Rotterdam’s Old Harbor is home to several old sailing ships that harken back to the city's heyday as a trading port. Alongside the harbor stands Het Witte Huis (The White House), considered Europe’s first skyscraper and the highest building on the continent when it was completed in 1898, surrounded by sleek modern structures built to replace the many that were destroyed here during World War II bombings.
A highlight of city tours, Old Harbor is best explored on foot with a guide to learn about its history and understand its eclectic mix of architectural styles and eras. Join a private or small-group walking or cycling tour to take in the highlights of the harbor, or delve into the district on your own with a self-guided audio tour.
Old Harbor is a must-see for architecture buffs with its wide range of building styles, from historic to modern.
Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather to tour Old Harbor since you’ll be doing a significant amount of walking outdoors.
This area is rife with restaurants and cafès that offer scenic outdoor terraces overlooking the water, so it is an ideal spot to stop for lunch or dinner.
The district is flat and paved, easy to explore with a wheelchair or stroller.
The Old Harbor is part of Rotterdam’s central maritime district and is easy to reach by metro (Blaak stop) and city bus from the central train station; you can also walk or cycle from several important downtown sights. Alternatively, take one of the city’s famously thrilling water taxis down the river to the harbor.
Architecture enthusiasts should visit Old Harbor by day to fully appreciate the historic and modern buildings that sit side-by-side in this captivating district. However, visitors interested in experiencing the city’s lively dining and imbibing scenes should head to the area at sunset when the restaurants and clubs burst with patrons.
One of the Netherlands' most famous works of contemporary architecture is the Cube Houses. Built in 1984 by Piet Blom, these residences look like giant yellow blocks tilted on their sides and resting on poles. The cube house complex is known as Blaakse Bos, or Blaakse Forest, as each house resembles a tree. One of the Cube Houses is open to the public for tours and visits.
