Delfshaven

Rotterdam
Delfshaven featuring a river or creek, a bay or harbour and a windmill
This quaint portside suburb is best known as the place where the Pilgrims set off for the New World and it offers an authentic taste of the Holland of old.

Spend time enjoying the pace in Delfshaven, a Rotterdam neighbourhood that is less busy than the city centre. Discover the traditional cafés and restaurants that line the Nieuwe Maas River, visit historic buildings and learn about the area’s fascinating associations with the Pilgrims. 

Originally part of the city of Delft, Delfshaven was given municipality status in 1811 before becoming a district of Rotterdam in 1886. While central Rotterdam was virtually flattened during World War II, Delfshaven emerged relatively unscathed. Its characterful pre-war buildings contrast sharply with Rotterdam’s striking modern architecture. 

Delfshaven is famous for being the port from which the Pilgrims departed at the start of their voyage to America. Visit the Pilgrim Fathers Church to see where they said their prayers before leaving in 1620. The exterior is dominated by a grand, white bell tower. Venture inside the  and you can go inside to view models of the boats used for the dangerous crossing. Examine the vessels and imagine how the intrepid travellers would have felt before making their voyage to the New World.

Make the short walk south from the church to the De Dubbelde Palmboom. This museum houses an intriguing collection of maritime artifacts. See ancient tools and equipment recovered from around the globe by the East India Company and trace the history of Rotterdam from prehistoric times to the present day. Nearby, see the work taking place on the reconstruction of De Delft, a warship that sank in the North Sea in the 18th century. Take a tour of the vessel to get a feel for the deep-rooted seagoing culture of this area. 

Save some time to explore the canal network. Walk the canal-side paths or rent a bike from one of the local shops. As you wander, you’re likely to pass by a scale-model of a traditional windmill, as well as many idyllic waterside bars, where you can sample locally brewed beer. Stay in the area for dinner and try the fresh seafood caught just hours before by the town’s fishing fleet. 

Delfshaven is approximately a 20-minute tram ride from central Rotterdam. Easy access and a more leisurely pace of life to the big city make it an ideal location to spend a relaxing couple of days.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Delfshaven

Art Hotel Rotterdam
Art Hotel Rotterdam
4 out of 5
Mijnsherenlaan 9, Rotterdam
The price is S$108 per night from 18 Jun to 19 Jun
S$108
per night
18 Jun - 19 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (330 reviews)
"The front desk staff were amazing especially Sofia"

Reviewed on 7 Jun,2024

Art Hotel Rotterdam
Le Petit Marin Boutique Hotel
Le Petit Marin Boutique Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Graaf Florisstraat 70, Rotterdam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$122 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
S$122
per night
15 Jul - 16 Jul
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Erasmus Bridge and Ahoy Rotterdam ...
8/10 Very Good! (71 reviews)
"Lovely suite. Staff were helpful. We arrived early and were able to leave our bags while we explored the area. Our bags were in our room when we arrived."

Reviewed on 21 Apr,2024

Le Petit Marin Boutique Hotel
Le Marin Boutique Hotel
Le Marin Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
Henegouwerplein 58, Rotterdam
The price is S$122 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
S$122
per night
7 Jul - 8 Jul
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Erasmus Bridge and Ahoy Rotterdam ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (125 reviews)
"The property was very clean and stylish. The decor pleasing and the en suite bathroom was amazing."

Reviewed on 18 Apr,2024

Le Marin Boutique Hotel
The James Hotel Rotterdam
The James Hotel Rotterdam
3.5 out of 5
Aert van Nesstraat 25, Rotterdam
The price is S$108 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
S$108
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,022 reviews)
"The hotel is in a great location. It has a very handy 24h shop with food avaliable for breakfast at reasonable price. We found the decor a bit dark and moody the bed was a bit too soft. It was nice and clean"

Reviewed on 11 Jun,2024

The James Hotel Rotterdam
Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus The Hague Scheveningen
Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus The Hague Scheveningen
5 out of 5
Gevers Deynootplein 30, Scheveningen, The Hague
The price is S$169 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
S$169
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in The Hague. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy beds ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"A beautiful hotel by the beach with pleasant and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 13 Jun,2024

Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus The Hague Scheveningen
Holiday Inn Express Rotterdam - Central Station, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Rotterdam - Central Station, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
Weena 121, Rotterdam
The price is S$143 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
S$143
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The staff on reception were very bursque, unhelpful. All other customers were allowed to check in their rooms before 3pm with water and a biscuit. We were told our room was not ready and when it was we werent given biscuits or water"

Reviewed on 10 Jun,2024

Holiday Inn Express Rotterdam - Central Station, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Delfshaven

Default Image

Oude Westen

4/5(13 area reviews)

While Oude Westen may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Rotterdam City Theatre and De Doelen.

Oude Westen
Default Image

Katendrecht

If you're spending some time in Katendrecht, SS Rotterdam and Oorlogsverzetmuseum Rotterdam are top sights worth seeing.

Katendrecht
Euromast featuring landscape views, a lake or waterhole and a park

Centrum

Centrum is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Rotterdam City Theatre and Witte de Withstraat while in the area.

Centrum
Default Image

Chinatown

While visiting Chinatown, you might make a stop by sights like De Doelen and Holland Casino Rotterdam.

Chinatown
Default Image

Kop van Zuid

4/5(13 area reviews)

Unique features of Kop van Zuid include the bars and river views. Make a stop by World Port Centre or Luxor Theater while you're exploring the area.

Kop van Zuid
Default Image

Charlois

Discover Charlois, memorable for its restaurants. Popular attractions in Charlois include Zuiderpark and Ahoy Rotterdam, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Rotterdam, Maashaven.

Charlois

Delfshaven