Shopping
Beurstraverse and Downtown
The biggest shopping area is to be found on the streets around Hoogstraat and the underground mall Beurstraverse, which connects Beursplein with the subway station Beurs and the shops along the Lijnbaan on the other side of Coolsingel. There is a never-ending mix of shops downtown, among them many international chains. Opposite to the Central Station you will find the department store Plaza. If you take the eastern exit, you’ll end up in the Karel Doormanstraat, where you can buy everything from elegant watches to tailor-made costumes.
Binnenrotte
On the main square in central Rotterdam, there is a market every Tuesday and Saturday 09-17.
Delfshaven
You can buy unique dresses at “Jos Exler”, Havenstraat 33, a wedding dress at “Victor”, Havenstraat 47 A, and old street signs and things at “Bully’s Fifties”, Havenstraat 51 A. This area is also a good Sunday alternative. Some shops may be closed, but there are so many shops and galleries that you will always find something open.
De Lijnbaan
This is the oldest shopping mall in Rotterdam as well as Europe, and you can really walk around here for hours! Most parts are covered, so you are safe from bad weather.
Nieuwe Binnenweg
Nieuwe Binnenweg is a trendy area with lots of second-hand stores, furniture shops and music stores. “El Totem” at № 60 sells furniture and earthenware from Mexico and Morocco. Further down at № 72, “Fabricati” sells furniture and ridiculous gifts. If you are planning a party night, there are several cool fashion stores, like “The Black Widow” at № 13 B, or “Sister Moon” at № 89 B.
De Oosterhof & Alexandrium
In the north you will find Oosterhof, a modern indoor shopping mall. The newest part of Alexandrium is an ultramodern furniture boulevard, where you find just everything for your home.
Witte de Withstraat
If you are looking for something different, take the subway to Eendrachtsplein. From there, it is not far from Witte de Withstraat. Here you find modern galleries like “Mama” at № 31 and “XX Multiple Gallerie” at № 77. And why not stop by at “RSI The Attraction” at № 57, where you can buy and rent (!) roller skates.