Discover Rotterdam: Classic Highlights Bike Tour with a Local
Description
Discover the vibrant city of Rotterdam on this exciting ±3-hour bike tour. We start at the cultural hub "OASE", where you'll meet your guide at "Give a Bike", a local grassroots organisation that gives old bicycles a second life and supports the community. The space is also home to a small pop-up bicycle museum, featuring a collection of historic and unusual bikes that adds to the unique character of the starting point. From there, you'll cycle to some of Rotterdam's most famous landmarks and historic places while learning about the city's unique history, modern architecture, and local culture. Because we have only recently started, we currently have around 15 bikes and usually run our tours with small groups. We are often not fully booked, giving you more personal attention and the chance to get to know your guide and fellow cyclists. Our prices may be slightly higher than some of our competitors, but in return you can enjoy a more relaxed, personal, and enjoyable experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our first stop will be in front of Hotel New York. We will tell about its history and current use. Also from there we will have a great view on the so called 'tornado' which is the new Fenix Museum of Migration.
We will cycle over the Erasmusbrug towards the Maritime District, where we will stop at the Rotterdam War Memorial of WWII. We will talk about the bridge and give a brief history of Rotterdam in relation to WWII.
We will stop in the Shipping Quarter at the fountain that once was in the city centre. This characteristic part of Rotterdam will give you a glimpse of what Rotterdam used to look like before the war.
The so called ‘Museum Quarter’ is a place in Rotterdam where some of the most prominent museums of Rotterdam are based, connected by the Museum park. We will make a stop close to The New Institute looking at the brand new Art Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, one of the latest icons that was added to Rotterdam and the first publicly accessible art depot in the world! Already getting excited?
There will be an opportunity for a 15–20 minute break at one of Rotterdam’s oldest shopping streets, De Oude Binnenweg. The duration of the break depends on the size and needs of the group and can be adjusted on the spot. During the break, we can either stay together at a coffee bar or you may choose to wander around and explore on your own. This moment is ideal for socialising, getting recommendations, warming up, cooling down, or simply using the restroom. Please note that beverages are not included.
Our final stop before bringing back the bikes will be in front of the historical city hall of Rotterdam.
We will stop closeby at the square in front of the St. Lawrence Church.
The yellow Cube Houses might be one of the most famous sightseeing locations in the city. We will stand in front, talk about the history and take photos.
The Market Hall (2014) made Rotterdam extra famous and is a modern indoor market with lots of food and colours! We also call it our modern Sistine Chapel and you will find out why!
We will cycle further towards the Kings Harbour Bridge, where we will make a stop and dive into its history!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(36)
It was a really special cycling tour, because the guide, named Elmer, is connected to Rotterdam with his heart and this is what he transfers to his tour members. So you'll get a very different and diverse view to Rotterdam and get knowledge about the history, art, education and way of life. I had an very interesting and very funny time on this tour. And now I love Rotterdam. Thank you Elmer
Very knowledgeable and friendly guide, nice route, good bikes. I enjoyed the tour and would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to discover Rotterdam on a bike.
We had such a wonderful experience on this bike tour! We traveled from the U.S. to Holland with our family to share our Dutch heritage with our children, and exploring Rotterdam by bike ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. We had a fairly large group, and they went above and beyond to accommodate all of us, including my daughter and her service dog. Everything was handled so easily and graciously, which we really appreciated. Our guide, Elmer, was knowledgeable, personable, and fun. We saw so much of Rotterdam, learned about its history and culture, and got to experience the city the way so many locals do—on two wheels. I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Rotterdam. It was a memorable part of a very meaningful family trip and an experience we’re so glad we included!!
Very knowledgeable guide. He took care to make sure the other couple, who did not have much cycling experience, were safe and comfortable to navigate the busy city. We learnt a lot about the history and future plans for the city. Highly recommended.
The best way to get to know the center of Rotterdam in 3 hours with a wonderful guide like Elmer. The bikes are comfortable and easy to ride. I highly recommend it
A wonderful bike tour of Rotterdam with Elmer, a personable local who loves introducing people to his city. This is a comprehensive tour of over three hours that gives you the opportunity to get to know the city in depth in a way a bus tour doesn't. Elmer was patient and accommodating, taking time to answer questions and customize the tour to our interests. He clearly enjoys what he does. We had a great time.
Truly a beautiful experience. Beautiful and easy hike with a very good guide. Excellent way to see the essentials of the city when you have little time.
An amazing bike tour around the city of Rotterdam with a very knowledge and fun tour guide! Learned all about the history, culture, and architecture of the city. And the guide was kind enough to point out some local spots for excellent food/drinks as well as other fun activities to do in the city. Would highly recommend!
Amelia! Thanks for leaving us such a flying review :) It was a joy showing you around in Rotterdam. Hope you enjoyed our recommendations! All the best, Elmer
Biking through Rotterdam gave me the time to see multiple areas of the city. Elmer took the time at each location to provide historical background and the story behind them. The cycling was easily manageable for any level of experience. This tour was interesting and enjoyable. I would recommend booking with Elmer as he was very engaging and gave us the opportunity to ask questions. He provided more than a summary of each location.
It is such a joy to read this review! Thank you for taking the time and effort to leave it for us. Reviews like yours really keep us and the rest of the team motivated to create memorable experiences. All the best, and thank you again for this beautiful review! Kind regards, Elmer
This is a great way to discover this marvelous city and its history. Elmer is a thorough and considerate guide.
We're so happy that our bike tour helped you discover Rotterdam! Thank you for showing your appreciation to us and to other travelers by leaving this lovely review 😊
