Rotterdam Old Harbor (Oude Haven) Tours and Activities
95 Reviews
Free admission
The Old Harbor, or Oude Haven, of Rotterdam is the city’s first port, dating back to 1350. Today, the Old Harbor is an entertainment center of Rotterdam, with a unique mix of old and new structures and a collection of terraces and restaurants to enjoy some time to relax in the bustling city.
Rotterdam’s Old Harbor is home to a number of old sailing ships that harken back to the heyday of the city as a trading port. Alongside the harbor stands Het Witte Huis (The White House), recognized as the first skyscraper of Europe. Standing 45 meters, the White House was built in 1898, and was not only the first, but also the highest skyscraper in Europe.
The ten-story, art nouveau-style building was designed by Dutch architect Willem Molenbroek, and stands on 1,000 piles that keep it from sinking into the soft soil. It is one of the few buildings in Rotterdam to have survived the German bombing campaign of May 14, 1940.
The Old Harbor used to be the home of the Plan C business complex, built in 1880. This complex combined shops, offices and homes around central arcades, allowing shoppers to remain dry even during the rain. This complex was, in fact, one of the first shopping malls similar to the malls of today. Unfortunately, most of Plan C was destroyed in the bombing, and only the railing and some underpasses of the complex remain today.
Taking its place around the Old Harbor are the restaurants and modern apartments that the Old Harbor is known for today. Chief among these are Rotterdam’s Cube Houses, built in 1984. These houses, designed by Piet Blom, look like giant yellow blocks, tilted on their side and raised up on poles. The cube house complex is known as the Blaakse Bos, or Blaakse Forest, as each of the houses can be seen to look like a tree. One of the cube houses is open to the public, or you can spend the night at the Stayokay hostel, which is located within one of the cubes.
The area around the harbor has now been transformed into a center for dining and nightlife in Rotterdam. There are thirteen restaurant and cafes that surround the harbor, along with a CitizenM hotel.
Oude Haven, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 3011
Tours and Activities to Experience Rotterdam Old Harbor (Oude Haven)
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The Whole City In Half a Day: All inclusive, authentic private tour of Rotterdam
15
Make the most of your time in Rotterdam with a private half-day tour that covers the city’s top highlights, including the Old Harbor, Euromast, the Meent shopping district, and the Luchtsingel Bridge. For your convenience, the tour includes snacks, lunch, and all necessary admission tickets. Booking a private tour ensures a customized experience and your guide’s full attention.
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From
$124.95
From
$124.95
Rotterdam Spy Private Tour: Old Town & Harbor Exploration Game
25
Explore Rotterdam with a twist on a smartphone app-based scavenger hunt tour. With no time limit, clear directions, and fun challenges at major landmarks, this sightseeing activity is a popular choice for visitors traveling in groups or with family.
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From
$8.32
Price varies by group size
From
$8.32
Price varies by group size
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regular temperature checks for staff
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Private Tour: Rotterdam Walking Tour Including Harbor Cruise
21
Discover the different facets of Rotterdam with a customizable itinerary on this half-day private walking tour that ends with a relaxing cruise. With the help of your personalized guide, admire the city’s modern architecture as well as the buildings that survived WWII. Wander around Museumpark, the Rotterdam Centrum and the Old Harbor dating back to the 14th century. Make sure to visit Piet Blom’s Cubic Houses before kicking back on a boat cruise along Rotterdam Harbor.
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From
$141.58
Price varies by group size
From
$141.58
Price varies by group size
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Learn More
Private Highlight Bike Tour of Rotterdam
18
The Netherlands is widely hailed as the most bike-friendly country in the world. Explore Rotterdam in safety during a private cycle tour that provides a more intimate glimpse into Holland’s second city. Taking a private tour means you’ll receive the undivided attention of your guide and have the chance to customize your itinerary according to your interests. Plus, you’ll have ample time to ask your guide for tailored recommendations.
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From
$91.53
Price varies by group size
From
$91.53
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Rotterdam Recommended Highlights Walking Tour
4
Discover the top attractions and hidden secrets of Rotterdam on this in-depth walking tour. With round-trip transportation from the centrally located King Kong Hostel included, follow your guide through elegant streets like the Witte de Withstraat, and learn the history behind must-see sites including the Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk. Along the way, soak up the atmosphere in the traditional Market Hall and enjoy fine views out over the pretty Old Harbor.
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From
$22.61
From
$22.61
Guided Tour: Rotterdam, Markthal, Water Taxi, Wilhelminapier and Rooftop View
3
Explore Rotterdam in a unique way on this guided tour! Enjoy amazing views of the spectacular architecture on the south side of the city, a trip in a watertaxi, a walk in Old Harbour, a visit to the rooftop of Het Witte Huis and a “meet & taste” in the Markthal, this tour has everything!
* Visit the spatial atrium of De Rotterdam with a beautiful view on the Erasmus Bridge
* Take a spectacular water taxi ride under the Erasmus Bridge.
* Join a guided walk in the Old Harbour and see het Witte Huis, Blacks Bos and Cube Houses.
* Visit the rooftop of Het Witte Huis
* Visit the gigantic and colorful Markthal.
* Have a "meet and taste" with an entrepreneur in the Markthal.
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From
$39.20
From
$39.20
Highlights Rotterdam Walking Tour
2
We are 2 flight attendants who are professionals in the world of travel with many years of experience under our belt of service, customer care and knowledge or international travel.
We will gladly take you through our metropolis allowing you to admire famous icons.
The part we always liked about a tour was introduced to those hidden local gems: A hidden garden, a quirky name of a building or statue, a winding, trendy alley were 'things happen' a place to get authentic food or simply be able to get into the beat of the city as it reveals itself to us!
You know that satisfying feeling in your heart when you have been to a city and felt really embraced by it? That is the feeling we are determined you will leave Rotterdam with.
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From
$73.22
Price varies by group size
From
$73.22
Price varies by group size
Rotterdam: Markthal Tour, Meet & Taste and Rooftop Oldest Skyscraper
1
Come join this guided walking tour of the Rotterdam Markthal! Explore the Timestairs, get a glimpse behind the scenes, marvel at the Horn of Plenty, and enjoy a “meet & taste” on the market floor. walk along the Cube Houses and finish off with an amazing view on the rooftop of Het Witte Huis, the oldest skyscraper of Europe.
* Get a spectacular view of the Horn of Plenty, the gigantic work of art on the Markthal's ceiling
* Go behind the scenes of the Markthal to visit places only accessible to market professionals
* Enjoy a "meet and taste" with an entrepreneur who will treat you to a small bite to taste: cheese, chocolate and stroopwafel
* Visit the rooftop of Het Witte Huis, the oldest skyscraper of Europe
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From
$21.36
From
$21.36
Walking tour Rotterdam hotspots, architecture and history, full of fun facts!
1
In this tour you see everything that Rotterdam has to offer. You will visit all the hotspots, pass historically important places, see the most beautiful and largest buildings and you learn everything about the history. In addition, the tour is full of fun facts about everything we visit. You will get 15 minutes of free time in the Markethall to walk around and explore the Markethall for yourself.
Your tour guide, me, is a local from Rotterdam. I've always felt a really strong connection with Rotterdam because my whole family comes from this beautiful city. So you will see the city through the eyes of a local. I will share my own experiences with and thoughts about my city.
In short, in this tour you see everything at once and you will not miss out on anything!
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From
$41.64
From
$41.64
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Discover Rotterdam with this Fun & Interactive City Game
Price per group of 2-6 people. Within 2 hours, the Qula Rotterdam City Trail leads you along the best spots in Rotterdam, while you play fun riddles and assignments on your smartphone. Try to set a high score with family or friends and explore the city. There are no fixed start times or reservations, you choose your own day and time. The Trail is available 24/7 and there is no time limit - you can start, pause and stop whenever it suits you! It is offered in multiple languages (Eng, Ger, Fr, Ned, Sp, It and more). The Qula City Trail is great fun and the most affordable outing for families and groups of friends.
How does it work?
When you book, you will receive an email with instructions on how to play the Trail on your smartphone. Android or iPhone compatible. Once at the starting point, start your quest through the city, it's that easy!
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From
$34.50
per group
From
$34.50
per group
Private Rotterdam Running Tour
Would you like your own private tour?
Would you like a ‘special group’ tour (birthday/ bachelor(ette) party/ family tour)?
Then this Tour is the best option for you!
Our crewmembers want to show you how awesome Rotterdam is!
By combining running and sightseeing, you will have a unique, interactive and indeed a fit way of getting to know this great city.
Wether you are a die hard runner or ‘just a beginner’, we want our tours to be accessible to all types of runners.
During our tours we will not only provide you with interesting information and trivia. We will also make sure there is enough picture and fun time and a warm up and cooling down time, as we care about the physical wellbeing of our runners.
Every runner gets a bottle of water to stay well hydrated during the run.
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From
$42.71
Price varies by group size
From
$42.71
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Learn More
Private city tour in Rotterdam
On this city tour you can calmly see the most important sights and interesting districts in the center of Rotterdam and you will get to know some districts in more detail. The city guide tells you about the history of the city, how it developed from an insignificant fishing village to a world port of world importance.
You will see how old and modern harmoniously stand side by side in Rotterdam or just contrasting hard. You will of course see the latest architectural works of art, but also what has been preserved for centuries. You hear funny and interesting stories and because we also see lesser-known positions, you will be enriched with a different, surprising, new look at Rotterdam and the Rotterdam people.
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From
$267.70
per group
From
$267.70
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Top rated: Rotterdam 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour
1
This 2-hour guided walking tour takes you from the newly built Central Station, past architecturally iconic locations, and buildings such as The Timmerhuis, designed by the world-famous architects of OMA, and the Markthal, Europe's most unique and beautiful covered market. Your guide will expose you to the everyday life and history of the city.
Meet your guide at Rotterdam's Central Station and learn about the Town Hall, St. Lawrence Church, and Europe's first high-rise building. Hear about what happened during the World War II bombing and why the wealth of modern architecture is so abundant in Rotterdam.
Next, your guide will take you to see the city's modern structures. Admire the impressive new Markthal, the renowned Cube Houses, and the Erasmus Bridge. Keep walking through beautiful shopping streets and experience the modern Rotterdam lifestyle. As you go along, feel free to ask your guide any questions about the city you may have.
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From
$57.11
From
$57.11
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Learn More
Tour in Rotterdam combined with professional photo shoot
Who doesn't want this? A tour through a beautiful city AND a photo shoot so that you will never forget this city again ?!
I will show you the most beautiful places in Rotterdam up close and make sure that you can look back years later with beautiful images on your visit to this beautiful city.
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From
$178.41
per group
From
$178.41
per group
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