When you are not in A State of Trance

A State of Trance offers a full programme on Friday night and Saturday night. But when Armin van Buuren and all his musical friends are not spinning in Ahoy, there is also plenty to do in Rotterdam.

Mainport Hotel Rotterdam

The Mainport Hotel serves as the official A State of Trance Hotel. it is the hub for visitors and is also the location of the day's programme at the same time. With panels, master classes and exhibitions, fans will get a unique insight behind the scenes of A State of Trance and the music industry. The programme is not only open to visitors staying at the hotel.

Remastered

Under the Erasmus Bridge is Remastered. A digital audiovisual Experience. Old Dutch Masters such as Van Gogh, Vermeer, Bosch and Rembrandt have been digitally edited by Dutch digital studios including Woodwork, Y=f(X) and Studio Smack. A digital world has been created with the old Dutch Masters. The unique 60-minute experience includes a waterfall door, flying UFOs on a giant LED screen, interacting with schools of fish and sailing over clouds.

Spido

A leisurely cruise is an ideal preparation for the trance and related music styles in Ahoy. Spido 's canal boats offer beautiful and fascinating views of the dynamic city and its ever-changing skyline. Those on board are also introduced to the hustle and bustle of shipyards, imposing ocean-going vessels and the efficient handling of millions of containers further down the harbour.

Witte de Withstraat

Probably the city's most vibrant and international street. With a wide range of restaurants, cafés, galleries and shops. Almost all cuisines are represented. From Asian at Casa Thai, Madame Saigon and Soju Bar (even more Asian suggestions via this link) to Italian at Oliva, Pizza Beppe and Gusto around the corner. But there are also burgers at Hamburg and Le Smash and Mexican at Supermercado and Mediterranean at Bazar. Of course, there are several tents where a hair salon can be consumed after going out. Brunch can be had at NRC or Bagel Bakey and afternoon drinks can be had at De Schouw, Dutch Dukes, De Witte Aap and Reijngoud.

Market hall

The Markthal has now been a tourist attraction for over a decade. With dozens of food spots in an architectural masterpiece. Besides the wide range of food items on offer, there is also de Tijdtrap. During the construction of the Market Hall and the car park below, deep excavations were required. Archaeologists from Bureau Oudheidkundig Onderzoek Rotterdam (BOOR) were given ample opportunity to uncover the history. During this investigation in 2009 and 2010, they made hundreds of finds including tools, weapons, jewellery and kitchen utensils. These finds were displayed and provide a good picture of daily life in Rotta (900-1100 AD) or medieval Rotterdam.

Perron, Toffler, BIRD and Now&Wow Club

Staying on for a while on Friday? After all, the programme in Ahoy lasts from 18.00 to 01.00. At Perron, Poing has a party including DJ Fuckoff, Amor Satyr, Siu Mata, Mul/ANNA and ISA. Henry X spins his Afrohouse at Toffler and at Now&WowClub things will get tough during Undermind Season opening. House and minimal sounds in BIRD at On The Floor.

Museumpark 

A fine park close to the city centre. The Rose Garden in particular is a green place to unwind. But the park is especially popular because it is home to most of Rotterdam's well-known and prominent museums. Nieuwe Instituut, Kusthal, Het Natuurhistorisch Musuem, Chabot Museum and Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen are all within walking distance of each other. Perfect for a cultural outing.

Celest

ASOT's verhuizing to Rotterdam was announced two years ago at the top of De Zalmhaven at a height of 190 metres. Back then, it was an empty space but has since become Rotterdam's newest crowd-pleaser. CELEST consists of a cocktail bar on the 57th and a restaurant on the 58th floor. The inspiration comes from: The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall published in 1835. Edgar Allan Poe's story is about a Rotterdam man who travels to the moon in a homemade hot-air balloon. This story, one of the world's first science fiction tales, formed the basis for the interior design by architecture firm Doepel Strijkers. With elements such as intimate dining areas and an imposing 2.5-metre-diameter digital moon globe. But of course, the view, on Ahoy and elsewhere, is also unrivalled.