Rotterdam
in South Holland

A go-to for sourdough lovers. Centrally located, Bas Bakt sits just off the bustle of Witte de Withstraat. A favourite among locals, it serves not only delicious morning pastries, but also a vast selection of natural wines and sandwiches come lunchtime. Our tip: don’t miss the pastrami croissant, which makes a great brunch. 
 

It feels only fitting that this museum of migration is housed in a historic harbour warehouse from 1923, overlooking the Holland-America quay where millions once departed on transatlantic journeys. Crowned by The Tornado - a staircase designed by MAD Architects that leads to a stunning rooftop viewpoint - traces stories of migration through the eyes of international artists such as Shilpa Gupta, Steve McQueen, Rineke Dijkstra and Kimsooja. After your visit, climb to the top to take in the skyline, then stop for a simit at O - Anatolian Café & Bakery on the ground floor or try one of the rotating pop-up restaurants at the Plein, where workshops and language courses take place weekly.

A sleek addition to Rotterdam’s new wave coffee scene. Founded by Jermaine Semil and Benjaro Hitipeuw, the minimalist space seamlessly mixes metal and wood, drawing inspiration from Scandinavian and Japanese design. But what really stands out are the big windows – great for people-watching. Expect excellent coffee from Bonanza and A Matter of Coffee, alongside a thoughtfully curated menu: granola bowls in the morning and a great chicken or mushroom melt sandwich for lunch, as well as a selection of baked goods including almond croissants, lemon poppy seed cake, and chocolate ganache waiting on the counter. 

For coffee that goes well beyond your usual flat white, make a sure to stop by SpiceKix. Slightly off the beaten track from Rotterdam’s city centre, this café and roastery has spent over a decade getting to know its beans, sourcing rare varieties from around the world and roasting them in-house. The team has a particular knack for ultra-light roasts, which bring out coffee’s more delicate, tea-like notes. The menu is just as adventurous, with spiced brews and gastronomic coffee and matcha creations made from scratch, each with its own unexpected twist. Pair your banana pudding iced flat white with one of the rotating seasonal pastries for the full experience.

In the sunniest corner spot on Noordplein by the Rotte, Wolly serves breakfast and brunch classics such as loaded pancakes and avocado toast alongside kimchi grilled cheese and soft brioche sandwiches filled with burrata and mortadella. The menu also features their rotating guilty croissants (think raspberry with rose or lemon meringue), plus a solid selection of specialty coffees. With a lively terrace overlooking the water, a laid-back interior and a running club setting off every Sunday at 8:30 am, it’s the ideal stop to start your day in Rotterdam.