Walking through the heart of Delft
Discover historic Delft
Recently, my husband and I decided to take a day trip to Delft, looking for a city that is not too big, where you can enjoy culture and beautiful walking routes. Friends told us that Delft is definitely worth a visit, and since we had never been there before, it seemed like a perfect destination to explore. As it turned out, Delft combines a rich history with a warm, romantic atmosphere - perfect for a day out together.
On the way
We started our day early and arrived at the station just in time to pop into the tourist information centre, where we bought a walking guide. This guide featured a historical route with interesting facts and tips about the city. Full of enthusiasm, we set off on our tour, with our first stop being the Nieuwe Kerk. Members of the Royal Family are buried here, and it also boasts the second-tallest church tower in the Netherlands.
Challenged by the idea of a breathtaking view, we decided to climb the tower. It was a tough climb, but the reward - a phenomenal view of Delft and the surrounding area - made up for everything. After the climb, we continued our route through the city's atmospheric streets.
Lunch at de Beestenmarkt
After this active morning, we started to feel peckish, so the route took us towards the Beestenmarkt. There, at Kobus Kuch, we tasted the best apple pie in Delft (or so they say – and it really was delicious!).
After the coffee break, we picked up the route again. The nice thing about this walk is that you can choose how long you walk. We chose the basic route, which led us past all the historical highlights, such as the Oude Kerk, the Museum Prinsenhof, the Vermeer Centrum Delft, and the old Town Hall.
Vermeer and Prinsenhof: a journey through Dutch history
During the itinerary, we had already decided to visit the museums we encountered along the way at our leisure after lunch. So after a leisurely lunch at the local Delft Coffee House, we headed towards the Vermeer Centrum Delft, where we were immersed in the life and work of Johannes Vermeer, who lived in Delft all his life. Although the work hanging there are all reproductions, we thoroughly enjoyed the chance to learn more about Vermeer's techniques and his sources of inspiration.
Our last stop of the day was the Museum Prinsenhof, a historic building closely linked to Dutch history. Here we discovered more about William of Orange and the revolt against Spanish rule. The museum also offered a deep insight into the meaning of freedom and identity.
An unforgettable day in Delft
Delft made a lasting impression on us. The city took us on a journey through time, while we enjoyed the intimate, cosy atmosphere perfect for a nice day out. With new memories as well as plans to stay overnight next time, we returned home satisfied. Delft is a destination we will definitely return to!
Warm regards,
Toos and Jan
Ps. Don't throw your walking guide away but keep it as a reference book or hand it in at the VVV tourist office. Then it will get asecond chance. The nice thing is that you can put tips in it for the next hiker.
