Discover Rotterdam with these walking routes and guided tours

Rotterdam offers many ways to enjoy a city walk, whether you are looking for a short loop or a longer route. You can choose to walk independently using an app or map, or join an official guide who shows you the highlights.

Walk past colourful street art, admire artworks in public spaces or head a little further from the centre. Historic Delfshaven, the Kralingse Plas, Katendrecht or Oude Noorden and even the beach at Hoek van Holland are all great options. If you prefer more context and stories, a guided city walk is always a good choice.

On Eendrachtsplein, you will find the Tramhuis, a small kiosk dedicated to city walks, set inside a beautifully restored RET waiting shelter from 1914. The historic building has been carefully returned to its original state and now serves as a charming starting point for exploring Rotterdam on foot.

From the kiosk, a range of walking routes is available via the Tramhuis app or in a printed booklet. Each route has been curated by well-known Rotterdam locals, including architect Winy Maas, artist Joep van Lieshout, food journalist Jonneke de Zeeuw and actress Loes Luca. Every weekend, guided walks also set off from here. Tickets can be purchased online via the Tramhuis website or directly at the kiosk. Families can pick up a dedicated children’s route designed to make exploring the city engaging for younger visitors.

Free City Walk

To make discovering Rotterdam even more accessible, Tramhuis also offers a free walking route. Pick up your copy at Rotterdam Tourist Information at Rotterdam Central Station and set out on a two-hour journey through the city. Along the way, you will pass striking architecture, public art, lively harbour areas and green parks. The route includes well-known highlights such as the Markthal and the Laurenskerk, alongside lesser-known places that locals hold dear.

Would you like to discover Rotterdam in a fun, insightful and authentic way? Book a tour with a professional guide who leads you through the city. You can choose from the following providers:

• UrbanGuides - Tours around current themes such as Rotterdam’s slavery history and green initiatives, as well as neighbourhood walks through areas like M4H and Museumpark.
• Inside Rotterdam - Guides who go beyond the usual highlights and show you surprising and lesser-known locations.
• BiteMe Food Tours - Active walking combined with tasting local snacks along the way.
• Rottourdam - Routes focused on architecture, highlights and hidden gems.
• V for Food Tour - As the name suggests, this tour leads you to vegan hotspots across the city.
• De Rotterdam Tours - Walks based on themes, neighbourhoods or iconic Rotterdam landmarks.
• Architour - Tailor-made architecture tours for professional groups, guided by local architects.

A guide adds depth to your walk by sharing stories, background information and personal insights from Rotterdam residents. Many of these tour companies also offer cycling tours, culinary experiences and other themed explorations.

Prefer to explore Rotterdam at your own pace? Let the diversity of the city surprise you and choose from a wide range of walking routes. From historic walks and art routes featuring sculptures and street art to peaceful nature walks on the edge of the city, Rotterdam has something for everyone.

Get inspired by this selection of routes and enjoy the city without a guide:

• The River Rotte - This winding river flows from the countryside into the heart of Rotterdam. Walking along its lively quays and green banks is both relaxing and refreshing. Explore the routes available on the Ook dit is de Rotte website.
• BKOR art routes - BKOR offers several art routes across the city, including the Zuidplein to Rotterdam Central art route, Westersingel to Wilhelminapier, the Rotterdam Light Route, Feijenoord Monumental and the Singeltracé in Rotterdam-Noord. Routes are available online and as free maps at Rotterdam Tourist Information locations.
• Street art routes by Rewriters - Discover more urban art with the street art routes created by Rewriters. These free routes explain the stories behind each mural, helping you understand both the artwork and the city better.
• Walking in the port of Rotterdam - The port may surprise you with its mix of industry and nature. Walking and cycling routes lead you past both well-known and hidden highlights. Discover the routes on the Port of Rotterdam website.
• NS walking routes – NS, the Dutch Railways offers walking routes starting from train stations, ranging from short to long distances and combining city and nature. In Rotterdam, the Rotterdam Maasstad walk is a popular choice. The Schiedam Jeneverstad route is also highly recommended.
• Nature walks with Natuurmonumenten - For green and rural routes around Rotterdam, Natuurmonumenten offers beautiful walks, such as routes from the city into the surrounding countryside or a walk around the Ackerdijkse Plassen.
• Zuid-Hollands Landschap routes - Zuid-Hollands Landschap maintains walking routes through lesser-known natural areas. Highlights include a walk across Brienenoord Island or coastal routes in Hoek van Holland, such as the Zeeheldenroute.