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.

A new starting point for walking routes in Rotterdam is Tramhuis at Eendrachtsplein. Housed in a former RET waiting room, this iconic kiosk from 1914 has been carefully restored and now serves as a hub for city walks.

Tramhuis encourages both locals and visitors to explore Rotterdam on foot. Through the Tramhuis app, you can follow audio walks, including routes led by architect Winy Maas or the World Kitchens in a World City tour by food influencer Jonneke de Zeeuw.

Many of these routes are also available as printed booklets, complete with maps and directions. You can buy them at Tramhuis, NAi Boekverkopers in the Nieuwe Instituut, Boekhandel Van Gennep and Donner.

To make exploring the city easy, we created the brochure Discover Rotterdam, featuring two unique walking routes. The first route, Strolling along the Maas, is 13 kilometres long and offers beautiful views along the banks of the River Maas, which divides the city in two. The second route, Food, fashion and design tour, covers 9 kilometres and takes you past restaurants, breweries, boutiques and galleries in creative Rotterdam.

If 9 or 13 kilometres feels like too much, you can easily walk a shorter section. One of the great advantages of the brochure is that you can follow the route at your own pace. The guide also includes two cycling routes and can be downloaded for free.

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.