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Free walking tour in Rotterdam: blessing or a curse?

Walking tour group - walking tour rotterdam with local

If there is one thing certain, then it is that traveling is rarely cheap, and it’s not any different in Rotterdam. Of course, there are many ways you can cut costs and keep within your budget. Taking a free walking tour in Rotterdam is one of those cost-cutting activities, but is it the best way? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons and why you should also consider a paid walking tour.

Why you could book a free walking tour

Let’s start with affordability, as a free walking tour is free, right? The walking tour could be free if you decide to just walk off at the end of the tour, but the guide will frown upon you. It is normal to pay something at the end. The good thing is that you are flexible to decide what the tour is worth. This could be 5 or even 50 euros, it is up to you.

Normally, the free walking tours in Rotterdam cover the basics of the city. Think of highlights like the Cube houses, Townhall and Markthal. So it is a great way to get a first impression, especially if you don’t have too much time.

If you are a solo traveler, free walking tours will have a big chance of attracting other solo travelers. Therefore, this type of free walking tour is great to meet new people.

Rottourdam guides
The guides of Rottourdam

Why you should think twice about book a free walking tour

But let’s be clear, ‘free’ never means ‘free’, and the same counts for a Rotterdam free walking tour. The guides are (sometimes) local, read-up on their information and spend an hour and a half to 2 hours of their time teaching you about the city. Therefore, you should always give some money to the guide, as this might be the money they pay the bills with.

Nowadays, there are many tour operators who hire ‘guides’, trained with information found on the internet. When taking a free walking tour, the quality is uncertain and there is no guarantee of receiving correct and in-depth information. Some of the guides are from Rotterdam, but some foreign guides just moved in a few months before, meaning they possibly can’t have all the ins- and out of the city.

When taking a free Rotterdam walking tour, there is a big chance to end up in a crowded group. Free is attractive and easy, and you’re not the only one to think that. You could expect groups from 15 or 20, all the way up to 40 people. As the tour is free, in the Netherlands, you don’t have to expect any whisper systems (earphones and a microphone the Guide speaks into).

The general overview is great to get the gist of the city, but normally, it won’t go further than that. This has to do with the time limit, but sometimes also with the limited knowledge of some (non-local) guides. Stories won’t go in-depth and deeper or controversial aspects might be left out, to cater to a wider audience. Because don’t forget; at the end everyone has to like it enough to make them give a tip.

Yoreh giving a Rottourdam Rotterdam tour
Yoreh giving a Rottourdam Rotterdam tour

Why should I consider a paid walking tour in Rotterdam?

Expertise

Our Rottourdam guides have experience with both free and paid walking tours and noticed the paid tours give more calm than the free ones to both the guide and travelers. Both parties know what was paid, and for that money the visitor gets a guaranteed educated local guide and a good experience. Tipping afterward is always welcome, but never expected.

We are from Rotterdam

As we, the guides, are local guides, grew up and live here, we bring a lot of inside information to the table. But on experience alone, you can’t run a tour. We constantly learn more about the city. This doesn’t just include keeping up with the local news and developments, but also digging into history in detail.

Zalmhaven tower at Scheepsvaartkwartier, Rotterdam
Zalmhaven tower at Scheepsvaartkwartier, Rotterdam. One of the ‘hidden gems’ other (free) tours won’t take you.

For that knowledge, it is fair to pay. But it is more than knowledge. Our tours are a 3-hour experience in small groups, where everyone gets attention. In smaller groups, it is easier to follow the story, to see the printed slides and to cater to everyone’s needs.

We strive for the highest quality possible, which comes down to a great and fun experience, with accurate information and (hidden gem) insights.

Small groups

We like to cater to small groups, ensuring a tailored experience and a personal approach. This means our maximum capacity is 10 people per group. This way, we can speak to everyone and make sure that every single person hears us, can ask questions and feels included.

Off the beaten path

Our Rotterdam walking tour takes you places none of the other tours go, making your Rotterdam experience richer; guaranteed.

Valued

We understand that reviews on the website are difficult to check for authenticity. That’s why we invide you to check out the verified reviews on Get Your Guide (5/5 stars 100+ reviews) and Trip Advisor (5/5). Note: booking via our website is always cheaper!

Rotterdam Guide Bike Tour by local - Erasmusbrug
On the bike at the Erasmusbrug

Final thoughts

Whether you choose to book a free walking tour depends on your priorities as a traveler. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, engaging introduction to a city, a free tour can be a great option. And, if you decid to take a free tour, and you enjoy it, don’t forget to tip well!

However, if you value depth, small groups, or a guaranteed quality experience, a paid tour might be a better choice and that is what we offer at our Rotterdam Rotterdam Tours.

Book your Rottourdam tour today!

Also Read: best things to do in Rotterdam according to a local

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We are RotTOURdam

The Rottourdam Guides Elmer and Yoreh

We are Yoreh and Elmer, your local tour guides in Rotterdam.

RotTOURdam offers walking and cycling tours through the most modern and unique city in the Netherlands.

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1 thought on “Free walking tour in Rotterdam: blessing or a curse?

  1. These are some valid points! Though for a traveler I can imagine that the free walking tour is still more economical than a paid one. I prefer to have guaranteed quality though.

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