Rotterdam Rebuilt
A trip through the Netherlands isn't complete without seeing Rotterdam, the country's second-largest city, and it's nothing like the others. Rotterdam rose from the ashes of World War II and is now sometimes called the Netherlands' own Manhattan on the river Maas. Together with your guide, you'll get to know this dynamic port city and discover its charm, from Rotterdam's iconic skyline to the hidden historical gems that stood the test of time. From the tilted Cube Houses, which you'll step inside, to the medieval St. Lawrence Church, and from the charming White House to the modern Markthal food hall, you'll be amazed by the city's diverse crowd and bustling culture. This tour normally takes about two hours, but it is a private tour, so you set the pace.
What you'll see on this tour
What guests say about this tour
5.0 · 16 reviews
“Ulla was the perfect tour guide for us. Exploring Rotterdam from the water, during a walk, and with a tasting was very informative and enjoyable.”
“Ulla war für uns eine perfekte Reiseleiterin. Rotterdam vom Wasser, bei einem Spaziergang und einer Verkostung war sehr informativ und hat Spaß gemacht”
Translated from German
Google · October 2026“Marco was an excellent and knowledgeable tour guide who was delightful to be with on our tour of Delft and The Hague. He was also on time.”
Google · October 2026“Peter was an outstanding guide who, with his calm and friendly manner, gave us a wonderful insight into both old and new Rotterdam. We were a group of ten, aged from 0 to 88, and Peter catered completely to what we needed. It was a really, really wonderful tour. Thank you, Peter”
“Peter war ein hervorragender Guide, der mit seiner ruhigen und freundlichen Art uns einen tollen Einblick auf das Alte und Neue Rotterdam gegeben hat. Wir waren eine Gruppe von 10 Personen von 0-88Jahren und Peter hat sich voll und ganz unsere Bedürfnisse eingelassen. Es war eine ganz, ganz tolle Führung. Danke Peter”
Translated from German
GetYourGuide · September 2026What's included
Included
- Private tour guide
- 2-hour private walking tour
- Admission to a Cube House (€3.50 p.p., paid on the spot)
- Start at your river cruise ship on request
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities for your guide (optional)
- Pick-up and drop-off in another city (can be added to your booking at check-out)
What to expect
Starting at Station Blaak
The tour begins in front of the kiosk at Station Blaak, right next to the Cube Houses. Your guide sets the pace here and can adjust the route on request.
Meeting point: In front of the kiosk at Station Blaak. You can also choose a custom starting location. Just add it as a comment when you book.
Inside a Cube House
A visit to one of the tilted Cube Houses is included in every booking, giving you a look at how the experimental 1980s design actually works as a home.
The Markthal and old harbor
From the Cube Houses, the walk continues past the Markthal's arched food hall and down toward the Old Harbor, where Rotterdam's surviving pre-war waterfront still stands.
St. Lawrence Church
A stop at Rotterdam's only remaining medieval building, which survived the 1940 bombardment that leveled most of the historic center, and the story of what happened to the rest of the city.
The modern skyline
The tour closes with a look at Rotterdam's bold high-rise skyline, including the oldest skyscraper in Europe, and how the city rebuilt itself from the ashes of World War II.
Highlights
Explore the bold, modern skyline that rose from the ashes of World War II
See Rotterdam's only remaining medieval building, the St. Lawrence Church
Get to know the oldest skyscraper in Europe and step inside a real Cube House
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly does the tour start?
In front of the kiosk at Station Blaak, right by the Cube Houses. If you'd prefer a different meeting point in the city center, such as your hotel, add it as a booking comment and your guide will meet you there instead.
We arrive by river cruise ship. Can the tour start at the ship?
Yes, always. River cruise ships moor along the Maas within walking distance of the centre, so your guide meets you at the gangway instead of at Station Blaak and the walk starts from there. Add the ship's name as a booking comment and we check where it is berthed that day.
What is there to do and see in Rotterdam?
Rotterdam's must-sees include the tilted Cube Houses, the arched Markthal food hall, the historic Old Harbor, and the bold modern skyline along the river Maas, all of which this tour covers. Beyond the tour, the Erasmusbrug bridge and the Museumpark's art museums are worth an extra hour or two if your schedule allows.
Do we go inside a Cube House?
Yes. The tour always walks you through the Cube Houses themselves, along the raised walkway between the tilted cubes. To also see the interior of one of the houses, you pay an admission of €3.50 per person on the spot. It is not in the tour price.
Can this tour be combined with a visit to Delft or The Hague?
Yes, Rotterdam pairs naturally with both since they're a short train ride apart. Ask about our combined Rotterdam tours if you'd like to see two cities in one day.
Is the route suitable for guests with limited mobility?
Yes, the central Rotterdam route between Station Blaak, the Markthal, and the Old Harbor is flat and easy to walk at any pace.
What if I'd like to focus more on the modern architecture and less on the older sites?
Because this is a private tour, your guide can shift the balance toward Rotterdam's modern skyline and design if that's what interests your group most, just mention it when booking.
Can I be picked up and dropped off in another city?
Yes. We offer paid pick-up and drop-off within roughly 100 km (62 mi) of the tour's meeting point, which covers Amsterdam and most of the Randstad. You can add this during the booking checkout, or book it separately, before your tour date. For longer distances, contact us for a quote.
How can I pay for my tour?
You can pay securely online during checkout with Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit or debit card, iDEAL, Bancontact or Sofort. Prices are listed in euros; your bank converts the amount automatically if you're paying from abroad.
Can my tour also start at another time than the ones listed?
Yes. We offer flexible start times for this tour. Add your preferred time as a booking comment, or contact us directly, and we'll adjust the schedule to match.
Do I need to book this tour in advance?
The earlier you book, the better, but online bookings close 24 hours before the tour's start time. For a last-minute booking within that window, call, text or WhatsApp us at +31 6 46 52 69 11.
Is this tour weather-dependent?
This tour runs rain or shine. If rain is in the forecast and you'd rather not walk in it, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time; otherwise, just bring an umbrella.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel this tour free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
Is a gratuity included in the tour price?
No, the tour price doesn't include a gratuity for your guide. Tipping is never required, but it's always kindly appreciated.
What if I'm not satisfied with my tour?
We want you to enjoy your visit. If you weren't satisfied, let us know and you'll receive a refund, excluding external costs such as transport, food or museum tickets. We always appreciate feedback to improve future tours, too.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes. You can buy a digital gift card for any amount, and the recipient can redeem it for any tour on hollandcitytours.com, discover-delft.com or discover-the-hague.com.
I have another question.
For any other questions, do not hesitate to contact us. Email info@hollandcitytours.com or call/WhatsApp +31 6 46 52 69 11, we respond quickly.
Can the tour include Delfshaven, where the Pilgrims sailed from?
Yes, on request. The Pilgrims left from Delfshaven on the Speedwell on 21 July 1620, and the old harbour with its Pilgrim Fathers Church is one of the few parts of Rotterdam that survived the war. It adds a short metro or tram ride, so mention it in a booking comment.
More about Rotterdam
What else there is to see, how to get there, and when to come.
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