See RotterdamThrough The Eyes Of One Of The City’s Top Visual Artists

Rotterdam has long been a magnet for creatives. No surprise, considering that when the historic city center was largely flattened in World War II, the city gave its people considerable artistic freedom in rebuilding this architectural blank slate. Today, this Dutch port city is a melting pot of cultures that ferociously embraces design-focused and inventive projects.

For example, as a delta city below sea level, Rotterdam is renowned for creatively working with water, rather than fighting it. And that includes such floating projects as a dairy farm, office building, accommodation, restaurant, solar park and much more.

"I can't imagine a better breeding ground for an artist like myself," says Tymon de Laat , 45, a Rotterdam-based visual artist who's best known for his vibrant street murals that are mostly inspired by his travels to Latin America, but also other international destinations. (He had spent a year traveling on a budget through Central and South America.) "I like to build bridges between cultures. By portraying different nationalities, I hope to show the diverse richness of the planet," adds de Laat. His dramatic, colorful murals bedeck walls all over the world, from Singapore to Mexico. In 2021, he painted a mural of the Eurovision contestant when the contest was held in Rotterdam. His art was projected on Petra, something that's only been done once before.

De Laat has also been invited to numerous noteworthy festivals. This year he was in Bristol in the UK, painting one of the main walls at Upfest, Europe's biggest street art festival. He also painted a wall near the STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam that's noted for its large collection of street art. (He has two pieces in their permanent collection.) And, most recently, the Walt Disney Company commissioned him to create his interpretation of their series, The Mandalorian. (You can find this outdoor mural on a wall at Amsterdam's NDSM Wharf.)

In Rotterdam, many of de Laat's creations are plastered on buildings in the city center, around Witte de Withstraat and Mariniersweg. In fact, there are so many of his works scattered through the city that a visitor may want to do a walking tour of their own to see them all.

His latest—it may be the most dramatic of 'em all—soars 115-feet high, adjacent to the iconic canary yellow Cube Houses designed by Piet Blom. The mural is also visible from Markthal that's hardly a traditional European covered food market. After all, the walls and ceiling of this expansive glass airplane hangar-like space are splashed with a fruit and vegetable mural so eye-poppingly bold it evokes an Alice In Wonderland ambience. Apartment windows gaze down upon the floor that's blanketed with restaurants, a supermarket and dozens of food vendors.

I spoke with de Laat about his recommendations on what he likes to do and where he enjoys eating and drinking in Rotterdam. Reflecting his passion and unique creative energy, these 10 spots are among his favorites, and you'll understand why by checking out his insider tips.

Cafe LaBru

With its mishmash of antique and vintage furnishings, Café LaBru is no ordinary watering hole. "It reminds me of a chic version of my first house in Rotterdam when I started painting, and I bought secondhand furniture to keep costs down. Here, the furniture is for sale if you fancy taking something home after a couple of drinks. (A good sales strategy, if you ask me.) Their liquor selection holds some quirky bottles, like banana rum (Bumbu), but I like a nice brown rum like Diplomatico or Appleton on the rocks."

In de keuken van Floris

At this restaurant, whose name translates to "in the kitchen of Floris," Chef Floris Versluijs prepares modern, imaginative (sometimes experimental) cuisine that appeals to the adventurous diner. "What I like the most about his cooking is that there's always a discovery of new flavors with ingredients I thought I knew. The last time my wife, Sam, and I were here, the Cauliflower Five Ways caught me by surprise. For me, experiencing new flavors is like exploring new countries or cultures."

Hans Worst

Dik, Vet en Lekker ("thick, fat and tasty")—the motto of Hans Worst, a decadent hot dog stand—says it all. Hans Bode and his family serve his organic sausages in a bun with cheddar cheese, wrapping it all in bacon and, after it's grilled, topping it with his signature homemade spicy black beer sauce. "I think New York serves a mean hot dog, but this puppy is a serious contender. The crispy bacon on the outside with the juicy sausage and melted cheese inside makes this a calorific taste bomb that will keep you going all day." He has a food truck stand in town on Friday, Saturday and Sunday on Beursplein.

Luxuriate in a wood-fired hot tub while cruising through the city's many harbors. "I gave HotTug as a gift to my wife and she was happily surprised, as I was. I had never experienced my hometown this way, enjoying a cold drink while bobbing along in this electro-powered 'human sous vide.' Taking the ride just before sunset makes it even better as you see the city light up, and it adds to the romance."

Bussing Brood

This traditional bakery has been around since 1899 — somehow it was spared from being destroyed during WWII. "It's in the Zalmhaven area where you will find big, stately mansions that used to belong to the harbor business people who were importing goods." This bakery is noted for its crisp crust breads. "I'm a big fan of the fougasse with sea salt and rosemary or their traditional Dutch worstebroodjes (like a sausage roll) that remind me of my childhood visits to my grandma." Many items sell out quickly here. "So, if I want to get my fougasse or olive bread, I need to get here before 1pm."

Kaas aan de Maas

This cheese shop that's stocked with a medley of different varieties is literally next door to Bussing Brood. "Combining the two makes for a perfect picnic beside the water—there are benches and tables by the old Zalmhaven Harbour. I think it's a must do on a sunny Rotterdam day." But your picnic can include more than just cheese (and bread), since this shop also sells bottles of wine, charcuterie such as bresaola, and more. "The people at this cheese shop are very friendly. They will slice your cheese into bite size chunks, and open your wine bottle, and provide you with glasses to take away. Make sure to try the Rotterdamse oude kaas, which is an old cheese with salt crystals; it's delicious."

With a South American centric menu that includes tacos with sea bass ceviche and gooseberries, and oyster mushrooms and pineapple, Botanero is also noted for making fine, creative cocktails. "If I ever have a night off and want to meet up with my friends, we usually go to Botanero. They have the biggest mezcal selection of Rotterdam and very skillful bartenders that know how to shake." The wall behind the bar is hung with some of their awards." In 2022, Gault and Millau named Botanero the Cocktail Bar of the year. "The Paloma cocktail—they make it from scratch—has notes of rhubarb and jasmine; it goes down faster than I'd like to admit. This is my go to drink when visiting David, the owner." Dine at Botanero and you'll see a colorful mural that de Laat painted of Don Valentin, a mezcal producer. "I visited him and his family when I was in Oaxaca."

Sabor Sabor

Here is an informal Mexican restaurant that serves such delicacies as quesadillas stuffed with stewed cactus, pumpkin flowers and Mexican corn mushrooms (huitlacoche). "By far, this is my most beloved and most authentic Mexican restaurant in Rotterdam. It's not flashy or fancy but, rather, a homestyle restaurant. Co-owners Alfonso and Liz will give you a big smile at the door as if you just arrived at your mom's place." Liz, the chef, was taught how to cook traditional Mexican food by her nanny, Doña Tonita. So, it's no surprise to find a vivid mural that de Laat did as a tribute to Doña Tonita. The aroma of genuine corn tortillas is intoxicating. "Whenever I'm here, I always order the bean soup with chorizo and Oaxacan cheese."

Station Bergweg

Set within a former circa 1907 train station—the old train signage and timetables on the notification board still hang about—this food hall will delight foodies. "Here you can grab a nice glass of wine or a locally brewed beer paired with a bite, and share it with friends." The exhilarating vibe is tangible, as many culinary entrepreneurs have set up shop here. You'll find everything from pintxos to pastries. "You can vary your meal, from an authentic ramen soup from Nikkou—give my favorite a try: the rich chicken broth version called Toripaitan Shio—to a smashburger from Stooges to a plate of oysters and pickles from Bar Pekel. Just make sure to come reasonably early as they sell out quickly."

Restaurant Tosca

This restaurant is like a time portal into Italy with its tantalizing and hearty Mediterranean cuisine. "Sometimes one finds the best things when they are least expected. While strolling around the Rotterdam Noord neighborhood with my wife, I noticed this little gem a year ago, even though it has been around for many years." Set on the corner of a square, this restaurant is especially inviting in nice weather. "The terrace is packed and many people keep cool with a good glass of Italian vino as they sit in the shade of the lusciously draped vines." The menu is diverse, including such items as Piedmontese beef tartare with autumn truffles, and fried mullet served with salt-cured pork cheeks and black chanterelles. Desserts, such as the pistachio sponge cake, are especially scrumptious. "One of our go to dishes is the polpo stewed in white wine, tarragon and tomato. But if you are in an adventurous mood, I recommend you ask Maarten, the manager, to just keep the best dishes coming until you're satisfied. You can't go wrong here."