Rotterdam Must Do Tour: Highlights, History, WW2 and Architecture
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Rotterdam, Netherlands
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Explore the highlights of Rotterdam on this small-group guided walking tour. See key architectural landmarks such as the Central Station, Groot Handelsgebouw, Luchtsingel, Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk, Market Hall, Cube Houses, the Old Harbor, and more, and learn more about the history and significance of the buildings from your guide.
- 2-hour walking tour of Rotterdam with a local guide
- Visit top landmarks like the Cube Houses and Market Hall
- Choose from different tour times to fit your schedule
- Small group size offers a more personal experience
What's Included
- A local guide
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Stationsplein 10, 3013 AJ Rotterdam, Netherlands
The meeting point is inside the Rotterdam Central station under the `meeting cloud´. This is right in front of the Tourist information center.
End point
- Market HallMarkthal, Verlengde Nieuwstraat, 3011 GX Rotterdam, Netherlands
This tour ends at the Markthal area located at Ds. Jan Scharpstraat 298 3011 GZ Rotterdam.
Itinerary
1
Rotterdam
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Rotterdam Centraal Station
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Groot Handelsgebouw
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Shopping District - West-Kruiskade
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Lijnbaan
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Luchtsingel
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Nieuwe Delftse Poort
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
8
Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
9
Markthal
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
10
Oude Haven
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.6
based on 32 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
biloxisis, Jul 2026
Tour itself was a good overview of the city of Rotterdam, light on WW2 information however. Mostly just identifying where the city was burned. Unfortunately our guide was immature. We were accosted by a homeless man while on the tour who wanted to correct her regarding the drug abuse and homeless facility we were standing in front of and “learning about”. After 10 minutes of him ranting I asked her if we could move on, she however wanted to hear more from him. He started yelling at me that I didn’t care about him or the situation he was in. My family finally had to start walking away to get the guide to move on. When I told her that I wasn’t trying to be rude but didn’t want to stand there, her response was that we had plenty of time for the tour and that listening to him “humanized” him. While I don’t disagree, the entire experience left a bitter taste and I recommend that guides be taught how to handle difficult situations.
Michael_B, Jun 2026
Great way to spend a few hours in Rotterdam!
With a week in the Netherlands, we were keen to see more than Amsterdam. This tour was a perfect introduction to the port city of Rotterdam. Heavily bombed in WWII and mostly destroyed by fire, this city is different to the others we’ve seen. Modern and interesting architecture, wide streets, plenty of sculptures, and more. Edwin was the perfect guide. He tailored the tour to our interests, answered all of our questions and gave lots of information. He showed us the remaining pre WWII large buildings, museums, the famous cube houses , took us into the market, and suggested places for us to visit after the tour. We also appreciated that he offered to take a few photos of us. Most importantly, on a very hot day he kept us cool by sticking to the shade.
Thoroughly recommend booking a walking tour with Edwin.
YP_K, May 2026
The guide just charged ahead without looking back to see whether all his guests are following n catching up with him. He moves very fast n most often. my husband n I were left far behind, sometimes 50-80 m behind. We couldn't enjoy the scenery we passed. Although he's quite witty n knowledgeable, I found he's not aware of his guests' needs. His comments are very general in nature. So I felt I didn't learn much on this tour as he's more concerned about telling us what he's on his mind. I did tip him. Although none of the other guests did!
Ruperto_B, May 2026
Paola was excelent and gave us a good understanding of Rotterdam history and architecture timeline and population statistics.
Annette_W, May 2026
Wear layers, bring water and use the restroom. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Susan is very knowledgeable and we liked the small private tour.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your helpful review! We're glad you enjoyed the small group experience and Susan’s knowledge of Rotterdam. We appreciate your practical tips and support!
Peter_C, May 2026
Susan had a wealth of knowledge of Rotterdam - history, interesting stories and location snippets, pace was good and she encouraged questions. Only 3 in the group so it was an excellent and informative experience. Love Rotterdam!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted that Susan's knowledge and storytelling helped make your visit to Rotterdam so enjoyable. We're glad you loved the city as much as we do!
Rebecca_V, Apr 2026
The meeting point was clear and easy to find. My guide, Paula, gave not just history and a well paced tour, she provided insight into the evolution of the city through a lens of art, religion and culture bringing depth to the tour.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thanks so much! Happy to hear Paula added so much depth and insight to your Rotterdam tour.
Frank_C, Jun 2025
Mr. Ed was a terrific guide. He entertained us with little known facts unique to Rotterdam and we learned a lot of history too. Very worthwhile tour!
Lorraine_M, Jun 2025
Our Tour Guide Michel was excellent. He Taught us what was necessary to know about the city of Rotterdam.
Roberto_G, Jun 2025
Good conversation. Learned alot about history of Rotterdam. Very interesting throughout. Susan brought the city to life for us. We were very lucky to have her as our guide -- and she is a great person!
Nancy_F, Sep 2024
John was a great guide. It is obvious he loves Rotterdam and is proud to show this city to travelers. Enjoyed his stories and the history he shared with us.
PATRICIAELLEN_M, Aug 2024
Edwin provided an excellent description of the Rotterdam and the reconstruction after WWII. In addition, we viewed wonderful sculpture and fascinating buildings. Thank you Edwin for a wonderful tour
Pattie and Claire
Gloria_H, Apr 2024
My guide, Susan, was like a good friend, showing me the city. I enjoyed the tour so much! Susan was so knowledgeable about the various buildings, and the best places for getting gifts for my grandchildren. I highly recommend this tour, and especially Susan!! Five stars for sure!
Steven_G, Mar 2024
My ship's arrival was delayed to the same time my tour was to start. I texted the local contact to advise I would arrive by Uber 15 minutes late. I received a call back from Tony, advising that Uber would take too long. After discussing what would be the best way to meet my guide, Susan, he offered to pick me up in his car and drive me to her. Great service.
Susan, also was very accommodating, as my ship's late arrival caused an early departure. I had to be at the ship at the same time as the scheduled end of my tour.
We managed to get to most of the highlights, although at a fast pace.
Under constrained circumstances, Tony and Susan performed great in making my (shortrned) tour a success.
Jane_P, Sep 2023
Rotterdam truely is a beautiful city mainly because of its amazing architecture. We learned all sorts things about this city and were astonished by to learn about its tragic history. If you are ever in The Netherland I would say Rotterdam is a must visit!
Jos_C, Jun 2023
The guide was fantastic and give us very good information.
He explains many about WW II and the connection with the city.
Joseph_R, May 2022
Rotterdam is a lovely city to explore. However, the tour we took was not up to the usual Viator standard. The starting point was switched on the day of the tour and the tour guide could have provided more information on the places visited. Markthal and its surrounding area where we meet were very artistic buildings but i think this was lost on the guide. We looked around Markthal centre before the walk and was most impressed with the inside of the building. I would try a walking tour again in Rotterdam and hope for a better experience.
Adam_S, May 2022
Fun tour. Michel was very informative. Would highly recommend it. Covered the important aspects of Rotterdam
Mary_W, Apr 2022
Michel was a good guide, easy to get along with.
We saw some interesting buildings and felt that we had a good insight for first timers in Rotterdam.
Wim_R, Oct 2021
Very good guide! Tells a lot of the in & outs of Rotterdam.
The whole guided walk gave us a nice view on Rotterdam architecture, the history of Rotterdam, the way people life in Rotterdam. It was the best way to explore and learn about this beautiful city.
Elena_H, Jun 2026
The guide was punctual, engaged, and very friendly.
However, this does not change the fact that from our perspective, the content quality of the tour was very poor. The explanations were very superficial, and even upon further questions, the guide could not provide in-depth answers. Even the basic facts were missing, for example, who built what and when. Simply naming an attraction is not enough.
Unfortunately, it was very disappointing, despite the nice guide.
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Michael_H, Aug 2025
Very informative, very entertaining, incredibly interesting, Edwin is a unique and worth a walk.
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Wim_L, Jun 2025
Edwin was a super guide and explained the history of Rotterdam to us culturally and architecturally very well and clearly. Chapeau!!!
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Annemarie_K, Oct 2021
Toll! Kleine Gruppe, flexibel und der Guide Stephan hat es super gemacht. Wir haben viel gesehen und gelernt.
From $28.57
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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