The 15 Best Things to Do in Delft, The Netherlands

The 15 Best Things to Do in Delft, The Netherlands

Delft is a charming, compact Dutch city, famous for its canals, Delft Blue pottery, the painter Johannes Vermeer, and Dutch royal history. With its walkable old town, historic squares, and cozy cafés, it feels like a small city with a big soul. Located between Rotterdam and The Hague, Delft is also a perfect base for exploring South Holland.

Intro to Delft

Delft is a charming city in South Holland, famous for its picturesque canals, blue ceramics, and deep ties to the Dutch royal family. Known as the birthplace of Johannes Vermeer, Delft is also where you’ll find the Vermeer Center dedicated to the painter and his era, including the story behind Girl with a Pearl Earring. The historic center feels like stepping back to the 17th century, with narrow alleyways, a main square framed by the Nieuwe Kerk and Delft City Hall, and the timeless beauty of Delft’s quaint canals. For those planning a short trip or even visiting for the first time, a walking tour is the best way to uncover the rich history of this beautiful city.

Delft’s story runs much deeper than art alone. It was here that William of Orange (also known as Willem van Oranje), considered the “Father of the Nation,” lived and was assassinated in 1584—traces of his final moments can still be seen in the bullet holes at the Prinsenhof Museum. Today the resting place of the Dutch royal family lies in the Nieuwe Kerk, whose high tower offers the best view of Delft and its scenic canals. With its cultural heritage, world-renowned Royal Delft Factory, and smaller hidden gems like De Candelaer pottery workshop and the flea market on Saturdays, Delft is a great place to build into any Delft itinerary or as part of a great day trip from Amsterdam, The Hague, or Rotterdam.

The 15 Best Things to Do in Delft

1. Royal Delft – De Porceleyne Fles
   Visit the iconic Delft Blue pottery factory and museum to watch artisans at work and see historic ceramics.

2. Vermeer Centrum Delft
   Learn about Johannes Vermeer’s life and techniques with multimedia exhibits and reproductions.

3. Museum Het Prinsenhof
   Former monastery and home of William the Silent, featuring Dutch history and art.

4. Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)
   Gothic landmark on Markt Square. Climb the tower for panoramic views and see the royal crypts of the House of Orange.

5. Oude Kerk (Old Church)
   Delft’s oldest church, famous for its leaning tower and as Vermeer’s burial site.

6. Markt Square & City Hall
   The bustling central square, lined with cafés and dominated by the New Church and City Hall.

7. Oude Delft Canal
   A picturesque walk along one of the city’s oldest canals, lined with historic houses.

8. Oostpoort (Eastern Gate)
   The last remaining medieval gate of Delft, perfect for photos.

9. Windmill De Roos
   A traditional Dutch windmill where you can learn about milling and enjoy views of Delft.

10. Museum Paul Tetar van Elven
    Small but fascinating museum with 19th-century art and interiors.

11. Antiekmarkt (Antique Market)
    Held on Saturdays, this market is great for browsing antiques and souvenirs.

12. Delft Canal Cruise
    See Delft from the water and learn about its history on a boat tour.

13. Walking or Cycling the City
    Delft is compact and best explored on foot or by bike.

14. TU Delft Botanical Garden
    A peaceful retreat with plants, trees, and a greenhouse.

15. Beestenmarkt Square
    Lively square filled with cafés and restaurants, popular in the evenings.

 

Where to Eat Vegan in Delft

• Wildgroei – Fully vegan restaurant with cozy atmosphere.

• Hummus – Middle Eastern flavors with vegan-friendly options.

• Kek Coffee & Crafts – Great for breakfast, brunch, and vegan snacks.

• ’t Postkantoor – Offers vegan options alongside traditional dishes.

• Many cafés and restaurants in Delft have vegan dishes—check HappyCow for updates.

 

Where to Stay in Delft

• Hotel Arsenaal Delft – Boutique hotel in a historic building.

• Casa Julia Hotel – Stylish, comfortable, and modern.

• Herberg de Vliegende Vos – Historic, intimate stay by a canal.

• Hoeve Buytenhout – Peaceful, countryside feel outside the city center.

• WestCord Hotel Delft – Family-friendly and modern.

• Boutique Hotel Johannes – Charming and central.

Best areas to stay:

• City center near Markt for history and charm.

• Near the train station for convenience.

• Just outside the center for quiet surroundings and lower prices.

How to Get Around Delft

• Walking: Most attractions are within walking distance.

• Cycling: Rent a bike to explore like a local.

• Public transport: Local buses cover the city.

• Canal tours: Enjoy Delft by boat for a unique perspective.

• Trains: Quick connections to The Hague, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and beyond.

Best Day Trips from Delft

• The Hague – Museums like the Mauritshuis, Peace Palace, and Scheveningen Beach.

• Rotterdam – Modern architecture, Cube Houses, and the Markthal.

• Keukenhof & Flower Fields (spring only) – World-famous tulip gardens.

• Leiden – University town with canals, botanical gardens, and museums.

• Amsterdam – About an hour away by train, ideal for a full-day trip.

• Scheveningen Beach – Relax by the sea, just outside The Hague.

 

Best Time to Visit Delft

The best time to visit Delft is from April to October, when the weather is mild and the city’s picturesque canals and historic center come alive with flowers, outdoor markets, and lively café terraces. Spring is especially magical—combine your Delft itinerary with a trip to the nearby tulip fields and Keukenhof Gardens to see the Netherlands in full bloom. Summer offers long days, bustling squares, and the chance to enjoy a canal tour or relax at Delftse Hout park, a favorite spot for nature lovers. Early autumn is equally charming, with fewer tourists and warm golden light perfect for exploring Delft’s main sights.

Winter, from November to March, is much quieter and ideal if you want to experience Delft without crowds. The historic center feels even more atmospheric with twinkling lights, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore indoor attractions like the Prinsenhof Museum, the Royal Delft Factory, and the Vermeer Center. Though the weather can be chilly and gray, this season allows you to enjoy the city at a slower pace—sipping hot drinks, tasting Dutch apple pie (vegan, of course), and wandering the old canals when they’re at their most peaceful.

Top 10 Tips for Your Visit to Delft

1. Start at Markt Square
   Begin your Delft adventure in the main square, where you’ll find the Nieuwe Kerk and Delft City Hall. It’s the perfect orientation point in the historic center.

2. Climb the Tower for the Best View of Delft
   The high tower of the Nieuwe Kerk is the best way to get a panoramic look at Delft’s beautiful canals, rooftops, and surrounding countryside.

3. Visit the Prinsenhof Museum
   Step into the Prinsenhof Museum, where William of Orange lived and was assassinated. Look closely to see the original bullet holes in the wall.

4. Don’t Miss Royal Delft
   Tour the Royal Delft Factory or the Royal Delft Museum to see how the iconic blue ceramics are still made by hand today.

5. Explore by Foot or Bike
   Delft is compact, making a walking tour or bike ride through the narrow alleys and along the old canals the easiest way to discover the city.

6. Take a Canal Tour
   For a different perspective, enjoy a canal tour through Delft’s scenic canals and bridges—it’s one of the most relaxing things to do.

7. Plan Time for Vermeer
   Stop at the Vermeer Center (or Vermeer Museum) to learn more about Delft’s most famous inhabitant and his timeless works like Girl with a Pearl Earring.

8. Check Out Local Markets
   If you’re visiting on a Saturday, browse the flea market or antique market for treasures and souvenirs.

9. Leave Room for Nature
   Balance history and culture with time outdoors at Delftse Hout, a nearby green space perfect for nature lovers and families.

10. Use Delft as a Base for Day Trips
    Thanks to its central location, Delft is a great place to base yourself for quick trips to The Hague, Rotterdam, or even the tulip fields in spring.

Sample 2-Day Itinerary for Delft

Day 1:

• Morning: Explore Markt Square, Nieuwe Kerk, and City Hall.

• Midday: Visit Oude Kerk and stroll Oude Delft canal.

• Lunch: Wildgroei or a vegan café.

• Afternoon: Visit Royal Delft and Vermeer Centrum.

• Evening: Dinner at ’t Postkantoor, then drinks at Beestenmarkt.

Day 2:

• Morning: Museum Het Prinsenhof.

• Midday: Cycle to Oostpoort and Windmill De Roos.

• Afternoon: Relax at TU Delft Botanical Garden or enjoy a canal cruise.

• Evening: Head to The Hague or Rotterdam for dinner.

 

4-Day Delft Itinerary (with The Hague & Rotterdam Day Trips)

1st Day: Discover Delft’s Historic Center

• Morning

  • Start in the Market Square, framed by the Nieuwe Kerk and Delft City Hall.

  • Climb the high tower of the Nieuwe Kerk for the best view of Delft.

  • Visit the Oude Kerk, the resting place of Vermeer, and admire its leaning tower.

• Afternoon

  • Explore the Prinsenhof Museum, where William of Orange lived and died—don’t miss the original bullet holes.

  • Stroll the old canals and narrow alleys, stopping for coffee and Dutch apple pie.

• Evening

  • Dinner at Wildgroei (vegan restaurant) or another vegan-friendly spot.

  • Relax at Beestenmarkt Square, a lively plaza filled with cafés.

2nd Day: Royal Delft & Vermeer

• Morning

  • Tour the Royal Delft Factory or Royal Delft Museum to see how the iconic blue ceramics are made.

  • Visit the smaller pottery workshop De Candelaer for a more intimate look at Delft’s craft traditions.

• Afternoon

  • Head to the Vermeer Center to learn about the life and works of Vermeer, including the story behind Girl with a Pearl Earring.

  • Take a canal tour to enjoy Delft from the water.

• Evening

  • Stroll through the flea market (if it’s a Saturday) or enjoy dinner in the historic center.

  • Optional: End your day with a quiet walk at Delftse Hout, a green park perfect for nature lovers.

3rd Day: Day Trip to The Hague

• Morning

  • Take a short trip by train (about 15 minutes) to The Hague.

  • Visit the Mauritshuis Museum, home to Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt masterpieces.

  • Walk past the Binnenhof, the historic parliament buildings.

• Afternoon

  • Explore Escher in Het Paleis or the Panorama Mesdag, both excellent cultural stops.

  • If the weather’s good, head to Scheveningen Beach for a seaside stroll.

• Evening

  • Return to Delft for dinner—try Kek Coffee & Crafts for something casual or ’t Postkantoor for a sit-down meal.

4th Day: Day Trip to Rotterdam

• Morning

  • A quick 15–20 minute train ride brings you to Rotterdam.

  • Start at the Cube Houses and the Markthal, a foodie paradise with plenty of vegan options.

  • Take a walk through the Old Harbor, one of the few historic areas that survived WWII.

• Afternoon

  • Visit Boijmans Van Beuningen Depot, a striking art storage facility open to the public.

  • Take a harbor tour to see Europe’s largest port up close.

• Evening

  • Enjoy dinner in Rotterdam, or head back to Delft for a relaxed final evening wandering the picturesque canals of the old city.

 

How to Pay for Public Transportation in Delft

Getting around Delft and nearby cities like The Hague and Rotterdam is easy thanks to the Netherlands’ well-connected public transport system. Here’s what you need to know:

1. OV-chipkaart (Reusable Travel Card)

• The OV-chipkaart is the most common way to pay.

• You can buy a personal card (with discounts and subscriptions) or an anonymous card, which works for visitors.

• Load it with credit and simply tap in and out when boarding and exiting trains, trams, and buses.

• Available at train stations, kiosks, and some supermarkets.

2. Contactless Payment with Bank Card or Phone

• Since 2023, you can use contactless debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) or mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) to tap in and out directly—no OV-chipkaart needed.

• This is often the easiest option for tourists and works on trains, trams, buses, and metros.

3. Single Tickets & Day Passes

• Machines at Delft’s train station and tram/bus stops sell single-use tickets.

• These are more expensive than tapping in with a card but useful if you don’t want to deal with cards.

• Consider day passes (RET in Rotterdam, HTM in The Hague) if you’ll be making lots of tram/bus rides in one city.

4. Trains (NS Rail)

• For travel beyond Delft (e.g., Rotterdam, The Hague, Amsterdam), use NS trains.

• You can pay with your OV-chipkaart, contactless card, or by buying a paper ticket at the station (slightly higher price).

• Always remember to tap in and out at the gates with your card or ticket.

5. Tips for Travelers

• Always tap in when you start your journey and tap out when you leave, even if the gates are open.

• If you’re staying in Delft for a few days and making day trips, contactless payment is the most convenient.

• If you’re traveling longer in the Netherlands, investing in an anonymous OV-chipkaart may save hassle.

*** The best way for most visitors is to use contactless bank cards or phones—simple, quick, and accepted everywhere in Delft and beyond.

🌟 Did You Know? Delft Edition

(Fun facts to impress your travel buddies!)

📍 Leaning Tower of Delft – The Oude Kerk leans almost 2 meters because of the soft ground beneath it.

🔬 Father of Microbiology – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, the pioneer of microscopes, lived and worked in Delft.

🍺 Beer City – In the 16th century, Delft had more than 30 breweries, making beer safer than water!

⚓ Pirate Connections – Delft-born Piet Hein became famous for capturing the Spanish treasure fleet in 1628.

⛪ Sky-High Views – The Nieuwe Kerk’s tower is the second-tallest church tower in the Netherlands—on a clear day, you can see Rotterdam, The Hague, and the North Sea.

Final Thoughts on Delft

Whether you spend enough time to explore every corner or only have a short walk through the old city, Delft never fails to charm. Its most beautiful façades, white pottery, and lively Market Square make it one of the top places to experience authentic Dutch life. From the Royal Delft Museum to the intimate corners of Koos Rozenburgs’ shop, from the scenic canals to the post offices and houses that still hint at Delft’s 16th century prosperity, this is a beautiful city that balances grandeur with intimacy.

Delft also rewards repeat visits. History lovers can dive into the Prinsenhof Museum, while nature lovers will find peace at Delftse Hout park, just outside the city center. Curious minds can follow in the footsteps of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek and Piet Hein, two of Delft’s famous inhabitants, while architecture enthusiasts climb the second-tallest church tower in the Netherlands. With its central location near Rotterdam and The Hague, easy access from Hague Airport, and reputation as one of the most prestigious universities in the country, Delft is much more than one of Europe’s smaller cities—it is a nice place to linger, to learn, and to fall in love with the history of Delft.

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THE 5 ITEMS WE WERE SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOR ALL OF OUR TRIPS:

1. Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing because they are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking on cobblestone streets.
2. Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
3. North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – Seriously, I wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
4. Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack! We easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
5. Travel-friendly chewable toothpaste tablets – these are so fantastic for keeping your teeth clean on the go!

OUR FAVORITE EUROPEAN SERVICES:

1. DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in Europe, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
2. iTalki – if you want to learn another language before traveling to Europe or while you’re there, we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
3. NORD VPN – perfect to use your technology in other countries!
4. Airalo E-Sim – this let’s you use your phone anywhere in the world without having to get a physical sim! We use this all the time when we travel outside Europe!
5. For fun activities in each city, check out Viator and their recommendations.
6. Big Bus Tours – the perfect way to see the city when you first arrive!
7. Get Transfer – transfers between all of the airports and cities

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