What to do when you offboard the cruise ship in Rotterdam
Rotterdam, a city in The Netherlands, with the biggest harbor in Europe, that rose from the ashes of World War II, pulsates with a unique blend of history and innovation. To truly experience its soul, venture beyond the typical tourist routes with a captivating walking tour from RotTOURdam.
Our local guides, like Yoreh, possess intimate knowledge of the city, weaving fascinating narratives that bring its past and present to life. You’ll journey back to the 13th century, when Rotterdam was a small trading post on the Rotte River, and witness its remarkable transformation into a global maritime hub. We’ll explore the devastating impact of WWII and marvel at the city’s remarkable resilience, reflected in its innovative architecture and urban planning.
Expect to:
- Discover Iconic Landmarks: Stand in awe before Cube Houses and the Markthal, a modern architectural marvel often referred to as The Modern Sistine Chapel of Food, and cross the iconic Erasmus bridge, a symbol of Rotterdam’s enduring spirit. You find these locations also in the list of best things to do in Rotterdam.
- Uncover Hidden Gems: Delve into the vibrant Shipping Quarter, explore the rich maritime history of the city, and uncover the secrets of the Museum Quarter.
- Experience Immersive Storytelling: Our engaging narratives will transport you through time, revealing fascinating historical facts and local insights.
- Enjoy Active Exploration: Embark on a brisk walk, covering approximately 6 kilometers, while discovering the city’s vibrant energy.
- Conclude with Culinary Delights: Cap off your journey with a delightful culinary experience within the vibrant Markthal, where you can roam around on your own
Why Choose RotTOURdam?
- Local Expertise: Our passionate local guides offer an authentic Rotterdam experience, unlike generic cruise ship tours.
- In-depth Exploration: Go beyond the typical tourist routes and uncover the hidden gems and unique stories that make Rotterdam truly special.
- Personalized Touch: Choose from small-group or private tours for a more intimate and engaging experience.
Where to start the tour?
The RotTOURdam walking tour starts at Oude Binnenweg 137, Rotterdam. Some cruise ship companies have a Cruise Shuttle, driving you directly to the Markthal. From there, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the starting point. We will end inside the Markthal, so from there it is easy to get back to the ship by Metro, Walking, Taxi/Uber or the Cruise Shuttle.
Will I make it in time before the departure of my cruise?
Yes! We have three starting times: 10am, 2pm and 6pm. The tour is 3 hours, meaning the ending times are at 1pm, 5pm or 9pm. As most cruise ships in Rotterdam depart at 3pm, 6pm or 6am, you will have plenty of time to get back to the ship in time.
How to get from the Rotterdam Cruise Terminal to the city center (start of tour)?
📍Starting location
The starting point is at Oude Binnenweg 137, in front of the Swan giftshop, next to the big black Santa Claus statue.
Google Maps to the starting point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hYturKSQMDiqGSeU6
You can recognize and find me by looking for the yellow Rottourdam umbrella.
🎫Tickets for public transport
It is good to know you can use your debit/credit card to travel by public transport, as long as it has contactless payment. This works for train, bus, tram, and metro.
If you take the tram or bus, make sure to check in AND out when leaving the tram or bus.
If you prefer an actual ticket, you could look for the ‘OV Verkoop’ machines, which you can find inside the metro or train stations. Here, they sell OV-cards, which you need to charge with money. These cards work for all public transport.
You could use https://www.9292.nl/ to plan your trip. This is the official public transport planner of The Netherlands.
From the cruise terminal🛳, there are multiple ways to get to the starting point: Taxi, Tram, Metro, or Walking.
Walking
Walking🚶♀ is 2.1 km / 1.3 miles and will take about 35 minutes. You will have to cross the big white Erasmus Bridge: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9AV8ND25TJvUyXBR9
Taxi / Uber / Bolt 🚖
A taxi ride will be about 15 euros and takes just 10 minutes.
I think RTC is the best taxi company in Rotterdam, and you can book them online (https://msrp.rtc-digital.nl/cp/rtc-anonymous) or via phone +31 10 4626060. Payments can be done by cash (euros) or by card inside the taxi.
— You could ask the taxi/uber/bolt to be picked up at Cruise Terminal and go to Eendrachtsplein next to the Santa Claus statue.
Tram🚋
The correct tram stop is on the side closest to the river. These trams will go over the big white Erasmus bridge.
Walk towards Wilhelminaplein (5 min from the cruise terminal) and take Tram 5 (Toward Rotterdam Centraal) get of at stop ‘Kruisplein‘. From there it is a 5-minte walk to Oude Binnenweg 137.
You could also take line Tram 3 (toward Central Station) and get off at station/stop Beurs. From here, it is a 10-minute walk.
📍Follow this Google Maps link to find the real-time route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XfK948nWjwqcfELe7
Metro 🚇
Walk towards Wilhelminaplein (5-min walk from the cruise terminal) and go into the Metro station.
Here, you could take Line D towards Central Station or E towards Den Haag Centraal.
For both lines counts, you have to leave the metro a stop Beurs. From here, it is a 10-minute walk.
Follow this Google Maps url to find the real-time route: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XfK948nWjwqcfELe7
Book your Rotterdam adventure today and experience the city’s soul in a way you never thought possible.
