The picturesque metropolis of Delft is situated within the southwestern a part of the Netherlands on the banks of the Schie river. Charming and irresistibly paying homage to Amsterdam, it’s typically dubbed “Mini Amsterdam” or “Amsterdam in miniature.”
This great metropolis with its quaint, pastoral structure and slender streets crossed by stunning canals and bridges, nonetheless preserves its historical historical past in its attractive conventional housing and façades.
Below I’ll take you thru a number of the most superior issues to do in Delft. I’ve accomplished all of the analysis so that you don’t should, making your journey a breeze 🙂 You gained’t need to miss any of them, so be sure you get a tour so you’ll be able to hit all the great spots!
Let’s go!
If you might be in a rush
If you need fast suggestions, these are the perfect issues to do in Delft!
Here are the primary issues to e book prematurely:
And listed here are the perfect motels in Delft: Hotel Arsenaal Delft (luxurious), Hotel de Koophandel (mid-range), The Social Hub (price range)
1. Visit The Royal Delft Museum and Delftware Factory
Delft is known for its stunning handmade Delft pottery and artists who’ve nurtured the traditional Dutch custom of creating attractive blue and white Chinese porcelain pottery.
You’ll discover Delft Blue on the Royal Delft manufacturing unit and Museum situated in Delft centrum, and one of the best ways to go to is to get a guided tour. This Royal Delft expertise provides you a non-public information to take you across the final remaining Delft manufacturing unit within the Netherlands.
If you e book prematurely, it’s also possible to reserve a portray workshop, which isn’t to be missed! You’ll have the ability to study all of the methods which have survived the centuries, and you’ll finish your tour with a soothing cup of espresso of their fairly courtyard.
While you’ll be able to enter the museum for a similar worth because the tour, you get far more with the tour! You can discover each the museum and the Royal Delft manufacturing unit on the tour and the portray workshop is a lot enjoyable.
Did you recognize that Delftware’s conventional blue paint really comes from a black pigment? You’ll discover out all of the secrets and techniques of those practices in your tour!
After your tour, don’t overlook to hit one of many surrounding memento retailers! You should buy hand painted Delftware to take residence, so go away a while on the finish of the day to get ensconced in these little shops.
PRO TIP: If you’re taking your youngsters to the museum, you should definitely obtain one of many museum’s customized coloring books to allow them to find out about conventional Deltware model earlier than you go! They additionally sometimes have portray actions, excursions, and workshops only for children, so hold an eye fixed out for that!
PRICE: €15
Book Your Delft Museum and Factory Tickets
2. Visit the Museum Prinsenhof Delft
The Museum Prinsenhof Delft, situated in an previous monastery, is a outstanding cultural establishment of Dutch royalty. It overlooks the attractive gardens of Prinsentuin about 20 minutes stroll from the Royal Museum within the metropolis centre.
Prinsenhof museum was residence to Prince William I of Orange, often known as the “Father of the Dutch nation” and a outstanding determine within the Dutch uprisings.
The greatest approach to get essentially the most out of your go to to this Dutch royal home is take this superior tour, which even takes you to the precise spot William of Orange was assassinated!
Take a leisurely stroll together with your information to benefit from the art work and the museum’s lush environment, and be captivated by the previous spirit of the Dutch royal household in each nook.
NOTE: The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly! You can also’t take large baggage or moist coats into the museum, so be sure you pack mild. For small baggage they’ve a free cloakroom on the entrance 🙂
PRO TIP: While you should buy a ticket for the museum on their web site, you’ll be able to e book your tour prematurely with out paying something till you journey! This is tremendous useful to maintain you on price range on your vacay and lets you plan prematurely.
PRICE: €13.50
Book Your Museum Tickets in Advance
3. Have your morning espresso at Markt Square
Markt Square is the most stunning sq. within the metropolis, its trademark, and lifeblood. All roads result in Rome as they are saying, however right here in Delft, all roads result in Markt Square!
If you’re keen on market, you’ll love Thursdays at this predominant sq.. As far as a market sq. goes, this one is fairly large, and greater than 150 stalls are arrange each week and you should purchase something from native fruit and veg, Dutch cheese, books, and different little trinkets you’ll be able to take residence as souvenirs. It’s the right location for a leisurely morning!
If you get uninterested in tasting all of the native meals, drop by one of many sq.’s cafes to clean up and relaxation. If you want a lift, strive the well-known Leidse koffie! This conventional Dutch drink is principally caffeinated cinnamon liqueur – and it seems like liquid gold!
NOTE: It’s customary to tip round 10% within the Netherlands, so don’t overlook to bear this in thoughts while you go for cocktails in Delft!
PRO TIP: If you ever get misplaced in Delft and your telephone dies (occurs to the perfect of us), simply ask for instructions to Markt Square. You’ll have the ability to discover your method round simply from there!
4. Visit City Hall and take pleasure in the great thing about Renaissance
Delft City Hall ought to be your subsequent level of name! It’s on the west facet of Markt Square and has a fairly hanging façade, so you’ll be able to’t miss it!
This richly-decorated constructing was rebuilt within the seventeenth century and has the reticent vibes of Paris Opéra. Its spectacular construction hides a grand assortment of artwork and regal rooms, and its stone tower (Het Steen) was as soon as Delft’s previous medieval jail!
The municipal constructing can solely be visited with a prior reservation and a tour information, which is why I like to recommend taking this strolling tour that lets you study all about Stadhuis Delft and a ton of different thrilling issues round it! 🙂
Once you’re accomplished with the Old Church, stroll simply 2 minutes to Delft’s oldest bakery, Stadsbakkerij de Diamanten Ring! You’ll get an actual sense of conventional Dutch baking over there, and their pastries are to die for!
PRICE: €114
Take a Walking Tour Including City Hall
5. Enjoy a romantic view at New Church (Nieuwe Kerk)
Right reverse the Town Hall, the gothic-style Nieuwe Kerk looms excessive above Markt Square, with a whopping 108 meter church tower that dominates the skyline – making it one of many tallest church towers within the nation!
You can climb all the best way as much as the highest of New Church and expertise a romantic view of Delft from excessive above the rooftops. And, when you’re concerned about a little bit of Dutch historical past, the church can also be residence to the mausoleum of William of Orange and some different notable Dutch royals!!
Don’t go away earlier than you hear these bells tolling! The bell tower was constructed again within the seventeenth century, so you might catch a glimpse of the ghost of Delft’s previous after they ring throughout the town.
To achieve entrance into each the New and Old Church, I’d advocate getting this all-in-one ticket that additionally comes with entry to all of the tombs at each websites – a chance that may’t be missed!
NOTE: You gained’t be allowed into the church quarter-hour earlier than closing time, so be sure you get there early sufficient!
PRO TIP: If you’ve had too many cocktails and climbing all the best way up the tower looks as if an excessive amount of effort, in addition they have an elevator that takes you proper to the highest!
PRICE: €8
Book Ticket to the Old and New Churches
6. Explore the Old Church (Oude Kerk)
Along together with your all-in-one church ticket, you’ll additionally have the ability to go to Delft’s Old Church, a monument that sits subsequent to Delft’s peaceable Oude Delft canal. This is the oldest constructing on this previous city!
The church has a 75m excessive Gothic tower and is only a quick stroll from Markt Square. With gorgeous stained glass home windows, you’ll be mesmerized by the environment on this stoic constructing.
Did you recognize that the microscope was invented in Delft? And the inventor, Leeuwenhoek, is buried within the Old Church!
The most notable side of the Old Church is its leaning tower, which stooped underneath the load of the bell put in in 1570. You’ll additionally discover a number of mausoleums of Delft’s VIPs, corresponding to Johannes Vermeer!
You can use the identical ticket to procure to go to the New Church to see all that right here too!
PRO TIP: Once you’re accomplished, head throughout the road to Delfts Brouwhuis for a correct Dutch beer expertise. The brewery is 700 years previous and also you’ll have your fill of craft beers! 🍺
Art lovers collect spherical! At Vermeer Centrum you’ll discover the wealthy historical past and works of Johannes Vermeer and different Dutch artists, simply 2 minutes’ stroll from Markt Square!
Vermeer’s work are on show in chronological order all through the Vermeer museum. You’ll additionally discover Vermeer’s secret love messages!
Once you’ve explored the museum, you’ll be able to delve into the lifetime of an artist in Vermeer’s previous studio, the place well-known works corresponding to Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Milkmaid had been created. Plus, there’s a cute little café on-site!
So what’s one of the best ways to get essentially the most out of Vermeer Center? I’d personally advocate this entry ticket, which provides the perfect worth for cash as you’ll be able to cancel anytime!
PRO TIP: If you’re a lover of museum present retailers like me, you’ll love the Vermeer Centre store!
PRICE: €12
Get Your Ticket to Vermeer Centrum
8. Discover the East Gate (Oostpoort) of the previous metropolis
The authentic partitions that protected Delft from enemy assault had been constructed within the fifteenth century, and one might enter it by means of 8 gates. Today, just one, the Eastern Gate, stays, and it’s one of many most-visited sights in Delft!
This picturesque construction is only a ten minute stroll from Markt Square and sits on Delft’s well-known canal. It even nonetheless has the previous drawbridge!
Oostpoort seems like part of an previous fairy story fort, so I might advocate visiting it within the early night to get the complete ambiance and take some instagrammable pics. Go for a wander down Delft’s canalways in the direction of the west and also you’ll stroll straight by means of it!
NOTE: The Eastern Gate now serves as a non-public residence in addition to a gallery, so be respectful in its neighborhood!
9. Explore conventional Dutch milling at Rose Windmill
In the north of the town, you’ll discover Windmill de Roos, a ravishing previous windmill often called one in every of Delft’s cultural and financial landmarks. The metropolis as soon as had 18 windmills, and Windmill de Roos is the just one left, making it one of the vital historic monuments in Delft Netherlands.
In a rustic recognized effectively for its windmills, you’ll be able to’t journey all the best way to Delft with out visiting one! It’s an icon of the previous and the current and can go away you feeling nostalgic.
On Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the working components of the windmill open to the general public. You can go inside and get acquainted with conventional grinding instruments and strategies well-known to Dutch legend.
You may discover scrumptious honey and elderberry syrup made proper on the premises!
10. Walk, cycle, swim, or sail across the metropolis!
Walking by means of the gorgeous metropolis of Delft is a memorable expertise, however biking can also be a superb approach to see the websites! It’s the Dutch favourite technique of transport so that you’ll actually be getting down with the locals! This personal biking tour will take you in every single place, and so they’ll even give you a bicycle for simply €115.
Did you recognize that Delft is definitely a collection of islands separated by canals? Many of its streets are literally merged canals!
If you’re keen on the thought of chilling out on Delft’s quiet previous canal, spend a day on a canal cruise! You’ll coast by means of the town’s attractive canalways and see Delft’s quintessential structure in every single place you look. Great for a romantic time out for €50 for as much as 8 folks!
| 🤩 Range of actions: | Average |
| 👪 Family-friendly rating: | High |
| 🏛️ Best museum: | Prinsenhof Delft |
| 🚶🏽♂️ Best free exercise: | Cycling |
Where to remain in Delft
Now you recognize all of the enjoyable issues to do in Delft and the way to create the right Delft itinerary, you’ll want to determine the place to remain! Here are some motels I believe are the perfect within the metropolis:
- Luxury: Hotel Arsenaal in Delft is a fab possibility when you’re searching for a bit of little bit of luxurious. It’s proper within the city centre!
- Mid Range: Hotel de Koophandel is tremendous central and has a tremendous breakfast!
- Budget: While there aren’t too many price range choices in Delft, The Social Hub provides you a consolation at a terrific worth! It’s near Delft’s Central Train Station, so nice for a day journey!
Practical Information
Now that you just’ve received your itinerary and resort sorted, you’ll must know a couple of different vital issues like transport and sim playing cards. Here are all of the necessities on your journey!
How to get to Delft
Visiting Delft doesn’t require tense journey, and one of the best ways to get to Delft is by bus and practice. Here’s the way to get there from Rotterdam airport:
- Bus: You can take bus 33 from outdoors RTM airport to take you into Rotterdam, which solely takes about 20 minutes and drops you straight outdoors the station. Tickets are solely €2
- Train: The practice to Delft from there solely takes round quarter-hour, so it’s the best journey! It prices round €5, so your whole journey from the airport is barely €7!
Of course, when you desire to plan prematurely and would love a non-public taxi, it’s also possible to take Taxi Delft, essentially the most dependable service round. Airport transfers value €35! I might personally save the cash and take the practice because it’s quite a bit cheaper, however if in case you have a variety of baggage then that is additionally a secure possibility!
If you’ve received numerous baggage and also you forgot to e book a taxi, don’t fret, Uber is right here to assist! You’ll discover Uber all throughout the Netherlands and Delft isn’t any exception 🙂
How to get round Delft
Getting round Delft is tremendous simple. Everything is inside strolling distance across the metropolis middle so that you gained’t actually need to spend cash on transportation except you’re heading outdoors the town.
If you might be heading outdoors the town, buses are simply accessible and you should purchase tickets by means of the 9292 app. You can simply select your location within the app, inform it the place you’re going, and it provides you with the perfect path to take!
There are additionally practice companies from Delft Central Station that can take you wherever within the nation and so they’re tremendous low cost 🙂
As I’ve talked about, you’ll be able to lease bikes from one of many metropolis’s rental retailers – or take the personal biking tour as an alternative!
All about sim playing cards
It’s very easy to seek out pay as you go sim playing cards within the Netherlands, and when you’re flying into Rotterdam airport it’ll be a breeze!
The most trusted pay as you go sim card within the Netherlands is Lebara. You can discover nice offers within the airport with them and it’ll solely value you round €10 to get a month’s value of web, minutes, and messages.
If you overlook to get one on the airport, there are many nook retailers in Delft that promote pay as you go sims so it will likely be simple to trace one down.
FAQs about Delft
💃 What can I do in Delft at evening?
At evening you’ll be able to go to one in every of Delft’s many well-known breweries or have a glass of wine at one of many terraced bars. Beestenmarkt is a favourite hang-out of many locals and there are lots of cafes round Delft University!
🛍️ Are there any flea markets in Delft?
There are many flea markets in Delft within the northern quarter of the town. The Saturday flea market alongside the canal banks subsequent to the Old Church is a good place to spend a morning!
🥐 Where is the perfect place to eat in Delft?
If you’re searching for conventional Dutch meals, the perfect place to eat in Delft is THUIS by Ladera. For trustworthy, cozy meals in a heat environment, you’ll be able to’t get a lot better than this!
🚂 How can I get from Amsterdam to Delft?
You can simply get from Amsterdam to Delft utilizing an intercity practice! It’s comparatively fast and solely takes round an hour to journey between the 2.
Conclusion
And that just about wraps it up! Delft is SUCH a tremendous place to go to and there’s a lot to do there, I promise you gained’t be dissatisfied. I hope I’ve managed to reply all of your questions on this attractive little metropolis!
From stunning structure and historic church buildings to serene little pathways and canals, there’s a tour for every one – simply get reserving in the beginning will get bought out!
Delft is changing into increasingly fashionable as a vacationer vacation spot yearly, so that you’ll need to soar on it earlier than it’s too late!
Let me know when you’ve received any questions, I’ll be glad to reply them! simply drop me a line beneath 🙂
Happy travels!
Lizzie
Pin it for later!
Pin it for later!
