Home › Destinations › Delft
Delft, Nederland - Things to Do in Delft

Things to Do in Delft

Delft, Nederland - Complete Travel Guide

Delft is a picturesque historic city in the Netherlands, renowned for its iconic blue and white Delftware pottery, charming canals, and well-preserved medieval architecture. Located between The Hague and Rotterdam, this compact city offers visitors a quintessentially Dutch experience with cobblestone streets, historic churches, and traditional Dutch houses lining peaceful waterways. The city is also famous as the birthplace of Johannes Vermeer, the celebrated 17th-century painter, and maintains strong connections to the Dutch Royal House of Orange-Nassau. Despite being home to the prestigious Delft University of Technology, the city retains an intimate, small-town atmosphere that makes it perfect for leisurely exploration on foot or by bicycle. The historic city center is remarkably well-preserved, featuring the imposing Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) where members of the Dutch royal family are entombed, and the Renaissance-style Stadhuis (City Hall) overlooking the bustling market square.

Top Things to Do in Delft

Visit Royal Delft Pottery Factory

Explore the last remaining original Delftware factory from the 17th century, where you can witness master painters creating the famous blue and white ceramics. The museum showcases the history and craftsmanship of Delft Blue pottery, and you can try your hand at painting your own piece. The factory tour provides fascinating insights into traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around €14 for adults, with painting workshops available for an additional €12-25. Book online in advance for slight discounts and guaranteed entry, especially during peak summer months. Look for combination tickets that include other Delft attractions.

Climb the Nieuwe Kerk Tower

Ascend the 108-meter tower of the New Church for breathtaking panoramic views over Delft's historic rooftops and surrounding countryside. The church houses the tomb of William of Orange and serves as the burial place for Dutch royalty. The climb involves 376 steps, but the spectacular views and historical significance make it worthwhile.

Booking Tip: Tower climbing costs €5 and is only possible during specific hours (usually afternoons). Check the weather forecast as the tower closes during high winds or storms. Combine with a church visit (€4.50) for the full experience.

Take a Canal Boat Tour

Glide through Delft's serene canals on a traditional boat tour to see the city from a unique water-level perspective. These relaxing tours pass historic buildings, charming bridges, and hidden courtyards while providing commentary about the city's rich history. The boat tours offer excellent photo opportunities and a different view of Delft's architectural treasures.

Booking Tip: Canal tours cost approximately €12-15 per person and run from April to October. Book tours departing from the market square area, and choose operators offering multilingual commentary. Evening tours provide romantic sunset views.

Explore Vermeer Centrum

Discover the life and works of Johannes Vermeer, Delft's most famous resident, through interactive exhibits and detailed reproductions of his masterpieces. The center provides insights into 17th-century Delft and Vermeer's painting techniques, including his use of camera obscura. You can also explore locations around the city that appear in his paintings.

Booking Tip: Admission is €9 for adults, with audio guides included in the price. Purchase tickets online for faster entry and look for combination deals with other museums. The center is busiest on weekends, so weekday visits offer a more peaceful experience.

Stroll Through Historic Market Square

Experience the heart of Delft at the vibrant Markt square, surrounded by historic buildings including the Gothic Nieuwe Kerk and Renaissance City Hall. The Thursday and Saturday markets fill the square with local produce, flowers, cheese, and crafts, creating a lively atmosphere. The square's numerous cafés and restaurants provide perfect spots for people-watching and soaking in the local culture.

Booking Tip: Market visits are free, but bring cash for purchases as many vendors don't accept cards. Thursday markets focus on general goods while Saturday markets emphasize local produce. Arrive early morning for the best selection and fewer crowds.

Getting There

Delft is easily accessible by train from major Dutch cities, with direct connections from Amsterdam (1 hour), Rotterdam (15 minutes), and The Hague (15 minutes). The train station is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the historic city center. If driving, Delft is well-connected via the A13 highway, though parking in the city center can be limited and expensive. The nearest major airport is Amsterdam Schiphol, about 45 minutes away by train with one connection in The Hague or Leiden.

Getting Around

Delft's compact historic center is best explored on foot, with most major attractions within a 10-minute walk of each other. Bicycles are the preferred local transport and can be rented from several shops near the train station for around €10-15 per day. Public buses connect different neighborhoods and the university campus, while the city's flat terrain and extensive bike paths make cycling both safe and enjoyable. Parking is limited in the center, so consider using Park & Ride facilities on the city's outskirts if arriving by car.

Where to Stay

Historic City Center
Near Train Station
Delft University Area
Oosteinde District
Voorhof Area
Wippolder Neighborhood

Food & Dining

Delft's dining scene combines traditional Dutch cuisine with international influences, reflecting its student population and tourist appeal. The city center offers numerous brown cafés (traditional pubs) serving local specialties like bitterballen and Dutch cheese, while modern restaurants around the market square provide contemporary European cuisine. Don't miss trying local Delft beer at Stadsbrouwerij De Sleutel, the city's historic brewery, or sampling fresh stroopwafels from local bakeries. The Thursday and Saturday markets also offer excellent local produce, cheese, and street food options.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Netherlands

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Gusto Italian

4.8 /5
(7820 reviews) 2

Assaggi

4.7 /5
(5009 reviews) 2

La Zoccola del Pacioccone

4.5 /5
(5067 reviews) 2
meal_delivery

Verona Ristorante Italiano

4.7 /5
(4720 reviews) 2

Il Vicolo

4.8 /5
(2343 reviews)

Santi & Santini - Puglia restaurant

4.8 /5
(1295 reviews)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The best time to visit Delft is from April to September when the weather is mild and pleasant for walking and cycling. Spring (April-May) brings beautiful tulip blooms in nearby gardens and comfortable temperatures, while summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather but also the largest crowds. Early autumn (September-October) provides fewer tourists and lovely fall colors, though weather can be unpredictable. Winter visits are possible but expect shorter daylight hours, potential rain, and some seasonal closures of outdoor attractions.

Insider Tips

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups and capture the best light for photography of the historic buildings and canals
Look for the hidden 'hofjes' (historic courtyards) throughout the city center - these peaceful almshouse complexes offer quiet retreats from busy streets
Combine your Delft visit with nearby attractions like the Keukenhof Gardens (spring only) or the beach towns of Scheveningen and Kijkduin, both easily reachable by public transport

Explore Activities in Delft