Rotterdam: Art, History and Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour

5.0 (one review) 2 hours – 2 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

one review

5.0

Rotterdam: Art, History and Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Rotterdam: Art, History and Architecture Self-Guided Audio Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This two-hour walking tour reveals how Rotterdam transformed from a fishing village into Europe’s largest port and a hub of bold, modern architecture after WWII’s devastating bombing.

Starting at the surviving City Hall, you’ll explore landmarks like Piet Blom’s iconic Cube Houses, the iridescent Markthal, and St Lawrence Church. Wander the Old Harbor, where historic ships meet skyscrapers, and see innovative sites like the silver Boijmans Van Beuningen Depot and Europe’s first city surf pool.

Stroll along the Maas River for views of the Erasmus Bridge, and explore creative Witte de Withstraat. Along the way, you’ll uncover Rotterdam’s resilient spirit, striking design, and vibrant culture—capturing why it’s known as the Netherlands’ most modern city.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Architecture Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours New Product Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours – 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: App for Android and iOS
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones
Not included: Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Not included: Food and drink
Not included: Transportation

Itinerary

City Hall Rotterdam

Passing by

Start the tour at what is not just a functioning city hall, but a symbol of resilience, having survived the bombing by Nazi Germany in 1940
Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk

Passing by

Pass by and catch a glimpse of the only medieval structure that survived the destruction of Rotterdam in World War II
Markthal

Passing by

Also called the Sistine Chapel of Rotterdam, experience this Architectural innovation, culinary hotspot, and symbol of Rotterdam as you pass by
Oude Haven

Passing by

Stroll along one of Rotterdam's oldest harbors and nowadays probably Rotterdam's most popular bar & restaurant area
Witte Huis

Passing by

Pass by one of Rotterdam’s most remarkable buildings, at ten stories high, it may not seem like much today, but when it was completed in 1898, it was Europe’s first skyscraper
Erasmus Bridge

Passing by

Walk along one of Rotterdam's most iconic landmarks, nicknamed "The Swan" for its elegant white shape, this 802-meter-long bridge is a symbol of Rotterdam's rebirth
Witte de Withstraat

Passing by

Trot along what was in the 1950s nicknamed Fleet Street, after the famous newspaper street in London
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen

Passing by

Pass by the first publicly accessible art storage facility in the world that stores the artwork of the renowned Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum, one of the oldest and most prestigious museums in the Netherlands. Admission is not included in this tour.
Santa Claus (Beeld)

Passing by

See Rotterdam’s most talked-about sculpture: Santa Claus by American artist Paul McCarthy and learn how Rotterdam embraces art that sparks conversation, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This tour begins right in front of the iconic Stadhuis - Rotterdam's city hall.

An easily accessible and central starting point. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends by the statue of Santa Claus by Paul McCarthy

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]