Food Tours in Rotterdam

Over the years, Dutch cuisine has been decidedly influenced by several immigrant groups that came to The Netherlands.

Rotterdam, especially, has acquired a unique international flavor, with its Surinamese dishes and Spanish tapas bars, among others. Yet the Rotterdam community has still maintained its individual Dutch culinary identity.

To discover the city’s best local and international foods, join the Rotterdam food tours and at the same time become acquainted with its vibrant urban culture.

Bellow is everything you need to know about food tours, one of the tastiest food and wine experiences in Rotterdam.

What are the best food tours in Rotterdam?

Walking food tour in Rotterdam

Discover what an enterprising place the city has become following its rebuilding after World War II. On a guided walking tour in Rotterdam, you will experience its impressive art, architecture, history and culture.

You will also savor the special food flavors that have become popular around the world and add to the city’s special charm. Along the way, you will make several stops to enjoy a distinctive bite or drink.

You will taste Dutch favorites such as “rookworst” (smoked sausages) and “stamppot” (combined mashed potatoes and green vegetables) and other international flavors such as Moroccan tapas.

You will not leave the tour hungry — the food is equal to a big lunch!

Private walking food tour with tastings

For the lover of history, architecture and food, this tour is for you! You will enjoy a guided walk of the city, admire the architectural gems and taste typical Dutch foods.

From Rotterdam Central Station, continue to the Groothandelsgebouw, built in 1953 after the bombing of Rotterdam in WWII, and to the well-known Kruiskade neighborhood.

This big multicultural quarter boasts many international shops, as well as Rotterdam's Chinatown. You will also visit Rotterdam's Town Hall, which miraculously survived the bombing during World War II.

In this area, you’ll have your first food tasting. Your tour continues to the Markthal (Market Hall) where you’ll enjoy some typical Dutch food, such as Dutch cheese and traditional Dutch fish, followed by the peculiar Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) residential development.

Food tours by bike

Cycling is synonymous with Holland and what better way to explore the city of Rotterdam than on a bicycle while enjoying its delectable foods? Food bike tours in Rotterdam stop at different eateries or breweries.

You will sample various Dutch snacks, such as meat-based “bitterballen” and “kroketten” or croquette, and finish your tour with a beer at a waterfront brewery.

Be assured there will be enough snacks served during your tour to equal a full meal. This tour includes a local guide and accommodates a maximum of 12 people.

Three food markets tours and a water taxi ride

Visit three food markets in Rotterdam on a single tour, enjoying delicious snacks while led by an expert guide. The is a private tour and starts around 1:30 PM at the Rijnhaven pedestrian bridge.

The first stop is at the Fenix Food Factory, for a delightful tasting, followed by a visit to the Pakhuismeesteren B.V. (the old Dutch warehouse).

Then you will enjoy tastings at the Foodhallen on Wilhelmina Pier and leave on a fast water taxi ride to the Markthal, for two more tastings.

Experiencing the smells and flavors at Markthal will complete your food tour in Rotterdam Drinks are at your own expense.

Which places are visited?

Rotterdam Central Station

The building is an architectural icon of Rotterdam which has preserved a number of historical elements of the old 1957-building, but also introduced about 25 modern shops.

Groothandelsgebouw

The principle of this extensive multi-tenant business building was conceived during World War II during the “Dutch Famine,” and the building was completed in 1953.

Kruiskade

A multicultural shopping quarter in West Rotterdam, the Kruiskade boasts numerous shops and restaurants from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.

The Cube Houses

Designed by the architect Piet Blom, the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) is an unusual residential development with homes tilted over by 45 degrees.

Town Hall

Rotterdam’s Town Hall was built between 1914 and 1940, and survived the bombing of World War II. Its most prominent feature is the 70-meter-high tower.

Markthal

This well-known landmark in the heart of Rotterdam is a residential and office building spanning a market hall and was opened in 2014.

Fenix Food Factory

A fresh food market, Fenix is the place to buy and eat proper food, get your daily groceries, as well as enjoy special beers, cocktails and roasted coffee.

Erasmus Bridge

This impressive 808-meter-long bridge spans the river Maas, between the city center Kop van Zuid neighborhood.

The Witte Huis

The first skyscraper in Europe, the Witte Huis is an example of history and modernism uniting. It was built in the Art Nouveau style in 1897-1898.

Hotel New York

Opened in 1993, the hotel was formerly the headquarters for the Holland America Line. The line for decades carried passengers and cargo between Holland and North America.

How much does it cost?

The prices of guided walking food tours in Rotterdam start from €80 per person.

The private food tour with tastings costs €150 per person and includes visits to places of historical or architectural interest.

Food tours in Rotterdam by bike cost around €80 per person and include the rent of bicycles.

Tours that visit three food markets in Rotterdam and offer a water taxi ride cost around €95 per person in a group of six adults.

What is included?

• Pickup at meeting points
• Food tastings
• Alcoholic beverages
• Bicycle rent for bike tours, and helmets if required
• Professional local guide
• Visits to historical/architectural attractions
• Admission tickets
• Poncho if required

Where does it start?

The starting point for the walking food tours in Rotterdam is mostly the Central Station. For biking food tours, the starting points are all in Central Rotterdam – Blekerhof and Goudesingel.

The meeting point for the water taxi ride is Dolf Henkesplein (Rijnhaven pedestrian bridge).

How long does it last?

The typical duration of the walking food tours in Rotterdam is usually from 2.5 to 4 hours. For the bike tours, the duration is from 3 to 4 hours. The private food tour with tastings lasts for 2 hours.

The duration of the food markets and a water taxi ride tour to Wilhelmina Pier is 2.5 hours.

When is the best time for a food tour in Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is known as a year-round destination. During summer – late June to early September – sightseeing in Rotterdam is more pleasant. Food tours, art galleries and museum visits, however, can be enjoyed any time of the year.

It’s probably better to do the food tours towards the end of your stay when you will have a better idea of what to look out for.

Are there any combos available with food tours in Rotterdam?

Boat and beer walking tour

The meeting point is in front of the Markthal, and the tour starts at 2 PM from Central Station. You will visit four breweries, drink some of Rotterdam’s best beers and enjoy some mouth-watering snacks as well.

Your trip includes two water taxi rides on the Maas River, from where you will have a great view of Rotterdam. Your guide will show you parts of the old and new harbors while telling fascinating tales of the city.

Following your second boat ride, you will have a final beer in the cool Fenix Food Factory. The duration of the tour is 4 hours and costs €90 per person.

Travel tips

• Book your tour in advance.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Most tours require participants to be at a moderate physical fitness level.