their traditional Irish music nights. It’s a night you won’t want to miss.
- Have a chat with the staff. They’re knowledgeable about the various Irish whiskeys they offer.
- Make sure to taste their renowned Irish coffee. It’s a delightful combination of whiskey, coffee, sugar, and cream.
Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub | Rodezand 15, Centrum
3. Fontein Rooftop- Scenic Views
Fontein is a rooftop bar and restaurant located inside a commercial building. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy fantastic views of Rotterdam and an extensive menu with the finest wines and cocktails. The chic ambiance of this sky bar is perfect for special occasions. We recommend coming here during sunset time so you can discover how beautiful Rotterdam looks under golden light! If you stay for dinner, you’ll be able to enjoy a delightful five-course menu by chef Ronald Koolmees. No doubt the best rooftop bar in Rotterdam!
Fontein Rooftop | Hofplein 19, Centrum
4. Wunderbar- Cultural Hub
Wunderbar is perfect for those looking to discover Rotterdam’s nightlife. The uniquely colorful, underground vibe of this place is already an experience in itself! Arrive early and enjoy a special beer and some tasty snacks from their 100% vegan menu. Stay for the party and see where the night takes you. As a German-style social and cultural hub, you never know what Wunderbar has in store for you! They regularly host alternative gigs, DJ sets, exhibitions, and performances. Curious to know what’s going on at Wunderbar while you’re in town? You can check out their program here.
Our Tps For a Great Experience:
- Arrive early to secure a spot on the terrace and enjoy the sunset over the city.
- Treat yourself to their signature cocktail, the “Fontein Fizz.” It’s a refreshing combination of citrus and botanical flavors.
- Capture the scenic views and share them with your friends on social media.
Wunderbar | Boomgaardsstraat 71, Centrum
5. Vet & Lazy Pub Up Bar- Local Brews
Looking for some fresh and crisp locally brewed beer in Rotterdam? Vet & Lazy will be like heaven for you! This cool pub in Rotterdam’s Stadsdriehoek neighborhood is home to a brewery of the same name. They have been crafting some of the city’s most delicious beers since 2016 – in this pub, you’ll find four fixed varieties on their menu, along with multiple seasonal beers. This is a great pub to enjoy a cold one after exploring Rotterdam’s waterside. Their cheese and charcuterie boards are also recommended!
Our Tps For a Great Experience:
- Be adventurus and try one of their special cocktails, like the “Alchemy Elixir” or the “Enchanted Forest.”
- Take a stroll around the bar to admire the unique details and interesting items on show.
Vet & Lazy Pub Up Bar | Geldersekade 1A, Centrum
6. Spikizi Bar- Cocktail Bar
Spikizi is not only a gorgeous place, it’s also one of the best cocktail bars in Rotterdam. The tropical decor will make you feel like you’ve just teleported to a beach bar in Hawaii. Their fresh cocktails will give off the same vibe, with creative combinations of flavors that go way beyond the typical repertoire of drinks in the city. If you’re feeling indecisive, ask the staff for a drink recommendation. They’re super knowledgeable and friendly!
Another great thing about Spikizi is that they have an amazing selection of board games scattered around the bar. These make a visit to Spikizi a perfect option for entertainment on rainy evenings in Rotterdam!
Our Tps For a Great Experience:
- Try their beer flights to taste a bunch of different beers at once.
- If you’re not sure what to get, ask for suggestions based on the kind of beer you like.
Spikizi Bar | Zwarte Paardenstraat 91a, Centrum
7. Panenka- Sports Bar
Delicious food, fresh drinks, and live sports. That’s what Panenka is all about! Perhaps sports matches are not the first thing that comes to mind when you see Panenka’s classy green bar. But don’t underestimate the atmosphere at this place – Panenka may be the most high-end sports bar in Rotterdam, but it’s also one of the liveliest!
If you’re thinking that Panenka’s refined vibe must translate into astronomical prices, don’t worry. The typical bar food they serve here – such as burgers, ribs, and nachos – is both tasty and reasonably priced.
Our Tps For a Great Experience:
- See when they’re showing live matches and go when your favorite game is on.
- Get their special cocktail, the “Panenka Punch,” which has flavors inspired by a famous soccer player.
- Talk to other sports fans and enjoy watching soccer together.
Panenka | Zwarte Paardenstraat 91a, Centrum
8. Poolcafé Delfshaven- Relaxed Pool Games
Another amazing activity for rainy days in Rotterdam, Poolcafé Delfshaven is a great place to drink some beers with friends around a pool table. As a tourist, you’ll likely be visiting Delfshaven anyway – it’s the city’s inner harbor and one of the only parts to have survived the WW2 bombings. That makes Poolcafé Delfshaven the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring Rotterdam!
Our Tps For a Great Experience:
- Challenge your friends to a game of pool and make it a memorable evening.
- Take advantage of their happy hour specials to enjoy discounted prices on selected drinks.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for tips and tricks from the staff to improve your billiards skills.
Poolcafé Delfshaven | Aelbrechtskolk 45B, Delfshaven
9. FOU Wijnbar- Wine Bar
FOU Wijnbar has the largest menu of biologically-produced wines in Rotterdam – and perhaps in the whole of the Netherlands. They offer 500 options of natural wines, so even the most demanding connoisseurs are sure to find a few they like.
Serving fresh and homemade, seasonally-oriented food, FOU is not the kind of place where you’ll be drinking on an empty stomach. And not only is this the best wine bar in Rotterdam, it’s one of the city’s finest wine shops. I hope you have checked-in luggage on your flight leaving the Netherlands because after visiting FOU you’ll want to take some of your favorite bottles home!
Our Tps For a Great Experience:
- Try their wine flights to taste different wines and discover new flavors.
- Talk to the experts (sommeliers) to learn about how the wine is made and the stories behind each one.
- Enjoy your wine with one of their tasty cheese or charcuterie platters for a full experience.
FOU Wijnbar | 2e Middellandstraat 8, Delfshaven
10. Café De Ooievaar- Traditional Dutch Pub
Last but not least, Café De Ooievaar is a traditional Dutch ‘brown café’ in Rotterdam’s Delfshaven area. At this all-day bar, you can enjoy freshly tapped biertjes and tasty food for lunch, dinner, or afternoon snacks. Here, you’ll also be able to enjoy some genuine Rotterdam hospitality. The atmosphere here really matches the surrounding areas of Delfshaven – so you’ll feel more Dutch than ever!
Our Tps For a Great Experience:
- Take a leisurely look at their gin menu and experiment with different types to find what you like.
- Complement your gin with one of their tasty bar snacks for a delightful mix of flavors.
Café De Ooievaar | Havenstraat 11B, Delfshaven
Conclusions
Rotterdam is not only one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands, it’s also a place where you won’t be short of entertainment. As you can see, that includes some deliciously cold drinks and convivial vibes.We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to the hottest Rotterdam bars. Here’s to unforgettable nights in the city. Proost! P.S. Check out our travel blog for more amazing tips on things to do in the Netherlands!
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