A popular after-work hangout serving (mostly) local craft beers and comforting bites. Take a peek at their in-house brewery through the glass floor in the back of the building, and taste the fruit of that labour by ordering the signature “Gele Kanarie”, a fresh, hoppy ale with hints of citrus.

This homely drinking den is the second outpost of Kaapse Brouwers, one of the leading breweries in Rotterdam’s burgeoning craft-beer scene. Choose from one of more than 20 brews on tap, or ask for their ever-changing specials. Apart from innovative new beers, they often pour small-batch artisanal spirits such as jenever (a type of gin) by Filosoof Jenever and various natural wines.

Aloha Bar proves that no place is too crazy for Rotterdam’s fearless restaurateurs; this bar-cum-restaurant is nestled in the whitewater course of a former indoor swimming park. With a simple but solid cocktail – and wine list and prime views of the mighty Maas river, their outdoor terrace (located in the former outdoor pool area) is one of the best spots in town for a G&T at sundown.

Rose Rouge bills itself as a “hotel bar, minus the hotel” and has all the quirks of an Instagram hotspot: millennial pink walls, floral wallpapers, velvet-and-chrome furnishing and rainbow-hued drinks. Yes, it is a little gimmicky – but it’s not all show; the photogenic cocktails are expertly crafted with small-batch spirits and surprising ingredients like yuzu, rhubarb and edible glitter.