Rotterdam Bike Tour: Market Hall, Cube Houses & Erasmus Bridge

Summary

Explore Rotterdam’s Icons and Local Secrets by Bicycle

If you want to see Rotterdam’s famous sights and secret corners without missing a beat, this bike tour is for you. You’ll get real stories from locals, taste market treats, and pedal through both history and today’s city buzz—all with plenty of time for questions or just soaking it all in.

4.91

(67 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Sunlight bounced off the glass of the Markthal as we rolled up, bikes rattling over the cobbles. Our guide, Pieter, waved us inside—he knew just where to stand for the best view of that wild ceiling mural. The air smelled like fresh bread and spices from the Turkish bakery tucked in the corner. I grabbed a quick stroopwafel sample before we pedaled on.

Outside Rotterdam Centraal, you can’t miss how new everything feels—the station’s sharp angles almost look like a spaceship landed right in the middle of town. Pieter pointed out how locals call it “the Kapsalon” (like the late-night snack) because of its shape. We paused for a minute to watch trams glide past and commuters zip by on their own bikes—seriously, everyone here cycles.

The old Sint Laurenskerk stands quietly among all this modern glass and steel. Inside, it’s cool and echoey; you can almost hear centuries-old footsteps on the stone floor. Pieter shared a story about Erasmus—yes, that Erasmus—who grew up just around here. I’d never realized how much history hides behind Rotterdam’s bold skyline.

We zigzagged through narrow lanes to reach the Cube Houses. Up close, they’re even stranger than in photos—like someone stacked yellow dice at odd angles. A street musician played accordion nearby; his case was open for coins but also full of postcards showing Rotterdam before WWII.

A quick stop at a tiny café near the Maas river meant strong coffee (or a cold beer if you wanted). Locals chatted about Feyenoord’s last match while we caught our breath and watched boats drift under Erasmusbrug—the “Swan,” as folks here call it for its shape. The bridge gleamed white against a sky that threatened rain but never quite delivered.

2h 30m