Are you going to Delft for the first time? We would like to give you some tips about all the must-see attractions.
Delft is the city of the world-famous Delft Blue ceramics, the birthplace of the ‘Master of Light’ Johannes Vermeer, and has close ties with the Royal House of Orange. Many of the tourist attractions therefore have a link with one or more of these three icons.
Then there are some attractions you definitely won't want to miss. The slender tower of the New Church, almost 110 m tall, has been a recognisable landmark in Delft for centuries. And if you climb the 367 steps to the top of the second highest church tower in the Netherlands, you have an amazing view out over the city and the surrounding area.
Not far from the New Church is the Old Church, also known by the local residents as ‘Scheve Jan’ (Crooked John) on account of the strange kink in the tower. Both churches have international allure because of all the famous people from Dutch history who have been interred within their walls. Next to the Old Church is the Museum Prinsenhof Delft, an elegant historical building which was once the home of William of Orange. Here you can discover the history of Delft (and the rest of the Netherlands) and the origins of Delft Blue ceramics. A visit to Delft would naturally not be complete without a visit to one of the local earthenware factories, where you can see and experience the world-famous Delft Blue ceramics and pottery being made in the traditional way And last but not least: get up close and personal with Johannes Vermeer in the city where this world-famous painter lived and worked his entire life. You can discover everything you want to know about his life and work in the Vermeer Centrum Delft
Are you looking for fascinating background stories, interesting facts, and tasty details? Then book a guided tour through Delft with an experienced tour guide. Some guided tours include admission to tourist attractions and a canal cruise.
Discover the city without a guide? That is possible! Buy a historical walk at VVV Delft and walk around guided by a description and a map. The historical walk costs € 3,90.
Discover Delft from the water. During the tourist season, there is a cruise around the romantic canals and splendid sights of the city that departs once an hour. Or you can hire an electric motor boat or a pedalo so you can discover the city by water by yourself
Delft is well-known for its friendly restaurants and lively bars. There are countless fashionable coffee shops, cosy cafes, and trendy restaurants along the canals, down the side streets, and around the city squares.
Tips: at Pleck, Voldersgracht 17A, you can eat your lunch and do your shopping at the same time, ’t Postkantoor (Hippolytusbuurt 44) has a great street cafe where you can relax with friends, and the Ark van Delft on the Bastiaansplein serves delicious organic hamburgers.
If you love theatre and music, don't forget to check the events calendar either before or during your visit. There is always live music playing somewhere during the summer weekends. Delft is also an excellent place to use as a base for visits to events in the surrounding region. You can get to Rotterdam and The Hague in only 30 minutes by public transport.
The city centre is full of countless trendy shops selling unique and fashionable must-haves, and there are also large department stores where you can shop at your leisure. Delft really does have something for everyone. And Sunday shopping is always extra special. On these so-called 'Blue Sundays' there is always plenty to see and do in around the participating stores. It makes shopping in Delft even more fun!
One day in Delft is really too short to discover the city. Why not take a city trip and make a few days of it?
Tip: due to its central location, Delft is the ideal base for trips to the beach, Rotterdam, The Hague, Leiden, and Amsterdam. Delft has a wide range of excellent overnight accommodation which on average is a lot cheaper than in the surrounding cities. And if you decide to stay a bit longer: Delft is surrounded by lots of greenbelt countryside which is great for walking and cycling.
Delft is easy to get to by both public transport and by car. Delft is situated between The Hague and Rotterdam and it takes about 15 minutes to get to either city. And in only 45 minutes you can get to Amsterdam (airport) from Delft. The Central Station is just a short walk away from the city centre. Are you travelling by car? There are three car parks around the city centre with quick and easy (paid) parking for your car. You can find more information about travelling to the city and parking here .
Tip: don't feel like walking? The Delft City Shuttle is a quick and easy way to travel around the city and see all the tourist attractions.
We wish you a lot of pleasure during your (first) visit to Delft!
