UrbanGuides: Rotterdam’s premier tour agency for over 25 years!

The year is 2001. Rotterdam is the European Capital of Culture and stands on the threshold of an unprecedented transformation. There is no sign yet of the dazzling ‘tornado’ structure atop the internationally renowned museum at the Rijnhaven. However, a peculiar little ‘house’ has landed on a roof in that same Rijnhaven area this year. This curious structure—the *Parasite*—piques the curiosity of our small group of self-proclaimed city guides, just as every subsequent architectural, urban planning, and cultural addition to the cityscape would.

Our small group gradually grows larger, more organized, and more professional. And no matter how much the city changes, our drive to truly understand Rotterdam, and our desire to share that experience with others, remains a constant factor over the years. For a quarter of a century, we have been on the scene, closely following every change, forming opinions, telling countless stories, and listening to the stories of others.

Thousands of tours, hundreds of guides, and dozens of striking urban interventions later, we mark the present day: 25 years of UrbanGuides.

See things differently, see more
Those who set out with UrbanGuides discover Rotterdam from a different perspective. Experienced guides share insights into Rotterdam’s modern history, drawing on their specific areas of expertise and personal passions. The focus lies on architecture, urban development, sustainability, and innovation. Moving from the big picture to specific details, our guides reveal what lies behind the façades. They show you why Rotterdam has always been a ‘City of the Future.’

A proud partner of the city
For years, UrbanGuides has been a proud tour partner for major recurring events focused on architecture, heritage, and urban history. Examples include Night & Day of Architecture, Rotterdam Open Monuments Day and Rotterdam Rooftop Days. We draw a great deal of inspiration and knowledge from these events, which we then incorporate into city programs designed for private groups.

In addition, we collaborate closely with cultural, educational, and social organizations in Rotterdam, such as
AIR, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Chabot Museum, Makers District, Dakakker and Huis van de Toekomst.

What we offer
Whether you are visiting Rotterdam as a professional, organizing a field trip for the school where you teach, or simply looking for an interesting leisure activity, UrbanGuides is happy to help.

In addition to our standard tours, we create excellent tailor-made programs, ranging from study trips to diverse, inspiring tours. You can also hire our guides to get you from A to B in an engaging way.

View our range of tours here!