How can we help you?
Do you have a question about the Zwaanshalskwartier, an event, or a place in the street? Send us a message or take a look at the frequently asked questions.
Contact
Do you have a question about the Zwaanshalskwartier, a place, or an event?
Let us know. Send a message via the form, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know before you visit.
Location
What is the Zwaanshalskwartier?
The Zwaanshalskwartier is a creative shopping and dining district along the river Rotte, in Rotterdam’s Oude Noorden neighbourhood. You’ll find more than 100 independent businesses here: from unique boutiques, vintage and interior shops and speciality stores to cosy cafés, restaurants and studios. Every business is run by local, independent entrepreneurs – you’ll deliberately find no chain stores here. It’s exactly this mix of local entrepreneurship, creativity and sustainability, plus personal attention, that makes the Zwaanshalskwartier a unique destination for a day out.
Click here for a map of our area, with an overview of all businesses.
Where is the Zwaanshalskwartier and how do I get there?
You’ll find the Zwaanshalskwartier in Rotterdam-Noord, along the river Rotte. The shopping and dining area consists of four streets: Zwaanshals, Zaagmolenkade, Zaagmolendrift and part of Noordplein.
The area is easy to reach on foot, by bike, by public transport and by car. Travelling by public transport, get off at the Zaagmolenbrug or Noorderbrug stop (trams 6 and 7, or buses 5 and 38). Check Google Maps or 9292.nl for up-to-date travel information.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, there are several parking options nearby. You can park in the car parks at Noordplein, along the Zaagmolenkade, and in Zwaanshals and Zaagmolendrift. You’ll find a few EV charging points in the Woelwijkstraat. Please note: paid parking applies throughout the area.
What are the opening hours?
The area as a whole doesn’t have set opening hours; these vary per business. You can find each shop’s opening hours in the shop overview, or via Google Maps.
Where does the name Zwaanshalskwartier come from?
The name Zwaanshals is more than 400 years old. As early as 1593, ‘Swaenshals’ was mentioned as the name of a house and of the small hamlet that lay here, long before today’s lively shopping street came into being. According to historians, the name most likely refers to the bend the river Rotte makes here. Seen from above, that curve resembles the graceful neck of a swan.
The name Zwaanshals is older than the current street, which was previously known as the Hofdijk. Only later was the street renamed Zwaanshals, and eventually the shopping district adopted this historic name as well. Today’s shopping area consists of four characteristic streets: Zwaanshals, Zaagmolenkade, Zaagmolendrift and part of Noordplein.
Shops
What kind of shops and hospitality will I find in the Zwaanshalskwartier?
The Zwaanshalskwartier is a unique area, with a diverse range of shops, galleries, food & drink, and personal care. All businesses are locally run – we deliberately have no chain stores in our area – so you can always count on personal attention and a one-of-a-kind offering. Many of the businesses here are characterised by creativity, craftsmanship, sustainability and a desire to do things just a little differently.
If you love independent shops, vintage, design, art and great food and drink, the Zwaanshalskwartier is one of the best neighbourhoods in Rotterdam to spend a day.
In our area you’ll find a broad mix of, among others: clothing shops, vintage, galleries and concept stores, interior design, cafés and restaurants, hairdressers and other personal care. Click here for the full overview.
I'm interested in renting a (retail) space in the Zwaanshalskwartier. Where can I find more information?
Most (though not all) of the premises are let by Havensteder. Keep an eye on their listings. You can also submit your question about renting in the area via the contact form. Serious enquiries only, please.
Can I buy gift vouchers anywhere?
Most shops have their own gift voucher. Would you prefer a voucher that can be spent at multiple places and supports local entrepreneurs only? Then have a look at Stadsie. Many of our entrepreneurs are part of it.
Events
What events and activities are organised?
There are regular fun activities in our area, such as workshops, sales and launches, tastings, exhibitions and more. Check the events page for the up-to-date overview.
Press & media
Where can I read articles about the Zwaanshalskwartier?
Great features about the Zwaanshalskwartier appear regularly. You’ll find a recent overview here.
I'd like to create an article and/or content about the Zwaanshalskwartier. Who can I contact?
How lovely! Please fill in the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Can I collaborate with the Zwaanshalskwartier?
Absolutely! Please fill in the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Can’t find your question here? Send us a message via the contact form.
Visit the Zwaanshalskwartier
Fancy a look around, a bite to eat, or just soaking up the atmosphere? You’ll find the Zwaanshals along the Rotte in Rotterdam North.