From River to Metropolis: A Rotterdam City Self Guided Audio Tour
About this experience
This self-guided walking tour explores Rotterdam’s remarkable transformation from a medieval port town to a bold architectural hub following the 1940 bombing. Starting at Central Station and ending at Schouwburgplein, the route winds through canals, harbours, and city streets, uncovering hidden gems like the City Hall’s inner garden and fire border markers. Highlights include the dazzling Art Depot, vibrant Market Hall, Cube Houses, medieval St Lawrence Church, lively Witte de Withstraat, and the historic White House—Europe’s first skyscraper. Along the way, enjoy food stops, public art, and stories that reveal the city's resilience and creativity. Whether you're new to Rotterdam or returning, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for this ever-evolving city.
Check availability
Pick a date to see start times and book.
What's included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
- Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
- Food and drink
- Transportation
Itinerary
- 1
Pass byDesigned by Winy Maas, pass by this unique and eye-catching building and see the exact spot where the first settlers arrived along the river Rotte in the 13th century.
- 2
Pass byStroll across this historic square and learn how it went from a flooding river, to a railway, to the largest square in Rotterdam.
- 3
Pass byPass by as you learn why this church was named after a tortured Saint, and took 75 years to complete. Admission fees are not included in this tour
- 4
Pass byCatch a glimpse as you pass the Desiderius Erasmus statue, the famous philosopher, theologian, and humanist, who is considered one of the greatest thinkers of the Renaissance
- 5
Pass byWalk by this iconic building, which survived the 1940 bombing and find out why. Admission is not included in this tour
- 6
Pass byWalk by this cultural landmark and learn about it's history as a cinema, rebuilt by a German cinema company into what it is today. Admission is not included in this tour
- 7
Pass byWalk along what was, in 1953, the first car-free shopping promenade in the world.
- 8
Pass byEnd the tour in this 'Theater Square', also part of Rotterdam's post-war reconstruction plan, featuring the home of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, a theatre and a huge cinema and with restaurants all around. Admission is not included in this tour
Good to know
- · Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- · The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
Where it starts
Rotterdam
The tour starts at Stationsplein Rotterdam, Stationsplein, 3013 AJ Rotterdam, Netherlands. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Map shows the general area. You'll get the exact meeting point and directions with your confirmation.
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