Zwaanshals, the trendy little street in Rotterdam
You'll know you've reached your destination when you see a giant swan on one of the facades of the houses, that's where it starts Zwaanshals street . It barely has five blocks but, if you walk through it, you will see first-hand the concentration of interesting places in such a tiny street that causes you to spend hours walking along it. Just a tip, pay attention to the numbering (it's a bit strange).
THE UNIVERSE OF WHISKEY
In the number 530 is located Base Whiskey , a store where the only thing you can buy is this type of alcohol. A spectacular temple with hundreds of references and varieties coming from all over the world, even from corners that you would not imagine that made whiskey. In addition, its employees, highly qualified and knowledgeable about this world, explain the history and origin of each of the bottles that are in the premises. And as a bonus, they take you to their “ interactive area” presided over by a large screen that covers the entire globe without moving from there; the ingredients and quantities of each bottle, its degrees, its peculiarities, even an option that is to become a member to write down all the whiskeys that you buy and try. Similarly, not far from there appears, passing a small passageway, the newly opened factory of the most famous craft beers in Holland (with permission from Mr. Heineken), the Brouwerij Noordt whose label presides over some of the best establishments in Rotterdam.
At number 474, vintage coffee
A DELICIOUS CUP OF COFFEE
In one of the corners is the cafeteria Hopper Noord specifically in the number 474 that you will recognize by its vintage aesthetic reminiscent of American bars. Here you can have a coffee but not a normal one, on the contrary, special one since it has more than ten varieties that, at the same time, can be made in five different ways. Also if you fancy a snack you can taste some of its pastry delicacies or a piece of their freshly baked bread.
If, on the other hand, you are more of tea in Tea Village ( 337A ) you can find many varieties and a small shop where you can buy accessories for your home.
For lovers of caffeine (and design)
It's the same day with good weather in the city, so the stop is at ** Koen ** (no. 317 ) to have a delicious ice cream. A recommendation? The facade of this ice cream parlor is so original (with a clear art deco style and striking graffiti) that it deserves to be photographed for the memory.
Artisanal ice cream in Koen
THE POWER OF KITCHENS
It is true that it is not usual to do tourism and investigate and snoop in kitchen stores, but the rules are there to break them and this occasion deserves it. It is not because they have something that you cannot find in Spain, but because the establishments Kook Punt occupy an entire block divided into small shops dedicated entirely to cooking : from one to the world's cookbooks; another for crockery, kitchenware and table accessories; another for various appliances and even a bar where you can taste sushi, tapas and even oysters as well as having various cooking courses during the week.
SHOPPING TIME
The first thing to decide is whether we are more interested in clothing or decoration because both options have a wide range. If we opt for the first, we have made for me , a t-shirt shop with fun drawings. Also, the craft shop-workshop Elle Aime in a corner where in addition to being able to sign up for an interesting course you can buy an accessory, a postcard or a keyring.
Two portals from there appears ha wol with all kinds of natural fiber wool and a large round table where you can enjoy organic tea or lemonade. For lovers of second-hand clothes there are two options, on the one hand ** Margootje Vintage ** , where you can find vintage dresses and Jouw Markt kraam, a giant store with room for household items, bracelets, clothes, accessories...
If, on the contrary, you prefer the decor option you have **Nest**, a store where chairs, sofas and armchairs of all colors are sold and upholstered. ** Antiquariaat Zwaanshals ** is an antique shop where you can buy anything from a small ashtray to a table from the last century. In-Design Shop deserves a visit for the variety of naive products that it has and finally, CS Vintage Furniture is a showroom and store of contemporary furniture, lamps and decorative objects.
IF YOU GET HUNGRY...
You have two culinary offers to choose from menu. In Allegaartje ( #277A ) serve Korean food with the peculiarity that they try to use as many organic ingredients as possible in each dish . Attention to your barbecue from Wednesday to Sunday.
Korean food like you've never tasted it before
The other excellent option is Zino Urban Bistro (No. 265). A small restaurant frequented by the locals of the area that is characterized by its cozy decoration, its varied wine list and its simple but very exquisite food.
ON THE OTHER HAND
The parallel street also deserves to be traveled. We refer to Zaagmolenkade . With fewer shops and restaurants than the previous one but with many interesting places to visit. Starting from the top you run into **Bertmans (number 15)** which you'll recognize by its red brick wall; a one hundred percent organic space where they stand out gluten-free and vegan dishes for breakfast or lunch.
organic rules
From the same owner and next door is ** Destino ** which, as its name suggests, is Spanish food but with an excellent reputation throughout the city.
The Spanish gastro touch
then appears Olga Korstanje (number 40) a designer who has set up her studio-shop where, in addition to manufacturing very trendy leather bags and accessories, she has other brands such as Ellen Truijen or the well-known Susan Bijl.
Chocolate with more flavors
Do you fancy a chocolate? In **Olala Chocola** ( 194 ) you can try them in a thousand flavors such as mango, strawberry or banana. And already at the end of the street on the corner is Lof der Zoetheid, a place run by a mother and daughter is known for its delicious cakes and organic afternoon tea.
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Mother and daughter sharing family pastry recipes