Rotterdam in 1 Day for Friends - Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)
In Collaboration with Rottourdam. Updated on February 20, 2026.
Guided walking tour of central Rotterdam covering major landmarks and hidden gems: history from medieval roots to WWII and post-war rebuilding, harbor views, and modern architecture. Small groups (max 15). Options for 2- or 3-hour formats; this itinerary is paced for a 2.5-hour (150-minute) guided walk starting at Museumpark.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Rottourdam, inspired by the tour Rotterdam Walk: Hilights, Gems, Architecture & WWII | 2 or 3hrs. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen)
- Markthal (indoor market)
- Veerhaven & Scheepvaartkwartier (shipping quarter)
- Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug)
- Depot Boijmans / Museum District
Itinerary
Day 1
2.5-hour guided walk (standard pacing). Start at Museumpark 20. Tour moves through the Museum District, the Scheepvaartkwartier (Veerhaven), across the Maas side to Erasmusbrug, then through historic and modern city center finishing inside the Markthal.
Starting point — meet at Museumpark 20
Meet the guide at Museumpark 20 (benches around the Chabot Museum). Guide carries a yellow umbrella or yellow RotTOURdam sheets. Short introduction, group check, handing out the included stroopwafel, and safety/route briefing.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early to find the benches near the Chabot Museum and the guide with the yellow umbrella.
- Museumpark is an open public space — use the benches by the Chabot Museum to wait comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes and keep a small day pack; the tour is on foot and moves steadily between stops.
Art Depot (Boijmans) & Museum District overview
Short stop at the Depot Boijmans van Beuningen area and an overview of the Museum District and surrounding cultural landmarks.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is an exterior overview; the tour explains the collection locations and the role of the Museum District in the city.
- If you plan to visit museums after the tour, note opening hours in advance—museum entry is separate from the walking tour.
- Use this pause to ask the guide about photography angles for the Depot building and nearby green spaces.
Hidden gem: Scheepvaartkwartier / Veerhaven
Walk to and stop at Veerhaven in the Scheepvaartkwartier to discuss the shipping quarter, historic architecture, and harbor views — spot Hotel New York and steam ship silhouettes from across the river.
Tips from local experts:
- This area has attractive photo viewpoints facing the river Maas — position yourself for skyline shots including Hotel New York and the Erasmus Bridge.
- Keep an eye on bicycles and local traffic when moving between quays and sidewalks.
- If you want a closer look at historic ships later, note their locations for independent visits after the tour.
Erasmus Bridge & WWII stories
Stop with views of the white Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug). The guide explains Rotterdam's WWII history and the city's rebuilding after the 1940 bombardment.
Tips from local experts:
- The Erasmus Bridge area is exposed to wind — bring a light jacket in spring and cooler months.
- Stand on the pedestrian areas to get unobstructed views of the bridge and the river; the guide will point out the best photo angles.
- Traffic can be busy nearby; follow the guide's directions when crossing streets or moving along the quays.
The Destroyed City (De Verwoeste Stad) — statue and meaning
Short stop to view and discuss one of Rotterdam's most important statues, its meaning and historical context.
Tips from local experts:
- This statue is an outdoor memorial — there are benches nearby for brief rest and reflection.
- Respect memorial signage and avoid loud group noise while the guide provides historical context.
- If you have mobility concerns, the guide can position the group near level pavements for clearer access.
The White House (Witte Huis) — historic skyscraper
View the Witte Huis (White House), an early-20th-century high-rise and former tallest building in Europe; explanation of its place in Rotterdam's cityscape.
Tips from local experts:
- This is a good photo spot overlooking the Oude Haven area — try the quay side for reflections and boat backdrops.
- There are cafes nearby if the group wants to stay longer after the tour finishes.
- If you plan to enter nearby venues after the tour, check their opening hours as they vary by day.
The Old Harbor (Oude Haven) — historic quay from 1350
Stop in the Oude Haven (Old Harbor) area — historic harbor atmosphere, photo time and short walk through the quay.
Tips from local experts:
- The Oude Haven has cobbled sections and uneven surfaces — watch your step and wear stable shoes.
- This area has several terraces and cafés; keep the group's pace if stopping briefly for photos or views.
- Boats may be moored close to the quay — step back from the edge for safe group photos.
Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) — exterior pass-by
Pass by and photograph the famous Cube Houses on Overblaak. The guide will point out design details; the demo cube is not entered during the tour (demo visits are possible after the tour).
Tips from local experts:
- The tour passes the Cube Houses for exterior photos; a demo cube can be visited after the tour if you choose (separate arrangement).
- For the best angles, stand on the southern side of Overblaak looking toward the Cube Houses' tilted facades.
- Crowds gather at peak times—if you want unobstructed photos, let the guide know and they will suggest the best moment.
St. Laurens Church, Library and the roots of Rotterdam
Short stop on the market square to discuss the Laurens Church, the library and Rotterdam's medieval roots before heading to the final stop.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop includes standing on the market square; there are limited benches so plan brief rests at adjacent cafés if needed.
- If you want to enter Laurenskerk after the tour, check its visitor hours — interior visits are separate from the walking tour.
- The guide will point out historical locations around the square for later independent exploration.
Markthal — final stop inside the market
End the tour inside the Markthal. Guide explains the building, its artwork and suggests places to eat inside the market. Time for independent exploration and photos.
Tips from local experts:
- The Markthal is an indoor market with many food stalls; use this time to sample local flavors or sit at shared tables.
- Noise levels can rise inside; if you need quieter seating ask the guide for quieter corners or nearby cafés.
- If you plan to continue exploring, note the nearest metro/tram stops around the market for onward connections.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 10 |
| Total Places | 10 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Culture, Outdoor, Attraction, Shopping |