Known as Europe’s modern marvel, Rotterdam is a city that reinvented itself after WWII into a hub of bold architecture, cultural energy, and global trade. With its futuristic skyline, vibrant waterfront, and the largest port in Europe, Rotterdam offers the perfect blend of innovation and Dutch charm—making it an ideal destination.
📅 Date Visited: April 15, 2025
🚢 Cruise Departure: MSC Preziosa
Completed in 1996 and elegantly dubbed “The Swan”, the Erasmus Bridge is a cable-stayed marvel with a soaring 139 m pylon, connecting north and south Rotterdam across the Nieuwe Maas. As both an engineering achievement and a visual symbol of the city, it even features the largest bascule span in Western Europe. It is easy to walk to from the cruise port and has bicycle lanes and sidewalks going both directions over the bridge.
Pioneered by architect Piet Blom in the 1970s, these iconic yellow cubes are creatively tilted at 45° atop hexagonal pylons, forming a unique “urban forest.” Designed to maximize ground-level space while forming a communal village, they remain one of Rotterdam’s most photographed architectural marvels. One “Show-Cube” is open for tours, and a few are available as quirky Airbnb stays. This was probably my favorite thing to see. If I come back, I'd love to stay in one of these, as they are available as AirBnB options.
Next to the Cube Houses, the Markthal is a striking horseshoe-shaped building featuring a vibrant public market on the ground floor, topped by apartments and retail space. Its vast vaulted ceiling is adorned with “Hoorn des Overvloeds” (Horn of Plenty), a vast 11,000 m² mural by Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam—sometimes called the Rotterdam Sistine Chapel. No visit to the Markthal is complete without indulging in a warm stroopwafel—a caramel-filled Dutch waffle—and a cup of fresh local coffee. Explore the numerous stalls for authentic treats and a true taste of Rotterdam’s vibrant culinary scene.
Rising from 1960 and later expanded with a “Space Tower,” the Euromast offers panoramic views from 112 m—and even more via the revolving Euroscoop. You’ll find a restaurant, rooftop bar, immersive exhibits, and daredevil activities like abseiling or zip-lining—all delivering a dramatic farewell to the city (perfect at sunset).
While most new Cruisers prefer to book excursions through the cruise line so they don't need to worry about missing the ship, other options can be more affordable:
If you prefer to set your own pace, you’ll be delighted to know that the city center is within easy walking distance from the cruise terminal. A short, scenic route brings you right into the heart of Rotterdam, making it ideal for spontaneous exploration. Explore vibrant open-air markets, striking architecture, and trendy neighborhoods—all without the need for a tour guide. We chose to create our own walking tour using Google Maps:
Prefer a hassle-free, curated experience? Viator offers a wide range of professionally guided Rotterdam excursions tailored to cruise passengers. Whether you're seeking a quick orientation or a deep dive into Dutch culture, there’s something for every traveler—private half-day tours, combined walking and harbor cruises, custom day trips, and more. Explore the options: Rotterdam shore excursions on Viator
| Option | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Walking Tour | Free-flowing, spontaneous discovery; explore local sights at your own pace | Self-guided logistics; need to navigate time and route on your own; Not for those who are anxious when things don't go as planned (detours, changes to hours for businesses, etc.) |
| Guided Tour via Viator | Expert-led, pre-arranged, often includes transport or admission | Higher cost; less flexibility; important to confirm what is included and where the start and end locations of the tour are in case you need to get transportation to/from on your own |
🔜 Next in the Spotlight on Europe series: Brugges, Belgium
