Rotterdam: Art, History and Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour
About this experience
This two-hour walking tour reveals how Rotterdam transformed from a fishing village into Europe’s largest port and a hub of bold, modern architecture after WWII’s devastating bombing. Starting at the surviving City Hall, you’ll explore landmarks like Piet Blom’s iconic Cube Houses, the iridescent Markthal, and St Lawrence Church. Wander the Old Harbor, where historic ships meet skyscrapers, and see innovative sites like the silver Boijmans Van Beuningen Depot and Europe’s first city surf pool. Stroll along the Maas River for views of the Erasmus Bridge, and explore creative Witte de Withstraat. Along the way, you’ll uncover Rotterdam’s resilient spirit, striking design, and vibrant culture—capturing why it’s known as the Netherlands’ most modern 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 byStart the tour at what is not just a functioning city hall, but a symbol of resilience, having survived the bombing by Nazi Germany in 1940
- 2
Pass byPass by and catch a glimpse of the only medieval structure that survived the destruction of Rotterdam in World War II
- 3
Pass byAlso called the Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam, experience this Architectural innovation, culinary hotspot, and symbol of Rotterdam as you pass by
- 4
Pass byStroll along one of Rotterdam's oldest harbors and nowadays probably Rotterdam's most popular bar & restaurant area
- 5
Pass byPass by one of Rotterdam’s most remarkable buildings, at ten stories high, it may not seem like much today, but when it was completed in 1898, it was Europe’s first skyscraper
- 6
Pass byWalk along one of Rotterdam's most iconic landmarks, nicknamed "The Swan" for its elegant white shape, this 802-meter-long bridge is a symbol of Rotterdam's rebirth
- 7
Pass byTrot along what was in the 1950s nicknamed Fleet Street, after the famous newspaper street in London
- 8
Pass byPass by the first publicly accessible art storage facility in the world that stores the artwork of the renowned Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum, one of the oldest and most prestigious museums in the Netherlands. Admission is not included in this tour.
- 9
Pass bySee Rotterdam’s most talked-about sculpture: Santa Claus by American artist Paul McCarthy and learn how Rotterdam embraces art that sparks conversation, even if it’s uncomfortable.
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
This tour begins right in front of the iconic Stadhuis - Rotterdam's city hall. An easily accessible and central starting point. 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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