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Port of Rotterdam

Port of Rotterdam: Our most recommended tours and activities

Rotterdam: Harbour Boat Tour

1. Rotterdam: Harbour Boat Tour

Embark on a round-trip city cruise of Rotterdam to see one of the world's most innovative ports in the world. See the busy traffic of sea-going and inland ships, listen to informative commentary via an audio guide, and admire the city's impressive skyline as its imposing buildings glide by. Start your boat tour from Willemsplein. Get a unique perspective of the harbor's shipyards, docks, and the hypermodern transshipping of thousands of containers. On the way back, soak in views of the steamship 'Rotterdam', the former cruise flagship of shipping company Holland America Line.

Rotterdam: Harbor Cruise with Live Guide & Optional Coffee

2. Rotterdam: Harbor Cruise with Live Guide & Optional Coffee

Relax and see Rotterdam's most spectacular landmarks as you sail down the Maas River on a round trip boat cruise with live commentary and a bar with drinks and snacks. Find a place inside the cozy salon or sit on the open deck. Start your cruise from the Parkhaven under the Euromast. The boat will pass by the Sint Jobshaven, the Waalhaven, and the Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij, home to Onderzeebootloods. Spot the container ships if you are lucky. See the famous cruise ship SS Rotterdam and the Hotel New York where the Holland America Line used to be housed. Enjoy the skyline of downtown Rotterdam, as you approach one of the most famous city landmarks, the Erasmus bridge.

Rotterdam: Harbor Cruise on a Historic Ship

3. Rotterdam: Harbor Cruise on a Historic Ship

The captain welcomes you on board for an extended cruise through the ports where cargo giants, ferries, cruise ships, and tugboats are home. Experience the activity on the Maas and see the modern architecture from the other side. The best way to discover Rotterdam. Along the way see the Erasmus Bridge, Veerhaven, Parkhaven, Euromast, Schiedam, Waalhaven, the former R(otterdam) D(roogdok) M(aatschappij), Eemhaven, ss Rotterdam, and the old hotel New York. During the tour, the audiovisual guide provides information about all the sights in Dutch, English, and German. The Dutch explanation is especially in the Rotterdam dialect, so you also learn the words of Rotterdam. Find a place inside the cozy salon or sit on the sun deck. Onboard is a bar where drinks and snacks are available.

Rotterdam: RIB Speedboat Sightseeing Cruise

4. Rotterdam: RIB Speedboat Sightseeing Cruise

Feast your eyes from the center of Rotterdam all the way to Schiedam on a thrilling sightseeing cruise aboard a RIB speedboat. Enjoy views of Euromast, Hotel New York, SS Rotterdam, and more as you travel at top speed over the famous Maas River. After boarding the speedboat, dash off on your sightseeing tour. See the old part of Rotterdam, Delfshaven, and take in the city's landmarks as you zoom by. Admire the former steamship SS Rotterdam, the mesmerizing city skyline, and the impressive bridges. Head all the way to the gin city of Schiedam before making the return trip through the old city ports of Rotterdam. Listen to fun facts and information about the places you see from the skipper and feel free to ask any questions. Enjoy a guilt-free experience as the carbon footprint of your speedboat tour will be compensated by Trees for All.

Rotterdam: Evening Harbour Cruise

5. Rotterdam: Evening Harbour Cruise

Experience the beauty of Rotterdam from a different perspective with an evening sightseeing cruise in the harbor. Admire the twinkling city skyline as you drift under the Erasmusbrug and sail by the ships in port. Make your way to the Hafenrundfahrt ferry terminal and meet your friendly captain and group for the day. Climb on board your ship and settle down into your seats as the boat drifts into the harbor. Admire the shining city lights from the waters as you cruise by the Botlek area and the former ocean liner, the SS Rotterdam. Keep a look out for Hotel New York on the horizon too. Take the chance to gaze in wonder at Rotterdam's illuminated skyline as you sail under the Erasmusbrug and Willems bridge. Snap some great photos and head back to the harbor.

Rotterdam Walking Tour and Harbor Cruise

6. Rotterdam Walking Tour and Harbor Cruise

Your morning or afternoon in Rotterdam will start at your hotel, (river)cruise ship or if you travel to Rotterdam from elsewhere at the train station. Set off in a relaxing pace to make sure you really get to see, feel and learn all about this town. Enjoy a 3-hour private walking tour of the beautiful city of Rotterdam and discover how the destruction of World War II led to an intensive rebuilding process and to Rotterdam becoming one of the most daring examples of modern architecture in the Netherlands. See one of the most fascinating projects in post-war Rotterdam, the captivating cubic houses of famed architect Blom. Blom considered his designs as an abstract tree and the entire 38-cube complex as a dense urban forest, and his imaginative architectural approach is one of the highlights of this tour. Continue your walk through Rotterdam's old harbor and pass the central shopping area. A part of the shopping area is below ground and was nicknamed ‘the sales gutter”. See the few historic building that survived the war: the post office, townhall and Laurens Church. Another highlight is the impressive Market hall, which is the first covered market in the Netherlands. It is a place where good food and unique housing are harmoniously combined in a spectacular arch. This iconic fresh market opened for business on 1 October 2014, after five years of construction. Come and see yourself why Rotterdam has been chosen in 2015 by Lonely Planet as one of the must-see places in the world. After a few hours of walking and exploring, relax yourself on a cruise ship as your enjoy a 75-minute cruise along the lovely Rotterdam harbor.

From Rotterdam: Private Transfer to Amsterdam

7. From Rotterdam: Private Transfer to Amsterdam

You will be picked up by a professional driver who will hold a sameplate with your name or company logo on it. Your driver, who helps you to carry your luggage, speaks English and wear a suit with tie. You will be transported in a luxury Mercedes sedan or Mercedes minivan with airconditioning, WiFi on board, bottles of water and leather seats. The duration of your return transfer to Amsterdam will takes about 65 minutes so relax and enjoy of your luxury private transfer. Max. 1 large and 1 carry on baggage allowed per person.

Other Sightseeing Options in Port of Rotterdam

Want to discover all there is to do in Port of Rotterdam? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Port of Rotterdam

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 1,168 reviews

Seeing the harbor was interesting and educational. One note: The audio track was late relative to our position. It took a little while to realize, but when one feature was mentioned, I realized we had already past that point.

Very cold when you’re on deck but a great way to see Rotterdam in one go and also to make a list whilst on board to see where and what you want to see

Very enjoyable, able to sit on top decks in the open or below out of the wind. Nice bar for snacks and drinks.

Nice experience, but get a hat and scarf if you’re going in the colder months.

Very good trip. Lots of info on the port. Left on time. All good.