Delfshaven

Rotterdam

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

Le Petit Marin Boutique Hotel
Le Petit Marin Boutique Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Graaf Florisstraat 70, Rotterdam
The price is €89 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
€89
includes taxes & fees
24 Mar - 25 Mar
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! (98 reviews)
"We've stayed at a lot of hotels, this one was one of the better ones! Really comfortable bed, and great bathroom with an incredible rainfall showerhead. Lovely and quiet area with plenty of great places to eat and a supermarket close by as well. Really easy to get to via the trams. The room was perhaps ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2025

Le Petit Marin Boutique Hotel
The James Hotel Rotterdam
The James Hotel Rotterdam
3.5 out of 5
Aert van Nesstraat 25, Rotterdam
The price is €75 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€75
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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! (1,014 reviews)
"We loved everything about the James hotel. Our comfort double room needed a side table to hold a few more things we needed to lay out."

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2025

The James Hotel Rotterdam
Art Hotel Rotterdam
Art Hotel Rotterdam
4 out of 5
Mijnsherenlaan 9, Rotterdam
The price is €79 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€79
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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! (682 reviews)
Review
"Great location to get to Rotterdam Ahoy. Very helpful staff & enjoyed the stay."

Reviewed on 5 Mar 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 €85 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€85
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice hotel, bed was a bid too soft for me. Some noises at night from road. Breakfast was great."

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2025

Holiday Inn Express Rotterdam - Central Station by IHG
citizenM Rotterdam
citizenM Rotterdam
4 out of 5
Gelderse plein 50, Rotterdam, South Holland
The price is €78 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€78
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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)
"Friendly and helpful staff. Located in a quiet and charming area. Plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. Various public transport options also nearby. Room was clean, stylish and sufficient with excellent views (that we were free to choose during check-in). Would definitely like to stay here ..."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

citizenM 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €126 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
€126
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Everything was as expected. Breakfast could start a little earlier than 8am for the business traveller!"

Reviewed on 27 Jan 2025

Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus The Hague Scheveningen
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

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 Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout or Historic Garden Schoonoord.

Scheepvaartkwartier
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 Fenix Food Factory 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
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 De Rotterdam or World Port Centre while you're exploring the area.

Kop van Zuid

Delfshaven

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: