Help - Pets
Small dog
Small Dog less than 20kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Large dog
Medium Dog 20kg to 35kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Extra large dog
Large Dog 36kg to 45kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Small Pet
Cat or Ferret. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Other pet
Please contact our friendly customer service team on +44 (0)1304 44 88 88 to ensure we can accommodate your pet.Help - Pets
Small dog
Small Dog less than 20kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Large dog
Medium Dog 20kg to 35kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Extra large dog
Large Dog 36kg to 45kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Small Pet
Cat or Ferret. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Other pet
Please contact our friendly customer service team on +44 (0)1304 44 88 88 to ensure we can accommodate your pet.Help - Pets
Access to Pet Lounge
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Access to Pet Lounge
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
On our Cairnryan to Larne route pets are welcome and can travel free of charge at all times. Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the crossing. Commercial pet travel should be booked via our freight website, for more information and guidance on if your journey is commercial, please click here.Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
On our Cairnryan to Larne route pets are welcome and can travel free of charge at all times. Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the crossing. Commercial pet travel should be booked via our freight website, for more information and guidance on if your journey is commercial, please click here.Please note
More than 9 of you travelling?
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Special assistance required
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please enter the number of pets you are travelling with. 'Pet Lounge' and 'Pet in car' options can be added to your booking in the Add Ons section.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Please enter the number of pets you are travelling with. 'Pet Lounge' and 'Pet in car' options can be added to your booking in the Add Ons section.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Rotterdam might not have the same reputation as Amsterdam when it comes to price, but that doesn’t mean it’s always cheap. Modern architecture, trendy food spots, and a growing cultural scene can quickly add up.
But what if you approached it differently?
With a bit of planning, a budget trip to Rotterdam is not only possible, but it’s also genuinely enjoyable. We set out to see how far £20 could go in a city known for its design, waterfront views, and laid-back atmosphere.
No cutting corners. No skipping meals. No pretending you won’t want a coffee.
This guide shows you how to experience Rotterdam on a budget, from food to free experiences, without feeling like you’re missing out.
Book direct today for the best prices
Before we start, here’s what the £20 covers:
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£20 per person
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Food and activities only
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Travel, overnight sailing, and transfers are already included in the Mini Cruise
This isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing things differently. Rotterdam rewards curiosity, wandering, and knowing where to look.
Cheapest way to get around Rotterdam
Rotterdam is modern, spacious, and surprisingly easy to explore without spending much at all.
Unlike Amsterdam’s tight canal streets, Rotterdam is open and wide, making it ideal for walking between key sights.
You can easily explore:
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The Markthal
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Cube Houses (Kijk-Kubus)
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Erasmus Bridge
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Witte de Withstraat
All without needing transport.
While not free, even just watching the water taxis zip along the river is part of the experience. And if you budget for one short trip, it can double as both transport and sightseeing. Allowing you to see all the sights no matter the cost.
Rotterdam is a city that doesn’t rely on expensive attractions. Its architecture, waterfront, and creative spaces are the main event.
That’s what makes it perfect for a budget-friendly trip.
Start smart: Eat properly before you arrive
If you’re travelling on a Mini Cruise to Rotterdam with P&O Ferries, one of the easiest ways to save money actually happens before you reach Rotterdam.
Adding the Kitchen breakfast on board gives you a proper start to the day. Not just a quick coffee, but a full meal that keeps you going.
That means:
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No rushing to find breakfast when you arrive
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No spending €10–€15 straight away
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More time to explore at your own pace
With everything from a full English to lighter options, it sets the tone for a relaxed, budget-friendly day.
The best free things to do in Rotterdam
Even on a day trip you can still see lot of the city of Rotterdam. Some of the best places to visit for free in Rotterdam include:
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Witte de Withstraat – creative, lively, full of street art
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Delfshaven – historic canals and a completely different feel to modern Rotterdam
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Kop van Zuid – skyline views and striking architecture
No money required, just time to wander.
Known for it's architecture and beauty, some of the best free things to do in Rotterdam come with a view:
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Erasmus Bridge – one of the city’s most famous landmarks
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Markthal – step inside for incredible artwork on the ceiling
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Rotterdam Central Station – modern design worth seeing in itself
When the weather’s good, this is where Rotterdam really shines. Here are some of the best parks and nature walks you cannot miss when you visit Rotterdam:
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Het Park – peaceful, green, and close to the Euromast
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Kralingse Bos – ideal for a longer walk or picnic by the lake
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Riverside paths along the Maas – perfect for skyline views
Bring a snack, sit by the water, and enjoy the city at its most relaxed.
What should you spend your Rotterdam budget on?
Rotterdam’s food scene is one of its highlights, but you don’t need to spend big.
Markthal is the perfect starting point:
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A wide range of affordable street food
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Everything from Dutch snacks to international dishes
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Ideal for grazing rather than committing to one expensive meal
Alternatively, grab supplies from a supermarket and enjoy a picnic by the water or in a park.
If you want something hot and filling, there are plenty of options that don’t feel like a compromise.
Market food and quick bites
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Food stalls inside Markthal – variety and good value
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Local bakeries – fresh sandwiches and pastries
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Street food spots around the city centre
These are perfect for eating on the go and keeping your day flexible.
Local favourites without the high prices
Step slightly away from the busiest areas and you’ll find:
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Casual international restaurants with generous portions
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Small cafés with “dish of the day” boards
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Takeaway spots where locals actually eat
You’ll eat well, feel looked after, and still stay within budget.
Top 10 free things to do in Rotterdam
Looking for quick inspiration? Here are some of the best free things to do in Rotterdam:
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Walk across Erasmus Bridge
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Explore the Cube Houses from the outside
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Visit Markthal and admire the artwork
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Wander Witte de Withstraat
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Discover Delfshaven’s historic streets
6. Relax in Het Park
7. Walk along the Maas riverfront
8. Spot street art across the city
9. Visit Rotterdam Central Station
10. Explore local markets and pop-ups
A Mini Cruise makes this kind of trip simple. Your travel and transfers are already taken care of, so you can focus on making the most of your time in the city.
Rotterdam is ideal if you want something a little different, modern, creative, and easy to explore without overspending.
If you’ve been thinking about trying a city break without the usual costs, this is a great place to start.
Book your Mini Cruise today and start planning your budget-friendly Rotterdam trip.
Rotterdam on a budget FAQs
Yes, with Rotterdam being such a walkable city, you can walk to many attractions in Rotterdam without having to spend a penny on transport. Rotterdam has such a variety to do to fit every interest you will never be bored and by having so many free and affordable things to do in Rotterdam, a £20 spend for the day is very manageable.
There are lots of free things to do in Rotterdam, walking the Erasmus Bridge, visiting Markthal, exploring Delfshaven, and enjoying parks and waterfront views are all great free options where you get to experience the beauty and culture of the city at the same time.
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