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

Overview

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.

Itinerary

1. City Hall Rotterdam

   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

   · Non-stop passage

2. Église Saint-Laurent

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

   · Non-stop passage

3. Markthal

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

   · Non-stop passage

4. Oude Haven

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

   · Non-stop passage

5. Maison Blanche

   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

   · Non-stop passage

6. Pont Érasme

   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

   · Non-stop passage

7. Witte de Withstraat

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

   · Non-stop passage

8. Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen

   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.

   · Non-stop passage

9. Santa Claus (Beeld)

   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.

   · 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

Reviews

Product code: 110804P999

Activity offered by VoiceMap Audio Tours via Viator.