Rotterdam Harbor: Major port with maritime activities

Visitor Fee

• Harbor Viewing & Walks – Free
• Spido Harbor Cruise – From €16.50 (Adults), €10 (Children)
• FutureLand Exhibition Center – Free entry
• Boat Tours & Excursions – Prices vary by tour type

Transportation

Rotterdam Harbor is one of the largest ports in the world and is easily accessible:

• By Car – Well-connected via A15 and A20 highways, with parking options near key areas.
• By Public Transport – Metro and bus services connect central Rotterdam to the harbor.
• By Water Taxi – A fast and scenic way to explore the port.
• By Bicycle – Rotterdam has excellent cycling paths through the harbor areas.

Things to Do at Rotterdam Harbor

1. Take a Spido Harbor Cruise – Get a close-up look at massive container ships, cranes, and shipyards.
2. Explore the Maasvlakte 2 Expansion – Visit FutureLand, an interactive center about the port’s future.
3. See the SS Rotterdam – A former ocean liner turned into a museum, hotel, and restaurant.
4. Visit the Maritime Museum – Learn about Rotterdam’s seafaring history and shipbuilding.
5. Walk Along the Wilhelminapier – Enjoy views of the harbor, bridges, and modern skyline.
6. Watch Cargo Ships & Tankers – Experience the world’s busiest shipping routes in action.
7. Explore RDM Rotterdam – A former shipyard transformed into an innovation hub.
8. Visit the Botlek & Europoort Areas – See industrial landscapes, wind farms, and oil refineries.
9. Try Fresh Seafood at a Harbor Restaurant – Enjoy local fish, mussels, and Dutch herring.
10. Cycle Along the Harbor Route – Ride along Maasvlakte beaches and port landscapes.

Why People Enjoy Visiting Rotterdam Harbor

• One of the Largest & Busiest Ports in the World – A key hub for global trade and maritime industry.
• Massive Scale & Impressive Machinery – Giant ships, cranes, and industrial structures create a unique atmosphere.
• Great for Photography & Sightseeing – Stunning views of the port, skyline, and shipping activity.
• Interactive Learning at FutureLand – A fascinating look at port expansion and logistics.
• Scenic Boat Tours & Walks – Beautiful waterfront areas to explore by foot, bike, or boat.

How Old is This Place?

Rotterdam Harbor dates back to the 14th century, but major expansion began in the 19th century. The Maasvlakte 2 extension, adding new land into the sea, was completed in 2013. Today, it is one of the world’s most advanced and largest ports, making it over 600 years old.

List of Activities

• Taking a Spido Harbor Cruise
• Exploring FutureLand at Maasvlakte 2
• Visiting the SS Rotterdam Museum Ship
• Learning at the Maritime Museum
• Walking Along Wilhelminapier
• Watching Container Ships & Tankers
• Exploring RDM Rotterdam’s Innovation Hub
• Cycling Through the Port Areas
• Dining at a Harborfront Restaurant
• Exploring Botlek & Europoort Industrial Zones

Additional Nearby Attractions

1. Euromast – Rotterdam’s tallest observation tower with harbor views.
2. Erasmus Bridge – The iconic cable-stayed bridge over the Maas River.
3. Delfshaven – A historic harbor district with 17th-century buildings.
4. Fenix Food Factory – A food hall with local and international cuisine.
5. Markthal – Rotterdam’s famous indoor food market and architectural gem.

Rotterdam Harbor is a must-visit for maritime enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone fascinated by global trade, offering a mix of industry, innovation, and scenic beauty!