Walking routes
Walking Routes In Rotterdam: Discover The City On Foot
If you’re looking for a genuine, calm, and unique way to experience Rotterdam, our walking tours are the perfect choice.
You don’t need to rush by bike or public transport; walking lets you truly feel the city, uncover spots few people see, and experience the real heart of Rotterdam.
On this page, we’ve prepared three walking routes of 8, 9, and 10 kilometers.
They’re designed for you to enjoy the city at your own pace while getting to know its main tourist attractions, modern architecture, and lively everyday life.
Discover Rotterdam by walking
The city is known for its innovative and contemporary architecture, shown in landmarks like the Erasmus Bridge and the Markthal.
As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by these fascinating structures and can also discover other interesting places that might not be visible from a car.
In addition, each walking tour brings you closer to the local life.
You’ll be able to stroll through lively markets, stop for a coffee at a small food place, and see how Rotterdam residents interact in their squares and parks.
Our routes immerse you in Rotterdam’s local life. You can check out lively markets, observe how locals interact in parks and squares, and enjoy authentic food at local cafes and restaurants.This experience gives you a genuine perspective of the city.
Walking also lets you enjoy Rotterdam at your own pace. There’s no rush – just a chance to savor every moment. You can pause to admire artistic graffiti on walls or simply take in the changing views of the Maas River.
The best walking tours to explore Rotterdam
Here are three carefully selected routes that will let you discover Rotterdam from a real-life perspective.
Each one takes you through different areas, showing you various parts of the city.
Route 1: An 8 km tour of history and modernity
This first route, which is about 8 kilometers long, starts at the Westersingel, a beautiful promenade surrounded by outdoor sculptures.
You’ll continue through the Museumpark, home to some of Rotterdam’s most important museums, and you can admire the design of the Euromast.
As you walk, you’ll discover the picturesque Parkhaven, where you can see the Maastunnel and the old harbors of Veerhaven and Leuvehaven.
From the base of the Erasmus Bridge, you’ll get amazing views of Wilhelminakade Street. The tour ends at the historic Coolsingel Avenue, where you’ll pass by buildings that survived the bombings of World War II.
Route 2: 9 km of architecture, canals, and culture
If you’re looking for a longer walk, this 9 km route takes you from the busy shopping district to the Town Hall, passing by the canals around Sint Laurenskerk.
You’ll visit the famous Markthal and the Cubic Houses, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Then you’ll walk along the Oudehaven and cross the three most famous bridges in Rotterdam.
The walk continues along Wilhelminakade and the Katendrecht area until you reach the impressive SS Rotterdam, a restored ship from the past.
Finally, you can take a stroll through the historic Maashaven before returning to the metro at Maashaven, which will take you back to the central station.
Ruta 3: A 10 km journey through the most authentic Rotterdam
This is the longest route, covering 10 km, and takes you through the same area as before, but with an extra touch.
Starting from Westersingel, you’ll pass by the Museumpark and the Euromast, and you’ll enter the peaceful Het Park.
Then, you’ll discover the revitalized Mullenpier area and walk through the historic Delfshaven neighborhood, one of the few parts of Rotterdam that survived World War II.
At the end of this route, you’ll pass through Coolhaven and walk along one of Rotterdam’s most beautiful canals before returning to the central station.
Useful tips for enjoying walking tours in Rotterdam
• Wear comfortable shoes: Walk at your own pace, but it’s important to wear comfortable shoes.
• Check the map before you go: Make sure you have the route map and the description handy.
• Use your breaks to admire the buildings, take photos, or simply relax in the local parks.
• Change routes based on your energy: If you don’t want to do the longer route, hoose a shorter one or combine parts of the different routes.