You have to get more and more creative to have a fun date in Rotterdam! Luckily I have thought of some great options for you.
The hospitality industry may be in a temporary lockdown, but this doesn’t mean that our dates can solely consists of nights of Netflix and chill…
So, what can you do? You can read that here! Especially for these new times I have 7 creative date ideas so you and your cute date can still experience a romantic afternoon or evening!
1. Vintage shoppen at Café LaBru
Cafe Labru, the place where you normally can enjoy a refined cocktail, an olive and a delicious wine, already had the most beautiful vintage furniture. But now, in the coming weeks, the living room has also been transformed into an actual vintage store: ‘FemLaBru Vintage Collectibles’.
The best way to find out if your tastes match, but above all, what makes your date happy.
Do you both love vintage shopping? Then be sure to check out these cool vintage shops in Rotterdam and make a whole day out of it!
Address
Hartmansstraat 18A, 3012 VA Rotterdam
2. Coffee to go at Barista Café Wilhelminaplein
Where we normally walk into the nearest coffee bar or Albert Heijn in our hurry for a coffee to go, we now suddenly have more time!
The Barista Café on the Wilhelminaplein is a great place to get a delicious warm drink with your date and then walk romantically along the water together.
The opening hours of Barista Café have been adjusted and they are currently open from 08:00 AM to 03:00 PM.
Address
Wilhelminaplein 41, 3072 DE Rotterdam
3. Crash course in cooking at the Zalmhuis
Ready to really impress your new love with your cooking skills? Het Zalmhuis offers the unique opportunity to offer the extravagant and nostalgic dining experience at home. All you need? A car!
Het Zalmhuis is open with a drive-thru where you can pick up not only sushi and champagne, but also a four course dinner box including an extensive instruction video from the chef, magic tricks with some extra entertainment and the famous Zalmhuis Spotify list!
Address
Schaardijk 396, 2909 LA Capelle aan den IJssel
4. Pizzas and Italian specialty beer at Gusto Rotterdam
With the new measures, the Gusto chefs have put a new product on the take away menu: frozen Gusto pizzas! This way you can enjoy a deliciously fresh pizza exactly when it suits you.
The pizzas can be picked up between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM in the restaurant, where they currently also opened a little Italian shop.
It is also possible to get the famous homemade focaccia with basil oil. Or enjoy Gusto’s personally selected Italian specialty beers, wines and/or soft drinks at home!
Get more inspiration and check out these great pizza spots in Rotterdam!
Address
Schiedamse Vest 40, 3011 BA Rotterdam
5. Cocktail set from The Rumah
Do you live near the Nieuwe Binnenweg? Then there is a good chance that you no longer even have to leave the house for a beautiful cocktail set from bartender Daryl Lieuw-On (Winner Entree’s Best Bartenders Award).
The package includes: three delicious cheeses, gin & tonics, an Old Fashioned cocktail and an Espresso Martini! In the Rumah’s own words: “A perfect combination of spirits and love.”
Address
Oude Binnenweg 110C, 3012 JG Rotterdam
6. Staycation in the bellhop hotel
Whether you have not been able to go on holiday together due to the new circumstances, or you’re getting fed up with that one annoying roommate who is always third wheeling… A staycation in the Bellhop Hotel located on the Witte de Withstraat offers the romantic escape for two.
We recommend the room with the queen-size bed and flat-screen TV. Still a bit of Netflix and chill, but then 2.0.
Be sure to also read Vladana’s article for more unique and luxurious staycations in Rotterdam!
Check out the prices and availability of the bellhop hotel.
Address
Witte de Withstraat 77, 3012 BN Rotterdam
7. A city stroll with Michelin-rated food

Photo and text by Olivia @olivia.in.rotterdam/
Combine a city stroll with delicious food! Luckily there are some great initiatives, such as the “Heerlijk.nl’s restaurant wandelingen” with Michelin-rated food. A perfect opportunity to revisit your favourite Rotterdam restaurants and enjoy some spring-like weather in a fun foodie atmosphere.
Starting from 20 February, Heerlijk.nl is planning to host these walks every weekend, across 2 Rotterdam routes: Centrum and Kralingen.
The Kralingen route will take you to Fred**, Gastrobar STER, Gym&Gin and IDRW, via the fancy houses, lush parks and boating lakes of the posh neighbourhood. While Joelia*, Parkheuvel**, MARA By Flipp and Amarone* will welcome you on the Rotterdam Centrum route that runs through the Coolsingel and past the Museum Park.
Including the food stops, the walks take around 2 hours. The food comes to €40 per person, with an option to add wine pairing for €20-25. A few of the restaurants also offer additional drinks, bites and desserts on the day for a few extra euros.
With the above tips you can make the most of your date during these harsh times in Rotterdam. Do you have any great creative tips for a date in Rotterdam? Then share them below!