Delft travel guide
Delft Tourism | Delft Guide
You're Going to Love Delft
Immortalized by Vermeer in many of his masterpieces, the Dutch city of Delft is just as enchanting as it was in the painter's heyday in the late 17th century. Prosperous, beautiful and full of attractions, it's a fantastic European vacation destination.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Delft
1. Historic Delft
Delft was one of the Netherlands' richest cities for hundreds of years, and it has a wealth of magnificent architecture. Highlights include the Oude Kerk and the Prinsenhof, which also houses an excellent museum.
2. Museums to Capture the Imagination
Along with the historical exhibits in the Prinsenhof, visitors can see beautiful Delftware pottery at the Lambert van Meerten Museum and there are plenty of enjoyable exhibits at Science Centre Delft as well.
3. Stock up on Stunning Pottery
Delft is famous for its delicate blue and white tin-glazed pottery, and you can purchase gorgeous examples at stores like Delftse Pauw.
4. Find Out About Johannes Vermeer
One of the greats of world painting, Vermeer's home is now a wonderful museum (The Vermeer Centrum), while a guided tour route snakes its way around sites associated with his major works.
5. Take a Relaxing Canal Cruise
Like Amsterdam, Delft is criss-crossed by canals. There's nothing quite like taking a guided cruise along the major routes, while water taxis are also a great - and enjoyable - way to get around.
What to do in Delft
1. The Leaning Tower Of Not Pisa
Oude Kerk, Delft's 'Old Church', was built way back in 1246 in the Gothic style of the time. Although the spire wasn't added until the 1300s, the church itself wasn't built on a great foundation, causing it to start leaning. It now leans out approximately two meters from its center. Despite it's leaning nature, the church is beautiful and home to many great works of art and the graves of many notable artists and scientists.
2. Let's Try That Again
The original City Hall was built in the early 17th century in a beautiful Renaissance style for the seat of the government. Unfortunately, it burned down in 1618 not long after construction. Luckily, the architect was working just across the square and was asked to build a new one strongly resembling the original. Today, the City Hall has been renovated and changed over the centuries but still remains one of the grandest buildings in Delft. Although the government is no longer based there, there is still the opportunity to wed in a civil ceremony.
3. This Old Thing?
The Old Canal (Oude Delft) is a calm and scenic stretch of water flowing from the south to the north of the city. You'll find picturesque houses, parks and bridges and it's a great place to cycle. The Dutch love to cycle, so there will be no shortage of bikes for rental. If you're looking for an easy way to explore Delft, simply follow the Canal - you won't get lost and you'll manage to see a lot and get a true sense of the city.
4. We Use 'New' Loosely
The New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) is the majestic church in Delft's main Market Square and was built between 1396 and 1496. Although it took a full 100 years to build, it's not hard to imagine why. Its spire towers over the city and can be seen from just about any point. Only the best is fit for royalty, it seems, as the Dutch Royal family were laid to rest in this very spot. There is also a mausoleum for William the Silent - the main leader of the Dutch revolt against the Spanish Habsburgs in 1581.
5. Fit For A Prince
The Court of the Prince is a Middle Ages monastery, so if you're looking to take a step back in time then this is the museum for you. Although the museum and its part of Delft is very picturesque, it has a less than cheery past. This very spot is where William the Silent was assassinated in 1584. In fact, you can still view the indentation from the bullet that killed him and a statue of him has been erected in the courtyard. Today, the museum is also home to a large selection of Dutch Golden Age Paintings.
1. The Leaning Tower Of Not Pisa
Oude Kerk, Delft's 'Old Church', was built way back in 1246 in the Gothic style of the time. Although the spire wasn't added until the 1300s, the church itself wasn't built on a great foundation, causing it to start leaning. It now leans out approximately two meters from its center. Despite it's leaning nature, the church is beautiful and home to many great works of art and the graves of many notable artists and scientists.
2. Let's Try That Again
The original City Hall was built in the early 17th century in a beautiful Renaissance style for the seat of the government. Unfortunately, it burned down in 1618 not long after construction. Luckily, the architect was working just across the square and was asked to build a new one strongly resembling the original. Today, the City Hall has been renovated and changed over the centuries but still remains one of the grandest buildings in Delft. Although the government is no longer based there, there is still the opportunity to wed in a civil ceremony.
3. This Old Thing?
The Old Canal (Oude Delft) is a calm and scenic stretch of water flowing from the south to the north of the city. You'll find picturesque houses, parks and bridges and it's a great place to cycle. The Dutch love to cycle, so there will be no shortage of bikes for rental. If you're looking for an easy way to explore Delft, simply follow the Canal - you won't get lost and you'll manage to see a lot and get a true sense of the city.
4. We Use 'New' Loosely
The New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) is the majestic church in Delft's main Market Square and was built between 1396 and 1496. Although it took a full 100 years to build, it's not hard to imagine why. Its spire towers over the city and can be seen from just about any point. Only the best is fit for royalty, it seems, as the Dutch Royal family were laid to rest in this very spot. There is also a mausoleum for William the Silent - the main leader of the Dutch revolt against the Spanish Habsburgs in 1581.
5. Fit For A Prince
The Court of the Prince is a Middle Ages monastery, so if you're looking to take a step back in time then this is the museum for you. Although the museum and its part of Delft is very picturesque, it has a less than cheery past. This very spot is where William the Silent was assassinated in 1584. In fact, you can still view the indentation from the bullet that killed him and a statue of him has been erected in the courtyard. Today, the museum is also home to a large selection of Dutch Golden Age Paintings.
Where to Eat in Delft
Superb local eateries include the seafood-oriented Brasserie 't Crabbetje, the laid-back canalside cafe Stads-Koffyhuis and the popular Italian restaurant La Fontanella. Meals should come to around EUR20-25 per head.
When to visit Delft
Summer is a good time to visit, as Delft hosts its Jazz Festival (in August) and Chamber Music Festival (July and August). However, spring and fall are magical times to arrive as well, with mild weather and smaller crowds.
How to Get to Delft
Plane
Most visitors choose to fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. From there, you can catch a train (but you'll need to change at Leiden). The journey takes 45 minutes and costs EUR9.50. Taxis will cost around EUR60.
Train
Delft is connected to Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Den Haag by regular trains. Be sure to alight at the central Delft station, not Delft Zuit if you are heading to hotels in the center.
Car
Take the A13 from Rotterdam or the A4 southbound from Amsterdam and you'll be in Delft in no time.
Bus
Becker Reisen and Megabus both provide bus connections from Amsterdam to Delft and there are local buses from Rotterdam. Most stop just behind the central train station.
Airlines serving Delft
Where to stay in Delft
Oude Delft - The core of the city dates back over 1,000 years and includes the stunning Oude Kerk, City Hall and the Vermeer Centrum.
Popular Neighborhoods in Delft
Delftse Hout - More of a massive park than a neighborhood, Delftse Hout features campsites, the charming Arboretum Heempark and is a great place to relax.
Zuidwal - Just south of the old center, Zuidwal runs alongside the Delftse Schie canal. Local bars and restaurants like Huszar and Moodz are some of the best in town.
Where to stay in popular areas of Delft
Most booked hotels in Delft
How to Get Around Delft
Public Transportation
Buses aren't a major form of transport in Delft itself, but there is a public bicycle hire scheme (you'll need a EUR50 deposit before you can ride away). The Canal Hopper water taxi service also takes tourists around the inner city canals, with prices starting at EUR7.50 (coffee included).
Taxi
Expect taxis in Delft to charge around EUR3 per mile.
Car
Much of central Delft is pedestrianized, but a car can come in handy to get from Rotterdam to the city. Local outlets include Bo-Rent and Sixt, and you can find daily rates of EUR20.
The Cost of Living in Delft
Shopping Streets
Central Delft (north of Zuidwal) has plenty of stores. Try Brabantse Turfmarkt or Oude Langendijk if you want to shop for jewelry, clothes or shoes. High-quality ceramics showrooms include Heinen Delfts Blauw and Delft Pottery De Delftse Pauw.
Groceries and Other
Local supermarkets include Jumbo and Spar, where 12 eggs will cost about EUR2.20.