Location: Delft
Top Things to do in Delft
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Delft, The Netherlands
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. Beestenmarkt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 607 reviews
Reviewed By Marina B - Moscow, Russia
Be brave and go straight there if you want to have a meal! Lots of restaurants of different cuisine near the colourful cow reminding of the historical name of the place. My favorite restaurants there are Billy Bear and italian one. Cosy and spacy place for everyone!
2. Oostpoort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 327 reviews
Reviewed By jankI5365FG - Delft, The Netherlands
I live close by this historic building. Once, the city of Delft was completely walled against outside intruders (notably the Spanish troops), and had several town gates for passage. The Oostpoort (= East gate) is the last remaining example of these gates.
The setting is beautiful, and it is a favorite spot for newly weds to make their wedding photo's. It is for pedestrians and cyclists also a commonly used route to the town center, so be careful as there is no sidewalk...
This monument has been rented out by the municipality to a lady for 50 years in a row. On rare occasions it could be visited, because she organized Concerts with medieval music in the annex room above the arches. There was room for no more than 20 people.
Sadly, this lady passed away two years ago, and the place is now empy. Future plans with the Oostpoort are unknown to us. In the meantime all we can do is advise you to admire the splendor of this brick masterpiece of architecture from the outside.
3. Markt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 533 reviews
Reviewed By Richard F - Louisville, Kentucky
One of the most charming cities we have visited. The weather was perfect and the city was alive and vibrant. We were amazed at how many people and especially families rode bicycles. The canals seemed cleaner than others we've seen. The people were very friendly. And of course we had to go in all the shops that had the Delft Ceramics, visit the Vermeer Museum and have lunch.
4. Delftse Hout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By DebB131959 - Taunton, United Kingdom
We arrived to the smell of 'muck spreading' from the city farm next door. Very friendly staff on reception, excellent English spoken. Clean toilet block, all separate showers and basins. Pitches had a plastic mesh under grass which meant our wedges to level our motorhome slipped out initially until we used pegs. Pitches were quite wide but very narrow 'roads' in between so felt a little cramped. Could walk into Delft which is beautiful, lots of attractive buildings and canals. Ikea nearby. We're used to a quiet road so for us there was a fair bit of road noise at night.
5. Royal Delft - Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles
Overall Ratings
4 based on 780 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 Krugg31 - Nijmegen, The Netherlands
I am a little partial, since I collect the blue huisjes offered by KLM to business class passengers. But what is produced here is a whole different class.
The visit is extremely interesting and varied. An excellent movie and animation shows how the objects are produced, then you will see many examples of old and new products and finally walk around the factory. I really liked the part about the tableware ordered by the king for official banquets in the Dam palace.
In total one to two hours depending on the level of your interest.
The audio tour is excellent.
6. Museum Prinsenhof Delft
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Museum Prinsenhof Delft is a unique historical building and former court of William of Orange. At this museum, you can pleasantly discover the Dutch history. Learn more about the meaning of the Father of the Nation for the Netherlands. Discover how the famous Delftware became the global brand it is today and how Delft and his residents played an important role in the history of the Netherlands.
Reviewed By Wanderlust777 - Baltimore, Maryland
The museum is a bit of a mishmash. It is located in an old convent where William the Silent was assassinated, so it has some architectural and religious interest. The main exhibit focuses on William's life and times and the royal line he founded. Other exhibits of historical and artistic interest focus on Delftware, local history and innovation, etc. The exhibits supplement the paintings and other objects with some interactive audiovisual elements that both children and adults would find entertaining. We didn't explore the garden outside because it was raining, but it looked like it would be a very pleasant spot in better weather. There is a small cafe indoors as well as a gift shop. If you are exploring Delft in depth, it's cost-effective to buy a combination ticket that includes the Prinsenhof, old and new churches, and the Vermeer center.
7. Stadhuis van Delft (City Hall Delft)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By paullegate - Luton, United Kingdom
The City Hall is a Renaissance style building and is located on the western side of Markt whilst Nieuwe Kerk is on the eastern side. The red shutters make City Hall very distinctive, this part of the building dates back to around 1618-1620 but the belfry dates back even further. The old city hall burned down in 1618 so a replacement was needed, architect Hendrick de Keyser was already working on the Nieuwe Kerk so he was asked to design the new City Hall. It certainly is an impressive structure in the Old Town that has a wealth of many stunning buildings.
8. Saturday Flea Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By Deirdre O - Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
We were lucky enough to visit this on a beautiful sunny day in Delft, the flea market stretches along the canal and its such a pleasure to potter along and take it all in and hopefully pick up a bargain or two
9. Nieuwe Kerk
Overall Ratings
4 based on 978 reviews
In the middle of the Market you will find the new Church in 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 can enjoy a wonderful view of Delft and the surrounding area.
Reviewed By Michael O - Murphy, Texas
Really enjoyed this Cathedral in Delft. Huge both inside and out. Historical sport given William of Orange is buried here. Amazing tombs. They had nice history exhibit going on when we were inside the Cathedral. A lot of the Royal Family members are buried in the church as well.
10. Oude Kerk Delft
Overall Ratings
4 based on 611 reviews
The Old Church of Delft dates back to 1050 ad. In this church are the tombs of the famous painter Johannes Vermeer, naval heroes and scientists such as Piet Hein, Maarten Tromp and Anthonie van Leeuwenhoek. The beautiful stained glass windows of this church are also worth seeing.
Reviewed By Wanderlust777 - Baltimore, Maryland
First a warning: if you visit in winter, bundle up -- there's no heat inside! Start your tour by examining the excellent timeline, then wander around looking at the biographies of the famous people who were buried in the church (including, but not limited to, Vermeer and Leeuwenhoek) and the explanations of the stained glass windows. Although the church is famous for its leaning tower, the outside is currently covered in scaffolding so you can't really appreciate the lean.
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