Start your day in the Zwaanshalskwartier in Rotterdam-Noord. This once poorly run-down neighborhood is nowadays very hip and is located around Zwaanshals-Zaagmolendrift-Zaagmolenkade-Noordplein. You will find vintage shops, trendy lunch shops, but also old-fashioned record shops.
Super breakfast
Start with a firm bottom at Lof der Zoetheid on Noordplein 1, where mother Anastasia and daughter Elena serve home-made delicacies. As a graphic designer and chef, Elena also creates special, tailor-made catering. Do you ever have one edible model seen based on designs from an architectural firm?
Vintage whiskey and clothing
Further on in the Zwaanshals you will find plenty of vintage shops and furniture stores. Do you prefer something vintage to quench your thirst? Then come in to Whiskeybase for a rare vintage whiskey, such as the Macallan from 1974 for the small price of 4.500,00 euros (Zwaanshals 530). At MNDS Shoes from designer Arlinda Mendes da Silva you will find unique designer shoes from herself and from small fashion houses around the world (Zwaanshals 508).
Art
Are you looking for unique works of art and prints for your home on the wall? Then go to the accessible and affordable Gallery Art Now at the Zwaanshals (290B). On the other side of this block, on the Zaagmolenkade, more (contemporary) art can be found at AAA Gallery (124).
If you are hungry again, at Olala Chocola near Lof der Zoetheid where the tour started, they have all kinds of cocoa delights! (Sawmill quay 194)
Did you know…
Every Saturday at the Noordplein the weekly farmers market Rotterdam Harvest takes place? You will find fresh products directly from the makers. Think of cheese, juices, soups, sambal and also 'just' vegetables and fruit. The first Saturday of the month is always the XXL version with 45 stalls, music and terrace with bar. And when you are there, walk through the multicultural and popular Zwart Janstraat for a unique Rotterdam atmosphere.
TIP:
Do you want to eat something special? Then walk in at Koek and Pan for a Roffin. A wad? A Roffin! That is Koek en Pan's own creation: a cross between a croissant and a muffin (Zwaanshals 430).
Next stop:
After a good breakfast, you naturally want a bit of exercise, fresh air and beautiful views. The Kralingse Bos is therefore a logical next step. You can easily get there with tram 7 (direction Woudestein). Get off at the Jericholaan stop, cross the road and walk fifteen minutes through the Jericholaan towards the lake!
