Explore Delft

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Delft, a canal-ringed city in the western Netherlands, is known as the manufacturing base for Delftware, hand-painted blue-and-white pottery. In its old town, the medieval Oude Kerk is the burial site of native son and Dutch Master painter Johannes Vermeer. Once the seat of the royal House of Orange, the 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk houses the family's tombs and overlooks Delft's lively market square. ― Google

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Delft

  • April to September:

    • Ideal weather for walking the historic center and enjoying outdoor terraces

    • Spring brings tulip fields nearby; summer is perfect for canal cruises and markets

  • October to March:

    • Cooler and quieter, but museums, cafés, and cozy scenery are still enjoyable

    • Lovely during December for holiday markets and lights

✈️ How to Get to Delft

✈️ By Air

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) – ~40 minutes by train

  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) – ~15–20 minutes by taxi or public transport

🚆 By Train

  • Direct trains from Rotterdam (15 min), The Hague (15 min), and Amsterdam (1 hr)

  • Delft Station is walking distance from the old town

🚗 By Car

  • Accessible via A4 and A13 motorways

  • Historic center is pedestrian-friendly; use Park+Ride or parking garages

📍 Top Attractions in Delft

🎨 Vermeer Centrum Delft

  • Learn about Johannes Vermeer, who lived and worked in Delft

  • Explore his techniques and view reproductions of all his known works

⛪ Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)

  • Striking Gothic church and burial site of the Dutch royal family

  • Climb the 376 steps to the tower for city views

🕍 Oude Kerk (Old Church)

  • Leaning tower and burial place of Vermeer himself

  • Beautiful stained glass and architecture

🏺 Royal Delft (Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles)

  • Famous 17th-century factory still producing Delft Blue pottery

  • See artisans at work and visit the museum and shop

🌸 Botanic Garden TU Delft

  • Peaceful botanical gardens run by Delft University of Technology

  • Great for plant lovers or a relaxing stroll

🎯 Activities To Do

  • Take a walking tour through the medieval streets and canals

  • Visit the Saturday market at Markt Square (flowers, cheeses, and crafts)

  • Take a canal boat tour to view Delft’s beauty from the water

  • Explore Science Centre Delft – interactive and great for families

  • Relax in Agnetapark, a charming green space near the city center

🏨 Accommodation

Luxury

  • Hotel Johannes Vermeer – charming hotel in a former cigar factory

  • Casa Julia – boutique, peaceful, and elegant

Mid-Range

  • Hotel Royal Bridges – canal-side, centrally located, with classic interiors

  • Hotel Arsenaal by WestCord – modern and stylish in a restored armory

Budget

  • Hostel Delft – basic but clean and central

  • Campanile Hotel Delft – a bit outside the center, but affordable

🍽️ Food & Restaurant Recommendations

Dutch & International Cuisine

Delft offers both traditional Dutch flavors and modern European dishes

Recommended Spots

  • Stads-Koffyhuis – famous for pancakes and canal views

  • Kek Delft – brunch café with healthy, Instagram-worthy food

  • 't Postkantoor – great for pizza and cocktails in a former post office

  • De Centrale – excellent Mediterranean-style dining

  • Huszar – cozy and artsy with creative local dishes

🧿 Local Culture

  • Delft is known for its arts, science, and royal heritage

  • Home to the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), making it a mix of historical and youthful energy

  • Locals enjoy a bike-friendly, café-loving lifestyle with a strong sense of pride in their city’s artistic roots

  • Delftware ceramics are still handcrafted, and craftsmanship is valued deeply