Old Harbour

This historic spot is considered one of the city’s oldest harbors.

Its origins date back to around 1350, when a dam near Hoogstraat cut off part of the Rotte River, creating what became the Oude Haven. The area developed amid marshlands and waterways. Nearby is the Steigersgracht, first mentioned in 1334. In 1351, William V officially granted Rotterdam the right to use the jetty there, which some claim makes it the city's oldest harbor.

The first dock at the Oude Haven appeared in the 1330s. It connected to the Steigersgracht via the Kolk, a historic waterway still remembered in street names today.

Since the 1980s, the Oude Haven has transformed into a lively area full of cafés and restaurants. Surrounded by landmarks like the Cube Houses, the Witte Huis, and the Marine Museum, it’s one of the coziest spots in the city. Always evolving, yet rooted in history, the Oude Haven is a timeless part of Rotterdam.