Docks
Historic harbours and docks in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is famous for having the largest port in Europe, but within the city you can still discover historic harbours and former docks that reveal a very different side of its maritime past.
Places such as Oudehaven, Delfshaven, Leuvehaven and Veerhaven are home to historic ships, old merchant houses, converted warehouses, waterfront terraces and pleasant places to walk beside the water.
Some of these harbours have centuries of history, while others, such as Rijnhaven and Entrepothaven, show how Rotterdam is transforming former port areas into new residential districts and public spaces.
In this guide you can discover some of the most interesting historic harbours and urban docks in Rotterdam and visit our individual guides for more detailed information about each location.
Historic harbours to visit in Rotterdam
Rotterdam’s old harbours have very different personalities. Delfshaven preserves the atmosphere of a historic Dutch town, Oudehaven combines old ships with lively terraces and modern architecture, while Leuvehaven feels almost like an open-air extension of the Maritime Museum.
On the southern side of the Nieuwe Maas you can also discover former commercial and industrial harbours that have been transformed into modern waterfront neighbourhoods, including Entrepothaven and Rijnhaven.
Entrepothaven
A former commercial harbour transformed into a peaceful marina on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas.
Delfshaven
Rotterdam’s best-preserved historic harbour, surrounded by canals, old houses and buildings with centuries of history.
Leuvehaven
A historic harbour beside the Maritime Museum, with traditional vessels, historic ships and old port equipment.
Oudehaven, Rijnhaven and Veerhaven
These three harbours represent very different stages in Rotterdam’s development.
Oudehaven is one of the liveliest waterfront areas in the city centre, combining historic boats with the Cube Houses and numerous restaurants. Veerhaven has a more elegant atmosphere, with classic boats and impressive historic buildings. Rijnhaven, on the other hand, represents contemporary Rotterdam: a former industrial harbour being transformed into a new waterfront district.
Other urban harbours in Rotterdam
Rotterdam has several other waterfront areas worth exploring.
Wijnhaven was once an important commercial area used for storing wine and other goods. Today it combines modern architecture, bridges and reminders of Rotterdam’s trading past in the heart of the city.
Parkhaven, located beside the Euromast and Het Park, is a recreational harbour and a departure point for several sightseeing cruises and boat trips on the Nieuwe Maas.
The former docks around Kop van Zuid and Katendrecht are also worth exploring, where old port buildings now stand alongside contemporary architecture, restaurants and new public spaces.
Oudehaven
One of Rotterdam’s oldest and liveliest harbours, with historic boats, waterfront terraces and striking modern architecture.
Rijnhaven
A former industrial harbour undergoing one of the largest waterfront transformations in southern Rotterdam.
Veerhaven
An elegant historic harbour surrounded by impressive mansions, monumental buildings and classic boats.
Which Rotterdam harbour should you visit?
If you are looking for history and traditional Dutch architecture, Delfshaven is probably the best choice.
For waterfront terraces and atmosphere, Oudehaven is one of the most enjoyable places in the city centre.
If you are interested in maritime history and traditional ships, combine Leuvehaven with a visit to the Maritime Museum.
For photography, historic architecture and a more elegant atmosphere, Veerhaven is an excellent option. And if you want to see how Rotterdam is reinventing its former harbour areas, Rijnhaven and Entrepothaven provide a good introduction to the city’s modern waterfront development.
Discover Rotterdam’s historic harbours
Rotterdam’s history is closely connected to water, shipping and maritime trade. Its old harbours show how a city built around ships, warehouses and commerce has evolved into one of Europe’s leading centres for modern architecture and urban development.
Explore our individual guides to learn more about the history of each harbour, what you can see during your visit and the most interesting places nearby.