Highlights, History & Hidden Gems:
A self-guided audio tour of Rotterdam
Price:
Duration:
Distance:
€10.49
1.5 hours
5 km
It’s no coincidence that Rotterdam was included in the prestigious 2025 New York Times list of ‘52 Places to Go’. And rightly so! On this walking tour, you’ll get a broad overview of the ‘must-see’ places, as well as the little things of interest that most visitors miss.
How does it work?
- Find a tour that you like
- Download the tour on VoiceMap
- Go to the starting location and enjoy your tour
Audio plays at the right time & moment, using GPS. It does not require an internet connection.
Advantages
See the city at your own pace
Life-time access to the audio tour
Keep your phone in your pocket, just listen
Fascinating stories about Utrecht from a local guide
Tour description
The tour starts on the south bank of the River Maas, near the Cruise Terminal. From there, you’ll cross the Erasmus Bridge and hear about Rotterdam’s earliest history. You’ll learn about the bombing of May 14, 1940 that changed Rotterdam forever and made the city look like it does today.
From there, you’ll have a chance to explore the many fascinating sights Rotterdam has to offer, like old streets and harbours, super modern architecture, historic statues, medieval churches, and so much more! Your guide will also share the unconventional nickname of Paul McCarthy’s Santa Claus sculpture. The tour ends with a bang in front of the city’s most spectacular modern architectural landmark, the Art Depot of the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum.
Tour Highlights
- See the striking modern architecture of the Markthal and the Cube Houses
- Learn about historic landmarks such as the Schielandshuis and St. Lawrence Church
- Understand Rotterdam’s post-war reconstruction, from the Lijnbaan to Theatre Square
- Discover hidden gems, including the City Hall’s inner garden and the pavement markings that trace the 1940 fire border
- Admire iconic monuments like the 200-year-old statue of Erasmus, Rodin’s L’Homme qui Marche, and Zadkine’s The Destroyed City
Frequently asked questions
How do the audio tours work?
After booking, you download the free VoiceMap app (available for iOS and Android).
Once you’ve downloaded your tour, simply go to the starting point. The app uses GPS to trigger stories automatically as you walk so you don’t need to constantly look at your screen or press buttons.
It feels like having a guide walking beside you.
Do I need an internet connection during the tour?
No.
After downloading the tour over Wi-Fi, everything works completely offline. This means no roaming charges and no worries about losing signal during your walk.
Is this written and recorded by a real human guide?
Don’t worry: It’s not an AI voice reading out a Wikipedia page.
This tour is written and recorded by a real local guide.
You’ll hear natural storytelling, personal insights, and carefully researched historical context.
Can I start the tour anywhere?
Each tour has a designated starting point and a carefully designed route.
This ensures the directions and stories play at exactly the right moment. If you pause for coffee or step off the route, you can simply resume where you left off.
Can I pause the tour whenever I want?
Yes.
You are completely in control. You can pause the tour at any time to take photos, visit a shop, sit down for coffee, or explore something in more detail.
When you’re ready to continue, simply press play. The app will continue guiding you from where you stopped.
Can I listen to the tour at home?
Yes.
After downloading the tour, you can select “Virtual Mode” in the app and listen from home. This is ideal for preparing your trip or revisiting the experience afterwards.
How long do I have access to the tour?
Forever.
Once purchased, the tour is yours to enjoy as often as you like. There is no expiration date.
Do I need to buy the tour for each person?
One purchase works on a single device.
If you are exploring together, many couples simply share one phone and use a headphone splitter or share wireless earbuds. For larger groups, we recommend one purchase per device for the best experience.
Is the app easy to use for first-time users?
Yes.
The installation takes only a few minutes, and clear on-screen instructions guide you step by step. The interface is straightforward and designed for travelers of all ages.
What should I bring?
A fully charged smartphone, headphones or earbuds, and comfortable shoes. That’s it.
What if something goes wrong?
You can always contact VoiceMap’s in-app support directly.
And you are also welcome to contact Holland City Tours. We are happy to assist and make sure you can continue your experience without stress.
