Rotterdam in a Day: A Guide to its Art, History and Architecture

Rotterdam is unlike any other Dutch city. Instead of narrow canals and medieval gabled houses, you’ll find striking architecture and a spirit of reinvention. On this walking tour, you’ll hear how a former fishing village became Europe’s largest port and a showcase of modern urban design.

Starting at the Stadhuis (City Hall), one of the few buildings to survive the devastating 1940 bombing, you’ll stroll through the rebuilt city center. As you walk, you’ll see bold and revolutionary architecture like the world-famous Kubuswoningen (Cube Houses) and the stunning, iridescent Markthal (Market Hall), dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam.” You’ll pass hidden maritime areas, vibrant cultural districts, and the Maas River, which connects Rotterdam to the world’s trading networks.

As you walk, you’ll see everything from Europe’s first city surf pool, complete with artificial waves, to St Lawrence Church, which has become a symbol of resilience. The tour ends at the controversial Santa Claus sculpture by Paul McCarthy, a fitting symbol of Rotterdam’s willingness to embrace bold, conversation-starting art.

On this two-hour tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Take in the iconic yellow Cube Houses designed by Piet Blom, in what feels like an urban residential village
• Walk through the historic Old Harbor where 17th-century ships rest beneath modern skyscrapers
• Understand why locals say “Niet lullen, maar poetsen” (don’t talk, just get on with it)
• Discover the silver egg-shaped Boijmans Van Beuningen Depot, the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility
• Learn about Rotterdam’s WWII bombing and the remarkable post-war reconstruction that created today’s modern cityscape
• Stroll along the Maas River promenade with views of the iconic Erasmus Bridge, nicknamed ”The Swan”
• Explore vibrant Witte de Withstraat, the former newspaper district, now Rotterdam’s creative and nightlife hub

By the end of this two-hour tour, you’ll have experienced the Netherlands’ most modern city, where resilience meets innovation in Europe’s gateway to the world.