Delfshaven Travel Guide

Rotterdam

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

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 artefacts. 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 Marin Hotel Rotterdam City - Handwritten Collection

Le Marin Hotel Rotterdam City - Handwritten Collection

4 out of 5
Henegouwerplein 58, Rotterdam
The price is ฿2,705 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿2,705
฿3,124 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Erasmus Bridge and Ahoy Rotterdam ...
8/10 Very Good! (221 reviews)
"Decent hotel for the price. Provided good bed shower and TV. Didn’t sample breakfast but you can get great coffee next door, although the machine coffee at the hotel is free. Convenient for the train station, nice quiet area. Lighting in the room could be made better, one strong spotlight by a mirror ..."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Le Marin Hotel Rotterdam City - Handwritten Collection
Middelland Hotel, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy

Middelland Hotel, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy

3.5 out of 5
314 Mathenesserlaan, Rotterdam, ZH
The price is ฿2,254 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
฿2,254
฿3,560 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), concierge services and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Erasmus Bridge and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (26 reviews)
"There were stairs inside my room. Not good for an old lady."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Middelland Hotel, Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy
The Usual Rotterdam

The Usual Rotterdam

4 out of 5
Westblaak 10, Rotterdam
The price is ฿1,707 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
฿1,707
฿1,971 total
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Erasmus Bridge and Ahoy Rotterdam ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (258 reviews)
"Good area"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

The Usual Rotterdam
Art Hotel Rotterdam

Art Hotel Rotterdam

4 out of 5
Mijnsherenlaan 9, Rotterdam
The price is ฿2,623 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
฿2,623
฿3,030 total
21 Oct - 22 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (921 reviews)
"The hotel is spetacular, chic and very beautyful to sit in the lobby and have a drink. If you make an online reservation, just sent an e-mail with your reservation number and ask or the room/ view you would like. I would stay there again and recommend it."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Art Hotel Rotterdam
Bilderberg Parkhotel Rotterdam

Bilderberg Parkhotel Rotterdam

4.5 out of 5
Westersingel 70, Rotterdam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,015 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
฿3,015
฿3,769 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
Perfect Location to Explore Rotterdam
"This hotel is perfectly located; it's walking distance to everything - dining, shopping, museums, plus the Metro and Tram stops are just outside the hotel. We booked a Tower Executive room and it was large, comfortable, clean, plenty of storage space, with an amazing view and ample bathroom; the ..."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Bilderberg Parkhotel Rotterdam
Haven Hotel Rotterdam, Curio Collection by Hilton

Haven Hotel Rotterdam, Curio Collection by Hilton

5 out of 5
Leuvehaven 77, Rotterdam
The price is ฿3,305 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
฿3,305
฿3,817 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rotterdam. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Great, upgraded for a few quid more"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Haven Hotel Rotterdam, Curio Collection by Hilton
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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Middelland

Though Middelland may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum and De Doelen.

Middelland
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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 De Doelen and Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum.

Oude Westen
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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 Lijnbaan and Witte de Withstraat 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


Delfshaven Travel Guide