Walking Route in Rotterdam
Discover the City Step by Step
Total distance: about 8 kilometers
Duration: under 3 hours, including time for stops and photos
If you’re planning to visit Rotterdam at your own pace, this walking route will guide you step by step through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, along with some lesser-known spots.
Tip: if you’re traveling solo or in a small group (max. 3 people) and would like professional photos taken during the walk, feel free to email me. Photography is one of my hobbies, and if I’m free that day, we can organize a small session.
I’ve also included tips, places to grab a drink, and interesting points along the way.
You can download the route map from this link.
Main Stops Along the Route
During this walk through Rotterdam, you’ll pass by many points of interest. Click the links for more info:
Centraal Station – Millennium Tower – Delftse Poort – Grotehandelsgebouw – Schouwburgplein (De Doelen, Pathe Cinema Complex) – Calypso – Westersingel – Santa Claus – Witte de With Straat – Museumpark (Boijmans Museum, Chabot Museum, Huis Sonneveld, Depot, Nieuwe Instituut, Kunsthal, Natuur Historisch Museum) – Schoonoord Park – Het Park – Euromast – Parkhaven – Maastunnel– Veerhaven –De Zalmhaven– De Wereld Museum – Wilhelminakade from the north side of the river – Erasmus Bridge – Remastered – Spido – Cooltower – Leuvehaven – Maritime Museum – De Verwoeste Stad – Schiedlandshuis – Koopgoot (shopping area) – World Trade Center – Post Office – City Hall – Weena Avenue.
Start: Central Station and Weena
The route starts at Rotterdam Centraal Station, exiting through the main entrance onto Stationsplein square.
From here, you can admire Delftse Poort, the Millennium Tower, and the Groot Handelsgebouw.
Cross the street toward the Millennium Tower and turn left onto Weena Avenue. Take the first street on the right, Karel Doormanstraat, until you reach a square with four giant red lamps — you’re at Schouwburgplein.
Here you’ll see the De Doelen building, Schouwburg Theater, and Pathé cinema.
Fun fact: the lamps can be moved using controls at their base.
Schouwburgplein – Westersingel – Witte de Withstraat
From Schouwburg Theater, head right on Mauritsplaats and cross the bridge over the canal (watch out for trams and bikes).
Turn left onto Westersingel, a path lined with sculptures and trees.
Walk to the intersection and turn left toward the famous Santa Claus sculpture. Continue along Oude Binnenweg, pass through a tunnel, and go straight to Witte de Withstraat — a street full of cafés, street art, and unique shops.
Museumpark and Cultural District
Continue to your right along Witte de Withstraat and cross the small bridge.
To your left, you’ll see Picasso’s work “Sylvette” and the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.
In the same area, you’ll find the Chabot Museum, Huis Sonneveld, Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, and the Nieuwe Instituut.
Head into Museumpark via Melkkepadd path. After walking a few meters, take a left through a bridge and follow the path through a wooded area past an entrance with two lions. In this corner, under the obelisk, next to the water, you’ll find an old mosaic map of Rotterdam.
Further on, you’ll spot a small Greek chapel (open Sundays at 12:00). Turn right and head toward the two buildings in the park — they are the Kunsthal Museum and the Natural History Museum.
Het Park and Euromast
After visiting the museums, head up to the main road and cross into Het Park, the city’s green lung.
The route continues along the first path on the right, but if you have time, go straight and about 50 meters to the left you’ll see large gates — that’s the entrance to the Schoonoord Garden, which is also worth a stroll.
Inside Het Park you’ll find the Norwegian church, several cafés (like Dudok, known for its pies), and a wooden bridge leading to the Euromast — Rotterdam’s highest viewpoint.
Parkhaven – Maastunnel – Veerhaven
From the Euromast, head toward the Chinese Boot, a floating buffet-style restaurant, and continue toward the river.
After passing the Chinese Boot, you’ll see the entrance to the Maastunnel on your right — the first pedestrian tunnel under the Maas River (worth a quick look).
Walk along the river toward the city center. You’ll pass the historic Veerhaven dock, with cafés and classic boats. Keep following the riverbank. On the other side you’ll see Wilhelminakade, where you can spot Hotel New York, the World Port Center, De Rotterdam skyscraper, KPN building, and more towers. Continue on to the Erasmus Bridge.
Take a break here. You’ll see De Zalmhaven building, Spido boats, Remastered center, and a souvenir shop.
Erasmusbrug – Leuvehaven – Maritiem Museum
Keep walking until you pass under the Erasmus Bridge.
Go up the slope on the left: from here you’ll have a great view of the docks, the De Boeg monument, and the De Hef and Willemsbrug bridges. From here, you can see the Boompjes area (a riverfront with tall buildings), De Boeg monument, De Hef and Willemsbrug in the distance, and Noordereiland island.
When you reach the main avenue again, cross toward Leuvehaven metro stop. If you’re tired, you can take the metro here directly back to Central Station. If not, continue about two more kilometers straight ahead.
To your left is the Cooltoren skyscraper, and to your right, the Leuvehaven dock and the Maritime Museum. I recommend exploring this area for some photos and such. On your right, you’ll see a small metal bridge — cross it and at the end, turn left. In the square, you’ll find Zadkine’s sculpture “The Destroyed City.”
Coolsingel – City Hall – Return to Centraal Station
Continue along Westblaak toward Beurs metro station and cross the first traffic light on the right to enter Coolsingel.
Keep walking along Coolsingel, passing first the tourist office, the Schiedlandshuis, the shopping area, the World Trade Center, the old Post Office, and finally the City Hall. If you turn right at the first street past City Hall, you can access its gardens — a cozy space perfect for photos.
Continue on Coolsingel until you reach Hofplein, a square with a fountain. From there, turn left onto Weena Avenue and after about 400 meters on the right, you’ll be back at the central train station.
Other Recommended Routes
If you have more time in the city, I recommend checking out the other walking routes around Rotterdam I’ve prepared. Depending on your stay, you might be more interested in another theme or area.
Route 2 | Route 3