Rotterdam: Private City Tour with Food, Watertaxi & Cube Houses

Summary

Cube houses old harbor markthal streetfood and watertaxi in rotterdam

You’ll taste fresh stroopwafels and herring, ride a speedy watertaxi across Rotterdam’s river, wander through wild-angled Cube Houses, and take in Markthal’s colors—all with every snack, ticket, and ride covered by your guide. Expect real conversation, surprise flavors, and glimpses into everyday life that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my Rotterdam tour sitting across from our guide, Marije, over thick coffee in a tiny café near the station—she handed me a stroopwafel still warm from the griddle. The smell was pure caramel and butter. She sketched out our route on a napkin (her handwriting is wild), then we headed out past cyclists who seemed to appear from nowhere. I kept forgetting to look both ways for bikes, not cars.

The first thing that really hit me was those Cube Houses—yellow and slanted like they’re about to tip over. Marije explained how architects here wanted people to feel at home in the city after WWII flattened so much of it. I tried pronouncing “Kubuswoningen” and she laughed—probably butchered it but she was kind about it. Inside one of the cubes, everything felt oddly tilted; I bumped my head on a ceiling beam and pretended it didn’t hurt (it did). We wandered through Markthal next—the inside is this riot of color overhead, all fruit and fish painted huge on the ceiling, with the smell of fresh bread mixing with spices from food stalls below.

Old Harbor looked like a postcard but not in a cheesy way—old boats bobbing quietly while students lounged on the quay eating fries. There’s history everywhere but also this feeling that people actually live here now, not just in stories. We zipped across the river by watertaxi (if you’ve never been on one: it’s fast and loud and makes your heart jump for a second) before stopping for pickled herring. I hesitated but tried it anyway—salty, cold, surprisingly good with onions. Marije snapped photos of us trying local snacks; she said they’re included so don’t worry about paying for anything along the way.

I keep thinking about that moment inside St. Laurenskerk—the church is all stone and echoing silence except for someone practicing organ music somewhere above us. It’s apparently the only bit of medieval Rotterdam left standing after everything else was bombed. There’s something grounding about touching old stone when most of what you see outside is glass or steel or bright yellow cubes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Rotterdam's highlights and culture

• Start with briefing over coffee
• Visit tourist information centre
• See the Central Station exterior
• Explore Delftsche Gate area
• Visit the Church of St. Lawrence
• Walk through the Markthal and admire artwork
• Discover Cube Houses architecture
• View historic Oude Haven harbor
• Stop at Meent street for local vibe
• Enjoy local snacks and drinks
• Take water taxi ride if available

Top questions

How long does this private Rotterdam tour last?

The tour lasts around 3–4 hours total.

Is food included during the Rotterdam city tour?

Yes, snacks like herring and stroopwafels plus lunch or streetfood are included.

Does the tour include entrance to Cube Houses?

Yes, entrance tickets to visit inside the Cube Houses are included.

Is transport provided during this Rotterdam tour?

The tour includes public transportation tickets and a watertaxi ride if available.

Are drinks provided during the experience?

Coffee or tea at the start plus bottled water and soda/pop are included along the way.

Is pickup included in this Rotterdam day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at an agreed location near central Rotterdam.

Can infants or small children join this private city tour?

Yes, infants can join—the tour allows prams or strollers.

Are service animals allowed on this Rotterdam walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes coffee or tea to start things off right, all entrance tickets (like inside those wild Cube Houses), snacks such as herring or stroopwafels plus lunch or streetfood along the way, bottled water and soda/pop whenever you want them, public transportation tickets for getting around easily—and if there’s space when you book—a fast watertaxi ride across town too. No need to pay extra for anything except tips if you feel like it.