Delfshaven

Rotterdam

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

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 neighborhood that is less busy than the city center. 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 travelers 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! (218 reviews)
"Great overall. Nice Room. But the hallways were a bit tired-looking with worn rugs."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Hotel Port
The James Hotel Rotterdam

The James Hotel Rotterdam

3.5 out of 5
Aert van Nesstraat 25, Rotterdam
The price is P4,770 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
P4,770
P5,510 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
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! (1,019 reviews)
"Very convenient for everything."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

The James Hotel Rotterdam
The Usual Rotterdam

The Usual Rotterdam

4 out of 5
Westblaak 10, Rotterdam
The price is P3,646 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
P3,646
P4,211 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
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! (196 reviews)
"Is a great accommodation even if you stay more than one night. Highly recommend it"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

The Usual 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 P13,679 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P13,679
P15,731 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
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 clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
Must-visit in The Hague
"Absolutely must-visit hotel, nice spa, spacious lobby, great bar. I was completely satisfied and would like to be back, just a small note- beds in twin room are extremely small. Next time only DBL bed please"

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus The Hague Scheveningen
citizenM Rotterdam

citizenM Rotterdam

4 out of 5
Gelderse plein 50, Rotterdam, South Holland
The price is P3,825 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P3,825
P4,418 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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! (999 reviews)
"Great location with very helpful staff and a very easy check-in"

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

citizenM Rotterdam
Art Hotel Rotterdam

Art Hotel Rotterdam

4 out of 5
Mijnsherenlaan 9, Rotterdam
The price is P4,539 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
P4,539
P5,243 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
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! (825 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Jul 21, 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.

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Euromast featuring a garden, a lake or waterhole and landscape views

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Delfshaven