Across the water you will find many nice restaurants, things to do, shops and nature. Rotterdam Zuid (South) is a large neighbourhood and the space is used well. From Katendrecht to Charlois and even deeper down south, it’s all worth a visit.
Yes, it’s quite a climb to ‘bridge’ the Erasmus- or Willemsbrug, but nowadays there are plenty of handy electric scooters, so stop procrastinating and go. By the way, walking along the water is not too bad either.
Many of the locations in this ultimate guide through Rotterdam Zuid are close to each other. You don’t need ugly walking shoes or a map to enjoy yourself for a whole day or a whole weekend.
Restaurants in Rotterdam Zuid
Deli Bird
Owner Wiland Toelen proudly celebrates the real Thailand in his restaurant in Rotterdam, located on Katendrecht. Deli Bird is a well-known concept, because those whom like to eat tasty food without too much fuss love to come here. Be sure to order the Tom Kha (coconut soup), which is a must try.
Address
Delistraat 44-a, 3072 ZL Rotterdam
De Matroos en Het Meisje
Let the chefs surprise you. The table d’hôtes principle is key at De Matroos and Het Meisje. In other words: you eat what’s on offer. All you have to do is choose the number of courses you want. And of course sit back and enjoy yourself.
Address
Delistraat 52, 3072 ZL Rotterdam
Sharp Sharp
These plant-based bakers make special pastries, cookies, flower granola and more. They are called Sharp Sharp and can be found at metro station Rijnhaven. You’re in the right place if you like vegan dishes and sweets, but also if you prefer to avoid gluten and refined sugars.
Address
Hillelaan 28, 3072 JD Rotterdam
Hotel New York
Yes, this is a cool hotel. And yes, every Rotterdammer knows this place. But Hotel New York is not only known for its beautiful building and stylish hotel rooms. The restaurant – NY Basement, aptly located in the basement – is just as popular. Here, you can eat delicious dishes and drink spectaculair cocktails.
Address
Koninginnenhoofd 1, 3072 AD Rotterdam
BY AMI Urban Bistro
This Urban Bistro knows how to impress its customers. Not only with the taste of the dishes and drinks, but also with the appearance of the culinary works of art, the bright colours, the cheerful combinations and the lively interior. If there’s anywhere you can take good Instagram photos, it’s at BY AMI.
Address
Antoine Platekade 983, 3072 ME Rotterdam
Things to do in Rotterdam Zuid
Fenix Food Factory
Katendrecht is a lively place. There is a culinary culture that goes beyond just a simple bite to eat. That is why the Fenix Food Factory is a place to experience.
Entrepreneurs from Rotterdam offer up this culinary hotbed as a place to shop, as a place where to learn how the products are made and as a place to experience artisanal flavours. And the location is certainly not bad either.
Address
Nico Koomanskade 1025, 3072 LM Rotterdam
Noordereiland
The Noordereiland is located between Rotterdam Centre and Rotterdam Zuid. Strange actually, that this island does not carry the name Zuidereiland. Oh well, who cares. It is a beautiful place with a view of De Maas, a large park, stunning old houses and a friendly atmosphere.
Address
Noordereiland, Rotterdam
Nederlands Fotomuseum
The Nederlands Fotomuseum is located in the Las Palmas building. It’s a treasure trove and showroom in one. With over 5.6 million images in the collection, this museum guards the Dutch photographic heritage. Are you crazy about pictures? Be sure to plan a visit to inspect the photographs.
Address
Las Palmas, Statendam 1, 3072 MD Rotterdam
Skateland
You can enjoy a nice day of rolling at Skateland, the indoor skate park of the Rotterdam region. Inline skaters, roller skaters, skateboarders, scooter riders and bmx riders are all welcome. Also, keep an eye on their website and Instagram for special events such as the Roller Rave, a Rotterdam roller disco.
Do you like skating? Check out our article with the best stake routes, shops and more!
Address
Piekstraat 45, 3071 EL Rotterdam
Erasmusbrug and Willemsbrug
Without these bridges there is no easy connection with Rotterdam Zuid. It’s such a lovely ride over the water, especially in the summer. The bridges differ greatly in appearance, but once you walk, cycle or drive across them, the view from both bridges is equally spectacular.
Address
Erasmusbrug, 3011 BN Rotterdam
Maasboulevard 300, 3011 TX Rotterdam
Villa Zebra
Villa Zebra is a lively children’s museum, right on the water. But the vision of Villa Zebra extends much further.
According to the ‘villasofie’, children experience art and creativity all around them. So not only in the museum building, but also at school, in the neighbourhood and at home. Villa Zebra participates in festivals, organises neighbourhood activities and visits schools.
More inspiration? Then read our article with the best activities for children in Rotterdam!
Address
Stieltjesstraat 21, 3071 JV Rotterdam
REMASTERED
Okay, this location is at the foot of the Erasmusbrug, on the side of the centre. But to be honest, doesn’t the beginning of the bridge already feel like Rotterdam Zuid? At least you know you’re going down south when you get to that location.
And you really don’t want to miss this. REMASTERED is a 60-minute visual experience that will leave you breathless. The work of old Dutch Masters has been edited by new Dutch Masters, namely by the best Dutch digital studios. Go on and have a look!
Read more about REMASTERED Rotterdam and our experiences here!
Address
Willemsplein 79, 3016 DR Rotterdam
Hotels in Rotterdam Zuid
nhow Rotterdam
The nhow is a large and chic hotel with a view of De Maas, the Erasmus Bridge and the other side of the water. The hotel is close to Katendrecht and other sights that are on this list, but the nhow itself is also very nice. The bar, at the top of the building, serves cocktails with a view.
Rotterdam is full of great hotels. For more inspiration, we have written a nice article with the most special hotels in Rotterdam for you.
Address
Wilhelminakade 137, 3072 AP Rotterdam
Art Hotel Rotterdam
Art Hotel Rotterdam is located next to metro station Maashaven. A hotel with rooms entirely with 90s interior, the carpets are reminiscent of the prints of the seats in public transport. Their restaurant Mio Papa serves a continental breakfast in the morning and tasty Italian dishes in the evening.
Address
Mijnsherenlaan 9, 3081 GA Rotterdam
Room Mate Bruno Hotel
In the same building as the Foodhallen (also a nice hotspot!) you will find Room Mate Bruno Hotel. A luxurious location located in Pakhuismeesteren. This building is a former tea warehouse of the Nederlandse Oost-Indische Compagnie. The interior of Room Mate Bruno is colourful, stylish and above all has a very cool design.
Address
Wilhelminakade 52, 3072 AR Rotterdam
Shopping in Rotterdam Zuid
Shopping centre Zuidplein
Shopping centre Zuidplein is huge. With more than 150 shops and/or catering locations, you will undoubtedly be able to spend a whole day here. Shop for clothes, beauty products and toys, or grab a bite to eat and do some grocery shopping to take home.
Address
Zuidplein 420, 3083 BL Rotterdam
Bosch&deJong boekverkopers
Booksellers on De Kaap Eelkje Christine Bosch and Folco de Jong are happy to help you with your next reading list, in their shop in the Fenix Food Factory. Here you will find the most beautiful books, for yourself or as a gift.
Address
Nico Koomanskade 1025, 3072 LM Rotterdam
Kringloopwarenhuis Het Goed Rotterdam Zuid
Give your stuff a second life, hand them in at Het Goed. Or buy clothes, furniture and other nice items for next to nothing at this thrift store in Rotterdam Zuid.
Address
Kinderdijkstraat 49, 3076 JH Rotterdam
Nature in Rotterdam Zuid
Zuiderpark Rotterdam
In Rotterdam Zuid you will find the lively and green Zuiderpark. This is the largest city park in the Netherlands.
There is a playground, a beach and a swamp area, as well as forests, islands and water. Festivals and other activities have been regularly organised in this park since long, long ago.
Address
Zuiderparkweg, 3084 KD Rotterdam
Eiland van Brienenoord
Right under the most famous bridge in the Netherlands – named after a real baron – you can walk through a beautiful nature reserve.
Underneath the Van Brienenoordburg you are in the right place if you are looking for forest, grassy plains, open water, small pools and a tidal channel. There is also the chance to see Scottish Highlanders grazing and to see all kinds of birds, plants and butterflies pass by.
Address
Van Brienenoord, 3077 AE Rotterdam
Bijenpark and petting zoo De Kooi
The Bijenpark is located in IJsselmonde and is a place where honeybees are cared for by beekeepers all year round. And petting zoo De Kooi can be found in a place where there used to be a duck decoy. Nowadays, in this place, you will find many different types of animals and a yogurt and clog factory.
Address
Bijenpark, 3076 TR Rotterdam
Maeterlinckweg 85, 3076 GA Rotterdam
Are you so enthusiastic about visiting Rotterdam Zuid that you immediately downloaded an electric scooter app? I certainly am, because the south is fun.
I highly recommend that you grab a bite to eat and score a second-hand coffee table in this very diverse neighbourhood. When are you gonna go?
