Rotterdam is a hefty city. And that's putting it mildly. So if you want to spend a day out, where do you start? The offer is overwhelming, the city is vast, and before you know it, you are mostly walking without really seeing anything or hanging out in the Koopgoot. That's why we asked our followers about their favourite sustainable hotspots in 010. The result? A super fun green route along fine spots that will make you happy!
Day trip in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is not a city where you get bored easily, quite the contrary. It is more likely that you will not see the wood for the trees. Because where do you start in a city with so many great things? Online, you will mainly find the well-known highlights and hotspots, but if you want something a bit different, you have to search a bit harder. And then everything is pretty far apart. Our idea? Grab a public transport bike or borrow one from your hotel, and follow our sustainable route on wheels. This will take you to surprising places off the beaten track, far away from the Koopgoot. We went for a night ourselves, but this green route is also perfect for a well-filled day out!
Thrift shopping in Rotterdam
For this green day out, we chose a route all about... recycling! Because what could be more fun than wandering around among second-hand finds in new places? Especially in a city like Rotterdam, where the best second-hand shops are often located just outside the city centre. And that's exactly why this is such a good idea: you get into cosy, less touristy neighbourhoods, discover a different face of the city ánd you can do a lot of browsing. Our tip? Limit yourself to two or three shops, that way you will have enough time to take in the surroundings and have a coffee here and there.
One of our favourite discoveries was Thrift shop Rotterdam, tipped off by several followers. Tucked away in an alley in the Blijdorp district, this shop looks quite modest from the outside. But appearances are deceptive, because inside, a gigantic space full of surprises unfolds. From clothes by the kilo to antiques, kitsch to art - everything is delightfully mixed together. It almost feels like walking through a museum where you get to touch (and buy) everything. We have visited quite a few thrift shops in the Netherlands, but this one is really special. Other second-hand tips from followers that are definitely worthwhile: Dear Hunter, Rataplan at South, Vintage on the Meuse (check calendar for this vintage market), Curious, Zwaanhals Rotterdam-Noord (shopping area, often tipped), Slow Down store (also in Blijdorp!), Terres des Hommes shop, Again & Co (often tipped!).
Kringloopwinkel Rotterdam in Blijdorp is a huge thrift shop with bargains and precious antiques and curiosities mixed in! You'll feast your eyes! Watch the coverage of our visit here!
Lunch tip Rotterdam: vegetarian buffet restaurant Spirit
Time for a break? Then Spirit highly recommended. This organic and vegetarian restaurant in Rotterdam was massively tipped by our followers, and rightly so. You scoop yourself what you like from the extensive buffet, and pay by weight. We had a well-filled plate for around 15 euros. Everything is fresh, colourful and good. And also convenient: you can join us here for breakfast, lunch or dinner without booking. By the way, Spirit is in the Green Passage, a mini-hallway for sustainable types. In this small shopping centre, you will also find a fair fashion store, an eco-supermarket and a shop full of books and gifts with a green heart. So nice to look around after your lunch!
Spirit is a perfect place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everything is vegetarian and organic, it's good value and you can get in without a reservation!
Visit the Dakakker
After lunch, you can of course continue shopping, but you might also feel like seeing something else at some point. Then DakAkker a nice change. On the roof of the Schieblock you will find one of the largest harvestable roofs in Europe. Here, vegetables, fruit and flowers grow in the middle of the city. Our tip is to take a coffee break here at Ted's Place, the cosy rooftop café next to the field. With views over the city, your cappuccino tastes extra good. If you want to know and learn more about the Dakakker, you can take a attend a workshop or schedule a visit (It is not publicly accessible).
Dine at sustainable restaurant the Rotunda
End your day at De Rotonde restaurant, a cosy fine dining restaurant where everything is about vegetables, fire and surprising flavours. No standard veg dishes here, but creative combinations you won't easily taste anywhere else. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, with an open fire on which to cook. They are famous for their onion oil, an addictively delicious dip you can add to a sourdough flatbread gets. Many people come back especially for it (and yes, you can also buy it to take home). The menu changes with the seasons, but one thing remains the same: vegetables always play the main role. Tip: book in time, because you are not the only one who has heard of this place. Is it full? Then check if you can go next door, eatery Bar Bend belongs to the same owner. They even share the entrance.
At Rotonde restaurant, enjoy vegetable cuisine with a fire. Very atmospheric! Watch the video of our visit!
Sustainable hotel in Rotterdam? Check out The Usual!
Prefer not to go home after such a well-rounded day? Then book a room at The Usual. This hotel fits he-all on your greener-in-Rotterdam list. The Usual has a serious sustainable mission and they love to show it to you. Or as the locals say: ‘don't bullshit, but clean up’. They measure everything and share their progress honestly in an annual Impact Report. Some fun facts? Here's one: they run on 100% green energy, use circular and bio-based materials in the interior and for every booking they donate 1 kilo of river waste and 100 litres of clean drinking water to a project in Nepal. By 2024, the counter already stood at 15,926 kilos of waste and almost 4 million litres of water. And the best part? You can also just walk in here for a good cup of coffee at the bar.
Looking for a nice and affordable hotel in Rotterdam? Then check out The Usual! Also sits in a AAA location: Westblaak! It doesn't get any better than this!
Day out in Rotterdam with sustainable theme!
As you can see: Rotterdam is bursting with green gems, if you know where to go. Whether you come for the cycles, the special food or a sustainable night out, this route will give you a day (or two) full of surprises. And the beauty? You'll discover a different side of the city, off the beaten track. So hop on that bike and be surprised. Do you have a golden green tip in Rotterdam yourself? Let us know, because we would love to visit this great city again!
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl, other: Ruth Nije Bijvank (Rotonde restaurant).
