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Omringd door het Kralingse bos, is deze plas dé plek waar de Rotterdammer heengaat tijdens een zomerse dag. Als de zon schijnt staat het vol met barbecuende mensen, spelende kinderen en vrienden die genieten van een drankje.

The ultimate guide of Kralingen

By Kim Longwood
December 03, 2021

Some people call Kralingen the most beautiful neighbourhood in Rotterdam and let’s be honest, there is truth behind that. The ornate houses and villas alone are worth a stroll through the long streets of this area.

However, you can do much more in Kralingen than admire the architecture. There are countless dining options and there is a lot of greenery. You can also shop (second-hand) or completely relax in a hotel. In this ultimate guide of Kralingen we share all the ins & outs.

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Restaurants in Kralingen

 

De Hemel op Aarde

De hemel op aarde? Dat moet een tapas restaurant zijn! Hier ga je heen voor traditionele en moderne Spaanse tapas, Griekse mezzes en andere lekkere dagspecialiteiten. Denk aan empanada's, patatas bravas, gefrituurde jalapeñopepers en serranoham kroketjes. Een heerlijk, knus plekje om te borrelen en te genieten van verschillende tapas gerechtjes.

Anyone who knows Kralingen knows De Hemel op Aarde. This place is a cosy tapas restaurant with food for everyone. The small dishes are inspired by flavours from all over the world. This location is perfect for friends, lovers or families who like to share.

Address

Oostzeedijk Beneden 205a, 2061 VT Rotterdam

 

De Kleine Ondeugd

De gerechten bij de Kleine Ondeugd zijn wisselend en altijd weer een verrassing. Je kunt kiezen uit een drie of viergangen-menu met pittige hapjes, Thaise soep, Thaise desserts en andere specialiteiten. Heerlijk!

At De Kleine Ondeugd you eat whatever is served that day. Everything is Thai food though, to be specific. This bistro has been located on the Oostzeedijk in Kralingen, near Oostplein, for over 22 years. That is why De Kleine Ondeugd has to be a part of the ultimate guide of Kralingen.

The restaurant is modest in size, but the taste of the food is anything but minimal. Treat yourself and have a seat.

Address

Oostzeedijk 348, 3063 CD Rotterdam

 

Rottiedam

Owner and cook Uttam (from Nepal) says it best: ‘the tastiest roti in Rotterdam!’ Cooking is his passion and you can taste that when you feast on his roti dishes and roti rolls. Go for roti with chicken or lamb, or for a vegetarian or vegan version.

Address

Oostzeedijk 356a, 3063 CD Rotterdam

 

Veggie

Vegan snacks and lunch dishes with a Brazilian twist, that’s what you can expect when visiting Veggie Vegan Coffee House. They proudly serve cruelty free food and donate all tips and part of the profit to animal rescue projects in Brazil.

TIP: try the vegan cheese balls, you have to taste these amazing treats!

Address

Frits Ruysstraat 16a, 3061 ME Rotterdam

 

Calaboose

Een verfrissende klassieke cocktail, simpel maar héérlijk als deze in balans is met een mooie rum. Om het fris en fruitig te houden, deelt Chi-Ho hét recept voor de perfecte Daiquiri. 

Do you also love to sip fancy cocktails after a long day at work? Well, we say: do it, at Calaboose in Kralingen located on the Oudedijk. In this restaurant you will find cocktail shakers with skills that will blow your mind. And while you’re there, you might as well enjoy tasty Indonesian dishes.

Discover more cocktail bars in Rotterdam!

Address

Oudedijk 273, 3061 AK Rotterdam

 

Osteria Vicini

An osteria is an Italian neighbourhood restaurant, or in other words a meeting place for neighbours. Osteria Vicini is therefore seen as the extra (Italian) living room of Kralingen.

From morning to evening you can enjoy the real taste of Italy. That means simple and honest food. Simple, but not basic. Anything but! For example, enjoy buffalo mozzarella with oyster mushrooms, shiitake and a salad of peppers, capers, onion and olives, or go for pearl pasta with stewed mussels, spicy salami from Calabria and cherry tomatoes.

Address

Kortekade 63A, 3062 GN Rotterdam

 

Juffrouw van Zanten

Owners Judith and Reinder have created a safe place for families in Kralingen. At Juffrouw van Zanten, not only teenagers and adults are welcome, small kids can also enjoy themselves in this lunchroom.

Toys are available to keep the little ones entertained, whilst mom and dad feast on homemade, farm-fresh and irresistibly delicious food.

Need more restaurant inspiration? Then read our article with great restaurants in Kralingen.

Address

Lusthofstraat 27A, 3062 WB Rotterdam

 

Activities in Kralingen

 

Watertaxi

Sailing on De Maas, doesn’t that sound like fun? You would think that many Rotterdammers have taken a ride with the watertaxi, but nothing could be further from the truth.

There is a pick-up and drop-off point in Kralingen, from where you can sail to (for example) Rotterdam South without any problems. Especially when it is dark and the lights of the bridges illuminate the waterfront, a ride is more than worth it.

Address

Admiraliteitskade, 3063 ED Rotterdam

 

Golfbaan Kralingen

‘Exceptionally beautiful golf’ that is the motto of Golfbaan Kralingen. This course can be found in Het Kralingse Bos, which in itself can be seen as a must-visit place.

Everyone is welcome at Golfbaan Kralingen… young and old. (Literally) take a shot on one of the oldest 9-holes and the lowest golf course in Europe.

Address

Kralingseweg 200, 3062 CG Rotterdam

 

Hotels in Kralingen

 

The Student Hotel

Photo by Sal Marston Photography

If you want to spend the night (or even longer) in one of the coolest hotels in Rotterdam, we recommend The Student Hotel. This gigantic building is not only a merging of hotel rooms with a sleek design, but also of people. All kinds of people with all kinds of disciplines and interests. The Student Hotel is a hub for co-living and co-working.

Book your room at the Student Hotel.

Address

Willem Ruyslaan 225, 3063 ER Rotterdam

 

The Slaak

Photo: Mies Media

Design at its best, that is The Slaak. A 50s-style boutique hotel in a former newspaper pressroom. In this hotel you will find restaurant & bar Didot34 where you can enjoy co-working, breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. You are also welcome in the 100m2 fitness studio: boutique fitness Studio34, to work up a sweat.

Book your room at The Slaak.

Address

Slaak 34, 3061 CS Rotterdam

 

Shops in Kralingen

 

Oosterboekhandel J. Amesz

The ladies of Amesz love to welcome you in their (specialist) bookstore in the heart of Kralingen. It is the oldest (and, in their own words, the most fun) bookshop in Rotterdam and it is an independent family business. The range of books is tailored to the tastes of the local people, but the genres spread widely.

Address

Voorschoterlaan 145, 3062 KM Rotterdam

 

Nieuwe Hoop Kringloop

Thrift store Nieuwe Hoop is not just a second-hand store. You shop here in a retail property consisting of approximately 900m2. The employees receive things they get from the people in the neighbourhood and sell them for next to nothing to people who don’t have much to spend or to pearl-hunters.

Everyone is welcome at Nieuwe Hoop Kringloop for a cup of coffee, good conversations and beautiful things.

Love thrifting? Then check out these thrift stores in Rotterdam.

Address

Oudedijk 94, 3061 AM Rotterdam

 

Nature in Kralingen

 

Het Kralingse Bos

In the summer De Kralingse Plas is packed with people who are having picnics, barbecues, who are swimming, rollerskating and joining in on some bootcamp action. But Het Kralingse Bos is popular all year round. For example, amongst Kralingse Rotterdammers with dogs, but also amongst hiking enthusiasts or nature lovers.

You will find a petting zoo, a deer park and playgrounds in Het Kralingse Bos, as well as a watchtower and the special botanical garden. And don’t forget to drink a coffee or have a bite to eat at one of the many horeca locations.

Address

Kralingse Plaslaan, 3061 DG Rotterdam

 

Arboretum Trompenburg

Trompenburg is een leuke plek om heen te gaan met de Rotterdampas!

A favourite in Kralingen is the impressive, landscaped Trompenburg botanical garden located on the Honingerdijk. You will be amazed by their large collection of trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs and tubers, succulents and cacti.

This nature location is so magical that it even hosts weddings. We recommend a Sunday walking trip, or a date with your new crush, in Trompenburg, because this is an activity for your bucket list.

Address

Honingerdijk 86, 3062 NX Rotterdam

 

So, when are you planning a weekend stay in Kralingen? Or do you happen to live nearby and are you suddenly inspired to discover new locations?

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