From River to Metropolis: A Rotterdam City Self Guided Audio Tour

Overview

This self-guided walking tour explores Rotterdam’s remarkable transformation from a medieval port town to a bold architectural hub following the 1940 bombing. Starting at Central Station and ending at Schouwburgplein, the route winds through canals, harbours, and city streets, uncovering hidden gems like the City Hall’s inner garden and fire border markers. Highlights include the dazzling Art Depot, vibrant Market Hall, Cube Houses, medieval St Lawrence Church, lively Witte de Withstraat, and the historic White House—Europe’s first skyscraper. Along the way, enjoy food stops, public art, and stories that reveal the city's resilience and creativity. Whether you're new to Rotterdam or returning, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for this ever-evolving city.

Itinerary

1. Markthal

   Designed by Winy Maas, pass by this unique and eye-catching building and see the exact spot where the first settlers arrived along the river Rotte in the 13th century.

   · Non-stop passage

2. Stroll across this historic square and learn how it went from a flooding river, to a railway, to the largest square in Rotterdam.

   · Non-stop passage

3. Pass by as you learn why this church was named after a tortured Saint, and took 75 years to complete. Admission fees are not included in this tour

   · Non-stop passage

4. Catch a glimpse as you pass the Desiderius Erasmus statue, the famous philosopher, theologian, and humanist, who is considered one of the greatest thinkers of the Renaissance

   · Non-stop passage

5. City Hall Rotterdam

   Walk by this iconic building, which survived the 1940 bombing and find out why. Admission is not included in this tour

   · Non-stop passage

6. Walk by this cultural landmark and learn about it's history as a cinema, rebuilt by a German cinema company into what it is today. Admission is not included in this tour

   · Non-stop passage

7. Lijnbaan

   Walk along what was, in 1953, the first car-free shopping promenade in the world.

   · Non-stop passage

8. Schouwburgplein

   End the tour in this 'Theater Square', also part of Rotterdam's post-war reconstruction plan, featuring the home of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, a theatre and a huge cinema and with restaurants all around. Admission is not included in this tour

   · Non-stop passage

How to use your ticket

Ticket handed over by the operator on site

VOICEMAP CODE ─── 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 ─── 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 ─── 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 ─── For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

Meeting and end point

What to know before you go

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Product code: 110804P995

Activity offered by VoiceMap Audio Tours via Viator.