Rotterdam, unlike anywhere else in the Netherlands
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.
A closer look
What our guests say about Rotterdam
Real reviews from guests on tours that took in Rotterdam, left on Google, Tripadvisor and GetYourGuide.
“Very happy we did this day tour to Rotterdam and Delft. We've seen a lot of both during this tour and we loved the boat ride. Thanks again. John and Josephine.”
“We did the Delft, Royal Delft, and Kinderjik tours with Robin. He was so knowledgeable and very funny. You can tell he enjoys what he does. We saw the beautiful town of Delft and enjoyed the local culture followed by a trip to the Royal Delft factory and a visit to the windmills. Wonderful day, highly recommend!”
“We booked this tour to get to know the second and third biggest cities of NL. In many ways both cities surprised us and this tour has provided a lot of insight into the culture and history of these cities in particular and the country in general.”
What's included
Included
- Private tour guide
- 2-hour private walking tour
- Admission to a Cube House
- All taxes and fees
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities for your guide (optional)
- Pick-up and drop-off (available as a paid add-on)
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.
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.
Is the Cube House visit really included?
Yes, admission to one of the Cube Houses is included in the tour price, so you'll get to step inside one, not just see it from the street.
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.
More about Rotterdam
What else there is to see, how to get there, and when to come.
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