Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands with 650.000+ inhabitants.
Besides, Rotterdam also have the largest harbor of Europe. Rotterdam is known for their innovative architecture, including the Erasmus bridge, Cube houses and a large number of skyscrapers. At the same time the city boasts an active nightlife scene with many bars, cafes and clubs. Popular hotspots in Rotterdam are Stadhuisplein, Witte de Withstraat and Oude haven. During summer, you can enjoy many festivals in the city as well.
WHAT TO DO IN ROTTERDAM?
From techno clubs, over après ski bars to Latin music cafes, Rotterdam has something to offer for everyone. With so many different bars and clubs, there will never be a dull night! Want to know what to do in Rotterdam? With this Rotterdam nightlife guide we point you in the right direction. No matter what type of night owl you are, Rotterdam can provide the right nightlife experience to you. Next time you wonder about what to do in Rotterdam, download the free Nocto app and let us help you seize the night!
Stadhuisplein
Stadhuisplein offers multiple bars and restaurants during the day, but also at night. On a Friday evening, you can start your afternoon beer here, have some dinner, do some shots and party in the nicest bars and clubs. Stadhuisplein is easy to reach by metro or tram. In addition, it is within walking distance from Rotterdam central station.
Skihut
Skihut is one of the most famous locations in Rotterdam, especially among young people. The bar is open until early morning and the parties are known for crazy après ski music, dancing on the bar and lots of shots! The music in De Skihut varies from party numbers to Dutch hits and modern pop music. In addition to drinking beer, cocktails and other drinks, the Skihut also offers various snacks and meals.
Beurs & Villa Thalia
The location Beurs is divided into two areas: Beurs and Villa Thalia. Club Villa Thalia is going out on international level with live entertainment, acrobatics, lightshows and 360 degree visuals. On the other hand, Beurs is by day the place for lunch and a pleasant drink, at the beginning of the evening a popular dinner location and after ten o’clock definitely the favorite pub of many students!
TIWYA
TIWYA is a modern Asian restaurant located on the Kruiskade in Rotterdam. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Asian dishes, inspired by the culinary traditions of countries such as China, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam.
TIWYA is primarily a restaurant and not specifically an entertainment venue. However, around 23:00 TIWYA takes to the dance floor. The restaurant will be transformed into a nightclub with international allure. You can hear various well-known songs through the speakers and the dancing can begin.
Witte de Withstraat
The Witte de Withstraat in Rotterdam is a hip and very lively cultural nightlife street with many art galleries, popular cafes, restaurants and shops that are just that little bit different. The great atmosphere of The Witte de Withstraat is enhanced by the many terraces on the street. A must-see for anyone who finds themselves in Rotterdam!
Supermercado & Superdisco
Supermercado is located on the corner of the Witte de Withstraat. This Latin themed restaurant is known for the best nachos of Rotterdam. It is a colorful Latin American restaurant with a street food vibe, which is also great for a cocktail or two. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays you can dance in the cellar, in the associated club: Superdisco.
De Witte Aap
De Witte Aap has been a renowned bar in Rotterdam since 1995. Whether you fancy a cup of coffee or a nice beer, De Witte Aap has you covered. The café also has a large terrace, which is especially busy in summer. De Witte Aap is best known for its extensive selection of beers and cocktails, as well as its friendly and knowledgeable bar staff. There are also regular themed evenings and events, such as beer tastings and live performances by local artists. Another reason why De Witte Aap is so popular is because of its unique look and history. In 2009, De Witte Aap was even named 'Best Bar in the World' by Lonely Planet.
Ballroom
At Ballroom you come for more than a hundred different gin and tonics, the spacious terrace where you can people watch all day long or the cozy courtyard where you can relax on warm summer evenings. It is a stylish and elegant bar best known for its wide selection of cocktails. It is a popular place for a fun night out with friends or for a romantic date. In addition to cocktails, Ballroom also serves a variety of wine and beer, and often features live music.
Nieuw Rotterdamsch Café (NRC)
Nieuw Rotterdamsch Café, also known as NRC, is a large concept on the Witte de Withstraat. It is a cozy and informal bar that is especially popular among students. The interior is trendy and modern, with an industrial touch. This café changes from café-restaurant to club every weekend. At NRC you eat tasty burgers, but you can also go for small snacks, dinner or a good salad.
Oude Haven
The Oude Haven is one of the oldest harbors of Rotterdam and located in Maritime District. De Oude Haven is with its beautiful ships a popular place among Rotterdammers to eat, drink and dance. On summer days, the terraces are full until the early hours. De Oude Haven can be reached by metro, train or water taxi.
Kade 4
This grand café, located on the authentic harbour, is the place to be to enjoy the French-oriented kitchen and the cosiness of Rotterdam. From business to romantic, with your family or a friend, Kade 4 offers lunch, dinner or just a nice cup of coffee. The café also has a waterside terrace, which is a great place to enjoy the view of the Maas, especially in the summer.
Pardoen
It is a popular place for drinks, with an extensive selection of beers and spirits. Pardoen is therefore also known for its very wide range of beer. Live performances by local artists are also regularly organized, so there is always a nice atmosphere at Pardoen.
Vader Kleinjan
You can enjoy the old-fashioned way again in one of the most beautiful historic places in Rotterdam, with a view of the Oude Haven, the White House and the bridges. The café has a rustic atmosphere and an extensive terrace, which is a great place to relax, especially in the summer. Think of beers from the bottle or tap or a wonderful selection of wines and bubbles.
Vrienden Live
Vrienden Live is a café-restaurant and stage located in the center of Rotterdam. It is a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists looking for a fun night out. Vrienden Live is open for lunch, dinner and late night drinks.
It has a laid back atmosphere and offers a wide range of activities including live music, comedy nights, pub quizzes and DJ performances. The Vrienden Live stage regularly hosts performances by local bands and artists, as well as international acts. There are also regular open mic nights where aspiring artists can showcase their talent.
Rotterdam Nightlife Clubs
While some people enjoy bar hopping and look for more relaxed nights with friends, some nightlife enthusiasts prefer traditional nightclubs with loud sound machines and impressive light installations.
Annabel
Annabel is a nightclub located near Rotterdam central station. They organize multiple well-known events such as Hitfabriek, Fiesta Macumba and Tijdcapsule. Annabel is also the place to go to have lunch or get a nice bite after going out.
Club Vibes
At Club Vibes Rotterdam you enjoy a cozy atmosphere and visitors! Club Vibes is a nice club in Rotterdam where going out is a real party again! We spoil you with hits of today, dive into the past with the well-known classics and let you use your vocal cords with the sing-alongs that everyone knows!
Toffler
Toffler is a nightclub in an old underpass in the central business district of Rotterdam, Netherlands, opened in 2011. The club is located 5 minutes from Central Station. A popular venue for techno and electronic music lovers, it regularly hosts performances by renowned DJs and producers from around the world.
The club has a large dance floor, a state-of-the-art sound system and an impressive light show, adding to the intense atmosphere. Toffler is the place for techno parties!
Rotterdam Nightlife Guide
Rotterdam clearly has a lot to offer. If you want to have an unforgettable night out and be at the right place at the right time, download the free Nocto app and use it as your personal Rotterdam nightlife guide. Our app can help you find the right party for your taste, get relevant information about music, cover fee or DJs, get directions or order an uber within just one click.
You can browse through our event list to find relevant information about parties or scroll through the social media feed to view real-time photos & videos from within the parties taken by other users. Post pictures or videos yourself and you will earn a digital nightlife token that can be spent at Nocto partners. Not only can Nocto guide you through the night, but you can also earn yourself nightlife experiences such as free drinks, entrance, queue skips and more.
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