Hey! My name is Stan Verspoor and I am currently studying two bachelor’s simultaneously: Economics and Business Economics, and Fiscaal Recht (Tax Law) at Erasmus School of Economics and Erasmus School of Law. I live in a student house in Kralingen with ten roommates, who all study here in Rotterdam. Of course, your time as a student is not all about studying; you should go out and have some fun too! It’s all about finding the right balance between hitting the books and enjoying your time here. Read along to get to know some of the student bars in Rotterdam.
Oude Haven
One of the most vibrant places in Rotterdam is the city's oldest port: Oude Haven. The Oude Haven is known for its beautiful, old buildings. Het Witte Huis, which you can overlook from the lively terraces in the Oude Haven, is Europe's first skyscraper. Nowadays, the Oude Haven is one of the most crowded places in Rotterdam, with several bars, restaurants, and terraces. In summer, this is the place to catch the most sunlight. Definitely a place to visit!
Hoekzight
Located in the heart of Kralingen, the neighbourhood known for housing the majority of Rotterdam’s students, Hoekzight is the place to be for students. Also known as the best bar in Kralifornia, Hoekzight is a pleasing place for all students in and around Rotterdam. The café has a warm, almost living room-feeling interior and even has a portrait of Desiderius Erasmus on the wall. Behind the bar is the heart of Hoekzight: bartender and manager Ramon. Ask him about his favourite stories and experiences, you’ll be entertained for hours.
In de Smitse
Closest to your lecture room is Café in de Smitse, the bar located on campus. The café is run by a team of enthusiastic students, who voluntarily spend a year running the bar. Their spacious bar fits up to 300 people, even more, when their terrace is open. After a tough day of lectures and tutorials, you can enjoy yourself with a cheap beer! With over 40 different types of beer, there is definitely something to your taste here.
Wunderbar
Located on the lively Witte de Withstraat, you can find Wunderbar. As a part of the alternative and cultural centre WORM, this is more than just a bar. Just go inside once and you will see for yourself! There are club nights, art exhibitions, music concerts, and more surprising performances. With never a dull moment, this place is full of surprises, especially if you are interested in arts and culture. Fancying a relaxed night? Just drinking a beer on the terrace is possible too.
De Gele Kanarie
Last but not least: De Gele Kanarie, a real Rotterdam pub located on both Goudsesingel and Binnenrotte. What makes this pub so special is that besides a wide menu, they also sell home-brewed beer. Moreover, you can see the beer tanks through the glass floor. Another highlight is the Rotterdam Marathon, you can cheer on your friends and acquaintances from De Gele Kanarie's terrace as they near the finish line!
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This item is part of Backbone Magazine 2025. From September 2025, the magazine can be found in E-building or Theil-building for free. Additionally, a digital copy will become available here. Backbone is the corporate magazine of Erasmus School of Economics. Since 2014, it is published once a year. The magazine highlights successful and interesting alumni, covers the latest economic trends and research, and reports on news, events, student and alumni accomplishments.
