Rotterdam’s waterways

 

For information on Rotterdam’s waterways, events and boat trips or to download the New Maas Map, visit www.rotterdam.info or click here.

Inner-city harbours
Due to renovations and re-developments over the last few centuries, many of the old inner-city harbours have now been transferred in picturesque quay-side areas including many shops, restaurants and bars. The Veerhaven is located in the stately Scheepvaartkwartier. In this old harbour historic ships are moored side by side with modern yachts. Several outstanding restaurants are to be found in the area around this port. The ‘Oude Haven’ or old harbour area is another great example. It offers a wide selection of pafement cafés and bars. The historical harbour ‘Delfshaven’ boasts splendid architectural monuments, with some of them dating back to Holland's Golden Age. It was from here that the Pilgrims set sail for America in 1620. You can visit the Pilgrim Fathers' Church, where the Pilgrims met before sailing for the New World. These days, Delfshaven offers many restaurants, bars and galleries. www.rotterdam.info

Spido Cruises
A visit to Rotterdam would be incomplete without a trip round its world-famous harbour. Peek behind the scenes and get an up-and-close view of Europe’s largest port, by taking a 75 minute harbour cruise. See the shipyards, docks and quays up close and be a part of the heavy traffic of seagoing vessels and inland sailing ships on a river that brought glory to Rotterdam. The Rotterdam Harbour Cruise offers information in French, English, German and Dutch and departs daily at 1.15 pm. www.spido.nl

Pancake boat (Parkhaven opposite to the Euromast, tel. +31 10 4367295)
Sailing… with all the pancakes you can eat! This unique opportunity is available all year round on the Pancake Boat in Rotterdam. As soon as the boat casts off, you can serve yourself to pancakes from the buffet as often as you like. At the buffet you have the choice of plain, apple and bacon pancakes and all kinds of dishes to decorate your pancakes. While enjoying this typical Dutch delicacy, the boat makes a round trip on the river Maas, sailing along the imposing skyline of Rotterdam or through the harbours. www.pannenkoekenboot.nl

Water taxi
Discover the water taxi network on the Maas. Rotterdam’s water taxi links the southern part of Rotterdam with the northern banks of the river Maas. The classic water taxis operate between Hotel New York, the Leuvehaven and the Veerhaven, to a fixed timetable. The fast Maas taxis operate in the whole area, to all boarding points in Rotterdam and the surrounding area. For example, from the Zalmhuis by the Van Brienenoord Bridge to Katendrecht. Or from Feyenoord stadium to the Sluisjesdijk in Charlois. www.watertaxirotterdam.nl

China boat (Parkhaven opposite to the Euromast, tel. +31 10 4361911)
Sailing… and eating Chinese food as much as you like! This can be done all year long on board of the China Boat. After leaving Parkhaven, our cook will present the Chinese buffet in a magical way. On this buffet there is soup and a lot of other delicious Chinese food, of which you can eat as much as you like. While enjoying your meal, the China Boat sails along the skyline and through the harbours of Rotterdam. www.chinaboat.nl

Shipyard 'De Delft' (Schiehaven 15, tel. +31 10 2760115)
At Shipyard ‘De Delft’ the magnificent 18th century ship of the line ‘De Delft’ is being reconstructed. Enthusiastic guides take visitors along the showcases with treasures of the wreck and the workshops where you can see the craftsmen at work. Outside you will see a part of the ship in all her glory. From the terrace you can enjoy a magnificent view on the Maas, or if you please, keep an eye on the activities in the workshops. www.dedelft.nl

Rederij Thor (Haringvliet opposite to no. 100, tel. +31 10 4126482)
A culinary experience on water! While enjoying sublime meals on an authentic saloon steamer, you learn more about Rotterdam from the water as the captain heads for the world’s most imposing and unique skyline. Every Thursday and Sunday evening, the crew delight their guests with sun-drenched Spanish snacks or tapas on the Tapas Boat. And on Wednesday evenings, you can enjoy their spicy specialities, served with their Eastern hospitality, on the Indian Curry Boat. www.rederijthor.nl

Paddle steamer 'De Majesteit'
Raderstoomboot De Majesteit started her career in 1926 on the Rhine river as a passenger ship named Rheinland. Once on board the fully restored De Majesteit you will enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere. With a 750 horsepower steam engine, the giant paddles run smoothly and take you through the largest harbour of Europe and along the many attractive sights of Rotterdam. Fancy partying, eating and drinking and a fantastic cruise all at the same time? This is possible during the Showboat Party! Throughout the year, fantastic party nights are organised on board the nostalgic paddle steamer De Majesteit. www.raderstoomboot.nl