The Weekender

Rotterdam By Gregor

About The Weekender

Our The Grey friends, family and ambassadors has grown into an amazingly interesting group of men based all over the world. And what better city guides than local heroes with exquisite taste for food, fashion, and culture to guide you through our world metropolises? Enjoy the inside information of our community.

" This time Gregor Jaspers shares his inside information in Rotterdam, the city he calls home. 

Gregor Jaspers  

- Founder of The Grey - 

"Gregor Jaspers is the man behind The Grey – the groundbreaking men's skincare brand revolutionizing the men's skincare industry. He's a guy with a love for great food and hospitality. That's why we asked him for the hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops to bookmark for your next trip to the inspiring city of Rotterdam."



Why do you love your city? 

Rotterdam  has evolved in to a bursting vibrant city with a lot of room for creative people, however on the surface this is hard to find you need to know your way around or have a friend take you by the hand and  then you will find the best venues with the most inspiring persons on unexpected location. this raw layer just below the surface makes rotterdam unique and unexpected. Having one of the biggest ports in the world makes that Rotterdam has a large multi-cultural demographic resulting in a  city rich in world cuisine and exotic  cultural locations.  

Describe your ideal Saturday in Rotterdam

My ideal Saturday would involve sleeping in a bit and waking up to fresh coffee and a new magazine in bed. Then, I'd slowly make my way towards the Noordplein market—a biological and artisanal marketplace located in the northern part of the center. Along the way, we'd pass by one of my favorite coffee place, "Man met bril," where we'd have a small breakfast and enjoy a perfect cappuccino before heading to the market. This market is a feast for enthusiasts of quality, as everything you see is grown, made, and prepared with love. After exploring the market, we'd venture into the center and take a leisurely stroll through ZOHO. We'd make a stop at "s’Zomers bloemen," a flower store with an excellent selection of flowers and small goods like perfume and candles. Continuing our journey down to the center, we'd move to Van Olden Barneveld straat, where we'd indulge in some fashion shopping at "Devastator"  "Ansh46" and "T0K10".  Following our shopping spree, we'd unwind at the terrace or hotel bar (depending on the weather) of "Morgan and Mees" for some drinks. Eventually, it would be time to head back home and prepare a wonderful dinner for a group of my closest friends. We'd enjoy a long summer evening in our small garden, overlooking the park. This, to me, is the epitome of an ideal Saturday!

Le Braci

What is your favorite neighbourhood?

If you're unfamiliar with Rotterdam, navigating the city can pose a bit of a challenge. Unlike traditional cities with a centralized downtown area, Rotterdam features a unique layout, characterized by smaller neighborhoods scattered throughout the city center. One particular area that I find particularly captivating is around the Museum Park and Euromast Park, which offer the best of both worlds. Here, you'll discover an array of museums, delightful parkside restaurants, (Parqiet) and charming bars tucked along the streets in between.  The Witte de Withstraat is also a vibrant hub, renowned for its lively bars and enticing eateries. Another personal favorite of mine is the vicinity around Pannenkoek Street and De Meent. This area is a treasure trove of independent fashion boutiques, captivating vintage shops, and noteworthy establishments such as Hendrikus and Nen Xavier. Despite being situated in the city center, this part of Rotterdam exudes a distinct charm, characterized by its lack of skyscrapers and the tranquil rhythm of its streets.

Were to stay?

My favorite hotel is Supernova, situated on 's-Gravendijkwal. This boutique hotel is owned by two young guys who are widely regarded as tastemakers within the city. The hotel boasts a delightful cocktail bar and offers charming garden rooms. Just recently, another gem named Morgan and Mees has emerged in the Museum Quarter. This new establishment features an exceptional restaurant and a late-night cocktail bar. The rooms are fantastic, and for those seeking a touch of luxury, they offer a suite with an impressively large terrace, providing an incredible panoramic view of the entire city.

Nice

Were to get the best coffee

 "Unfiltered" on Van Oldenbarneveldstraat is a minimalistic slow coffee bar with a great selection of coffees, and of course, "Man met Bril," who roasts their own blend on the spot. Another must-see is the recently opened "Nice" Coffee and Eatery, a fantastic small contemporary coffee bar at the end of Hoogstraat, perfect for enjoying coffee and lunch while immersing yourself in the local street culture.


Were to eat and drink 

For food, I love to go to Bar Simon, Viskantine aan de Cool, Marseille, Bar Berta, and La Pizza. I am a sucker for Thai cuisine, and Deli Bird on the Deliplein is the best in town. The upcoming area in the south of Rotterdam is worth a visit as it houses great restaurants and impressive architecture. For some more fine dining, I would recommend Heroine and Putain. Both locations are beautiful, but Putain is a floating restaurant in the harbor, so if you need to pick only one, this would be the one. For summer drinks, go to Biergarten and sit outside with all the locals. While you're there, check out the agenda of Annabel, our local pop podium; you might be surprised by the artists! Head to De Witte de With and go down to NRC for drinks, and don't forget the cocktail bar at Putain.  sum is simply dummy text

Shops we can't miss

When it comes to fashion, ANSH46, T0K10, and Devastator stand out as prime destinations, all located on one street—De van Oldenbarneveldstraat. These stores offer meticulously curated selections of fashion brands. For the finest vintage finds, a visit to Hendrikus and Nen Xavier on Pannenkoekstraat is a must. If you venture across the bridge to the southern part of Rotterdam, near Hotel New York, you'll come across Margreet Olsthoorn (or just Margreeth, as locals call her) and her distinctive fashion collection. Sneaker lovers should head to Woei. For skincare and perfume enthusiasts, Skins Cosmetics is the go-to spot, offering an unparalleled selection of the finest products in the realm.

Devastator

Places of interest

The Depot is undoubtedly worth a visit. While our primary museum is currently undergoing renovations, many of its exhibits are housed in The Depot, which is open for public viewing. It showcases a small yet exceptional selection of art. Additionally, the rooftop terrace offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the city. I highly recommend a trip to Kralingse Plas, our largest park and lake. It's a wonderful place to explore. And during a summer evening, consider grabbing a takeaway barbecue and heading to The Vroesen Park. Joining the locals for a barbecue session there can create a delightful and communal experience.

Depot

Your favorite local hotspot 

I adore the new hidden gem, Krozant. This place crafts homemade croissants with unexpected toppings in the basement of a parking garage—a truly intriguing concept that you simply must experience. Another hidden gem is my friend's establishment, Houtman and Menkveld, a deli offering the most exquisite cheese, ham, and canned foods. Situated by the side of the Euromast park and the riverbank, it's the perfect spot to gather your picnic essentials and head off to the park. As a cooking enthusiast, Kookpunt is a haven for me. It's the largest kitchen and food store in the Netherlands, with an extensive selection of barista tools as well. I enjoy spending time there, exploring new kitchen gadgets and perusing the latest cooking books. For a rainy day, I have a favorite spot—Kino, the ultimate independent movie theater. Arrive a bit early before your arthouse film screening to savor the best smash burger in town at their in-house restaurant, "NIKO." It's the ideal way to make the most of a gloomy day.


The Rotterdam List 

Below you will find all the addresses Gregor recommends. just click on the link and you will be redirected to their instagram page 

  • Man met Bril Koffie
  • s'Zomers Flowers
  • Devastator
  • Ansh46
  • TOK10
  • Margreet Olsthoorn
  • Morgan en Mees
  • Hendrikus
  • Nen Xavier
  • Super Nova
  • Unfliltered
  • Krozant
  • Nice
  • Magazijn Houtman en Menkvel
  • Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text

We take pride in our community and the diversity we have gathered around over the years. We love to share knowledge and the wonderful things in life, and sharing insider information is one of them. Great travels!