Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge)

The Erasmus Bridge’s angled pylon makes it a fixture on guided Rotterdam tours. Stop to view it—and learn its backstory—on a waterfront or architecture-focused walk that covers it and other city highlights such as the Cube Houses and Central Station. Alternatively, pedal across it on a bike tour or admire it on tours spot lighting spotlight other aspects of the city such as history, culture, food, or wine.

• You can cross the Erasmus by car, tram, foot, or bike.
• Vehicles and pedestrians have to wait to access the bridge when it opens for ships.
• The bridge is accessible to wheelchair users and pedestrians with strollers.

The Erasmus links central Rotterdam’s Nieuwe Werk and Kop van Zuid neighborhoods and is easy to visit via public transit. The closest subway, bus, and tram stop is Wilhelminaplein on the river’s south bank, with Leuvehaven the nearest subway station in the north. Drivers can reach the Erasmus from Rotterdam’s Central Station via the Westersingel and Vasteland (S100), and use payable parking garages near the bridge’s north end.

Avoid weekday rush hours, when the Erasmus Bridge is busy with traffic. To enjoy its Rotterdam skyline views at their best, visit at sunrise, during the early-afternoon, or after dark, when the bridge and city are beautifully lit-up. The bridge looks particularly impressive when it opens for ships, and serves as the backdrop for festivals and fireworks—check Rotterdam’s event calendar for dates.