Known for its blue pottery, connection to the famous painter Johannes Vermeer, and historical ties to the Dutch royal family, Delft is an ideal destination for those looking to explore Dutch heritage in a smaller, less crowded setting than Amsterdam.
Here’s a guide to help you get the most out of your visit to Delft.
Location: Delft is located between The Hague and Rotterdam, making it easily accessible from other major Dutch cities. It's a relatively small city, so you can explore much of it on foot or by bike.
Famous For:
Delft Blue (Delfts Blauw) pottery.
The painter Johannes Vermeer, whose works capture the light and life of the Dutch Golden Age.
The House of Orange-Nassau, the Dutch royal family, has deep roots in Delft, and the city plays an important role in royal history.
Explore the Historic City Center
Canals and Bridges: Delft’s center is filled with picturesque canals lined with trees, charming houses, and historic bridges. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, especially around the Oude Delft canal, which is the oldest canal in the city.
Market Square (Markt): The heart of Delft, this large square is surrounded by notable landmarks, including the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the Town Hall. The square hosts a lively market every Thursday, where you can find local produce, cheese, flowers, and Dutch goods.
Town Hall (Stadhuis): The Renaissance-style Town Hall is a striking building located on the Market Square. It’s one of Delft’s most iconic structures and is still in use today for municipal purposes, including weddings.
Visit the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) The Nieuwe Kerk dominates Delft’s skyline with its towering Gothic spire. This church is famous for being the burial site of members of the Dutch royal family, including William of Orange, the founder of the Dutch Republic. The Royal Crypt is not open to the public, but you can see the monument dedicated to William.
Climb the Tower: You can climb the tower of the New Church for panoramic views over Delft, and on a clear day, you can see as far as Rotterdam and The Hague.
The church’s history and connection to the Dutch royal family make it a significant landmark in the Netherlands.
Visit the Old Church (Oude Kerk)
The Oude Kerk is another must-see church in Delft, easily recognizable by its leaning tower. The church is home to the tomb of the painter Johannes Vermeer, as well as other notable figures from Dutch history.
Stained Glass Windows: The Oude Kerk is also famous for its beautiful stained-glass windows, which add a rich, colorful atmosphere to the church’s interior.
The leaning tower, tilted due to the soft ground on which it was built, adds a unique charm to this historic building.
Royal Delft Factory (Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles)
Delft is world-renowned for its Delft Blue pottery, and the Royal Delft factory is the last remaining factory from the 17th century. Here, you can learn about the history of Delftware, see how the pottery is made by hand, and admire stunning examples of this intricate art form.
Museum and Workshops: The factory has a museum where you can see rare and antique pieces of Delft Blue pottery. You can also watch live demonstrations of artisans painting the pottery with traditional designs.
Shop for Souvenirs: The gift shop offers a wide range of Delft Blue pottery, from decorative plates to smaller souvenirs.
Vermeer Centrum Delft
Johannes Vermeer, the master of light and one of the most famous painters from the Dutch Golden Age, was born and lived in Delft. The Vermeer Centrum provides an in-depth look at his life, work, and techniques.
Replica Collection: The museum doesn’t house original works by Vermeer, but it offers high-quality reproductions of all his paintings, along with interactive exhibits about his painting methods, use of light, and his influence on art.
Vermeer Walking Tour: You can take a walking tour around Delft to see places connected to Vermeer’s life, such as his former home and the church where he is buried.
Prinsenhof Museum.The Museum Prinsenhof Delft is housed in a former monastery where William of Orange was assassinated in 1584. It’s now a museum dedicated to the history of the Dutch Republic and the role of Delft in the Dutch struggle for independence from Spain.
William of Orange: You can see the bullet holes from the assassination of William of Orange, one of the most significant moments in Dutch history.
The museum has exhibits on Delft’s role in the Dutch Golden Age, its connection to the royal family, and its contributions to art and science.
Walk or Cycle Through the Delftse Hout
The Delftse Hout is a lovely green park and recreational area just outside the city center, perfect for those who want to experience nature during their visit. You can walk or rent a bike to explore its trails, forests, and lakes.
There’s also a lake with swimming areas, picnic spots, and playgrounds, making it a great destination for families or those looking for a peaceful break from sightseeing.
Take a Boat Tour
Delft’s canals offer a serene way to explore the city. You can take a canal boat tour, which gives you a different perspective on the city’s beautiful architecture and history.
The tours often pass by historic sites, including churches, old merchant houses, and windmills.
Getting There
From Amsterdam: Delft is about an hour by train from Amsterdam, with frequent trains departing from Amsterdam Centraal Station.
From Rotterdam: It’s only a 15-minute train ride from Rotterdam, making it a very easy day trip.
By Car: If you’re driving, Delft is about a 50-minute drive from Amsterdam, but parking can be limited in the city center.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Summer (April to September) are the best times to visit Delft when the weather is pleasant, and the canals and streets are vibrant with flowers and greenery.
Autumn offers cooler weather and fewer crowds, making it a great time to explore without the summer rush.
Winter (November to February) in Delft can be quieter and charming with fewer tourists, and the city is beautifully decorated during the holiday season.
Accommodation
Delft has a range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to charming B&Bs. Staying in the city center allows you to enjoy the charm of the old town and easily walk to the main attractions.
Consider staying in a canal-side hotel for a quintessential Dutch experience.
Dining
Delft offers a variety of dining options, from cozy Dutch cafes to international restaurants. Be sure to try traditional Dutch dishes like bitterballen and poffertjes (small Dutch pancakes).
Café de Beierd and De Waag are two popular spots in Delft for enjoying local food in a traditional setting.
Shopping
Delft is filled with charming little shops selling local goods, including Delft Blue pottery, Dutch cheeses, and artisanal crafts.
Be sure to visit the Antique Market on Saturdays along the canals, where you can find unique treasures, including vintage Delftware.
Events and Festivals
Delft Ceramics Days (Delftse Keramiekdagen): This annual event in August celebrates Delft’s rich tradition of ceramics with exhibitions, workshops, and markets.
Royal Delft Experience: You can take part in painting workshops to create your own Delft Blue masterpiece.
Open Monumentendag (Heritage Days): Held in September, many of Delft’s historic buildings, including ones normally closed to the public, open their doors to visitors.
Tips for Visiting
Get a City Map: Delft is a compact city, but a map from the local tourist office can help you navigate the narrow streets and find all the hidden gems.
Take Your Time: Delft is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Spend time strolling along the canals, visiting museums, and stopping at local cafes.
Museumkaart: If you plan on visiting several museums, consider purchasing a Museumkaart, which gives you access to many museums across the Netherlands, including those in Delft.
Delft is a perfect blend of historical charm, artistic heritage, and royal tradition. Whether you’re interested in exploring its rich past, admiring its beautiful canals, or diving into the world of Vermeer and Delft Blue pottery, Delft offers something for every visitor. |
