Delfshaven

Rotterdam

Delfshaven showing a river or creek and boating
Delfshaven featuring a river or creek, a bay or harbour and a windmill
Delfshaven
Delfshaven featuring a river or creek, a small town or village and a bay or harbour
Delfshaven featuring a river or creek, a bay or harbour and boating

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

Hotel Port
Hotel Port
3.5 out of 5
Pieter De Hoochweg 115, Rotterdam
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (209 reviews)
"Hotel Port was excellent for my stay as a single traveler. The room was clean and cozy. Bathroom was very nice. The location of the hotel was very convenient as down the street had some restaurants and walking around the area was quite scenic."

Reviewed on 2 Jul, 2025

Hotel Port
The James Hotel Rotterdam
The James Hotel Rotterdam
3.5 out of 5
Aert van Nesstraat 25, Rotterdam
The price is S$102 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$102
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"The location is great within a couple of blocks of 3 tram and 1 Metro station and local area is full of safe walkable streets with shops, food and bars. Front desk staff are amazing at providing local guidance. Couple of quirks…..no cloth hanging closets in the rooms and no USB for international ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

The James Hotel Rotterdam
The Usual Rotterdam
The Usual Rotterdam
4 out of 5
Westblaak 10, Rotterdam
The price is S$95 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
S$95
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Ahoy Rotterdam and Witte de Withstraat ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (176 reviews)
"It was just a cool place to stay"

Reviewed on 17 Jun, 2025

The Usual Rotterdam
citizenM Rotterdam
citizenM Rotterdam
4 out of 5
Gelderse plein 50, Rotterdam, South Holland
The price is S$115 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$115
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (998 reviews)
"-"

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

citizenM Rotterdam
Urban Hotel The Golden Stork
Urban Hotel The Golden Stork
3 out of 5
7 Volmerlaan, Rijswijk, ZH
The price is S$83 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
S$83
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Rijswijk. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7/10 Good! (186 reviews)
"Friendly staff, enough space for parking and good price, had a nice dinner at the hotel's restaurant"

Reviewed on 27 Jun, 2025

Urban Hotel The Golden Stork
Art Hotel Rotterdam
Art Hotel Rotterdam
4 out of 5
Mijnsherenlaan 9, Rotterdam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$107 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
S$107
15 Jul - 16 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (786 reviews)
OK
"Steep steps into the building, I ended up using the ramp. Check-in needed ID which I think could have been done via the app in advance. Enjoyed the room although some corridor noise, a second door from the hall or a better room door would have been good. If you are disturbed very much depends on ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun, 2025

Art Hotel Rotterdam
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

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Scheepvaartkwartier

5/5(2 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the bars and parks in Scheepvaartkwartier. You might want to make time for a stop at Euromast or Erasmus Bridge.

Scheepvaartkwartier
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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
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Katendrecht

If you're spending some time in Katendrecht, Fenix Food Factory and SS 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 Lijnbaan while in the area.

Centrum
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Chinatown

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

Chinatown
Rotterdam featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

Cool

While visiting Cool, you might make a stop by sights like Rotterdam City Theatre and Witte de Withstraat.

Cool

Delfshaven