7 Best Bars in Rotterdam, Netherlands

The Netherlands' first bar owned by the renowned Scottish craft brewers has its own microbrewery on-site, making fine beers that are served on tap alongside an array of perhaps more familiar international guests. 

In business since 1977, Dizzy is the jazz café if you appreciate live music. A big terrace out back hosts both Dutch and international acts every Tuesday and Sunday. The café also serves good, reasonably priced food. Come early if you want a seat. Concerts and jamming sessions are free.

Part of the Fenix Food Factory, a former warehouse just across the water from the Hotel New York, this taproom of the Kaapse Brouwers brewery is one of Rotterdam's best hangouts for craft beer lovers, and has spectacular views of the city skyline from its waterfront terrace.

This one-room café a few minutes' walk east from Blaak station is a favorite among Belgian-beer enthusiasts, with a menu that tops 200 varieties, but best of all, it has an open log fire in winter. If it gets too crowded, there's a sister bar, Locus International, two doors farther west with the same menu.

Claiming---with good justification---to be among the smallest bars in the city, this timeless but tiny old brown café somehow still finds room to fit in a stage for hosting its Sunday night live music events.

Rotown, a high-style restaurant, has new-talent bands playing on Saturday night.