Things To Do
in Hoogvliet

A quintessential Dutch snack — often eaten with onions and pickles from market stalls or fish shops on the high street; try it standing at the counter or on the riverbank.

Must-Try!

Deep-fried savoury meat croquettes commonly served as a bar snack with mustard; find them in local cafés and brown bars around Marktplein.

Mini sweet pancakes and syrup waffles available at bakery counters and market stalls — great with coffee on a casual stop.

Small plates of Indonesian-inspired dishes are widely available in family-run restaurants and reflect Rotterdam’s colonial-era culinary legacy.

Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, Dutch snacks and occasional fish stands; ideal for trying herring, stroopwafels and local cheeses.

Small bakeries and ‘snackbar’ outlets on the high street sell croquettes, fries with mayo and other classic Dutch fast bites — convenient for a quick, cheap meal.

The Dutch value punctuality — be on time for meetings, tours and public transport schedules.

People are generally direct but polite; clear communication is appreciated. A brief greeting and thank you (even in shops) is common courtesy.

Be vigilant around bikes: cycle lanes are everywhere and cyclists have priority in many places. Look both ways before crossing cycle paths.

In private homes you may be offered to remove shoes; follow the host’s cue and accept if asked.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service in restaurants is common. For bars and cafés, people often leave small change. Taxi drivers and delivery couriers may receive a small tip for helpful service.

Contactless debit/credit cards (Maestro, V PAY, Visa, Mastercard) and contactless mobile payments are widely accepted; many local shops and cafés also accept PIN payments. Carry a small amount of cash for market stalls and very small vendors, though card is increasingly preferred.

Mild temperatures and blossoming parks; good for cycling and walking, though showers are common — pack a light rain jacket. Migratory birds arrive around nearby wetlands, making it a pleasant time for nature photography.

Warmest and sunniest time with long daylight hours; ideal for outdoor cafés, cycling and waterside activities. Popular spots can be busier and mosquitos may appear near reeds and still water in warm evenings.

Crisp air and colourful foliage in parks; often windy with occasional heavy rain and rapidly shortening days. Good season for dramatic skies and moody urban photography.

Chillier temperatures, occasional frost and short daylight hours; snow is possible but rare. Dress in layers and waterproof footwear — wind from the river makes it feel colder.

A network of paths around lakes east of Rotterdam offering varied routes for walkers, runners and birdwatchers; accessible by bike or short transit trip.

Large urban park with lakeside paths and wooded sections — popular for easy hikes, running and picnics.

Trails around the Brielse Meer provide lakeside and coastal landscapes with opportunities for longer day hikes and waterside views.

Rural island trails featuring dikes, farmland and small villages — good for peaceful, low-traffic walking and exploring Dutch polder scenery.

Closest airport (about 20–30 km); easy access via taxi, regional bus services and connections through Rotterdam centre. Handy for short-haul European flights.

Major international hub about 60–75 km away; reachable by train from Rotterdam Centraal and then local transport to Hoogvliet. Offers many long-haul and international connections.

A large portion of residents are working-age families who commute to Rotterdam and nearby industrial areas.

Hoogvliet has diverse communities including people with roots in Turkey, Morocco, Suriname, Indonesia and other countries, reflected in local shops and restaurants.

Established older residents who have lived in the area since post-war development form a stable part of the population.

Proximity to Rotterdam attracts commuters and some students who appreciate the quieter residential setting with good transport links.

The most popular sport in the Netherlands: local amateur clubs are active and many residents play or watch football regularly.

Cycling is both a sport and everyday transport — well-developed cycle paths and recreational routes are used for fitness and commuting.

Common community sports with local clubs in the Rotterdam metropolitan area; family-friendly and widely played at amateur level.

Sailing, windsurfing and canoeing are popular on nearby lakes like Brielse Meer and Rottemeren during warmer months.

Vegetarian options are widely available in bakeries, cafes and larger restaurants; Indonesian and Surinamese eateries often have vegetable-based dishes (ask for no fish or shrimp). Supermarkets carry plant-based alternatives.

Veganism is growing in the Netherlands — expect some vegan sandwiches and salads in cafés, and larger supermarkets nearby stock alternatives; always ask staff as smaller places may not have a full vegan menu.

Gluten-free choices are less ubiquitous in small neighbourhood eateries, but supermarkets and larger Rotterdam restaurants provide gluten-free bread and options; specify dietary needs when ordering.

Staff in local cafés and restaurants are generally helpful; carry translations or allergy cards in Dutch for clarity if you have severe allergies.