Stock up on bread, garlic butter and (a) bottle(s) of rosé… Time for a picnic in Rotterdam! Because the sun is shining, the birds are singing and it’s time to enjoy it.
Fortunately, there are plenty of great spots to have a picnic in our city. Such as lovely green city parks, but also hidden places with little to no people.
In this article I share my favorite picnic spots in Rotterdam to catch up with friends, listen to music and above all, eat a lot of good food!
1. The Park
The Park is located at the foot of the Euromast, west of the center of Rotterdam. It’s a green oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city!
It is a very famous park in Rotterdam, but I always find it surprisingly quiet here. That makes it the excellent place for a walk or to organize a picnic (or a combination of the two).
It’s my personal favourite spot for a picnic in Rotterdam. In the park are many beautiful trees and big green lawns. Because of the shade of the trees it is often nice and cool here. Ideal during a warm summer day!
TIP: in the Park you can also visit Parqiet, a wonderful spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Be sure to also check out these restaurants with a garden in Rotterdam!
2. Kralingse Plas
A place in Rotterdam that cannot be missed in this list is the Kralingse Plas. There is always enough spots here and you can sit by the water and watch the boats go by.
Whether you go during the day with all kinds of homemade brunch dishes or just in the evening for a drink. It is always fun here in spring and summer! It’s the ideal spot to watch the sunset in Rotterdam.
3. Ons Park Noordereiland
The former construction site of the Willemsspoort tunnel has been transformed into a beautiful green park with the (temporary) name Ons Park!
As you can see above, you have a beautiful view of the Willemsbrug from Ons Park on Noordereiland. What you do not see in the picture is that you have a beautiful view of the Hef on the other side!
It is a small park and it is usually nice and quiet here, with a few strollers and a group of people working out here and there. It is nice to enjoy the view here, the greenery and the rabbits that roam free.
Bring a blanket, snacks and gather your best friends to have a nice picnic here. A good time to visit is during the sunset, but during the day it’s also wonderful.
4. Maaskade Noordereiland
Because we’re already on Noordereiland, we can just as well visit another spot here that’s great for a picnic. And that’s alongside the Maas!
Of course you have to watch out, because you wouldn’t want to fall into the water, but trust me when I say that’s it’s a great place to relax. The view is beautiful, boats pass by and during sunny weather people are often barbecuing here.
TIP: Bring chairs and a parasol. Then you can sit comfortably and you have some protection against the sun.
5. Along the Maas, next to the Erasmus bridge
On the other side of the Maas, between the Willemsbrug and Erasmusbrug, there is another great spot for a picnic in Rotterdam. On this little hill you have grass where you can sit. There are also a number of trees you can lie under, so that you have protection from the sun.
From here you have a beautiful view over the Maas and you can admire the boats sailing by. Please note: there is not always a lot of space here, but in the worst case you can still cycle to the Park. That’s ten minutes later.
6. Eiland van Brienenoord
Another hidden spot in Rotterdam: the island of Brienenoord!
As soon as you set foot on the island you will discover a beautiful piece of nature where you can have a peaceful walk. Quiet, in the most literal sense, because you don’t meet many people there.
That makes it the ideal place for a quiet picnic in our city. And who would have expected you to find this under the Van Brienenoord bridge!
7. Vroesenpark
Vroesenpark has to be one of the most popular places to picnic in Rotterdam. This park is located in Blijdorp between Vroesenlaan and Stadhoudersweg.
There is always a great atmosphere at this park. As soon as the sun shines, the Vroesenpark is full of groups of people who are barbecuing and having a picnic. That is why it can also be quite busy, so claim your spot on time.
8. Dakpark Rotterdam
The unique Roof Park in Rotterdam-West is one of the largest roof parks in Europe. Located at a height of nine meters, the park offers a beautiful view of the nearby harbor and high-rise buildings.
The Dakpark is a good place to have a picnic. There are large lawns and picnic tables. There is also an herb garden, Mediterranean garden, community garden and pergolas. Children can play in the playground and on the water stairs.
9. Lage Bergse Bos
The Lage Bergse Bos, located between Hillegersberg and Bleiswijk, is a beautiful green area in Rotterdam.
This forest is approximately 150 hectares and is part of the Rottemeren recreation area. There are several walking routes to follow here, on both forest trails and paved footpaths. But there is also enough grass for a lovely picnic!
Scottish Highlanders walk around here, so don’t be surprised if you suddenly see one popping up!
10. Ackerdijkse Plassen
Ackerdijkse Plassen is a beautiful nature reserve between Delft and Rotterdam. So you have to get out of Rotterdam to get here (20 minutes by car from the center of Rotterdam), but it is certainly worth going, especially if you want to get away from the city for a while.
The nature reserve is also a lovely place for a walk, cycling and it is a true paradise for bird watchers. From lookout tower De Tureluur you can see how different birds, such as redshanks and black-headed gulls, fly and breed. You also have a beautiful view of the Rotterdam skyline!
Bring a blanket, some food and drink and enjoy a picnic on the grass.
Those are my 10 favourite places to have a picnic in Rotterdam! Do you also know a lovely picnic spot ? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
PS. Please keep our city clean and take your rubbish with you!
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