ROTTERDAM.- Walking inspires, connects, and energizes. It is not only one of the healthiest activities, physically and mentally, but also the best way to truly experience a city. With this belief at its core, Tramhuis curates special city walks in Rotterdam, inviting both residents and visitors to explore the city from fresh perspectives.

On Saturday, February 14, the carefully restored Tramhuis will reopen its doors as a kiosk for city walks. Rich in history and character, this monumental tiny building will serve as the starting point for a wide range of walking routes through Rotterdam.

Tramhuis: from public transport waiting shelter to walking kiosk

In the heart of Rotterdam, the city’s smallest historic icon shines once again. Built in 1914 in Art Nouveau style, the Tramhuis originally served as a modern public transport shelter for tram passengers. Remarkably, the slender structure survived the 1940 bombing of Rotterdam and was relocated several times during the city’s reconstruction. In the 1970s, the building was given several functions and later became a night café and kebab shop—uses that proved detrimental to its delicate construction of light steel and glass. On the initiative of philanthropic organisations Stadsherstel Rotterdam and Droom en Daad, Tramhuis was fully dismantled, meticulously restored, and transformed into the world’s first kiosk dedicated entirely to city walks.

Thanks to its central location on Eendrachtsplein, between Rotterdam Central Station and the Museumpark, Tramhuis is the ideal meeting point for (re)discovering “the city that has reinvented itself” on foot. (The 10 Best Places to Visit in 2026 – The Wall Street Journal, December 2025).

Seeing the city through different eyes

Tramhuis offers a diverse program of themed walks that show Rotterdam from multiple perspectives. Individually or in groups, independently or guided by professional city guides. These guided walks uncover lesser-known stories and new layers of the city.

In addition, several Tramhuis routes are available as podwalks or printed walking guides. These have been curated by nationally and internationally renowned Rotterdammers, including actor Loes Luca, artist Joep van Lieshout, architect Winy Maas, and food influencer Mooncake (Jonneke de Zeeuw). Their routes guide walkers to favorite cultural, artistic, architectural, and culinary locations.

A special family route invites children to explore the city in a playful and accessible way. From this spring onward, Hartstochtjes will also be introduced in collaboration with social organizations—walks that emphasize social connection and shared experiences.

“In a city like Rotterdam, you can keep walking. Each new perspective reveals something different every time.” — Marjolein van den Blink, Director of Tramhuis

Tramhuis

Stichting Tramhuis is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging residents and visitors to discover Rotterdam on foot. It develops special walking routes, organizes events, and collaborates with social organizations. By promoting movement, discovery, and connection, Tramhuis helps people fall in love with the city.

From 2023 onward, the building was fully dismantled and carefully restored on the initiative of philanthropic organisations Stadsherstel Rotterdam and Droom en Daad, in collaboration with Bureau Polderman and Studio Robert van Oosterom. A 1931 photograph from the Rotterdam City Archives served as a key historical reference. Specialized restoration contractors Koninklijke Woudenberg and Terberg Totaal Installaties carried out the restoration. Studio Robert van Oosterom designed a timeless and atmospheric interior.