What can you do in the popular Wijnhaven-area as expat or tourist?

This part of Rotterdam is located in the heart of the city center. Well-known landmarks are located here, like the Red Apple or the 'Witte Huis'What can you do when you are living in or visiting the ‘Wijnhaven-area’?

After the second World War the Wijnhaven-island has become a popular area for housing companies. In the Eighties the city council decided that the development plan had to change. The island needed to house more people. Since this change the island has been reorganised and flats have been rising from the ground. The most well known flat might be the ‘Red Apple’, a 127 Meter high building with iconic architecture. Off course Riva offers apartments in this striking skyscraper.

Architecture

The Wijnhaven-island has been one of the eye catchers the last couple of years. Flats like the ‘Red apple’ (127 Meters), Waterstadtoren (109 Meters), 100Hoog (106 Meters) and the Scheepmakerstoren (88 Meters) are often set as subjects for modern architecture photographers. In 2019 a new flat called Up:town has also risen and compliments the red of the ‘Red Apple’ with green elements.

Food

From the ‘Red Apple’ it is a small step towards having dinner at some of the best restaurants in town. Well known restaurants situated at the Wijnhaven are Encore and Fjord. Encore is a grill bar where lots of different grilled meat and fish are being served. Fjord is located in the Coopvaert-tower and is a well known restaurant where lots of fish is on the menu. 

Are you a vegetarian or not preferring meat for once? Than Rozey might be the place. This all you can eat-restaurant is very popular and we suggest that you reserve a few weeks in advance. Another popular restaurant is ‘The Poké Box’. As the name already suggests it is a restaurants where you can make your own poke bowl.

Vessel 11

One of the other highlights is Vessel 11. This cafe-restaurant has become one of the most popular dining places located in the Wijnhaven-area. It is a red boat located nearby Westblaak and Maritiem Museum and serves classic British meals. Scones, fish & chips or a full English breakfast are no strangers at this place. At night bands you can enjoy bands play live music in the hull of the boat.

Plein 1940

When finishing your lunch or dinner you should visit Plein 1940. This square has a statue of a man without a heart and is created by the famous artist Ossip Zadkine. It symbolises the feeling the people had after the destructive bombing of Rotterdam during World War 2. The city center was almost completely vanished and needed to be rebuild. Let’s be honest, we did a pretty good job! 

During the Winter season there will be a Winter Wonderland located at ‘Plein 1940’. During the IJsvrij Festival you can skate, play games, enjoy a fireplace and drink hot chocolate while listening to marvelous live music.

Cultural hotspots

Next to the square is Maritiem Museum. In this museum you can discover the enormous effect that shipping has on our daily lives. Kids can enjoy Professor Splash. It is all about the old and new maritime. It has a wonderful open air area where you can see and enter loads of old boats. It has lots of exhibitions about smuggling, sea animals, offshore and more.

Another interesting museum in the Wijnhaven-area is the Mariniersmuseum. It is all about the Dutch Navy. From the founding of the Navy till Word War 2 and modern missions.

The old harbor and 'Het Witte Huis'

When visiting the ‘Mariniersmusem’ you can see the old Harbor and the oldest skyscraper of Rotterdam ‘Het Witte Huis’. ‘Het Witte Huis was built in the 19th century and it was the first skyscraper in the Netherlands! Later, spies of Germany and Great-Britain were stationed there during World War 1. Now it is one of the most well known landmarks of Rotterdam.

The old harbor is a popular area for people to have a drink. Restaurants like Stockholm and Kade 4 are popular choices and after having dinner there you can have a little dance at The Social Club or drink a cocktail at one of Holland’s best cocktail bars: Noah.

This apartment on the Haringvliet is conveniently located near this vibrant part of town.

Other need to knows:

Hot Tug: Next to Vessel 11 you can rent a hot tug. This is a hot tub on the water with a motor. The best thing is that you don’t need any license to use it!

Boompjes and ‘De boeg’: Fancy a walk along the Maas river and enjoy the sunset? Then ‘De Boompjes’ is your best bet. During your walk you will pass a monument called ‘De Boeg’, which remembers 3500 merchants who lost their lives during World War 2.

Comedy Club Haug: Along the boulevard of the Maas river there is a stand-up comedy club located where well known comedy artists, but also young talent are trying to make you laugh.

Willemsbrug:  Rotterdam has several well known bridges. The Erasmusbrug, ‘De Hef’, but also the ‘Willemsbrug’. This bridge is known for its red color and interesting shape.

Munch Rotterdam: This club has replaced another club which was located in the same building beneath the Willemsbrug and ópend it’s doors last october.

De vrienden live: Want to experience a real Dutch party, with mainly Dutch music? Than a visit to ‘De vrienden live’ might be an option for you.