Last updated on December 3rd, 2024
Delft, a charming city in the Netherlands, is perfect for a day trip from Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam or The Hague. We recently spent a day exploring this charming city, and while it may not have been my absolute favorite town in the Netherlands, it certainly has its unique charms.
From its rich history and eye-catching architecture to its many canals and modern shops and eateries, Delft offers a nice mix of sights and experiences. You can easily see the main sights in one day, as most of them are tightly grouped in the center of town. One highlight that truly stood out for me was the Royal Delft Museum, a must-visit for anyone interested in the iconic Delftware pottery.
Let’s dive into the must-see spots with the best things to do in Delft, Netherlands, that will make your day in Delft unforgettable! I’ll order the sights in such a way that you avoid too much backtracking while keeping opening times in mind.
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Getting to Delft
Delft is easily accessible from many major cities in the Netherlands. Depending on your starting point and preference, you can opt for traveling by train or car, or use local transportation options once you arrive in Delft.
Travel Options
Trains are the best way to get to Delft. They’re quick and convenient. From Amsterdam, it’s about an hour’s ride. The Hague is even closer – just 18 minutes away. Here’s a handy table of train and car travel times from nearby cities:
| City | Train Time | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | 1 hour | 1.5 hours |
| Utrecht | About 1 hour and 5 minutes using 2 trains | 1 hour and 20 minutes |
| Haarlem | About 55 minutes using 2 trains | 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| The Hague | 18 minutes | 25 minutes |
| Rotterdam | 14 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Leiden | 20 minutes | 30 minutes |
Buses also run to Delft, but they’re slower. If you’re driving, parking can be tricky in the city center. I suggest using a park-and-ride or garage on the outskirts.
Too many visitors to this part of the Netherlands skip Leiden. That’s a mistake. Check out our guide on what to do in Leiden in one day to see why.
Local Transportation Options
Once you’re in Delft, getting around is quite simple. For short distances, walking is often the quickest way to see the sights. The city is compact, and most attractions are within walking distance. Public buses serve the city and surrounding areas.
Bicycles are also a popular mode of transport here, with rental shops available near the train station. If you choose to bike, be mindful of pedestrian areas and bike lanes. Biking is a part of Dutch culture, and it’s a delightful way to explore Delft at your own pace.
Morning:
I recommend starting a Delft day trip by diving into the heart of the city’s history and culture. Assuming that you arrive by train, begin your morning right there and walk towards the lively Markt Square, explore stunning churches, and delve deeper into art and history at the Vermeer Centrum and Prinsenhof Museum.
First Introductions of Delft’s Mosaic Artwork
You’ll see a lot of street art in Delft as you wander around. Some are old and some are new. You won’t be able to see it all, so I’ll point out a few that you can pass by as you make your way from one attraction to the other.
One unexpected highlight in Delft is the stunning vaulted ceiling of the train station. This ceiling, featuring a historic city map in Delft blue, elegantly arches over the public lobby and station hall. It’s a visual treat that sets the tone for your day.
Make your way to Markt Square in the historic heart of Delft and take the route that passes Kloksteeg street for a unique and captivating experience. This narrow, historic alleyway is home to a stunning 250m² mural featuring iconic figures from Delft’s history, such as Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and William of Orange. The vibrant artwork, created by local artists, brings the city’s past to life in a contemporary and engaging way.
Visit the Markt Square with the City Hall
We started our day in Delft at the bustling Markt Square. It’s the heart of the old town and a great place to get your bearings. The square is lined with cafes and shops. We grabbed coffees at Kek, a cafe that had a very tempting breakfast and brunch menu. I recommend getting breakfast here if you haven’t had anything before starting out.
The City Hall dominates one side of the square. Its Renaissance facade is impressive, with ornate stonework and a tall clock tower. The golden statue of Justice on top caught my eye. We spent about 15 minutes here.
If you’re interested, visit on Thursday or Saturday morning when the square hosts a lively market. You can browse local goods and sample Dutch treats.
Explore Nieuwe Kerk and Climb the Tower
At the other end of the square is the Nieuwe Church. Its tower dominates the skyline. It holds an important place in Dutch history as the burial site of the Dutch royal family.
The church itself is beautiful, with a rich history dating back to 1351. Inside, you’ll find stained-glass windows and a grand organ. Climbing the tower is a must if you’re up for it – the stairs are steep and narrow but the view from the top is worth every step. We could see the whole city spread out below us, with its canals and colorful buildings. On a clear day, you can even spot Rotterdam in the distance. Try to spot one of the unique buildings in Rotterdam!
Plan for an hour here, especially if you plan to climb the tower.
Right next to the church is the Blue Heart. It is a striking piece of art made of glass and illuminated at night.
Optional: Visit Vermeer Centrum
Your next stop is optional based on your interests. You can head to the Vermeer Centrum to learn about Johannes Vermeer, Delft’s famous painter. The museum is dedicated to his life and works and beautifully recreates his world.
The Vermeer Centrum has some noteworthy features, such as an engaging film that immerses you in Vermeer’s world. The displays offer insights into his painting techniques, biographical details, and the materials he used. An audio guide provides comprehensive information about the exhibits. Interactive exhibits allow you to dive into Vermeer’s techniques and inspirations.
However, it’s a little disappointing that the center doesn’t house any original Vermeer paintings. For a more authentic experience, I recommend that you visit the excellent Mauritshuis museum in The Hague to see his actual works. It’s not far from Delft and has a comprehensive collection of several Dutch masters, including Vermeer.
If you do choose to visit the Centrum, allocate about an hour and a half to fully enjoy the exhibits.
More Street Art at Bonte Ossteeg and Papenstraat
It’s again time to keep an eye out for the remarkable street art in Delft. Two streets that showcase some of it are very near each other – Bonte Ossteeg and Papenstraat. These stunning displays point to the city’s rich history and its connection to the iconic Delft Blue pottery.
At Bonte Ossteeg, you’ll find a mesmerizing mural created by Hugo Kaagman, a renowned Dutch artist. This massive work of art covers the entire lower half of the facade of a building, featuring intricate designs inspired by traditional Delft Blue motifs. The mural’s vibrant colors and bold patterns create a striking contrast against the building architecture, making it a perfect spot for photos.
Just a short walk away, at Papenstraat, you’ll discover the “Ceramic Map of Delft,” a fascinating piece of tile art that depicts the city as it appeared in the 17th century. Created using ceramic and mosaic techniques, this map offers a unique perspective on Delft’s past, highlighting its significant landmarks and streets. Take a moment to study the intricate details.
Visit the Oude Kerk
From street art, head to the historic Old Church. Its nickname is “Oude Jan” (Old John). It dates back to the 1200s and is known for its leaning tower. As you step inside, the massive organ and colorful stained glass windows will catch your eye. The church’s soaring ceilings make you feel small in comparison.
Another highlight is the tomb of Vermeer himself, among other notable figures. Spend around 45 minutes to an hour here to take in the rich history and peaceful atmosphere.
Delft Windmill de Roos
No visit to Delft would be complete without seeing the iconic Windmill de Roos, one of the best things to do in the city. This stunning windmill, dating back to the 17th century, is the last remaining mill in Delft and a testament to the city’s rich industrial heritage.
Located just a short walk from the city center, Windmill de Roos is free to visit. You can tour the mill, learning about its history and the important role it played in Delft’s economy. Climb to the top of the mill for breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch the mill in action, with its sails turning gracefully in the wind. The knowledgeable guides will explain how the mill works and the various grains it grinds, giving you a deeper appreciation for this fascinating piece of history.
Afternoon:
After exploring some of Delft in the morning, it’s time to dive into some more of the city’s unique experiences.
Optional: Explore the Prinsenhof Garden and Museum
If you’re skipping the Vermeer Center, the Prinsenhof Museum and garden is a good spot to visit in Delft. We spent about 1.5 hours exploring this fascinating place. It’s housed in a building with tons of history. The museum, once a convent, tells the story of William the Silent, a key figure in Dutch history. It was from here that he led the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. You can see the actual bullet holes from his assassination in 1584.
Inside, we found exhibits on Delft’s famous blue pottery and the city’s role in the Dutch Golden Age. The artwork and historical objects really brought the past to life.
One cool feature is the interactive displays. They helped us understand complex historical events in a fun way. You should get the audio guide. It’s worth the extra few euros for the in-depth information it provides.
The museum’s garden is a peaceful spot to relax after your visit. Don’t miss the line of Delft Blue porcelain lampposts right outside the Prinsenhof.
Admire the Gemeenlandshuis Delft
The Gemeenlandshuis is a stunning example of Dutch Renaissance architecture that you shouldn’t miss on your Delft walking route. Built in the early 16th century, this historic building served as the headquarters of the Delfland Water Authority, one of the oldest democratic institutions in the Netherlands.
Take a moment to admire the building’s ornate facade, adorned with intricate stone carvings and a beautiful clock tower. The exterior alone is a testament to the wealth and power of the Water Authority, which played a crucial role in managing the region’s water systems.
Tour the Royal Delft Factory and Museum
Next, head to the Royal Delft Factory and Museum. This place is famous for its iconic blue and white pottery and was my favorite highlight of the city.
The audio tour takes you through the entire process of making the ceramics, from molding the clay to hand-painting the intricate designs and the history of Delft blue pottery. You’ll even see one or two skilled artisans hand-painting each piece.
I found the history of the factory fascinating, especially since it’s been around since the 17th century. The museum section had some beautiful royal collections on display. You get to see some amazing pieces, including huge vases and decorative tiles.
Allow at least 1.5 hours here to fully appreciate everything and maybe pick up a typical Dutch souvenir from the gift shop. Want more information to decide if you want to visit? Check out my guide to the Royal Delft Museum!
The Royal Delft is a bit of a walk outside of the historic center, so if you don’t feel up to walking, there’s a bus no. 40 that takes you almost to its entrance on weekdays. On weekends, you can use the city center trams to get you back to the Delft train station, but you’ll have to walk about 20 minutes to Royal Delft from there.
Evening:
Delft transforms in the evening, revealing a romantic side with stunning sunsets at iconic spots, charming dining experiences, and serene canal tours.
Sunset at the Eastern Gate
The Eastern Gate (Oostpoort) is the perfect spot to catch the sunset. This medieval gate, built in the 1400s, is the last remaining gate from the city’s medieval walls, and it looks like a mini castle. As the sun sets, the reflection on the canal water creates a magical scene.
The area around the gate is peaceful, with fewer tourists than in the city center. You can grab a spot on the nearby bench or stairs and watch the colors change. We spent about 15 minutes walking around and taking pictures from different angles.
There’s also a small “water gate” that spans the canal here. You can see how the city used to control access by both land and water.
Dinner in the Beestenmarkt Area
Beestenmarkt is a go-to spot for dinner in Delft. The square is lined with restaurants and cafes, each offering a variety of cuisines. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Dutch food or something international, you’ll find it here.
The square has an interesting history. From 1595 to 1972, it was where Delft held its cattle markets. Then it became a parking lot for over 20 years before being turned into the charming spot it is today.
This area comes alive in the evening with locals and tourists. Pick an outdoor table if the weather’s nice and enjoy the hustle and bustle while savoring your meal. Make a reservation if you can, especially on weekends.
Boat Tour on the Canals or Stroll Along the Canals
You’ll have to fit in this activity whenever you can make it work, but taking a boat tour by Rondvaart Delft offers a different perspective of Delft. The tours last 45 minutes and include a guide who shares interesting stories about Delft’s history.
It’s a relaxing way to see the city. Dress warmly, as it can get chilly on the water.
If you don’t have enough time to take a boat tour, at least spend a few minutes walking along one of the beautiful canals.
Recommended Places to Eat and Drink
Here are a few recommended places to stop for a bite to eat in Delft:
- Kek: Breakfast, lunch and coffee in a popular cozy cafe.
- HANNO – Groots café: A perfect stop at any time of day for a true globetrotter. There’s always something new on the menu from an unexpected corner of the world.
- Inca Mania: An affordable traditional Peruvian bistro for lunch or dinner.
- Bierhuis De Klomp: A traditional Brown pub atmosphere in the oldest bar in Delft.
- De Gist: A large selection of drinks and small plates to share from morning to night.
