On holiday in the port of Rotterdam

26 July 2023

Summer or not, work at the Port of Rotterdam never stops. And it’s probably no different at your company. But after a year of working hard, there should also be time for vacation! Did you know that in addition to all the logistics work, there is actually a lot to see and do around the port? Ritra’s Marketing Team has listed the seven best outings in the region for you! 

Have you ever seen a container ship from just 10 meters away? And did you know that a great lunchroom is located at the Waalhaven, the place where your LCL shipments are unloaded? You can read about it below:

1. Port Pavilion

You want to visit the Port of Rotterdam, but you don’t know where to start? Right in the centre of Rotterdam, Port Pavilion welcomes you. A large photographic model depicts the port. This gives you an overview of all the experiences in the Port of Rotterdam. And did we mention the ports, the Maritime Museum and the city centre are just around the corner?

2. FutureLand and Maasvlakte Beach

As you know, we also like to visit the FutureLand experience centre in the middle of the Maasvlakte. The centre tells the story of the Maasvlakte. For example, did you know that mammoth remains were found during excavation? In addition, various (new) exhibitions are always on display.

Are you wondering where your cargo is being processed? And how big those cargo ships really are? The FutureLand Ferry will take you on a cruise and brings Europe’s largest port closer than ever!

Have you not had enough of the Maasvlakte yet and feel like taking a refreshing dip? Then visit Maasvlakte Beach, just a 10-minute drive from FutureLand.

3. Maritime Museum

Fun fact: this museum is located on the spot where the Port of Rotterdam once began! There is plenty to experience at the Maritime Museum with its contemporary exhibitions and stories about the maritime world and workshops. They also offer summer activities, for example a tour of the historic ports.

4. Spido

The Spido is a truly iconic Rotterdam attraction. Have you always wanted to see the inner city and port of Rotterdam from the water? The Spido makes this a unique experience. During the cruise, you sail past impressive buildings and get a “behind the scenes” look at the port.

5. World Port Days

The largest maritime event will take place again on 1, 2 and 3 September: the World Port Days. This year, current topics play a starring role, such as career opportunities in logistics. In addition, it allows you to discover what is going on in the port of Rotterdam in 2023. The event features many activities, both on the water and the quays. This includes helicopter flights over the port area, various tours of the ports, a City Tour of Oud-Charlois and, of course, closing fireworks!

6. Lunch café Portcity II in the Waalhaven

Waalhaven is the traditional heart of the port of Rotterdam. The office of Team Ritra Rotterdam is also located here. Despite the summer holidays, work always continues here. Will you stop by and have a coffee with us at Albert Plesmanweg?

Done with the coffee? Walk by the brand new warehouse at Neutral, where your consolidation container is unloaded. Or take a lovely walk along the New Maas River! Get a closer look at the work in the port and the docked cargo ships. Do you recognise the warehouses that took centre stage in our photo shoot on the team page?

During the walk, make a pit stop at Lunch Café Portcity II. Also jokingly referred to as “Beachclub Waalhaven” by Team Ritra. Located on the waterfront, this cosy cafe serves something for everyone.

Chantal & Marjoleine at the terrace of Lunchcafé Portcity II

7. Natural areas

Did you know that industry and nature can actually harmoniously co-exist? The Port of Rotterdam proves this once again. In addition to canal cruises, museums and events, you can also relax in the port in various nature conservation areas. For example, the Maasvlakte area offers Bird Valley Slufter, a 21-hectare nature reserve where many different shorebirds nest. And the Botlek area features Botlekbos forest, where Exmoor ponies and Scottish Highlander cattle roam, among others.

We hope we have offered you some fun logistics-related outings with these tips. Team Ritra wishes you a very nice summer!