Best indoor places to hangout in Rotterdam

My best indoor places to hangout in Rotterdam

I haven't explored the bars in Rotterdam as much as I could have, so for those who have better recommendations, I would love to read your posts about it.

I have to say that, generally, I got the impression that Rotterdam is a very techno and electronic music city. The music I listen to is rock, metal and jazz, so to begin, my choices are a bit limited when it comes to going out in Rotterdam.

• De Smitse

De Smitse is located at the Erasmus University Campus. It's open in the afternoon and evening. Hence, a perfect spot for students to stop by after class. Its location is not the only thing that makes it a student place to go, but the prices are probably the lowest compared to other bars in Rotterdam. Well, I'm talking about beer, I have no idea how much other drinks cost. It is surely noteworthy to keep an eye on their website as they organize some pretty cool events.

• Paddy Murphy's

Let's just get this one over with, because it's a pretty obvious recommendation. I think all the expats find their way to Paddy Murphy's very quickly. Signs are located in one of the main streets showing directions to the pub, and Irish pubs are globally known as a good place to go out, so everyone will give it a try. The biggest plus Murphy has to offer is a rock gig every night of the week. Noteworthy are also the funny photos in the toilet that will keep you interested during those short ‘beer relief’ breaks. This was probably the place I've most visited when going out and I had a good time every time. The only downside perhaps is that there is an entrance fee of 3€ every night.

• Belgisch Biercafé Boudewijn

A Belgian beer pub. During my year in the Netherlands, I discovered Belgian beer and got hooked on it. Boudewijn is a nice bar with lots of space to enjoy those. Actually you can enjoy more than 100 types of Belgian beers. Proost!

• V11

V11 is the cute red boat in Wijnhaven. You might have noticed it already, a red boat like that stands out. The deck is pretty nice during the summer, but the best thing about it are Lindy Hop events. So I started dancing Lindy Hop while I was living in Rotterdam, and there were social dancing events once a week in V11. It is usually celebrated on Wednesdays or Thursdays, and the dancing takes place downstairs. Even if you can't dance, come and have a look while you enjoy a beer. If you like it, you can always start taking Lindy lessons.

I’ve also been to the ska gig there and it was awesome. A young band from Rotterdam was playing and I still continue listening to them now. So keep an eye on events in V11.

• Aloha bar

This place was on my ‘Best outdoor places to hangout in Rotterdam’ as well. To put it simply, both the inside and the outside look extremely cool. As I mentioned in a previous post, this bar was made in a former pool. I found that exotic interior to be unique and charming.

• NRC

You can’t really miss NRC as it is located in the most famous street for going out in Rotterdam, Witte de Withstraat, right across from one of the most popular bars in Rotterdam: Witte Aap. The NRC space is huge; it has a sitting area and a dancing area on the top floor, as well as a another dancing room in the basement. I think the music genres change, but when I was there usually Latino music was playing in the top floor, and 90s pop and hip hop in the basement. The music is not ideal for me, but compared to most Rotterdam places I would say it is the best one. I think it’s pretty much neutral, so I can go out with any friends there.

Photo gallery