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! (210 reviews)
"It was okay"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Hotel Port
The Usual Rotterdam
The Usual Rotterdam
4 out of 5
Westblaak 10, Rotterdam
The price is P3,658 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P3,658
P4,226 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (183 reviews)
"Love the focus on sustainability. Excellent hotel!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

The Usual Rotterdam
The James Hotel Rotterdam
The James Hotel Rotterdam
3.5 out of 5
Aert van Nesstraat 25, Rotterdam
The price is P4,717 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P4,717
P5,448 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (1,009 reviews)
"Perfecto location A little bit noisy No complementary bottles of water in the room"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

The James Hotel Rotterdam
citizenM Rotterdam
citizenM Rotterdam
4 out of 5
Gelderse plein 50, Rotterdam, South Holland
The price is P4,409 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P4,409
P5,093 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (995 reviews)
"-"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

citizenM Rotterdam
Art Hotel Rotterdam
Art Hotel Rotterdam
4 out of 5
Mijnsherenlaan 9, Rotterdam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,555 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
P4,555
P5,260 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
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! (791 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 Jun 26, 2025

Art Hotel Rotterdam
Holiday Inn Express Rotterdam - Central Station by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Rotterdam - Central Station by IHG
3 out of 5
Weena 121, Rotterdam
The price is P5,032 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P5,032
P5,812 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Good breakfast! Conveniently near the train station! Friendly staff."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Rotterdam - Central Station by IHG
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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Centrum
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Delfshaven