First time in Delft
Coming to Delft for the first time? These are not to be missed!
Whether you come to Delft for a day, a weekend or as part of a tour of the Netherlands, the city will enchant you immediately. With its ancient canals, atmospheric squares, impressive monuments and cosy restaurants, Delft is a compact city that tells a big story. Here you will find everything that makes a city so special: history, culture, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to explore.
Discover surprising museums, shop through the picturesque streets and relax on a terrace in the heart of the city. Delft has something for everyone and is a place where you will discover new facets time and again.
City with a rich history - Delft Blue, Vermeer and Orange
Delft is the city of the characteristic Delft Blue. The pottery has been world-famous since its creation in the 17th century. Moreover, Delft is still the place where you can see and experience how Delft Blue is authentically made.
The Master of Light Johannes Vermeer was born in Delft. His work hangs all over the world, but only in Delft can you admire his entire oeuvre. Finally, the city is known for its close ties with the House of Orange.
Many attractions in Delft have a link to one of these three icons.
Lovers of history & culture?
Be sure to put a visit to one of Delft 's many museums on your list! Step inside Museumhuis Van Meerten, discover contemporary art at Radius and experience nature at TU Delft's Hortus Botanicus. But Museum Paul Tétar van Elven, located in his former residence, is also well worth a visit.
For fans of Johannes Vermeer, the Vermeer Centrum Delft is a not-to-be-missed location. Here you will learn all about the life and work of this world-famous painter, who lived and worked in Delft all his life.
But that is certainly not all! You can see the nearly 110-metre-high pointed tower of the Nieuwe Kerk from afar. Climbing this - the second-highest church tower in the Netherlands - provides stunning views over the city and its surroundings. Within walking distance is the Oude Kerk, known to locals as the 'Scheve Jan' because of its striking leaning tower. Both churches have national allure, partly because of the tombs of Dutch celebrities.
Finally, a visit to Delft is not complete without a look at one of the local pottery factories, such as the Royal Delft Museum. Here you will discover how the world-famous Delft Blue is still made the traditional way.
Book your tickets here
Tips from locals & visitors
-
A Weekend in Delft: Sjoerd and Koen's personal voyage of discovery
Get inspired by Sjoerd and Koen, who spent their weekend in Delft and discovered the city from their personal perspective.
-
Chelsey (25) - Doelenplein
"The Doelenplein is my favourite spot in Delft - always cosy, with a sunny terrace at Hanno's in summer and atmospheric lighting in winter. There's always something going on, from the Jazz Festival to Liberation Day!"
-
Hans (71) - Zuideinde
"My featured location in Delft is the Zuideinde, which is my favourite spot because it is where Johannes Vermeer painted the 'View of Delft'.
Delft Creating History
Discover technology and innovation in Delft
The great thing about Delft is that old and new go hand in hand. On the one hand you will find historic buildings and canals, and on the other hand there is plenty of (technical) innovation.Over 25,000 students study at Delft University of Technology every year. So Delft is a real student city. And this is reflected in Delft's streetscape!
Experimentation and innovation used to be important in Delft. Delft artists and scientists have been at the forefront throughout the centuries, contributing to the development of the Netherlands.
Discover technology in Delft
Wander around the city
Delft has a compact historic centre and is therefore excellent to explore on foot. Wander along the canals, discover the cosy squares and don't forget to look up to admire the centuries-old façades.
City walks
You can get to know the city in no time by taking a city walk. At VVV Delft Stationsplein 7) you can buy a map for a historic walk or the Vermeer walk. Have you brought your smartphone? Then we recommend a free online city walk. Prefer to go out with a guide? Then check out Discover Delft with a guide.
Choose your transport
Not such a fan of walking? Perhaps a canal boat trip would suit you better, or how about a trip in an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage? Here are 5 ways to explore Delft.
5 ways to explore Delft
Trendy lunch spots and cosy restaurants
Delft is known for its cosy and hospitable catering establishments. Along the canals, in the narrow winding streets and on and around the cosy squares, you can almost trip over the hip coffee shops, cosy cafés and trendy restaurants. On this page, we have collected all tips on restaurants in Delft.
TIP: We have collected some great lunch spots for you.
Great lunch spots in Delft
Cosy shopping along the canals and in picturesque streets
In Delft's historic city centre, shopaholics will be in for a treat! Shopping is fun along Delft's beautiful canals. The city is known for its picturesque streets with plenty of unique hotspots and trendy boutiques.
You can browse the city endlessly for unique and contemporary must-haves in boutiques or shop at your leisure in the larger shops. There really is something for everyone in Delft.
Our tips for shopping in Delft
Tips from locals
-
Fee (22) - Groene Vingers
"My tip for your visit to Delft is Groene Vingers. This shop is much more than green - from candles to tableware and the original 'storytiles' that each tell their own miniature story. Truly a hidden gem in Delft!"
-
Maaike (36) - The Cable District
"The Cable District is one of the most surprising places in Delft - behind every door is a new world, from street art and theatre to sports, beer and high-tech innovation."
-
Marijke (23) - De Gist
'This is my favourite location in Delft, because of the lovely terrace and the delicious snacks and drinks served there. I can really enjoy having a drink with my friends, and De Gist is the perfect place for that.'
Do you love events?
Do you love theatre, music and festivals? Then don't forget to check UITagenda Delft before or during your visit. On summer weekends, you can always enjoy live music and all kinds of fun activities somewhere.
Delft is also a great base from which to visit events in the region. By public transport, you can be in Rotterdam and The Hague within 30 minutes and back again quickly.
Discover all events in Delft
One day is too short!
One day in Delft is really too short to discover the city. The best way to enjoy a visit is to make a city trip of a couple of days. Delft offers excellent accommodation: from a luxury hotel to Bed & Breakfast, camping and hostel. And if you do stay here longer: around Delft you can enjoy cycling and walking in the various green areas! You can find the best cycling routes here, or discover the nicest forests around Delft!
TIP! Due to de centrale location, Delft is also an ideal base for trips to the beach!
Fun for you too!
-
To the museum
-
Cosy shopping in Delft
-
6x cycle routes around Delft
