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
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
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
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
Photo by @maarten_see_hooijmeijer.
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.
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
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?
