From River to Metropolis: A Rotterdam City Self Guided Audio Tour

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1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

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.

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
Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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.

End point

The tour ends at Schouwburgplein, near the Green Plaza.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approximately)
  • Markthal (Pass by)

    Designed 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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Stroll across this historic square and learn how it went from a flooding river, to a railway, to the largest square in Rotterdam.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Pass 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

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Catch 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

    Admission ticket free
  • City Hall Rotterdam (Pass by)

    Walk by this iconic building, which survived the 1940 bombing and find out why. Admission is not included in this tour

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Walk 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

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Walk along what was, in 1953, the first car-free shopping promenade in the world.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    End 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

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Architecture Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
City Tours
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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