After a short metro ride, get off at metro station Delfshaven, not far from historic Delfshaven. Those looking for a piece of picturesque Rotterdam will find what they are looking for here. The former harbor of Delft survived the war, making this one of the few places in the city where you can relive old times.
You can visit the Oude Kerk, the old mill, historic buildings, canals with historic boats and courtyards. There is also no shortage of cozy cafes – there is even a beer brewery. Delfshaven is internationally known for the Pilgrim Fathers. These were English Puritans who left Delfshaven for America in search of religious freedom.
Mill Tour
The Korenmolen 'De Distilleerketel' on the Voorhaven is popular among tourists, but also among lovers of fresh flour for bread or cake. In addition to fresh products, the mill also offers a mill tour, a tour between the grinding gears and grinding millstones.
The Distilleerketel is open every day of the week between 11:00 and 18:00. Reservation is not necessary.
Did you know…
Delfshaven is the oldest part of Rotterdam? It dates back to 1389. It is perhaps strange that the old harbor was actually the harbor of Delft, which is located about 10 kilometers to the north. But since Delft was not located on a large river and they did not feel like paying taxes to the inhabitants of Rotterdam all the time, they built their own harbor on the Maas.
The town of Delfshaven, which is now part of Rotterdam, grew around it. It can get weird. Nowadays things are going really well in Delfshaven and the surrounding area. The neighborhoods fell into ruin for years, but have come to full bloom again in recent years.
TIP:
Before the war, Rotterdam had 48 beer breweries. Today there are only three. One of these is De Pelgrim in Delfshaven. The brewery is definitely worth a visit! You can taste all beers during a tasting, take a look behind the scenes, but you can also enjoy your beer on the terrace by the water – whether or not in combination with a bite to eat. Incidentally, De Pelgrim is by no means the only terrace here – you're spoiled for choice! Address: Aelbrechtskolk 12, Rotterdam
Continue traveling
From Delfshaven you continue the route and take metro A/B/C to our next stop at Eendrachtsplein, a bustling square in the middle of a shopping route. Here is the famous Santa Claus statue by sculptor Paul McCarthy, better known as Kabouter Buttplug. On the Oude Binnenweg you can enjoy shopping and on the Nieuwe Binnenweg you will find pop temple Rotown, where you can also sit on the terrace.
Please note: it can be quite busy, especially on Friday and Saturday. Perhaps even cozier and nearby is the famous Witte de Withstraat. During the day, but especially at night, this is the nicest place in Rotterdam.
