What’s your name, how old are you, and where are you originally from?
My name is Isabella, I’m 26, and I’m originally from Aruba, with Colombian roots.
What do you do for work?
I work as a Business & Brand Consultant, focusing on personal branding and storytelling on LinkedIn. Alongside that, I co-founded a small tiramisù business, Bottega da Dome, here in Rotterdam with my partner, which allows me to use my creative marketing hat. I’m also part of the Going Expat team.
Which neighbourhood in Rotterdam do you live in?
I live in Katendrecht, in the south of Rotterdam.
What do you like most about your neighbourhood?
What I love most is the contrast. It feels like a small community, but you’re still close to the city. There are so many good restaurants, new cultural spots, beautiful views of the Rotterdam skyline, and you’re right by the water. It has that creative, slightly edgy energy that makes Rotterdam feel like home.
How do you usually spend your weekends in the city?
My weekends are usually a mix of slow mornings and social moments. I love starting the day with a nice brunch at home, and then either working on my business, going to a food market, meeting friends, or just walking around the neighbourhood. Sometimes it turns into something spontaneous, like discovering a new restaurant or attending an event.
Where do you like to shop in Rotterdam?
I like shopping in the city centre, especially around areas like Lijnbaan. However, I also have Zuidplein mall nearby, where you can find everything you need under one roof.
Where do you usually buy your groceries?
Before, I used to go to Albert Heijn for convenience, but now I live next to a Jumbo, so I go there almost daily. For Caribbean or Latin ingredients, I usually go to the toko’s on Kruiskade or to Amazing Oriental. Luckily, Rotterdam has enough places that still make me feel close to home.
What’s your favourite museum in Rotterdam, and why?
I really like the Fenix Migration Museum. I’ve already been there twice because the exhibitions are very meaningful and close to my heart. My parents also migrated at a young age in search of new opportunities, and at some point I realised I did the same. I appreciate how the museum gives recognition to stories that are often overlooked.
Do you have a favourite restaurant or café in the city?
That’s a hard one because Rotterdam has so many good spots. My go-to café is Served in the city centre, and for a quick and nutritious meal I like Wok Express, especially for Chinese and Surinamese food. When it comes to restaurants, it really depends on my mood, but I often find myself going to Asian or Turkish places.
What’s Rotterdam’s best-kept secret, in your opinion?
Honestly, how underrated it is. Unlike other cities in the Netherlands, Rotterdam has its own identity: more modern, rawer, and more diverse. It feels like a city where you can really build something and grow, especially because it’s constantly evolving. There’s always space for new ideas and people.
And finally: what do you think could be improved in Rotterdam?
For a modern city, I think the metro stations could be improved. Some of them feel a bit unmaintained, and every time I go to Amsterdam, I feel like we could do better. People use the metro every day, so it deserves to look nice too.
Name: Jason Miller
Age: 34
Originally from: Portland, Oregon, United States
Profession: UX designer at a tech company
What do you like most about your neighbourhood?
Hillegersberg feels like a small village within the city. I love the lakes – the Bergse Plassen – and how quiet it is compared to the city centre. You get greenery, water, and still you’re just a short tram or bike ride away from downtown Rotterdam. It’s the best of both worlds.
How do you usually spend your weekends in the city?
Weekends are usually pretty active. I’ll go for a run around the lakes, grab coffee somewhere nearby, and then head into the city centre. I like exploring food markets, checking out architecture, or just biking along the Maas. If the weather is good, I try to sit outside as much as possible – something I didn’t appreciate enough before moving here.
Where do you like to shop in Rotterdam?
For clothes and general shopping, I usually go to the city centre, around Lijnbaan and the Koopgoot area. It’s convenient and has a good mix of international and Dutch brands. Occasionally, I’ll check out smaller boutiques for something more unique.
Where do you usually buy your groceries?
Mostly at Albert Heijn, it’s just easy and everywhere. But I also really like going to local specialty stores for fresh bread, cheese and produce. There’s something about the quality here that feels more intentional compared to big supermarkets in the US.
What’s your favourite museum in Rotterdam, and why?
I really enjoy Kunsthal. The variety of exhibitions is great – it’s never the same experience twice. One month it’s photography, the next it’s fashion or contemporary art. It keeps things interesting and accessible, even if you’re not a hardcore museum person.
Do you have a favourite restaurant or café in the city?
There are a few! I like places around the Oude Haven for the atmosphere, especially in the evening. For coffee, I tend to go for smaller, independent cafés – Rotterdam has a great coffee culture. And Indonesian food here is incredible – definitely something I didn’t have much exposure to back in the States.
What’s Rotterdam’s best-kept secret, in your opinion?
Honestly, I’d say how liveable it is. People outside the Netherlands often overlook Rotterdam compared to Amsterdam, but it’s more relaxed, less crowded, and feels more authentic in some ways. Also, the amount of green space and water around the city is underrated.
And finally: what do you think could be improved in Rotterdam?
If I had to pick a few things: the weather could definitely be kinder – but that’s out of anyone’s control. More seriously, I think it could be easier for expats to integrate socially. Dutch people are friendly, but forming deeper connections can take time. Maybe more community initiatives or social platforms would help bridge that gap. Also, while public transport is great, late-night options could be improved a bit, especially on weekends when you don’t feel like biking across the city in the rain. Overall, though, I feel really lucky to live here. Rotterdam has a kind of quiet confidence that grows on you the longer you stay.
What’s your name, how old are you, and where are you originally from?
My name is Laurie (pronounced Lo-r-ee in French, or like Laura in Dutch!), I am 36. I grew up in the South of France from a Sicilian mum and French dad.
What do you do for work?
After years in corporate as a Sales and Marketing professional in the superyacht travel industry, travelling the world, I am currently in transition building my own venture. I work in an amazing cafe/restaurant part time, whilst I build my community: I am a trained energy healing therapist, in a modality called Prana Healing (a cousin to the better-known reiki).
Which neighbourhood in Rotterdam do you live in?
I live in Schiebroek, in the north of Rotterdam, since October 2022 (and even just recently bought my first ever apartment with my partner!).
What do you like most about your neighbourhood?
It is a mix of cultures, super quiet and surrounded by parks! I love that I have easy access to Rotterdam Centre, but I am not too involved in the daily life of a busy city. We’re also really close to the airport without the inconvenient noise pollution of planes, close to a major highway, and also to the direct metro line to Den Haag – one of my favourite cities!
How do you usually spend your weekends in the city?
Staying away from the city! I love spending time in nature and on the beach, but also I love the Oogstmarkt on Noordplein! In summer we often meet friends in park for a barbecue (which we transport ourselves on the back on my bike!), take a cycling trip through the dunes behind The Hague or Hook of Holland, go camping in Zeeland, or go sailing on a lake! In winter, weekends are more for museums, cycling with the right layers, or staying cosy at home. I also love discovering new cities or villages in the Netherlands and Belgium. Since we live so close to the airport and train station, I also like to escape to the south of France in May or September – spending summer in the Netherlands is worth all the winter waiting right?
Where do you like to shop in Rotterdam?
I love second-hand shops for clothes, like Cheap Fashion or Episode or the Reshare Store. Generally speaking, I don’t like shopping so much, but a trip to Dille & Kamille always gives me lots of joy!
Where do you usually buy your groceries?
At the moment I go to Albert Heijn, a strategy established on convenience, and also sometime to the big markets in the centre. I am looking to get back to a more sustainable way such as the weekly fruit and vegetable boxes from local farmers – it makes me feel so much better to consume local and organic where I can!
What’s your favourite museum in Rotterdam, and why?
I have two: the Wereld Museum, because they always have amazing curated exhibitions about different topics; and Het Nieuwe Instituut because they also have great performances, a nice shop and cafe!
Do you have a favourite restaurant or café in the city?
It’s hard to focus on only one! For a day visit, I love On Other Drugs, Coppi, Oasis, and 33rd Street.For an evening, I love the ambiance at Le Nord, the Latin vibes and music at La Cazuela, and Osteria Sala Federico serves delicious Italian homestyle food!
What’s Rotterdam’s best-kept secret, in your opinion?
The easy access to the beach! Hint: I lived in Australia before coming here… I think it’s amazing that you can reach the coast by metro in 45 minutes.
And finally: what do you think could be improved in Rotterdam?
I don’t know if it is a cultural element, but I would love if markets could take place on Sundays… I mean, it’s great that many shops are open already, but I so enjoy a stroll on a Sunday, having some nice food and shopping for the coming week! Rotterdam is changing is a lot at the moment with the ‘green Centre’ being built. With more trees and greenery amongst the never-ending expansion of tall buildings, it will be a breath of fresh air and I am looking forward to it!
Name: Lerato Nkosi
Age: 31
Originally from: Johannesburg, South Africa
Profession: Marketing Consultant
What do you like most about your neighbourhood?
Delfshaven has a really unique atmosphere. I love the mix of history and everyday life – you’ll see old ships, historic buildings, but also lively streets with people from all over the world. It feels authentic and a bit less polished, which I personally enjoy.
How do you usually spend your weekends in the city?
My weekends are usually a balance between relaxing and socializing. I like starting the day with a slow brunch, then maybe visiting a park or walking along the canals. In the evenings, I often meet friends for drinks or try out new food spots. Rotterdam has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife if you know where to look.
Where do you like to shop in Rotterdam?
I enjoy going to the Markthal – it’s such a cool place, especially when friends visit. Besides that, I like browsing vintage shops and small independent stores. You can find some really interesting pieces that you wouldn’t get in bigger cities.
Where do you usually buy your groceries?
I usually go to Jumbo for convenience, but I also love visiting local Turkish and Asian supermarkets. They remind me a bit of the diversity back home, and you can find ingredients that make cooking much more exciting.
What’s your favourite museum in Rotterdam, and why?
The Maritime Museum really stood out to me. It gives you a sense of how important water and shipping are to the city. I didn’t know much about that before moving here, so it helped me understand Rotterdam better.
Do you have a favourite restaurant or café in the city?
I really enjoy cafés that have a relaxed, welcoming vibe, especially ones where you can sit for hours without feeling rushed. There are a few spots in and around Delfshaven where you can do that. I also love trying Surinamese food here – it’s rich, flavourful, and something quite new to me.
What’s Rotterdam’s best-kept secret, in your opinion?
I think it’s how creative the city is. There’s always something happening – small festivals, art installations, pop-up events – but they’re not always heavily advertised. You kind of discover them by being here and talking to people.
And finally: what do you think could be improved in Rotterdam?
One thing I’d mention is the weather – it can be quite grey for long periods, which takes some getting used to. Also, while cycling is amazing here, it can feel a bit intimidating at first as a newcomer. From a social perspective, it would be nice if there were even more spaces or initiatives specifically designed to connect internationals and locals in a natural way. Overall, Rotterdam feels like a city that grows on you. It may not be love at first sight, but once you understand its rhythm, it becomes a really special place to live.