Planning a trip to the Netherlands’ busiest port? Our Rotterdam Port Guide is here to help! Whether you’re visiting on a cruise or exploring the city’s waterfront, this guide covers everything you need to know. From the best places to eat, including authentic Dutch eats and spots catering to various dietary needs, to top things to do and essential travel tips, we’ve got you covered. Discover how to make the most of your time at Europe’s largest port and experience Rotterdam like a pro!
Where you dock
Cruise Port Map: See Where Your Ship Will Dock
Dock & Discover: Easy to Reach Destinations
Hit the Highlights: Best Things to Do
Food Market (Markthal)
Rotterdam’s iconic Markthal is a food lover’s paradise, offering fresh produce, global delicacies, and diverse world cuisines—all under one stunning roof. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the food selection is incredible, with options for everyone, including those with dietary restrictions.
How to get there:
If you enjoy walking, it’s about a 20–25 minute stroll to the Markthal. Prefer public transport? The nearest metro stop is Beurs, with a one-way fare of just €1.50 from Wilhelminaplein. Uber is a convenient option for a direct route, with an average fare of €10.
Euromast
The Euromast is the city’s tallest observation tower, offering stunning panoramic views from 185 meters high. You can enjoy a scenic elevator ride, dine with a view, or even abseil down for an adrenaline rush. Entry tickets start at just €12.50.
How to get there:
If you enjoy walking, it’s about a 25-30 minute stroll. If you need transport, taking an Uber is the best option, with an average fare of €10 from the cruise terminal.
The Hague
The Hague offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and coastline. Visit iconic sights like the Peace Palace, explore top museums, and relax at Scheveningen Beach.
How to get there:
The easiest way to get to The Hague is via a direct metro from Wilhelminaplein, with a journey time of around 30/40 minutes at a cost of around €7.
You can take a train from Rotterdam Central, but you’ll first need to take the metro from the ship before transferring. A direct metro, in my opinion, is a simpler and less stressful option.
Delft
Delft is a picturesque city perfect for tourists, known for its charming canals, historic buildings, and famous blue pottery. Wander through the quaint streets, visit the stunning Nieuwe Kerk, and discover the rich history of Delft at museums like the Royal Delft Factory. With its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful sights, it’s an ideal destination for a relaxing day trip.
How to get there:
The simplest way to reach Delft is by taking a direct train from Rotterdam Central. The journey takes about 30 minutes, with a one-way ticket priced at €4.10 for adults and €2.50 for children. Walk from the ship to Wilhelminaplein metro station and take Line D or E to Rotterdam Central then transfer to your train to Delft.
Cube Houses
The Cube Houses are a unique architectural wonder, designed by Piet Blom and located right by the Markthal. These tilted, cube-shaped homes are a must-see, with one open for visitors to explore at the Kijk-Kubus museum. To visit the inside of the Cube House, there is a small entry fee. However, please be aware that the stairs are narrow and steep, making it less accessible.
How to get there:
The Cube Houses are located right next to the food market, so be sure to check out the section above for directions on how to get there.
Kinderdijk Windmills
The Kinderdijk windmills is an UNESCO World Heritage site within easy reach of the cruise terminal. It features 19 historic windmills built in the 18th century and is a great opportunity to see the iconic Dutch windmills that showcase the country’s rich history and engineering marvels.
How to get there:
The easiest way to reach the Kinderdijk windmills from the cruise terminal is by taking the Waterbus, offering a scenic and direct route in about 30 minutes. Simply walk to Erasmusbrug (the Waterbus stop is on the opposite side of the bridge) and board line 21 straight to the windmills. A round-trip ticket costs €9.60 for adults and €5 for children aged 4-11.
Getting Around
How to Travel Around Rotterdam: Tips for Easy Navigation
- The heart of Rotterdam is just a short walk away, making it easy to explore the city’s vibrant streets, modern architecture, and lively atmosphere on foot if you’re up for a stroll.
- The nearest metro station to the ship, Wilhelminaplein, is just a 5-minute walk from the cruise terminal, offering convenient access to major attractions, including Rotterdam Central.
- Tips for Travelling with Kids:
- Travelling on public transport with young children can be stressful, especially when the machines are in a different language. The easiest way I found to navigate the metro was by giving the kids a physical credit/debit card to tap in and out with, while I used the digital version stored in my Apple Wallet.
Must-Have Travel Apps for Your Trip to Rotterdam
I highly recommend downloading and setting up apps with accounts on your phone before your holiday. It helps eliminate stress when you need to navigate unfamiliar places abroad.
NS Travel Planner
This app is useful for you to plan your route, search for travel options, and stay updated on any delays or disruptions for all modes of public transport.
UBER
The Uber app is a convenient way to get around, often cheaper than phoning a taxi company directly, and you don’t need to worry about payment as it’s all handled through the app.
Best Bites
Must-Try Restaurants in Rotterdam
Inclusive Eats
Best Restaurants in Rotterdam for Dietary Needs and Restrictions
If you’re looking for a café that accommodates dietary restrictions, Bertmans is a great choice. Many of their menu items are gluten-free and vegan, and the atmosphere is warm and relaxed.
Cocos Madame Macaroons caters to a variety of dietary needs, offering gluten-free macaroons, with all but three flavours also being dairy-free and vegan. They also had a deal of 10 macaroons for just 12 euros. You’ll find this located in the Markthal.
Taste the Tradition: Authentic Eats in Rotterdam
Must Try Local Dishes in Rotterdam
Stroopwafels
A traditional Dutch treat made of two thin, crispy waffle cookies sandwiched together with a sweet, caramel-like syrup filling. Best enjoyed warm!
Frites and Frites sauce
Dutch frites are thick-cut, crispy fries served with a variety of delicious sauces, with the classic choice being creamy frites sauce—a tangy, slightly sweet take on mayo.
Poffertjes (Dutch pancakes)
They are typically served with powdered sugar and butter and are a popular street food in the Netherlands
Cheese
The Netherlands is a cheese lover’s paradise, known for its rich Gouda and Edam. Truffle Gouda is one of my favourites, which I always buy to take home.
Lucy’s Top Tips for Rotterdam
- Markthal is a must-visit spot—it’s a place I always return to on every trip. The vibrant atmosphere and variety of food make it unforgettable.
- For the best stroopwafel experience, try Goudstroop. It’s hands down one of the tastiest stroopwafels I’ve had in the Netherlands, and at just €4 for a large, freshly made one (or €4.50 for a pack of 10), it’s a steal! They’re based in the Markthal, so be sure to grab some to take home.
- If Amsterdam is on your bucket list, go ahead and check it off, but for me, I prefer the vibe of Rotterdam. There’s so much to explore and experience here, making it an equally exciting destination!
