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Harbour · Roterdã, Holanda Meridional
Oude Haven
One of Rotterdam's oldest harbours, with historic boats, waterside terraces and the Witte Huis, the 1898 art nouveau skyscraper that survived the 1940 bombing.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Oude Haven
The Oude Haven, the old harbour, occupies what remained of the Rotte River after it was dammed in the 13th century—the dyke that gave the city its name. The first quay was built there around 1350. Today the harbour houses restored historic boats and its banks are lined with cafés and restaurants with terraces.
At the corner with the Wijnhaven stands the Witte Huis, the 'Casa Branca', an art nouveau office building constructed between 1897 and 1898 and inspired by American skyscrapers. At 43 metres it was one of the first tall buildings in Europe. A thousand piles were driven into the soft ground to support it.
The Witte Huis was one of the few central buildings to survive the bombing of 14 May 1940 and is now a national monument. It functions as an office building and is viewed from the outside.
Next to it are the cube houses and Blaak station, and on the harbour edge is the Koningspoort shipyard, with old vessels under restoration.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes to 1 hour, longer if you stop at a terrace.
Best time
Late afternoon and evening, when the terraces fill up. On warm summer days the waterfront stays busy until late.
How to get there
Beside Rotterdam Blaak station (train and metro) and the cube houses. About a 5-minute walk from the Markthal.
Tip
Photograph the Witte Huis from the bridge over the Wijnhaven, with the boats in the foreground. Combine it with the cube houses and the Markthal in the same walk.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Oude Haven
What is the Witte Huis?
An art nouveau office building from 1898, one of the first skyscrapers in Europe, which survived the 1940 bombing.
Can you go inside the Witte Huis?
The building houses offices; visits are from the outside.
Is the Oude Haven a good place to eat?
Yes, there are several cafés and restaurants with terraces on the waterfront, busy especially in the late afternoon.