About Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the bustling city on the river Nieuwe Maas. Its port, largest in Europe, extends out into the North Sea. The historic centre has been bombed, erased in 1940 and had to be rebuilt after the second world war.
So what usually forms the historic inner city now shows us examples of challenging, interesting architecture. Right at the spot of the oldest part where the river Rotte partly has been drained, people are now buying fish, cheese and Iberico ham in the architectural Market hall, complete with painted roof as if it were a modern Sixtine chapel! As the port gradually shifted towards the west in the 20th century, former harbours are now used for other purposes: former warehouses serve now as beautiful restaurants, startups or museums. Did you know on a Floating Farm 40 cows provide for our daily dairy products in the city!
In the centre historic boats can be admired in a few city ports. The former flagship of Holland America Line: SS Rotterdam can still be visited. During a city walk we will visit part of the city centre, old harbours and the river Maas. The city of Rotterdam is challenging: distances can be overcome by taking your bike or renting one for a guided bicycle tour!
Rotterdam – By bike
By bike we can see more as Rotterdam is a large city: so bring your bike and let’s explore. We cross the Maas twice: over the Erasmusbridge first to get to the Wilhelminapier and see the old Hotel New York in between more modern architecture. We go on to admire the SS Rotterdam, former flagship of the Holland America Line. We will take the Williamsbridge back to Rotterdam-North and pass by the old historic harbour, the Cube Houses and the Market hall. We will see Central station and the shopping area. How spectacular is the brandnew Depot Boijmans van Beuningen, the first art storage facility open to the public! Or maybe you wish to see historic harbour of Delfshaven and imagine how Rotterdam must have looked before the 1940 bombing. It is from there that a group of Pilgrimfathers in 1620 set sail to the New world. Let’s make a choice before the tour starts.
To be informed
2 hrs.
15 max*
Rotterdam – Walk
During our walk you will see a part of the city centre. You will see an old harbour with historic boats. Let’s have a closer look at the river Maas and the fast Watertaxis crossing it. We pass by the “Witte Huis”, the cube-houses and the Markethall. We see the area from where Rotterdam started to grow. We continue to see more of the bustling shopping area. We will end this walk in the cosy, trendy Witte de Withstraat. Don’t forget to bring your best walking shoes!
To be informed
2 hrs.
25 max*
