What to do in Delft, this medieval high-tech city in South Holland? Delft has made itself immortal since William of Orange came to live (and was murdered) here. Meanwhile, almost 50 Oranges have found their final resting place in the crypt of De Nieuwe Kerk, one of the most famous landmarks of the City of Princes.
Delft has been associated with the Dutch royal family for centuries, but it is also the city of Johannes Vermeer. Who is not familiar with 'The girl with the pearl earring'? After Rembrandt, Vermeer is the most famous painter of the 17th century, although far less prolific. You can easily see all his works in Delft. After that, just try to find his 'street' ???? And Delft is of course the city of Delft Blue, the pottery made in the 16th century from China in the 16th century.
So there is plenty to do in this city, especially if you like history. But Delft is also a cosy city with narrow canals, quirky shops, hidden courtyards and a vibrant student life. Don't forget the modern face of the city. TU Delft is the country's largest engineering university with countless pioneering innovations to its credit - from solar cars to ocean-generating energy. Want to visit this bright city of Princes? Here are 10 tips on what to do in Delft!
After exploring the wonders of Delft, if you are planning to extend your trip and experience more of the Netherlands, Enschede is another interesting city to visit. It has a rich history dating back to medieval times and offers plenty of cultural attractions. If you're considering a trip to this lively city, make sure you have a comfortable place to stay. Check out these hotels for a delightful stay: https://www.hotels-in-netherlands.com/en/enschede-hotels-15149/
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Grab a terrace on the Markt
Start your trip to Delft on the Markt, the bustling market square in the old town that you can use as a starting point for all sights. It is a huge rectangular square that, at 120 metres long, is one of the largest medieval city squares in Europe. Major events take place here, and every Thursday around 150 market vendors gather to sell vegetables, fruit, bread, fish and other fresh goods.
On the Markt you will find two of Delft's most famous monuments: the Nieuwe Kerk on the north side and the city hall on the south side. The city hall looks particularly beautiful with its Renaissance façade. It was designed in the 17th century by the Amsterdam city architect Hendrick de Keyser, the leading architect in the Netherlands at the time.
The town hall still houses a medieval prison with torture instruments, which you can visit with a guide during school holidays (sign up by email at hello@delft.com). The most famous prisoner was Balthasar Gerards, the assassin of William of Orange. On the Markt you will find several pavement cafés where you can enjoy a cappuccino and think about what to do in Delft ????
Enjoy the view from the Nieuwe Kerk
The Nieuwe Kerk is iconic not just in Delft, but throughout the Netherlands. This is because members of the Royal Family are buried in the crypt under the church. William of Orange was the first in 1584 to have a mausoleum, Prince Bernhard was the last in 2004. There are now 46 royal remains (and expansion is needed due to lack of space).
The burial vault is a closed bastion and cannot be visited, but the Nieuwe Kerk itself is worth a peek. The house of worship was built between 1381 and 1496 with the tower being the biggest eye-catcher. It is almost 109 metres high, making it the second-highest church tower in the Netherlands after the Dom tower in Utrecht.
You can climb the tower to a viewing platform at 85 metres for a breathtaking view of Delft and its surroundings. In clear weather, you can easily see the skyline of The Hague and Rotterdam. You have to climb 376 steps to do so - there is no lift. It's a narrow spiral staircase and it feels a bit claustrophobic, but there are two mezzanine floors where you can rest. Address: Markt 80, 2611 GW Delft. Website: www.oudeennieuwekerkdelft.nl
Prinsenhof Museum Delft
The Prinsenhof is probably Delft's most special monument, as this is where William of Orange was murdered in 1584. The bullet holes are still in the wall. Since 1887, it has been a museum that naturally focuses on William of Orange, but also on Delft Blue, leading Delft masters of the 17th century and life in Delft in recent centuries. The collection ranges from paintings and ceramics to textiles and utensils. Address: Sint Agathaplein 1, 2611 HR Delft. Website: www.prinsenhof-delft.nl
Delft Blue at De Porceleyne Fles
This is the place where you will learn all about the making of the famous Delft Blue. The Royal Porceleyne Fles has been making this famous porcelain since 1653, making it the only remaining producer since the 17th century that still specialises in it. During a visit to the pottery factory, you will discover more about its history and centuries-old craft. You can attend workshops and there is a brasserie and shop where you can buy Delft Blue. Internationally, by the way, the factory is known as 'Royal Delft' (is a bit easier to pronounce for English speakers...) Address: Rotterdamseweg 196, 2628 AR Delft. Website: www.royaldelft.com
Vermeer Centre Delft
For the most famous Delft master painter of the 17th century, you must visit Vermeer Centrum Delft. Here you will experience the life and work of Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675), also known as 'the master of light'. You will see reproductions of all his 37 paintings, his love messages, a recreated studio and 17th-century objects reflected in Vermeer's work. There is a free guided tour every Friday and Sunday. Address: Voldersgracht 21, 2611 EV Delft. Website: www.vermeerdelft.nl
Admire the leaning Old Church
You can see the most famous leaning tower in the Italian city of Pisa, but Delft also has its own variant. On a canal not far from the market square stands the Oude Kerk, Delft's oldest church with a history dating back to the 11th century. The church is recognisable by its leaning tower, which is about 2 metres out of plumb. The church tower was built in 1325 on a filled-in moat, which turned out not to be such a good foundation after all. There is no danger of toppling over, however, as the 75-metre-high tower has been 'stabilised'.
Since this feat of failed construction, the church has also been called Leaning John. You cannot climb the Gothic church tower, but you can admire the interior of the church with its 27 colourful stained-glass windows. Especially with sunlight, this makes for a fairy-like spectacle. Famous people are also buried here, including painter Johannes Vermeer, naval heroes Piet Hein and Maarten Tromp and scientist Anthony van Leeuwenhoek. With a combi ticket, you can visit both the New Church and the Old Church. Address: HH Geestkerkhof 25, 2611 HP Delft. Website: www.oudeennieuwekerkdelft.nl
Take a canal cruise through Delft
The entire city centre is criss-crossed with canals, so how much fun is it to experience Delft from the water? On a canal cruise, you'll see Delft from a completely different angle and enjoy the narrow canals and monumental mansions you sail right past. The skipper will tell you more about the origins of Delft's ring of canals and the sights you pass.
You might even sail under the Visbrug, an iron bridge you've seen before in Venice would expect. You can take a canal cruise with Rederij Brands(www.rondvaartdelft.nl) or hire a whisper boat from Canal Hopper Delft(www.canalhopperdelft.nl).
Museum Paul Tetar van Elven
In the centre of Delft stands the former home of Paul Tetar van Elven (1823-1896), painter, drawing teacher and passionate collector of art, antiques, Delftware and Oriental porcelain. In his will, he stipulated that his house and its contents should be set up as a museum after his death. It is now a uniquely preserved artist's house that still exudes the atmosphere of the 19th century with its authentic interior. It is a fun museum where you can walk through all the rooms in half an hour. Address: Koornmarkt 67, 2611 EC Delft. Website: www.museumpaultetarvanelven.nl
Science Centre Delft
Experience the world of science and technology at Science Centre Delft, a science museum attached to Delft University of Technology (TU). As a visitor, you get the chance to experience TU Delft's research for yourself in three themes: science, design and engineering. Researchers and students give demonstrations and there are all kinds of activities to do, such as the Escaperoom 'Mission to Mars'. Address: Mijnbouwstraat 120, 2628 RX Delft. Website: www.tudelft.nl
House of Meerten
The Huis van Meerten immediately catches the eye, as it has a very different look from the 17th-century houses on Oude Delft. Consequently, this canal house with its grey natural stone facade was 'only' built between 1891 and 1893, in the Neo-Renaissance style. It was built for Lambert van Meerten (1842-1904), co-owner of the Delft Distillery and an avid collector of art and antiques.
Van Meerten had the house built to accommodate his collection, but it was also quite modern for the time with gas, electricity and underfloor heating. Since 2020, it has been a Museum House where you can experience how Van Meerten lived and worked amid his antique furniture, Delft pottery, Chinese porcelain and the 16th-century Dutch carvings that decorated the rooms. The museum is open from Friday to Sunday and works with time slots, so make sure you book your ticket in advance. Address: Oude Delft 199, 2611 HD Delft. Website: www.museumhuizen.nl
Wander through Delft's courtyards
Like cities like Leiden and Haarlem, Delft has a number of hofjes where you can wander around quiet green courtyards hidden behind canals and mansions. Four hofjes remain, most of which were built in the 16th and 17th centuries for specific groups such as poor elderly people or single women. It is fun to go courtyard hunting and try to find the entrance to these peaceful oases in Delft's city centre.
One of the best known is the Klaeuwshofje(www.stalpaertdelft.nl) at Oranje Plantage 58-77. It was built in 1605 by a wealthy Delft brewer to provide free accommodation for Catholic unmarried women and widows. Next, walk to the Hofje aan Gratie at Van der Mastenstraat 24-38, with seven adjoining cottages. This hofje dates from 1660 and was intended for single women. Nearby, you can take a peek at the Hofje van Pauw on Paardenmarkt 61. Eight cottages were built here in 1707 for poor families. Now it houses the mentally handicapped.
Try to escape from Delft
Want to do something special in Delft? Try to find the city's secret exit! Put together a team of two to four people and sign up for an Escape Tour Delft, in which you set off for 2 hours and step into the shoes of Balthasar Gerards (you know: the murderer of William of Orange). You play the game via an app on your smartphone and receive photo assignments, difficult riddles and interesting questions. During the treasure hunt, you immediately get to know Delft's old city centre. By solving all the riddles, you will find the final destination. ► Book your tickets for the Escape Tour Delft here
Walk under the Oostpoort
Just east of the city centre, you can take a walk under the Oostpoort, Delft's only remaining city gate. The structure was part of a city wall built in 1400 to defend Delft from invaders and enemies. Because of these sturdy ramparts, William of Orange chose to settle in Delft in 1572. Scattered along the wall were eight city gates, seven of which were demolished in the 19th century.
The Oostpoort was allowed to stay because it was not in the way. Fortunately, because nowadays many inhabitants of Delft regard it as the city's most romantic spot. It is an imposing brick monument, with two round ornate spires that, incidentally, were only added in 1514. The structure consists of two parts: a land gate and a water gate with a drawbridge. A snapshot of the photogenic East Gate always does well on Instagram. Should you ever Japan visit Japan, you can see a replica of the gate at Huis ten Bosch theme park.
Delft Botanical Garden
A green oasis south of the city centre is the Delft Botanical Garden, an ideal place to escape the city bustle for a while. The garden is part of TU Delft, where botanical research into the industrial applications of plants and flowers has been carried out since 1917. Back then, this was mainly done for plantations in the Dutch colonial territories where rubber, coffee, sugar and tobacco were grown.
It is now a lovely area to stroll past the various plants and trees. It includes a garden with endangered plants and a greenhouse complex with tropical plants. You can also see the herbs used to embalm the body of William of Orange. A visit is fun if you want to do something in Delft with the kids, as numerous treasure hunts, family activities and workshops for children are organised. Admission for adults is €6, for children aged 5 to 14 it is €3. Address: Poortlandplein 6, 2628 BM Delft. Website: www.tudelft.nl
Go shopping in Delft
For an afternoon of shopping, Delft is the place to be. The historic city centre is a Mecca for shopaholics and shopping types, with a nice mix of boutiques, delicatessens, specialist shops and pop-up stores. You will of course find branches of the big chains, but also small, quirky shops, which have made Delft one of the best shopping cities in the Netherlands for years.
Famous shopping areas in Delft are the Markt and surrounding streets, such as Wijnhaven, Voldersgracht and Oude Langendijk. On the Voldersgracht, for example, you will find the cool concept store Pleck(www.pleckdelft.nl), which sells trendy clothes, jewellery, cards, posters, lamps and lifestyle products. At the back is a lunchroom where you can enjoy coffee and homemade cake.
For Delft Blue, check out Heinen Delfts Blauw(www.heinendelftsblauw.nl), one of the world's largest producers of this pottery with three shops on Markt alone. For major retail chains and well-known branches, you can visit the Zuidpoort and De Veste shopping areas. Most shops are open from 09.00 to 17.30 and Friday night is shopping night in Delft.
Molen de Roos
Delft once had eighteen windmills, but Molen de Roos is the only one still standing. The corn mill was built in 1679 and restored and refurbished several times. In 1988, the upper part was even straightened briefly after subsidence. The sails still turn their rounds for organic grain to be ground into flour. You can buy this 'Delft Mill Meal' in the mill shop if you want to bake your own bread, as well as handy baking tools and local products. On Saturdays, volunteers give a tour of the mill. Address: Phoenixstraat 111, 112, 2611 AK Delft. Website: www.delftsemolen.nl
Medical Museum De Griffioen
Anyone with an interest in medical science should schedule a visit to Museum De Griffioen. This private museum has a large collection of medical, nursing, dental and pharmaceutical instruments. Think old microscopes, obstruction rods and dental drills, but you can also see a fully equipped antique pharmacy. Set up by a former Delft GP and hospital director, the museum can be visited by appointment only. Address: Koornmarkt 66, 2611 EJ Delft. Website: www.museumdegriffioen.nl
Taste Henri Willig's cheeses
In the middle of Delft's market square you will find one of Henri Willig's cheese shops. Since 1974, you can come here for a wide range of artisanal cheeses made in their own cheese farms in Katwoude and Heerenveen. The Delft branch is now called Cheese And More, where you can get to know its famous cheeses.
You get an explanation of how cheese is made and during a tasting you get to taste five cheeses. It is a tourist attraction that attracts many foreigners, but will also appeal to Dutch cheese lovers. Address: Markt 43, 2611 GR Delft. Website: www.henriwillig.com
Find nature in Delftse Hout
For a bit of nature, you don't have to travel far, as just north of the city is recreational area Delftse Hout. You can even walk here from the historic centre. Delftse Hout is a beautiful green nature area with woods, open grasslands, shrubs and reed beds surrounding a large pond that was dug out in the 1970s for sand extraction.
This is the perfect place if you want to do something active in Delft, as you can go cycling, hiking, horse riding or fishing. Children can have fun at a petting zoo and water playground. On the lake you can go supping, pedal boating or rowing. There is even a beach - Delftse Hout Beach - where you can sunbathe and swim on warm days. There are several cafés and restaurants and there is a holiday park where you can go for a chalet, lodge or glamping. Website: www.beleefdelftsehout.nl
Test your marksmanship in the woods of Delft
If you want to vent your frustrations and need some distraction, Delft is the place to be! In the woods of Delft, you can test your marksmanship with a session of archery. An instructor will turn you into a real Robin Hood and help you shoot at your target with a bow and arrow in 50 minutes. Shooting with a rifle is also among the possibilities. An experienced marksman will show you how to take on a series of moving and stationary targets - completely safely and without anyone shooting back. It's a fun outing if you want to do something different from soaking up the ancient culture in the City of Princes.
What to do in Delft: practical tips
Staying in Delft
There are several hotels, flats and bed & breakfasts in Delft's old town where you can stay overnight. Some accommodation is in charming renovated canal houses. You can walk to the main attractions. There are also some hotels on the edge of the city centre and in the surrounding area, which can be convenient with your own car. You could possibly find a place to sleep in The Hague or Rotterdam and take the tram or train to Delft, but it is nicer to sleep in the centre if you want to get a taste of Delft's nightlife.
An excellent address in the city centre is Hotel Johannes Vermeer, named after the famous art painter. The 3-star hotel is located in a former cigar factory where former student rooms have been transformed into hotel rooms. In the lounge, you can perch under a replica of Girl with a Pearl Earring and the suites have their own jacuzzi. In summer, you can have breakfast, lunch and drinks a terrace boat in the canal. ► Book an overnight stay at Hotel Johannes Vermeer from €93
Do you have fond memories of the furniture you put together at home? A special place is the WestCord Hotel Delft, which is better known as the IKEA Hotel. The entire hotel, from the ground floor to the fifth floor, has been decorated by IKEA stylists. You can see the Swedish furniture everywhere: in the 140 rooms and suites, but also in the restaurant, lounge and meeting rooms. It is a fine hotel, by the way, conveniently located if you come by car. The Delft branch of IKEA is next to the hotel.
Eating and drinking in Delft
Delfters have a sweet tooth, it seems, as quite a few local delicacies consist of sweet treats. You can go to Bakker Suikerbuik(www.bakkersuikerbuik.nl) for Delftse Bollen, which look a bit like Bossche Bollen from Den Bosch. They are hefty profiteroles filled with whipped cream and covered in a thick layer of chocolate.
At Stads-Koffyhuis Delft(www.stads-koffyhuis.nl) you can lick your fingers at a Delfse Donder, a chocolate pastry with chocolate mousse and whipped cream. Ragingly popular is the homemade apple pie of Kobus Kuch(www.kobuskuch.nl), which claims to serve 60,000 pieces a year. This world-famous Delft apple pie is made with Dutch apples, hazelnuts, sultanas and a hint of cinnamon.
Many cafés, restaurants and terraces in Delft can be found on Beestenmarkt, a cosy square where farmers used to trade their cattle. The city has nothing to complain about good restaurants either. For lunch, Believe By Les Copains(www.believebylescopains.nl) is an (affordable) recommendation, and you can also stock up on delicacies here.
Get classic French on your plate at Restaurant Le Vieux Jean(www.levieuxjean.nl), at the foot of the Old Church. Impressive is also the wine list of this intimate restaurant, recommended by Michelin. Another culinary topper with good reviews is Restaurant Van der Dussen(www.restaurantvanderdussen.nl), located in a centuries-old building where beguines (noble ladies) used to live. On the Markt, De Waag(www.de-waag.nl) is a tastemaker, especially the restaurant on the first floor (above the eatery).
Travelling to Delft
Delft is located in the middle of the province of South Holland, surrounded by Rotterdam, The Hague and Zoetermeer. The city is easily accessible both by public transport and by car. There are direct intercity trains to Delft from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Eindhoven and Vlissingen, among others.
You will arrive at Delft's state-of-the-art train station, which reopened in 2015 after a large-scale renovation. From Delft train station, it's just a 10-minute walk to the city centre. From The Hague Central Station, you can also take tram line 1 to Delft (27 minutes), via Rijswijk.
Delft is sandwiched between two motorways, the A4 and the A13. From Amsterdam it's about 50 minutes' drive, from Utrecht it's just under an hour. Delft city centre is closed to motorised traffic, but there are five car parks within walking distance of the centre. The rate for one-hour parking is €3 (in 2021). Street parking in the city centre is for permit holders only. For information about the parking garages, visit the Parking Delft website: www.parkerendelft.com
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