Are you wondering how to spend one day in Rotterdam?
Then you’ve come to the right place. I loved my solo trip to the Netherlands’ Capital of Cool – it’s one of the best European cities to visit as a solo traveller – and I’m excited to share my 1-day Rotterdam self-guided walking tour and itinerary.
This is for you whether you are on a Rotterdam day trip from Amsterdam, visiting as part of a cruise or staying overnight.
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Getting to Rotterdam from Amsterdam
A Rotterdam day trip from Amsterdam couldn’t be simpler: just 30 minutes by direct train from Amsterdam Centraal. Thanks to efficient rail connections, it’s also an easy day trip from Leiden, Delft and Brussels.
The city is also accessible from Schiphol Airport (30 minutes) or Rotterdam-The Hague Airport (15 minutes by bus #33).
Cruise passengers arriving at Wilhelmina Pier can reach the city centre via metro in 10 minutes.
My Rotterdam Self-Guided Walking Tour
Before you begin
What you will see
- Rotterdam Centraal train station
- Lijnbaan
- St. Lawrence Church
- Rotterdam’s City Library
- Rotterdam Market Hall
- Cube Houses
- Maas Riverfront
- Leuvehaven
- Old Harbour
Here’s my map to help you on your way. Click here or on the map itself for step-by-step directions and to send to your phone.
If you need to use public transport to get to and from the walking trail’s start and end points, fast-forward to my tips on getting around Rotterdam (-> here).
Rotterdam Centraal train station
My walking tour starts at Rotterdam Centraal train station, a modern architectural gem.
Opened in 2014, Rotterdam’s futuristic central train station is massive, spread over 430,000 square feet under a cathedral-like roof. Before you start your walk in earnest, you might want to pick up a city map from the train station’s Tourist Information Office.
When you exit the station into the plaza, turn around and look back at the station to admire its flying saucer-shaped roof, with its tip in harmonious juxtaposition with the adjacent buildings.
Rotterdam’s Shopping Zone
Korte Lijnbaan forms part of Lijnbaan, a fairly unremarkable network of pedestrianised shopping streets, but it has one claim to fame.
Lijnbaan was the first pedestrianised downtown shopping area to be developed in Europe. As such, it was a huge tourist attraction in the 1950s when such developments were novel.
Today, it has lost its shine and its shops are a little down market. Nonetheless, this cycle-free zone is pleasant and you don’t run the risk of cyclists approaching you from behind you like silent assassins!
When you reach the statue of the rasslin’ bears, take a right. When you reach the tram tracks take a left. You are now in Beustraverse, another shopping street.
Carry on straight, and you will reach Hoogstraat, which was at the heart of Rotterdam’s downtown area pre-1940. Are you now ready for a pit stop?
If so, then grab a prized pavement table at Poffertjessalon Seth (Hoogstraat 147) and order a portion of their tiny traditional pancakes, smothered in butter and dusted with icing sugar. They are like little sweet clouds of heaven.
Now on a sugar high, head toward the steeple of St. Lawrence Church.
St. Lawrence Church (Laurenskirk)
St. Lawrence Church is one of the few buildings that survived the devastating World War II bombing raid in May 1940. Completed in 1525, this imposing Gothic building is Rotterdam’s oldest.
I didn’t go inside, but if you fancy a peek there’s a small entrance fee. You can check opening hours here. The church also hosts concerts.
If you have a head for heights, you can climb the tower from Tuesday to Saturday from March to October (fee applies).
Erasmus
Have you heard of the Erasmus programme? This European exchange programme is designed to enable students to gain experience in another country, either as part of their degree programme or as a work placement.
Meet the man who inspired this. The statue of Rotterdam native, Desiderius Erasmus (1469 – 1536) graces the plaza in front of St. Lawrence Church.
Erasmus was a Renaissance humanist scholar who studied extensively abroad to avoid the fate of his like-minded friend, Thomas More, who had his head chopped off by Henry VIII.
Other Rotterdam landmarks are also named after him. We’ll come across at least one other on this walking tour.
But, for now, continue to the end of Hoogstraat, and straight ahead, you will see a white building with yellow tubes. Head towards this building, which is Rotterdam’s City Library.
The City Library
If you love funky architecture, don’t skip Rotterdam’s City Library. Often compared to Paris’ Pompidou Centre, it is in keeping with the French building’s aesthetic of “form follows function”, celebrating the guts of a working building.
I took the escalator all the way up to the top floor to fully appreciate this space and loved the funky 1970s-style lampshades.
Exiting the City Library, walk back across the plaza towards the modern dome-shaped building, which is Rotterdam’s Market Hall.
Rotterdam Market Hall (Markthal)
Visiting the Market Hall is one of the best things to do in Rotterdam, particularly if you are a foodie.
It is unlike any other market I have seen. Gleaming and modern, this cathedral of food is covered by a spectacular 36,000 sq ft ceiling mural, featuring fruits, vegetables and other market goods.
Beneath this domed ceiling is an extensive food market with over 100 retailers, restaurants and fast-food stands. If you are ready for lunch, this is one of the best places in Rotterdam to stop for a drink or a quick bite to eat.
Back outside, you will be able to spot the distinctive tower block dubbed “The Pencil” by Rotterdammers because of its shape. Make your way toward it, and you will arrive at the Cube Houses.
The Cube Houses of Rotterdam
For many, the Cube Houses are the stars of Rotterdam’s architectural show. Designed and built in the late 1970s by the architect Piet Bloom, these innovative buildings have achieved iconic status.
This urban forest of 39 identical yellow cubes sits on hexagonal poles, their walls tilted at a precarious 54.7-degree angle. Each cube houses a single family on three levels. The lower triangular level is the living room; the middle level is for sleeping and bathing; and the upper level is an additional sleeping or living area.
For a closer look, follow the signs to the museum to enter a series of courtyards around which the Cube Houses are clustered. You can enter one of the houses by paying to visit the Kijk-Kubus Museum House.
Alternatively, if you are after a more immersive Cube House experience, you can stay in one at the Stayokay Hostel (Overblaak 85-87). Dorm beds and private rooms are available.
From the Stayokay Hostel, take the steps down to Rotterdam’s Old Harbour. This is the endpoint of our Rotterdam walking tour and we will return here. But if you want to refuel, you could do worse than take a seat at one of the harbourside bars and restaurants.
If you want to carry on, walk around the left-hand side of the harbour, cross the main road and then go under the bridge’s flyover to reach the Maas riverfront.
Maas Riverfront
The red bridge to your left is the Williams Bridge (Willemsbrug).
With your back to the Williams Bridge, stroll along the riverfront boardwalk. In around 15 minutes, you will arrive at the Parade of Flags, 200 of them representing the nationalities of those making up Rotterdam’s multi-ethnic population.
Remember Erasmus from earlier in our walking tour? Here is another Rotterdam landmark that bears his name, the spectacular 800-meter-long Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug).
The graceful shape of its 139-meter-high pylon has given it its nickname, “The Swan.”
The Erasmus Bridge is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful bridges, and it forms part of the city of Rotterdam’s logo.
To continue our walking tour, turn right to head away from the river and up Schiedamsedijk. Then turn right to reach the Maritime District.
If you fancy putting your feet up and relaxing for an hour or so, why not take a harbour cruise from Willemsplein? This will allow you to see Rotterdam from a different perspective, and you’ll learn more about the city, its shipyards and docks.
Leuvehaven
A hundred years ago, Leuvehaven was a busy commercial port. Today it’s a harmonious blend of the old and the new, with a few remaining historic harbour buildings sprinkled amongst new tower blocks. It is an open-air venue for all things related to nautical history.
It is also home to Rotterdam’s Maritime Museum. In the plaza behind the museum is the symbolic De Verwoeste Stad (The Destroyed City) statue, commemorating the city’s WW2 destruction.
Follow the road (Blaak) around to the right at the Maritime Museum, and just past the Blaak metro station, you will find yourself back at the Old Harbour.
The Old Harbour (Oudehaven)
Rotterdam’s Old Harbour is a modern recreation of what the harbour would have been like, had Hitler not had his way with the city. With its outdoor bars and restaurants and a handful of historic ships, it is a pleasant area to stroll and sup.
It must be time for that cold drink now. You deserve it and where better to end your day in Rotterdam?
Best Things to Do in Rotterdam Beyond Day One
But perhaps you are staying overnight and wondering about the best things to do in Rotterdam in two days? I recommend visiting Delfshaven and Luchtsingel.
You will need to use the city’s metro system, but these attractions are well worth the journey. Time permitting, try to see the city’s street art and a few of Rotterdam’s subway stations.
Delfshaven
Mercifully saved from the destruction wrought by the WW2 bombing campaign, Delfshaven is a well-preserved area of Rotterdam and gives us a glimpse of what the city would have looked like in its golden age.
As its name suggests, Delftsaven was actually the port for Delft, six miles northeast of Rotterdam. Lined by historic buildings, the Voorhaven canal is crisscrossed by bridges and has a working windmill in the distance.
It doesn’t get much more Dutch than this.
Don’t miss the Pilgrim Fathers Church (Oude de Pelgrimvaderskerk), near the main drawbridge. It was here that the Pilgrims prayed the night before they set sail for the New World on 1st August 1620. The rest, as they say, is history.
Luchtsingel
Images of this 390-metre-long footbridge, slightly east of the main train station, grace many an Instagram feed. This bright yellow walkway connects Rotterdam North to the central area and has revitalised a once-neglected area.
Each of the 8,000 wooden planks forming Luchtsingel is inscribed with the name of the person who funded it, or with a message of the funder’s choice.
If you get a chance to visit, take a peek at the community area. It’s not often that you see sheep waiting for a train that will never arrive!
Rotterdam’s Instagrammable subway stations
Rotterdam’s architectural treasures can also be found underground. My favourites were Marconiplein and Blaak.
If you visit Blaak station, look out for the remains of Rotterdam’s city walls, which are suspended over one of its platforms.
Rotterdam’s street art & Witte de Withstraat
The street art scene in Rotterdam is centred around Witte de Withstraat, which is the city’s hipster central. This lively street is lined with restaurants that represent Rotterdam’s ethnic diversity, boutiques, art galleries and even a Dutch “coffee shop”.
If you head to Rewriters Rotterdam, you can download a free Rotterdam street art map. An app is also available.
Prefer a Guided Tour? Popular Rotterdam Tour Options
If you want someone else to take care of all the arrangements for you or want to benefit from the knowledge of a local guide, why not join an organised tour?
A tour can be particularly useful if you are travelling alone. Many solo travellers fear being lonely, and joining an organised activity can be excellent for making friends while you are travelling.
Here are a few highly-rated options to consider:
Rotterdam bike tour | BOOK HERE
Do as the locals do and explore Rotterdam on two wheels. This 2.5-hour bike tour takes in many of the attractions listed in this article in the company of a local guide.
Rotterdam Walking Tour and Harbour Cruise | BOOK HERE
Get the best of both worlds with this 3-hour guided walking tour followed by a harbour cruise.
Rotterdam FOOD WALKING TOUR | BOOK HERE
This highly-rated tour includes generous tastings of Dutch classics such as cheese, poffertjes and bitterballen whilst experiencing Rotterdam’s architectural, historical and cultural highlights.
Getting Around
Thanks to its integrated and efficient public transport network, getting around Rotterdam is easy. Your ticket choice will depend on how much you anticipate using the city’s transport system.
Where to Stay in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is compact and well connected, so anywhere central works for a short stay. Aim for City Centre, Blaak, or around Rotterdam Centraal to be within easy walking or metro distance of the main sights.
- Mid-range favourite: citizenM Rotterdam — stylish, great location by Blaak and the Old Harbour (I stayed here and loved it – here’s my citizenM Rotterdam hotel review).
- More space: Premier Suites PLUS — serviced apartments near Centraal Station.
- Budget: Sparks Hostel — modern, good value and close to transport.
If prices are high, bases like Delft or The Hague are an easy train ride away.
Rotterdam Day Trip: FAQs
What is Rotterdam famous for?
Rotterdam is famous for its striking modern architecture, including the iconic Cube Houses, futuristic Market Hall, and swan-shaped Erasmus Bridge. The city is also Europe’s largest port and is known for its vibrant street art scene and remarkable post-war reconstruction. Unlike many Dutch cities, Rotterdam embraced bold contemporary design rather than recreating its historic past after its destruction during World War II.
How long do you need in Rotterdam?
One day is enough to see Rotterdam’s main attractions, including the Cube Houses, Market Hall, and the Maas waterfront. The city is compact and highly walkable, and you can comfortably cover the highlights within six hours following my self-guided walking tour. If you prefer a slower pace or want to explore areas like Delfshaven and the street art scene, consider staying overnight.
Is Rotterdam worth visiting from Amsterdam?
Absolutely. As the journey takes just half an hour by direct train, it’sone of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Amsterdam.
Go to Amsterdam for its canals, medieval buildings and a window into the Netherlands’ past. Rotterdam is a showcase for bold, contemporary architecture, without the crowds that can often swamp Amsterdam.
Where To Next?
If you’re looking for more help with planning your Netherlands trip take a look at my other articles before you leave. Discover the best things to do in Delft, how to spend a day in Leiden or grab this guide to visiting the Keukenhof Gardens.
Happy travels!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.