A bike tour Rotterdam is probably the best way to experience all the sights. But there is so much to see! From the Market Hall to Hotel New York and the monumental town hall. Don’t worry, because we give you a push in the right direction for an ideal cycling route!
This bike tour Rotterdam is meant to allow you to explore the city on your own bike. This route is largely based on our beloved Rotterdam Highlights Bike Tour. Normally we are about 3 hours away with our bike tour, so expect that for this route as well. Okay, jump on the bike and here we go!
1. Rotterdam Central Station
Central Station is a practical and beautiful location to start. This is also an ideal location for renting bicycles. From here you can rent a comfortable 3-speed Giant-cycle from Zwaan Bikes in the Groothandelsgebouw.
If you are on the Stationsplein you have a nice view of the modern station. Can you understand why Rotterdammers call this the Shark’s beak when you look at the tip of the roof? Also, take a look to your left: there you can see one of the pearls of the post-war Reconstruction Period. The Groothandelsgebouw (Wholesale Building) from 1953 is literally one of the greatest successes of the post-war reconstruction period. Tip: take a look inside and see the hollow courtyard if you like architecture.
2. Witte de Withstraat & Museum Boijmans van Beuningen
The area around Rotterdam Central Station can be very busy. With this bike tour Rotterdam we recommend you to quickly find some more space and tranquility. From Central Station continue straight on over the Kruisplein and Mauritsweg and along the water (Westersingel). Stop when you reach the intersection at Witte de Withstraat and Museum Boijmans van Beuningen.
On your left you will see the famous Witte de Withstraat with all kinds of bars and restaurants. Would you like to have something to eat in Rotterdam? Then go to Jaffa for a typical Rotterdam Kapsalon. Do you want to experiment with snacks? Then visit the ladies of the Frietboutique for a chocolate croquette. Isn’t all that craziness spent on you and do you just want to relax and drink? Then sit down on the terrace of café De Witte Aap for a beer.
On your right you’ll find Boijmans van Beuningen. If you’re a museum lover, you’re out of luck, because the museum will be closed for renovation for the next seven (!) years. What is nice to mention, is the Depot that they are building next to the museum. In this 40 meter high mirrored flowerpot you can see the collection from 2021 onwards.
3. Euromast
The next stop for this bike tour Rotterdam is the Euromast. Continue straight on from the previous stop, where the road goes up as well. Turn right before the traffic lights and drive past the Kunsthal and Erasmus MC Hospital in the direction of the Euromast. Cross the road in the direction of the big parc (Het Park) and you’re there.
You can do many activities at the Euromast. Of course you can visit the 185-meter-high tower and take the Euroscoop elevator all the way to the top. Are you looking for an adrenaline rush? Try abseiling from this tower. Don’t forget to enjoy The Park in the area. A wonderfully expansive green city park where you can relax or eat delicious Rotterdam apple pie at Dudok in the Park.
4. Scheepvaartkwartier
Some Rotterdammers say that the Scheepvaartkwartier is the most beautiful part of Rotterdam. Here you will find dozens of National Monuments together. This part of historic Rotterdam should certainly not be missed in your bike tour Rotterdam. The good news is that you are already there.
Cycle out of the park towards the famous Ballentent. If you like to taste the best meatball in town, make a stop here. Cycle along the Westerkade in the direction of the Veerhaven with its nostalgic sailing ships and enjoy the unique skyline of Rotterdam along the way. Cycle from the Veerhaven towards the Erasmus Bridge for the next stop.
5. Hotel New York and Katendrecht
You also have to test your fitness with this bike tour Rotterdam. Cross the iconic Erasmus bridge and after the bridge turn right in the direction of Hotel New York. Here you can feel the atmosphere of all those emigrants who used the Holland America Line to get to America. Nowadays Hotel New York is a household name in Rotterdam because of the inviting terrace on the quay.
Next to Hotel New York is the Rijnhavenbrug, also known as the ‘Whore Hopper’. This small bridge leads to Katendrecht. Decades ago, there was a notorious red-light district over here. You can still find a lot of fun on Katendrecht, only the “working girls” have disappeared. Make sure you visit the lively Fenix Food Factory where you will find various food stalls in a typical Rotterdam raw warehouse.
6. Crossing the Willemsbrug (Willems Bridge)
You’ve had the Erasmus Bridge and now it’s time for the bike tour Rotterdam to cross the red Willems Bridge. First cycle back in the direction of the Erasmus Bridge. Cross over at the Luxor Theater and cycle past the courtyard and over Wilheminakade straight on. Here you follow the bend to the right and at the next traffic light you turn left. Here you cycle through the Stieltjesstraat. From here you go straight on until you see the monumental green Hefbrug. Here you cross the Koninginnebrug and then immediately turn right and cross the red Willems Bridge.
7. Market Hall and Cube houses
When you come from the Willems Bridge you can turn right just before the traffic light in the direction of the Markthal. The Market Hall is a must-see during your visit to Rotterdam. Both foodies and architecture lovers will find what they are looking for here. See inside the beautiful colorful ceiling painting and taste something delicious inside the big food court.
Opposite the Market Hall you can see funny yellow Cube Houses of the architect Piet Blom. Be sure to take some pictures and if you’re curious about the inside of these houses, be sure to visit the museum Cube House (Kijk Kubus). Don’t want to go to the Market Hall and get something to drink or eat somewhere else in the area? Then walk through the Cube Houses to the Old Harbour (Oude Haven) where you will find many cafes and restaurants.
8. Town Hall
Via the Blaak you will reach the Coolsingel, the last stop of this cycling tour Rotterdam. Don’t be alarmed when you arrive at Coolsingel. The main street of Rotterdam is a big construction zone because of a large-scale renovation. But be sure to cycle onto Coolsingel and head towards the town hall. This beautiful historic building is one of the few buildings that survived the great bombardment of 14 May 1940. During the weekend you can only admire the town hall from the outside, but during weekdays you can actually visit the town hall. Highly recommended! See the beautiful courtyard garden and the beautiful statues in the town hall.
So, these were our suggestions for a bike ride through Rotterdam. Enjoy your city trip to Rotterdam and discover the city by bike!
