Rotterdam with a Dog felt modern, calm, and kind on our first day with Cookie.
After arriving from the ferry, we had only a few hours to explore.
Therefore, this piece follows our first steps, with calm walks and small challenges.
- From Hoek van Holland to Rotterdam with a Dog 🚆
- Pet-Friendly Cube Houses 🟨
- Exploring Rotterdam’s Canals, River & City Vibes 🌉
- An Open-Air Shopping Area Made for Walking 🛍️
- Pet-Friendly Café Stop: The Neighbourhood Café ☕
- A Date with Your Dog: Dog-Friendly Restaurants by the River 🍽️
- Rotterdam Central Food Hall 🍜
- Pet Etiquette in Rotterdam 🤍
- Good to Know When Visiting Rotterdam with a Dog 📝
- Final Thoughts 🌷
- Key Takeaways 🔑
- FAQs About Rotterdam with a Dog ❓
- Your Turn 💬
TLDR 🔍
- Rotterdam is easy to explore with a dog, even on a short stop.
- Dogs are allowed on metro, tram, and bus with simple rules.
- You can visit one Cube House with a dog, but the art cube has different rules.
- Finding indoor dog-friendly cafés can take effort, but kind moments make it worth it.
- A calm walk, one café, and a riverside view are enough for a gentle first taste of the city.
From Hoek van Holland to Rotterdam with a Dog 🚆
We arrived at Hoek van Holland early that morning by ferry with Stena Line.
The metro station is right outside the ferry terminal.
So, starting Rotterdam with a dog felt simple from the very first step.
We started our journey using the pet-friendly Dutch metro, and Cookie immediately settled into her buggy, curious and calm.
We hopped on the yellow metro line from Hook of Holland.
It was an easy and scenic route that took us straight to Rotterdam Beurs, with no transfers needed.
The ride was smooth, quiet, and surprisingly relaxing.
People smiled at Cookie.
In fact, several passengers even stopped to chat about how friendly public transport in the Netherlands is for dogs.
It made our first morning feel warm and welcoming.
It was the perfect start to our trip.
As the metro glided into the city, the skyline of Rotterdam slowly came into view.
The modern shapes and calm rhythm of the ride set the tone for the day ahead.
As a result, everything felt peaceful and inviting.
Soon after, that sense of welcome turned into quiet excitement for new discoveries.
Pet-Friendly Cube Houses 🟨
Our first stop in Rotterdam was the famous Cube Houses, one of the city’s most iconic sights.
Their bright yellow design and tilted geometry look like something from a dream.
Cookie sat in her buggy, ears perked, watching people pass with curiosity.
At first glance, the Cube Houses did not look very accessible.
There are stairs everywhere.
However, there is a ramp nearby, so you can reach the main square easily.
The area feels open, pet-friendly, and welcoming.
We decided to visit one of the show houses, curious to see what was inside.
The entry fee was just €3, and pets were allowed in this house.
However, the visit was a little disappointing.
Inside, the narrow stairs were not dog-friendly or disability-friendly.
I had to carry Cookie up carefully.
She did not feel confident or comfortable on the steps.
The space was also mostly empty, with little furniture or context.
Still, the experience was interesting.
The architecture is clever and worth seeing.
In particular, the yellow tones shine beautifully under the soft Dutch light.
What’s Pet-Friendly Around the Cube Houses 🐾
Around the Cube Houses, not every space follows the same rules.
I was able to enter the small gift shop with Cookie without any problem.
It felt relaxed and welcoming.
However, there is also an art cube with a separate entrance.
This one works as a small museum, and pets are not allowed inside.
I asked at the door and had to skip it with Cookie.
Therefore, it helps to know that each cube can have different rules.
Some spaces are open to dogs, while others are not.
It is always worth asking before you step in.
💛 A Morning Lesson in Kindness
That morning in Rotterdam, I faced my first solo travel challenge. I needed to find a pet-friendly café just to use the toilet. Most nearby spots were not welcoming to dogs.
Then we found The Tosti Club, a bright corner café at Oude Binnenweg 127B. The owner was kind. He let us sit outside while I dashed inside and kept an eye on Cookie for a moment.
It was a small act of kindness that reminded me that, in Rotterdam, warmth often comes from people more than from signs on doors. ☕🐾
The morning light, the laughter from nearby tables, and Cookie calmly resting by my side all made this short stop feel like home. 💛
Exploring Rotterdam’s Canals, River & City Vibes 🌉
Rotterdam feels modern but calm.
It’s a city where architecture meets water, from quiet canals to the Nieuwe Maas River.
Meanwhile, boats move slowly, and reflections from the buildings create a relaxing view.
Walking through the shopping streets, everything looked clean and well kept.
In addition, most cafés allow dogs outside, especially on terraces.
Therefore, it feels easy to stop for a coffee or a short break during a walk.
People in Rotterdam are friendly and helpful.
A couple with a dog recommended a café nearby that welcomes pets inside.
It was just a few streets away.
Simple, friendly, and worth adding to any visit.
An Open-Air Shopping Area Made for Walking 🛍️
Rotterdam also has a large open-air shopping area that locals recommended to me.
It is wide, modern, and easy to explore on foot.
Dogs are welcome to walk alongside you, which makes it a pleasant place for a slow city stroll.
However, most cafés there only allow pets on terraces.
Indoor spaces remain off-limits.So, while it is lovely for wandering, it still takes effort.
Finding a place where both you and your dog can rest inside is not always easy.
By then, I really needed to find a place to use the toilet.
Walking with a dog is one thing.
Finding a place that welcomes both of you inside is another.
Pet-Friendly Café Stop: The Neighbourhood Café ☕
Location: Witte de Withstraat 74, Rotterdam
Distance from Cube Houses: ~650 m (about 8 minutes on foot)
The Neighbourhood Café is a small, friendly coffee shop in one of Rotterdam’s most creative streets.
The space is modern but cosy, with plants, soft music, and a relaxed vibe.
Dogs are welcome both inside and outside, and the staff greet them warmly.
This spot is ideal for a quiet break during your city walk.
It is not a place for meals.
However, it is perfect if you love good coffee or tea.
They offer a wide range of beans and brewing styles, from strong espresso to smooth cappuccino.
Directions from the Cube Houses
1️⃣ Start at the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen, Overblaak 70).
2️⃣ Walk west on Overblaak and turn right onto Grotemarkt.
3️⃣ Head towards Meent, then turn left and right onto Witte de Withstraat.
4️⃣ Walk straight for 400 metres. The Neighbourhood Café is on the right.
A Date with Your Dog: Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Rotterdam by the River 🍽️
After a long day exploring Rotterdam’s parks, canals, and cafés, it was time to slow down.
We headed back to the hotel for check-in and a well-deserved rest.
However, if you have more time, Rotterdam offers lovely places to eat with your dog.
Many of them sit close to the water, with calm views and relaxed terraces.
Many local restaurants welcome pets, especially on terraces and riverside patios.
As a result, these spots combine good food, relaxing views, and a warm, dog-friendly atmosphere.
Here are a few recommendations worth saving for your next visit:
| Restaurant | Location | Dog Policy | Price Range | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parqiet | Het Park, near the Euromast | Dogs welcome on the terrace and park area | €15–€30 | Green park, close to river |
| Zalmhuis | Schaardijk 396, by the Nieuwe Maas River | Dogs allowed on the terrace; call ahead for indoor seats | €35–€60 | Elegant riverside dining |
| Matelief | Spaansekade 34, Oude Haven | Dogs welcome outdoors; confirm indoor access | €25–€45 | Waterfront harbour views |
These dog-friendly spots leave a gentle pause in the day.
They invite you to slow down.
Rotterdam’s riverside areas are perfect for a calm evening walk after a meal.
You can choose a quiet park terrace or a lively harbour view.
In both cases, each place offers comfort for people and pets.
Sometimes, the best memories are the simplest ones.
A walk, a good coffee, and a quiet terrace by the river.
While Rotterdam has its charm, finding truly pet-friendly cafés and restaurants can take a little more effort.
Rotterdam Central Food Hall 🍜
Close to Rotterdam Central Station, there is a lively food hall filled with flavours from all over the world.
It feels like a street market under one roof.
Dogs are allowed inside, which makes it a rare and welcome stop when you travel with a pup.
I found a stall selling British fish and chips.
Just a few steps away, there were Portuguese pastéis de nata.
It felt comforting to see pieces of home in a new country.
However, there was a small challenge.
Buggies are not allowed inside the toilets.
Just like a parent travelling alone with a baby, I faced the same problem.
I could not use the bathroom while Cookie stayed in her buggy.
It was a simple moment, but very real.
Traveling with a dog often means adapting to small rules you do not expect.
In the end, I let it go.
By then, I was tired.
The metro was right in front of me.
So, ready to rest, I headed back to the hotel with Cookie by my side.
Pet Etiquette in Rotterdam 🤍
This sculpture makes one thing clear in a gentle way.
Dogs are welcome in Rotterdam, but responsibility comes with that welcome.
- 🐶 Keep your dog close in busy streets and public spaces.
- 🧹 Always clean up after your dog, even when no one is watching.
- ☕ Ask before entering cafés or shops, even if dogs seem welcome.
- 🌿 Respect calm spaces and shared areas, so everyone feels comfortable.
Fikkie does not scold.
He simply reminds us that good etiquette keeps cities open and kind for dogs and humans alike.
About the Sculpture: Fikkie, Rotterdam’s Dog 🐕🦺
A small bronze dog sits quietly on the street, almost at eye level with real dogs.
This is Fikkie, one of Rotterdam’s most loved urban sculptures.
Created in 1963 by artist Joeki Simák, Fikkie became a playful city symbol.
Look closely and you will notice a small detail near the statue.
A tiny bronze “poo” sits beside him, added as a humorous reminder of everyday city life.
Over the years, locals embraced Fikkie as part of Rotterdam’s character.
Sometimes, people even leave a bowl of water nearby for passing dogs.
It is a small gesture, but it says a lot about how dogs belong in the city.
Good to Know When Visiting Rotterdam with a Dog 📝
- 🐾 Dogs are allowed on metro, tram, and bus, but they must stay on a short lead and off seats.
- ☕ Many cafés welcome dogs on terraces, yet indoor access is less common.
- 🚻 Public toilets may not allow buggies, which can be challenging when travelling alone with a dog.
- 🏛️ Some attractions have different rules within the same area, so it is always worth asking before you enter.
Final Thoughts 🌷
Rotterdam surprised me in subtle ways.
Even in just a few hours, the city felt modern, calm, and welcoming.
Traveling with a dog in Rotterdam is generally easy.
Public transport works well, and walking around the city feels relaxed.
At the same time, some things still require patience.
Finding indoor pet-friendly cafés can take effort.
Small rules, like bathroom access or buggy restrictions, can shape your day more than expected.
Still, the experience felt positive.
Kind people, quiet streets, and simple moments made the visit memorable.
Rotterdam may not reveal itself all at once.
However, if you move at its pace and stay flexible, the city feels welcoming.
It offers a gentle and honest first impression for you and your dog.
Key Takeaways 🔑
- 🐾 Rotterdam works well for short visits with a dog, especially if you arrive by ferry.
- 🚇 Public transport is easy to use with dogs and helps you move calmly through the city.
- ☕ Terraces are common, but indoor pet-friendly cafés can take effort to find.
- 🚻 Small rules, such as bathroom and buggy access, can affect your day more than expected.
- 🤍 Kind people and respectful etiquette play a big role in how welcoming the city feels.
- 🌊 A slow pace, flexibility, and simple moments are key to enjoying Rotterdam with a dog.
FAQs About Rotterdam with a Dog ❓
Yes, Rotterdam is generally dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome on public transport and in many outdoor spaces.
Yes. Dogs are allowed on metro, tram, and bus. They must stay on a short lead and off seats.
Sometimes. Many cafés allow dogs on terraces, but indoor access is less common. It is best to ask before entering.
Not always. Some toilets do not allow buggies, which can be challenging when travelling alone with a dog.
Open-air shopping areas are easy to walk with dogs. Indoor food halls may allow dogs, but facilities like toilets can have restrictions.
Yes. A few hours are enough for a calm walk and a café stop.
It is a good way to get a first impression of the city with your dog.
Your Turn 💬
Have you visited Rotterdam with your dog, or are you planning to?
Did you find it easy to get around, or did small rules surprise you too?
If you know pet-friendly cafés, calm spaces, or new spots worth visiting, share them in the comments.
Your experience can help other dog parents plan better trips.
Let’s learn from each other and keep this guide growing with real stories. 🐾
🐾 Cookie here!
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