The Best Bars in Rotterdam

Ready for a night out at some of the best bars in Rotterdam? The city is well known for its exciting nightlife and late-night scene. From nightclubs to ultra-local ‘brown cafes,’ Rotterdam has options for any type of celebration. So, whether you want to dance the night away or meet a friend for one or two quiet beers, make the Netherlands’ second-largest city your next destination!

But finding the perfect spot can be tricky. Plus, no one likes endlessly searching for the next place on the bar crawl. So, to make things easy and keep the drinks flowing, we’ve compiled a short list of our favorite bars in the city.

Get the beers in; here are the best bars in Rotterdam! (in no particular order!)

Bokaal

A bit of a Rotterdam classic and loved by tourists and locals alike, Bokaal should be part of any self-respecting Rotterdam bar crawl. Occupying a corner of Nieuwemarkt, Bokaal is welcoming in summer or winter, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Its expansive beer, wine, and spirits menu ensures you will only stay thirsty for a short time, plus you’ll find all of the Dutch bar snacks well represented. Whether looking for a spot for a cozy date or to catch up with a group of old friends, look no further than Bokaal.

THOMS

Perfectly placed in the city center, THOMS is a bar/restaurant combo consistently serving great vibes and even better drinks. With a diverse food menu, THOMS gets busy for lunch and dinner and is popular for the after-dinner crowd late into the night. Sleek and industrial, the decor evokes London’s trendy east end, while the beer, wine, and cocktails on offer make leaving for your next stop a difficult decision. They even brew and sell their own range of house beers.

c. Paddy Murphy’s

Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub

What bar list is complete without a nod to the humble Irish bar? A Rotterdam icon, Paddy Murphy’s is the spot in town to soak up some luck of the Irish. Unassuming from the outside, Paddy Murphy’s is lively, with regular live music and events, including the famous ‘Monday Night Bingo’. If you’re looking for a spot to watch live sports, such as rugby, football, or everything in between, you’ll find it here over a pint of Guinness or a glass of whiskey. Embrace their outlook and ‘join the craic!’.

c. Wikipedia

Vessel 11

Ready to hit the high seas? Well, how about just dockside? Vessel 11 is a restaurant, bar, and live music venue set within the floating hull of a historic lightship. Climb aboard to find a British gastropub menu and an eclectic range of drinks. Vessel 11 boasts live music events in the ship’s bowels, in the ‘belly bar,’ while quizzes and more happen in the bright and striking ‘bow bar.’ For an evening of food and drinks that wouldn’t look out of place in a Wes Anderson flick, find a berth aboard Vessel 11.

c. huismeester

De Huismeester

Centrally located, De Huismeester brings some Spanish flair to the party. Expect food and drinks with a hint of the Galician hills or the cobbled streets of Barcelona. A long drinks menu has you covered, from tap beers to high-end wines, spirits, and a selection of tasty cocktails. There’s also a great food menu, complete with some Iberian snacks perfectly paired with some sangria. For throwing a fiesta, add De Huismeester to your list!

c. De Witte Aap

De Witte Aap

A well-known spot on the Rotterdam bar landscape, de Witte Aap is in the heart of the Rotterdam art scene. With a drinks selection ranging from craft beers and whiskies to cocktails, wine, and liquors, there’s something for everyone on Witte de Withstraat. If you’re looking for a more exciting evening, check out one of their many weekly events, such as karaoke.

c. Bierboutique

Bierboutique

Just a few short, hazy steps from de Witte Aap is Bierboutique. The specialty here is, you guessed it, beer! With a seemingly endless beer menu, Bierboutique is a craft beer lovers’ dream. With outdoor seating perfect for a summer afternoon and a cozy interior, Bierboutique is rapidly becoming one of the most popular bars in Rotterdam. If beer isn’t your thing, the menu also features a selection of other drinks and some tasty snacks to keep you going until dinner. If you’re an Untappd user, be sure to grab your badge!

Brewpub Reijngoud (and Belgisch Biercafe Boudewijn)

Two for the price of one! Set in a striking industrial space, this brewpub boasts over 20 beers on draft and hundreds more behind the bar. Be sure to check out their house-brewed selection and save room for a snack or dinner! Also available to hire as an events space, this is an excellent option for larger groups or for planning a special celebration with friends and family! A second location, Belgisch Biercafe Boudewijn, is also worth a visit for fans of Belgian beers and a more intimate setting!

c. Eingendom

Wijnbar Het Eigendom

Why not take a break from the beer and choose a more sophisticated option? This wine bar offers a broad wine menu by the glass and by the bottle, with food pairings and an atmosphere to match. The intimate and high-class interior will be the cherry on top for a perfect date night, especially with Wijnbar Het Eigendom’s food menu! Also located on Witte de Withstraat, Wijnbar Het Eigendom is a local favorite. Don’t overlook the high wine!

Rotownrotterdam, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Rotown

Did we save the best until last? Maybe! Rotown has been described as the beating heart of Rotterdam. Part live music venue, part hip and happening bar, Rotown is the city’s premium rock and indie venue. Also boasting a plant-based food and snacks menu, Rotown is the perfect spot for music lovers or those who want to see what the city is all about. Keep an eye on their expansive events and concerts list – there’s always something new to experience at Rotown.

Read Also: The Best Indian Restaurants in Rotterdam

So, ready for another drink? While not all-encompassing, our list gives a solid foundation for any good Rotterdam bar crawl. Whether you stay in the center or feel more adventurous, the city is packed with bars perfect for everyone. What is your favorite bar in the city?

Whether you’re a beer lover, a wine connoisseur, or a party animal, Rotterdam promises a fun night out. Have fun, stay safe, enjoy some Dutch bar snacks, and most importantly, proost!