Best outdoor places to hangout in Rotterdam

I am aware that people complain about the Dutch weather a lot, the Dutch and the expats equally, but during my year there, there were actually many pleasant sunny days. Hence, you might want to know where you can enjoy these nice days. I hope my list of best outdoor places to hang out in Rotterdam will be of use to you. The order of my suggestions is random, there is no ranking from best to worst or vice versa, because I wouldn’t be able to decide.

Kralingse Plas (Kralingen Lake)

It is so awesome to have a lake so nearby. From Delfshaven I needed circa 30 minutes by bike to Kralingen. There is a nice beach there as well, a meadow, a small fun park and a forest. I recommend cycling around the lake and through the forest, simply to explore the area. By cycling (or walking) around you will also encounter windmills. Yay!

Still, the best way to enjoy Kralingen is to find a nice spot with a good view (which is super easy to do there) and bring some drinks, food, a BBQ and some friends with you. On weekends with good weather there will be many people having BBQs there as well, and it’s always a super chill atmosphere.

Het Park (Euromast Park)

Although the official name is Het Park, it might create confusion when you mention it do Dutch speakers because the literal translation of that name is ‘’The Park’’, so going with Euromast park is the safer bet.

Unlike other places on the list when going to Het Park you probably won’t encounter many people. I am not sure why, because the park is really nice. Maybe I am biased, because the location was very convenient for me given that it was 5 minutes away from my house, and 2 from my faculty. Nevertheless, if you enjoy reading a book while sitting on grass in a quite park, or feeding the ducks, this is a super option for you.

Historisch Delfshaven

This is a well known part of the town. Everybody came to see the historical part of Rotterdam, took photos of the Windmill and maybe had a drink in the Oude Sluis, but there is one spot that somehow escaped the spotlight. It’s a tiny raft in the canal with a bench on it. Recently, I went to Historische Delfshaven to that spot with 2 friends that have been living in Rotterdam for more than 2 years. Surprisingly enough even though they’ve been to Historische Delfshaven, they have never noticed this place. I guess it’s good that it was overlooked, so that I could have space and enjoy when I was there. Here are the photos of the spot, and *shhh* keep the secret for yourselves:

Oude Haven (Old Harbour)

This is a famous place in Rotterdam, and well deserved so. The unique cubic houses, the quirky red bridge, nice cafes and the old ships. It’s simply picture perfect, and to prove that statement here are some pictures:

Aloha Bar

Let’s count this as ‘’outdoor’’ because I specifically mean the terrace of the Aloha Bar. Aloha Bar used to be a pool a long time ago. Now it’s a cool bar, and you can assume why. It’s right on the river Maas and its tropical design will make you forget about your actual geographical location.

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Coolhaven (behind De Machinist)

There is a nice gazebo in Coolhaven with a sand ‘’beach’’, and wooden benches and tables. When you walk from Het Park or Erasmus MC towards the De Machinist, you will see it on the right side. Good place to have a drink with a few friends or a partner in an enjoyable intimate atmosphere.

Dakpark

Dakpark translated means Roof park and it is literally what it sounds. It is a park with a garden on the roof of several big shops and supermarkets. The design is simply brilliant.

Veerhaven

Another harbour on the list, this time without tourists, cafes and iconic houses. Therefore nice benches and a good view. Probably not a place to spend the whole day there, but certainly a nice place to drop by after work / lectures and have some ‘’me time’’. Another option which I really enjoyed is to cycle (or take a walk) from Erasmusbrug to Maastunnel. The whole ride along the river is pleasant and chill. Of course I mention it because Veerhaven is on that route as well.

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