Location: Delft
Top Things to do in Delft
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10 Things to do in Delft That You Shouldn't Miss
Vermeer’s birthplace and a true gem, Delft sits between The Hague and Rotterdam in the country’s southwest. The city’s name comes from the Dutch word for digging, fitting since canals are a highlight here. Others include the 13th-century Old Church, the 15th-century New Church and the Prinsenhof, once home to William of Orange and now a museum. Delft has long been a center for fine ceramics, and traditional hand painting methods can still be witnessed at Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles.
Restaurants in Delft
1. Royal Delft - Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,046 reviews
Royal Delft, established in 1653, is the last remaining Delft earthenware factory from the 17th century. The world famous blue and white earthenware is still entirely handpainted according to centuries old tradition. Visit Royal Delft and see how we still authentically produce Royal Delftware!
Reviewed By gaia43 - Turners Falls, United States
I have never been a big fan of Royal Delft pottery though knowing it’s history and evolution; seeing master painters at work (up to ten years of training!); and touring its facility with a “magical” garden, large gift shop and lovely cafe have “sold” me. No, I may not purchase Delft pottery pieces though I have learned to appreciate and respect how it came to be and continues to enrich the world with its beauty.
2. Museum Prinsenhof Delft
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 584 reviews
The Museum Prinsenhof Delft offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the Netherlands, Delft and delftware. The museum is housed in a building of great historical importance, the site of some of the most dramatic and consequential events of Dutch history. It was once the court of William of Orange, the Father of the Dutch Nation. In the museum you will also discover the role the citizens of Delft played in the history of the Netherlands and how delftware became the global brand it is today.
Reviewed By FamVanV - The Hague, The Netherlands
Great to have almost 30 paintings from all over the world of Golden Age (Gouden Eeuw) painter Pieter de Hooch in his creative home town Delft. The Prinsenhof museum is a historical place that does right to De Hooch’s paintings. Although PDH might not be as famous as his contemporary colleague from Delft, Vermeer, this temporary exhibition (till 16 February 2020!) is definitely worthwhile a visit to Delft in the next few weeks!
3. Saturday Flea Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
Reviewed By feltroneu - George Town, Malaysia
It was a nice experience to visit the Saturday Flea market in Markt Delft. Crowded but still fine as there were many things to see and taste. It represented the local culture. The most common stalls were selling cheese, wafer and tulip seeds. We were lucky to have our visit on Saturday as we were not aware there was such a flea market on Saturday before we came. Highly recommend place in Delft.
4. Oostpoort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 412 reviews
Reviewed By 1973martin
A visit to Delft is not complete without walking over Delft's own tower bridge. Someone actually lives here!
5. Beestenmarkt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 749 reviews
Reviewed By Justinepouw - Maassluis, The Netherlands
This Market is a great place to sit and relax. The beautiful architecture around as well as the great hospitality options are a lovely setting for enjoyment
6. Markt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 698 reviews
Reviewed By 945denisk - Tilburg, The Netherlands
Whoever comes to Delft automatically ends up on the market. Cozy square with a lot of history. The logical center of Delft with its (souvenir) shops, many terraces and a variety of dining options. With the Nieuwe Kerk on one side and the historic town hall on the other, you have an ideal backdrop for enjoying on one of the many large terraces. There is always something going on at the market, such as a wedding in the town hall, tourists who want to visit the tomb of Willem van Oranje or the Oranges in the church.
7. Old Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 789 reviews
The Old Church of Delft dates back to 1050 ad. In this church one finds the tombs of the famous painter Johannes Vermeer, naval heroes Piet Hein and Maarten Tromp, and scientists such as Anthonie van Leeuwenhoek. The beautiful stained glass windows of this church are also worth seeing.
Reviewed By karincredible - Delft, The Netherlands
The Oude Kerk (Oude Jan) is another iconic church in the beautiful city of Delft. With its skew tower, and 9000kg church bell, learn how the church bell was repurposed to save the city. The iconic skew tower was built on a part of the gracht (canal) that was filled to specially create space for the building of the tower. Must see and visit in Delft!
8. Vermeer Centrum Delft
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 770 reviews
The Vermeer Centrum Delft offers the visitor a discovery tour through the life, works and town of the 17th century master of light: Johannes Vermeer. The section 'Vermeer's world' shows you 17th century Delft. Wander through the famous 'View of Delft' and meet Vermeer's environment: his clients, his family and his rich mother-in-law. In Vermeer's world there are copies of all his paintings in their original size, an entire own world in his 37 works. Vermeer's atelier is dedicated to Vermeer's working methods. Discover how Vermeer mastered light in the light studio. Experiment with the camera obscura and play with colour, hidden views and perspective. And literally step into one of Vermeer's paintings. Many of the Delft painter Johannes Vermeer's paintings are about love. Sometimes it is obvious, but other times he subtly refers to it by painting certain objects or details. These objects and details can be seen in the exhibition 'Vermeer's love messages'. Learn to recognise the symbols in Vermeer's paintings. Besides a visit to the centrum, Vermeer can also be discovered on foot. An individual walk has been set out along all the highlights in Vermeer's life. The Vermeer Combiticket gives you access to all the locations.
Reviewed By fatcatz435 - South Shields, United Kingdom
A very interesting journey through the life and times of Vermeer. Full of historical facts and a useful insight into his painting techniques. A most enjoyable couple of hours
9. Nieuwe Kerk
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,313 reviews
In the middle of the Market you will find the New Church of Delft. This church dates back to 1300 and is famous for the tomb of William the Silent and Royal crypt where most members of the Dutch Royal family are buried. In the Church is a scale model of the crypt. You can also climb the Tower of the Church and once at the top you may enjoy a wonderful view of Delft and the surrounding area.
Reviewed By rajt851 - Leicester, United Kingdom
Beautiful old church with a brilliant tour inside depicting the history of the Royal Family - well worth a visit. Location was brilliant in the market plaza. We also did a horse and carriage ride from the plaza
10. Molen de Roos
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By swtraveler15 - Springfield, United States
We visited many windmills while in the Netherlands but we would count the Molen de Roos as one of our favorites. First because it is a working mill and is staffed by a wonderful staff of volunteers who are very happy to tell you about the mill and how it works. My friend is a mechanical engineer and he was very happy with our guide who could explain the mechanics of the mill and gave more details then we have ever been given. We bought some of the flour in the gift shop to bring home a piece of this gem. Do not miss this wonderful historic site in Delft!!
