Discover the energy and transformation of Rotterdam’s southern districts during this inspiring walking tour through two of the city’s most fascinating and fast-evolving neighbourhoods. Kop van Zuid and Katendrecht form a unique urban landscape full of bold architecture, layered history, and vibrant cultural hotspots. This tour dives into the city’s maritime past while showcasing the Rotterdam of the future – raw, resilient and full of stories.
Skyscrapers and migration stories on the Wilhelminapier
We begin our walk on the Wilhelminapier in Kop van Zuid, where striking modern architecture rises from a foundation of harbour history. Highlights include De Rotterdam, designed by world-renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, and the striking Luxor Theatre. The guide shares stories of the Holland America Line and the millions of emigrants who once departed from here to seek a new life in America. We also pass the iconic Hotel New York and the still-active Cruise Terminal Rotterdam. The transformation of this area reflects the city’s powerful spirit of rebuilding, where historical elements are beautifully integrated into a skyline of steel and glass.
Katendrecht: From sailors and Chinatown to creative hotspot
Crossing the Rijnhaven Bridge, we enter Katendrecht – once the largest red-light district in Europe and home to the Netherlands’ first Chinatown. Today, it’s a lively and creative neighbourhood with a unique atmosphere. Our guide brings to life its colourful past and its remarkable urban renewal. We explore the lively Deliplein with its restaurants and cafés, visit cultural gems such as the Verhalenhuis Belvédère and Theater Walhalla, and stroll past the industrial warehouses along the waterfront. One of the latest attractions is FENIX – a stunning cultural centre inside a former harbour warehouse, featuring exhibitions on migration and offering panoramic views from its rooftop platform. In the distance, the majestic SS Rotterdam stands proudly at the quay – a historic steamship that continues to grace the city’s skyline.
