On the Day of Love, under the sound of brass music and in front of a crowd of curious Rotterdammers, the historic Tramhuis at Eendrachtsplein, one of the city’s smallest monuments, reopened with a new purpose. After surviving the 1940 bombing, being moved multiple times, transforming into a night café and later a kebab shop, the tiny monument now returns as the world’s first kiosk dedicated exclusively to city walks.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue visiting hotspots and sharing our honest experiences with you.
Table of contents
The history of the Tramhuis
The Tramhuis has been part of Rotterdam’s streetscape for more than a century. It was originally constructed in 1914 as a glass-and-steel waiting room for tram passengers and is one of the few small architectural structures that survived the bombing of 1940.
When the building was dismantled for restoration, it was in poor condition. A 1931 photograph from the city archives served as the key reference point. Bureau Polderman and Studio Robert van Oosterom restored the structure to its original appearance, bringing back its transparent steel-and-glass design. What stands at Hermesplantsoen today feels both fragile and resilient, a quiet reminder of how often this city has reinvented itself.
The opening on the Day of Love
The reopening was led by Rotterdam icon Loes Luca, joined by young musicians from the Brassbandschool of SKVR. Choosing the Day of Love as the official opening date was no coincidence. The building has long been a familiar presence in the city, and the relaunch leaned into that sense of affection.
Luca also curated one of the walking routes herself. “My heart lies in this incredible city,” she said during the opening, setting the tone for what the Tramhuis aims to represent: a personal connection to Rotterdam.
Earlier that week, Mayor Carola Schouten visited the kiosk together with local residents, underlining that the Tramhuis is intended for both neighbours and visitors.
What is the Tramhuis now?
The concept is simple. You walk into the Tramhuis, choose a route and explore the city on foot. Visitors are invited to discover stories they might otherwise pass by. The emphasis is on perspective: walking the city through someone else’s eyes.
Four well-known Rotterdammers created their own themed routes. Architect Winy Maas focuses on Rotterdam’s architecture. Artist Joep van Lieshout highlights art in public space. Food journalist Jonneke de Zeeuw, also known as Mooncake, shares her favourite food addresses. Loes Luca takes visitors through the cultural heart of the city.
Visitors can follow the routes independently via the Tramhuis app as a podwalk, use a printed walking booklet with map, or join guided weekend tours led by professional city guides. There is also a family route where children take on the role of guide and lead the adults through the city.
Under the label “Hartstochtjes”, special neighbourhood walks will be organised to connect Rotterdammers with their own districts and with each other. The initiative comes from Droom en Daad and positions walking as a way to discover, move and connect.
How to visit and book
The Tramhuis is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 16.00 and is located at Hermesplantsoen 3, at Eendrachtsplein in Rotterdam.
More information about the walks, schedules and tickets can be found at tramhuis.nl.
