Eurovision: Your insider guide to Rotterdam in the Netherlands

Jari Esbeukman
Jari Esbeukman

Following the success of singer Duncan Laurence and his track “Arcade” last year, the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest will this year take place in the Netherlands city of Rotterdam. 

The annual song contest, now in its 65th year, is huge. It’s watched by a global TV audience of around 180million. It has a hardcore following among LGBTQ viewers – a factor increasingly exploited by some countries when choosing entries (see 2014 drag winner Conchita Wurst). 

Related: Hungary pulls out of Eurovision, allegedly due to homosexuality and LGBTQ representation

You can expect thousands of gay ticket holders to attend the contest at the Rotterdam Ahoy venue on 12-16 May. 

Rotterdam Ahoy
Rotterdam Ahoy (Photo: Charles Batenburg | rotterdammakeithappen)

Tickets for the final are now sold out. However, there will still be plenty of other places to view the contest in Rotterdam if you want to head to the city just to soak up some more of the atmosphere. One of these will be a viewing event at the city’s Luxor Theatre. 

Rotterdam's Luxor Theatre
Rotterdam’s Luxor Theatre (Photo: Jordy Brada | rotterdammakeithappen)

This event will feature local singer Jari Esbeukman. GayCities asked him for some more suggestions for those planning on heading to Rotterdam for Eurovision.  

Jari, how excited are you about Eurovision coming to Rotterdam?

Very! The whole city will be full of tourists and wonderful festivities. I am really looking forward to all the delegations and the fans from all over the world enjoying a week of parties here in Rotterdam. The city is so ready for it!

Rotterdam
The view over Het Park, Rotterdam (Photo: 550Watt | rotterdammakeithappen)

Many tourists to the Netherlands prioritize visiting Amsterdam, but what is there to see and do in Rotterdam? What would you recommend for anyone planning a visit?

There is a lot to do and see in Rotterdam! Some of my favorite suggestions include: Walking across the ‘Maasboulevard’. It is very nice to see the river, bridges, boats and beautiful skyline.

Secondly, do head for ‘Het Park’, which is one of the most wonderful and relaxing places in the city. 

Lastly, take the water taxi to discover the city from the river. It’s a fast and scenic way to see the city. 

Rotterdam
Take a watertaxi (Photo: Iris van den Broek | rotterdammakeithappen)

Can you recommend a couple of your favorite restaurants?

There are so many great places to eat in the city. My favorites are Little V, Bertmans, Dodo and Azura.  

Is there much of a gay scene in Rotterdam?

It is not big, but very nice. Ferry is a lovely bar to sit and relax, but also a good place to dance at night. Strano and De Regenboog are close to each other and are very nice bars for partying. De Keerweer and Bonaparte are open till 7am, so are the perfect spots to have an afterparty. For an afternoon beer, Loge90 is a cozy place.

What will you be doing during Eurovision?

I will be performing a lot! You will find me at Ferry, at the Luxor theater and many other parties in the city.

Rotterdam
(Photo: Iris van den Broek | rotterdammakeithappen)

Finally, what’s your all-time favorite Eurovision winning song?

Well, it will not surprise you, but “Rise Like A Phoenix” [by Austria’s Conchita Wurst] is one of my favorites. Netta stole my heart as well with “Toy” [Israel’s winner from 2018].

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