Rotterdam

Postindustrial buildings and upcoming design scene

 Sweatshop Deluxe: Zaagmolendrift 35, Rotterdam

I like the concept of the store: upcoming dutch designers who have forever reasons problems to get into the labour market can produce their design products in the workshops behind the showroom. Most products are made out of sustainable or recycled materials.

Heading South of Rotterdam: Katendrecht

Winkelcafé De Zeeuwse Meisjes: Sumatraweg 13b, Rotterdam

Vintage finds, classics from ferm living and co. and beautiful designed postcards by local designers . Delicious brodjes (self-made bread) with salmon and self-made Senf or chesse with spanish pepper Marmelade.

North Rotterdam: Zwanshaals Straat and around

&Designshop: Zwaanshals 520, Rotterdam

Sleep

King Kong Hostel: Witte de Withstraat 74, Rotterdam

Inspiring design hostel with bohemian guests. Very comfy beds with high class linen. Clever: the dorms have ensuite bathrooms and extra WC. The lobby is a popular hang out for the locals around. We met the owner of the popular bar next door who gave us fabolous tips for less gentrified ares of Rotterdam. The hostel rents out bikes, but for 15,00 Euro/day they are rather expensive, so check out other places if you have time…

Parking

Parking in Rotterdam is horrible. Although there are enough parking slots on the street, it is impossible for a foreigner to take them as you need a Dutch mobile phone number to download the app for parking on the street. The only option in the city center is to drive into an overprized car park (about 20,00 Euro per day, depending on the area, at least 2,00 Euro/hour).

Park and Ride is the best option. The closest and best is Kralingse Zoom (8 min with the underground into the city center). A return ticket costs 6,00 Euro. Parking is for free.

Getting around

Take the chance to take a watertaxi to Hotel New York. A ride from one of the pick up points costs 3,00 Euro. I felt like in a James Bond film cruising to the other side. The watertaxi fits 6-8 people. From Hotel New York there you have a great view on the other side of Rotterdam. From there it is a stone’s throw to Katendrecht.

Clothes

Margreet Holsthoorn: Schilderstraat No.5, Rotterdam

Curated Fashion store with regular art exhibitions. Inspiring but Pricy.

Objet Trouvé: Pannekoekstraat 44A, Rotterdam