Walking the streets of Katendrecht

Being Rotterdam’s former red light district, Katendrecht is shaking off its bad rep big time and slowly becoming one of the coolest hoods in town. One can’t but wonder how life used to be in this part of town, when lonely sailors came to Katendrecht to have some good old fashioned fun. Join me for a walk following in their footsteps and visiting the best spots Katendrecht has to offer.

All hands on deck! Brace yourself for a change of scenery. We’re heading over to the berlinesque part of town. Our first stop is Fenix Food Factory. An old warehouse turned foodie heaven with a neighbouring school. A circus school that is. No, you’re not drunk yet. But let’s give it a shot by trying a local beer. Sit down outside like a sailor on shore leave watching boats go by and admiring the view of Hotel New York. The Grand old lady is still going strong in the midst of her younger skyscraping siblings. Nowadays a hotel and restaurant, Hotel New York once served as headquarters of the famous Holland America Line, operating cruise and cargo lines from Rotterdam to North America.

Chasing girls
Passing Posse – an espressobar, gallery and restaurant all put into one – on your right hand side, cross the street to Deliplein. A small triangle shaped square lit by coloured light bulbs were kids are playing and small restaurants have opened.  How big the contrast with the place I imagine it used to be, when sailors were chasing girls, spending their precious free time in sleezy bars and skimpy floozies standing in door openings inviting their Johns in.

Fishy dishes and beautiful bouquets
Wander around a bit and if your feet fancy a break, sit down at one of the restaurants for a coffee or a bite to eat.  There’s seafood restaurant Kaap, opt for Bistrot du bac’s excellent French bistro cuisine, have a tasty plate of Pad Thai at Thai restaurant Delibird, try Rauw’s raw health food, stop by for tea, cake and some shopping at Zeeuwse meisjes or enjoy a drink and an intimate concert at Kopi Soesoe. Take your pick! If you’re in need of a different kind of pick me up, pay a visit to MK floral design for the prettiest seasonal flowers in town.
In the corner of the square have a look inside restaurant De Matroos en het Meisje. The restaurant’s name – translated as The sailor and the Girl – and interior in blue and white reminds us of a notorious nautical past. Aswell as Walhalla theatre, an infamous dance club back in the day. If only walls could talk…

Deck scrubbing cuties
Go around the corner and hop in at Bleij to enjoy some Italian ice cream. Crossing the island you know where to go when ss Rotterdam emerges on the horizon. This converted cruiseship has dropped anchor for good and was turned into a hotel in a tasteful fifties style just a few years ago.

When in dire need of some sleep, sailor’s night on the town obviously has ended for you. But… not quite yet. You’ll find a picture perfect view right on the promenade deck.  No deck scrubbing handsome sailors here anymore, but deck chairs and a small pool overlooking Katendrecht, Euromast and Erasmus bridge. Just the place to say your last goodbyes to the city. Off to the next shore leave and a new city to discover.

Retro revival
If you’re curious about Katendrecht’s infamous past and want to join the locals for a trip down memory lane, you might like going to Nacht van de Kaap festival being held every September. People get dressed up as sailors, sing tear-jearkers and turn shops and restaurants into bars for an evening. But if I were you, I wouldn’t wait for that long.