Walking path in Rotterdam
This walking path in Rotterdam covers a distance of about 10 kilometres and can be comfortably completed in under 3 and a half hours with breaks.
If you’re visiting Rotterdam alone or with a group of up to three people and need someone to take photos, you can send me an email. Photography is one of my hobbies, and sometimes I earn extra money from it. If I’m free that day, we can plan something.
I’ve included some tips along the route, places where you can take a break, and hidden corners that tourists might not know about.
A map of this route can be downloaded in this link.
Here are some of the places you’ll come across on this route. You can click on the links for more information:
Central Station – Groothandelsgebouw – Millenium Tower – Delftse Poort – Calypso – Schouwburgplein –Westersingel – Sylvette – Museumpark (Museo Boijnmans van Beuningen, Museum Chabot – Nieuwe Instituut – Depot Boijmans van Beuningen – Kunsthal – Natuurhistorisch Museum) – Het Park – Euromast – Maastunnel – Parkhaven – Slavernijn Monument – Delfshaven – Coolhaven – Museum Rotterdam 40-45 NOW – Beautiful views of rivers, docks and canals along the route.
Description of this walking route
We start our tour at the Central Station, leaving from the main entrance located at Stationplein.
At this square, you’ll see Delftse Poort on the left, the impressive Millennium Tower in front of you, and the grand Groothandelsgebouw Building on the right. We’ll continue along Kruisplein, through the pedestrian area, until we reach the next crossing. Here, you’ll spot the Calypso building, and to the right, there’s the Chinatown area.
Follow the left path to Schouwburgplein, leading to a spacious square. Here, you’ll find the Schouwburg Theater, the Pathe cinema, and the De Doelen concert and exhibition center. By the way, the four red lamps can be moved using controls at their base.
Cross the square diagonally, heading towards the Schouwburg Theater, then turn right onto Mauritsplaats. Cross the street and walk over a small bridge across the canal. Continue to the left along the pedestrian path until the next crossing. This is Westersingel.
Walk along this avenue for about 400 meters until you reach a Picasso artwork, then take the street on your right. This is your entrance to the Museumpark. To your left is the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum, and a bit further to the right is the Museum Chabot. In the same street, you’ll find the Huis Sonneveld. You’ll also spot the Depot Boijmans van Beuningen and the Nieuwe Instituut across the street.
Now, enter the park through Melkkeppad path. After a short walk, take a left turn, cross a small bridge, and continue along this path through a wooded area. You’ll pass by an entrance with two lions. In this corner, by the obelisk and next to the water, there’s an antique map of Rotterdam made with mosaics.
Keep going towards the small Greek chapel (usually closed, but there’s a Sunday mass at noon that’s worth a visit). Turn right towards two buildings. These are the Kunsthal Museum and the Natuurhistorisch Museum.
After leaving the museums behind, go up a slight hill to your right, leading to the main road. Cross the road to the left on the other side. You’re entering Het Park. Our route follows the first path on the right as you enter the park. If you have time, you can go straight ahead, and about 50 meters to the left, you’ll see an entrance with large gates. This is the entrance to Schoonoord Tuin; it’s also worth a stroll.
Let’s continue on the first path on the right into the park until we reach the Norwegian Church. Now, turn left, cross a bridge, and then take the second path on the right towards the cafés in the park. One of them is Dudok, known for their delicious pastries.
After leaving the houses behind, take the first path on the left, and a few meters ahead, there’s an old wooden bridge to your right. Cross it, climb the slope, and to your left, you’ll see metal stairs. Climb them to reach the entrance of the Euromast. In this area, you’ll find the Chinesse Boat, and a bit further, the entrance to the Maastunnel (if you have time, take a look inside).
After the Euromast, cross the street towards the water, and follow to the right along Parkhaven. When you reach the first bridge, turn to your left onto Westzeedijk.
Take the first path on the left onto Sint-Jobsweg, and a few meters ahead, turn right onto Sint-Jobskade. When you reach the quay, go left towards the river along Sint-Jobshavenkade. Continue alongside the river until you reach the Slavernijn Monument.
After the monument, turn right onto Loods Celebes, until you reach the hockey fields. Here, our path continues along the quay along Schiehaven. At the end of the quay, turn right onto Schiemond, then left onto Westkousdijk.
Afterwards, you’ll see a crosswalk to your right to cross to the other side of the avenue onto Westzeedijk. After crossing, go left, then take the first path on your right, leading you to Middenkous Street. Follow to the right, and then turn left, walking along the water. Soon, you’ll come across a bridge called Mouterbrug. Cross it and continue to your right until you reach the windmill. If you want, you can go inside the windmill. After that, continue through Achterhaven, then through Piet Heynsplein, until you see Piet Heynstraat to your right. Walk along this street.
At the end of this street, you’ll find another bridge, Piet Heynsbrug. You can also take a break at a bar in the area. De Pelgrim is a brewery that makes its own beer. Alternatively, a bit further ahead on the route, there’s a bar area where you can try Bitterballen garniture. Café de Oude Sluis, Café Soif, or Café aan Zet are good options.
Once you have crossed the bridge, turn left onto Aelbrechtskolk, until you reach the main road. Go right onto Schiedamseweg, and later, turn left to cross the old Lage Erfbrug Bridge.
After crossing the bridge, turn right onto the waterside promenade, and continue for about 600 meters until you reach Coolhaven metro station, passing under a bridge. Right in front of the metro station, you can see the Museum Rotterdam 40-45 NOW.
Enter the metro station and proceed through the underground passage until you reach the opposite side of the station, next to the Heenraadssingel canal.
Follow alongside Heenraadssingel for nearly a kilometer until you reach the end of this route. Upon reaching Beukelsdijk, turn to your right. Next, take the first left onto Suze Groeneweglaan. When you reach the end of this street, continue to your right along Essenburgsingel.
Upon reaching the end of this canal, you’ll notice on your left the entrance to a dog park (take a look if you have the time). If not, continue to your right until you reach the traffic light, then proceed along Weena Avenue until you return to the train station.
Don’t forget to check out the other routes I’ve prepared. Depending on how long you’ll be in the city, you might prefer one of the other routes.