Rotterdam’s brewery scene is easy to explore and richly rewarding. The classic Heineken building anchors the city’s beer heritage, while modern craft operations like Stadshaven Brewery showcase traditional Dutch brewing methods. For efficiency, the Breweries and Water Taxi tour combines sightseeing with beer sampling – a smart way to experience multiple venues. The intimate Brewery Noordt, with its 20 house-made beers, offers the city’s most personal tasting experience.
We especially love the water taxi tour for its unique transportation angle and the Brewery Noordt visit for its cozy, authentic atmosphere. These tours typically run 2-3 hours, welcome walk-ins, and include generous samples.
Let’s explore the best brewery experiences Rotterdam has to offer.
Key Points
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The Heineken Building Former Brewery Tour offers an immersive exploration of the brand’s history, brewing process, and iconic branding, along with a tasting experience.
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The Breweries and Water Taxi Tour provides a 4-hour journey visiting various Rotterdam breweries, including beer sampling and scenic water taxi rides.
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Brewery Noordt offers a 1-hour tasting experience featuring 5 of their locally crafted beers, with an optional 30-minute brewery tour.
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The Stadshaven Brewery Tour provides a guided exploration of a 100-year-old restored fruit warehouse, showcasing modern brewing techniques and sustainability efforts.
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Brewery tours in Rotterdam cater to adults, with flexible booking and cancellation policies, and generally receive high ratings for their informative and engaging experiences.
Rotterdam: Heineken Building Former Brewery | Guided Tour
The captivating history of Heineken’s former brewery in Rotterdam beckons visitors to explore its storied past. Through an immersive guided tour, guests can explore the iconic brand’s origins and uncover the secrets behind its rise to global prominence.
The tour takes them through the meticulously preserved Heineken Building, where they’ll discover the intricate brewing process and learn about the company’s innovative techniques that have stood the test of time. Highlights include the original copper brew kettles, the iconic Heineken logo, and the opportunity to sample the renowned lager.
With an optional audio guide available, visitors can embark on a self-paced journey, seeing the rich tapestry of Heineken’s heritage. Whether a beer enthusiast or a lover of industrial history, this guided tour offers a unique and captivating experience that showcases Rotterdam’s storied connection to one of the world’s most renowned brewing empires.
Read our full review: Rotterdam: Heineken Building Former Brewery | Guided Tour Review
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Rotterdam: Breweries and Water Taxi Tour
Explore Rotterdam’s thriving brewing scene on the Breweries and Water Taxi Tour. This 4-hour experience takes you to the oldest, newest, and biggest breweries in the city, where you’ll sample 5 local beers and enjoy snacks.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy two water taxi rides, offering unique perspectives of Rotterdam’s picturesque waterways.
Led by an engaging live guide, the tour delves into the captivating stories behind the breweries and the city itself. With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 16 reviews, this tour has earned praise for its informative guides, enjoyable experiences, and excellent communication from the organizers.
The tour is priced at $94.05 per person and can be booked with no upfront payment, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
While it’s not suitable for children under 18, the Breweries and Water Taxi Tour provides an excellent opportunity for adults to enjoy Rotterdam’s thriving beer culture and enjoy the city’s waterfront views.
Read our full review: Rotterdam: Breweries and Water Taxi Tour Review
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Rotterdam: Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings With Optional Tour
At the Brewery Noordt, visitors can enjoy the city’s thriving beer culture through tastings and an optional tour. The 1-hour experience offers a glimpse into the brewery’s history, with the first beer fully brewed in Rotterdam since September 2015.
Noordt has gained recognition for its no-nonsense, smooth, and drinkable beers that boast honest and surprising flavor elements.
The 30-minute brewery tour provides an inside look at the traditional brewing process and the craft of beer-making. Visitors can enjoy 2 beers during the tour and 3 small beers in the tasting session, all served in the relaxing tasting room or on the terrace.
With 20 home-brewed beers on tap, the brewery offers a chance to sample a wide range of its creations.
Priced at $7.93 per person, the experience is suitable for adults aged 18 and above. Guests can book their spot without immediate payment and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 11 reviews, the Brewery Noordt tour promises an engaging and satisfying beer-tasting adventure in Rotterdam.
Read our full review: Rotterdam: Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings With Optional Tour Review
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Rotterdam: Stadshaven Brewery Tour With Beer Tastings
Visitors exploring Rotterdam’s thriving beer scene can enjoy the history and production of Stadshaven Brewery. This 1-hour to 100-minute guided tour takes guests through a fully restored, 100-year-old fruit warehouse that now houses the brewery, which produces around 2 million liters of craft beer annually.
During the tour, visitors will gain insights into the brewery’s modern brewing innovations and sustainability goals. They’ll also have the opportunity to visit one of the largest former fruit storehouses in the world.
Tasting options include 1 beer or soda, or 3 beers with snacks.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and live guides are available in English and Dutch, with optional audio guides in both languages.
With an overall rating of 4.4/5 from 92 reviews, the Stadshaven Brewery Tour offers a compelling behind-the-scenes look at the city’s thriving beer culture at a reasonable price of $12.15 per person.
Read our full review: Rotterdam: Stadshaven Brewery Tour With Beer Tastings Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do the Tours Typically Last?
The tours typically last around 1-2 hours, providing visitors with a rundown of the brewery’s history, production process, and a chance to sample the company’s signature beers. The duration allows ample time for questions and a leisurely tasting experience.
Are Children Allowed on the Brewery Tours?
Children are generally welcome on brewery tours, but policies vary. Some tours may have age restrictions or require adult supervision. It’s best to check with the specific brewery beforehand to understand their policy on minors.
Can I Purchase Beer or Merchandise On-Site?
Visitors can typically purchase beer and merchandise on-site during brewery tours and tastings. Many breweries offer samples and the option to purchase bottled or canned beers, as well as branded merchandise like t-shirts, hats, and glassware.
Do the Tours Offer Any Food Options?
Most brewery tours offer food options, such as snacks or light meals, to complement the beer tastings. Some may even have on-site restaurants or cafes where visitors can enjoy a full meal during or after the tour.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The tours are generally wheelchair accessible, with some venues providing dedicated access and assistance. Visitors should check with the individual breweries beforehand to ensure their needs can be accommodated during the tour and tasting experience.
Recap
Rotterdam offers a variety of brewery tours and tastings to satisfy beer enthusiasts. From the iconic Heineken building to local craft breweries, visitors can explore the city’s rich brewing heritage. These guided experiences provide an inside look at the brewing process and a chance to sample the city’s finest ales. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or simply curious, Rotterdam’s brewery tours and tastings are a must-do activity.