In Rotterdam, a city full of futuristic and industrial style, street art is not just a wild expression on the edge of the city, it is a creative language closely linked to the city’s cultural and historical development. From the once dilapidated dock area to the modern commercial streets, street art can be seen everywhere, showing the city’s changes and innovative spirit.
Stepping out of the threshold of the museum, every corner of Rotterdam seems to have become an open art exhibition hall. You will find that graffiti and street art works are not scattered by chance, they have strong local characteristics and cultural heritage.
From the graffiti walls in the old port area, to the paintings outside the industrial warehouse, to the creative installations on the community streets, all the works are perfectly integrated with Rotterdam’s unique urban atmosphere.
The artistic language here is free and unrestrained, and it is inclusive, making this city not only an avant-garde representative of architecture and design, but also a source of inspiration for art lovers and photographers around the world, attracting more and more travelers to visit, record and experience.
Ⅰ. Recommended attractions
1. Witte de Withstraat: The cultural artery of the city
Overview of attractions
Witte de Withstraat is known as the cultural and artistic center of Rotterdam, where many galleries, independent bookstores, niche cafes and mural creations gather. Street graffiti walls and various installations have penetrated almost every window and alley, especially the “Boomgaardsstraat” area.
Location and opening hours
Located in the center of Rotterdam, it is open all day and no tickets are required. The block itself is open to the public free of charge as a public space all year round.
Recommended time to visit
It is recommended to go between 10 am and 2 pm. The sunshine is good for taking photos, and you can also take a break in the surrounding cafes.
Transportation route
You can take the subway line E or tram line 7 to Beurs station, which is a 5-minute walk away.
Booking platform and cost
No tickets are required, but if you participate in the graffiti culture walking tour organized by a local guide, you can make an appointment through GetYourGuide or Viator, and the cost is about 15 to 20 euros.
Recommended reason
Suitable for art photography enthusiasts, urban culture researchers, and backpackers who like in-depth tours.
2. Luchtsingel Walkway: A creative corridor on the sky
Overview of the attraction
Luchtsingel is a yellow wooden overhead walkway that connects the center of Rotterdam with several blocks in the northern district. This “people-funded construction” project perfectly combines modern design with graffiti culture. The walls and bridges along the walkway are covered with images and texts created by local artists, becoming a walking art exhibition.
Location and opening hours
The starting point is near the Hofplein roundabout and the end point is connected to Schieblock. Open all day and free to enter.
Recommended time to visit
The best time is from afternoon to dusk, when the sunset shines on the trail and you can take stylish street photos.
Transportation route
Take tram No. 25 to Stadhuis station and walk about 8 minutes to the entrance.
Booking platform and cost
You can choose to explore on your own, or book the “Modern City Regeneration Walking Tour” through LikeALocal or GetYourGuide platform, which costs about 20 euros.
Recommended reason
Suitable for architecture fans, students majoring in urban design, and travelers who love cutting-edge creativity.
3. Rewriters Outside Route: Officially certified graffiti route
Overview of attractions
This is an official graffiti roaming route organized by Rewriters, covering multiple communities in the west and south of Rotterdam, connecting murals created by more than 20 artists. The route includes many large painted walls, interactive graffiti and works related to cultural issues.
Location and opening hours
The recommended starting point is the West-Kruiskade district, which is fence-free and open all day.
Recommended time to visit
It is recommended to start in the morning and explore slowly with a map, which takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Transportation route
Take the subway A/B/C line to Delfshaven station, and the recommended starting area is at the exit.
Booking platform and cost
You can find relevant routes through GetYourGuide or Viator. The cost ranges from 10 to 25 euros, including maps and explanations.
Recommended reason
Recommended for graffiti enthusiasts, art history researchers, and travelers who are interested in exploring community changes and urban cultural integration.
4. Katendrecht Industrial Port Area: Dialogue between Graffiti and Port
Overview of attractions
Katendrecht was once Rotterdam’s red-light district and a gathering place for port workers. It has now been transformed into a cultural and creative park. In this industrial area near the dock, the walls of old warehouses, containers and underbridges are used for street art displays, and the works of many well-known graffiti artists are among them, such as Lastplak and Ox-Alien.
Location and opening hours
Near Fenix Food Factory, fully open space, free to visit all day.
Recommended time to visit
Noon to afternoon is the busiest, and you can visit it together with the surrounding food market.
Transportation route
Take subway line E to Rijnhaven station and walk for 10 minutes to arrive.
Booking platform and cost
You can book it together with the dock historical and cultural walking route. GetYourGuide and WithLocals platforms both provide combined itineraries. The price starts at about 20 euros.
Recommended reason
Suitable for photography enthusiasts, solo backpackers, and port industrial scenery enthusiasts.
5. Het Industriegebouw Creative Park: From Office to Art Corridor
Overview of Attractions
Het Industriegebouw is a modernist building complex built in the 1950s. It has now been transformed into a creative complex that integrates shared offices, restaurants, exhibition spaces and art graffiti. Artists are invited to create works on the interior and exterior walls from time to time, forming a contemporary visual field with a strong urban texture.
Location and opening hours
The address is located on Goudsesingel Street. It is fully open and public areas can be freely entered and exited. Reservations are required for specific exhibitions.
Recommended time to visit
The light is soft in the morning or evening, which is conducive to viewing the details of indoor and outdoor murals.
Transportation route
Take subway lines A/B/C to Blaak Station and walk about 5 minutes from the station.
Booking platform and fees
Some exhibitions require ticket reservations through Eventbrite during the event, and the general cost is 5 to 10 euros.
Recommended reasons
Suitable for design industry practitioners, cultural and creative entrepreneurs, and niche cultural observers.
Ⅱ. Tips: Plan your art day trip
1. Make good use of transportation to easily connect multiple blocks
Although Rotterdam is not big, there are many graffiti check-in sites distributed between different communities. It is recommended to use Omio or NS (Dutch National Railway) App to query local urban transportation, and with RET subway, tram and bus lines, you can achieve fast and flexible point-to-point connection. Especially when moving between different blocks, choosing a day pass is more economical and convenient, saving time and cost.
2. Plan your tour route in advance
In Rotterdam, street art works are widely distributed. It is recommended to plan your tour route in advance to ensure that you don’t miss every wonderful work. Using Rewriters App or Rotterdam Routes App can help you plan your route intelligently based on your current location.
If you want to understand the background and history of the artwork more systematically, consider booking a professional guide service through GetYourGuide or Viator platform, which provides personal explanations from local artists to take you to an in-depth understanding of the cultural stories behind the works.
For tourists with limited time, the combination ticket options on the Tiqets and Musement platforms combine art visits with other tourist activities to make your trip more efficient.
3. Book a guided tour in advance to ensure a complete experience
If you want to learn more about the urban changes and cultural issues behind graffiti, you can consider participating in an official guided tour. Most guided tours can be booked in advance through GetYourGuide or Viator platforms. It is recommended to complete the reservation at least 48 hours before the trip, especially during holidays or the peak summer tourist season, when popular tours are often full. Some guided tours also provide multilingual explanations. Be sure to confirm the required language version when booking.
4. Wear comfortable shoes and prepare a power bank
Street art tours are inseparable from long walks and taking photos at any time. Remember to wear a pair of comfortable shoes and carry a mobile power bank. Graffiti works are rich in color and exquisite in details. It is recommended to use a camera or a high-pixel mobile phone to shoot. In addition, if it is rainy, please also bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella with you to prevent the weather from hindering your creative journey.
Rotterdam is not just synonymous with buildings and ports. It is a colorful and active street art capital. If the heart of the city is in the museum, then the soul of the city is hidden in these street corners and graffiti. Next time you visit Rotterdam, why not take an unusual route and feel the rhythm of the wall with your feet.
