Three days in Delft

Culture, nature, good food and the beach? It is all possible in and around Delft.

OUder couple walking in Delft

 

Culture, nature and relaxation for bon vivants

By Günther, culture enthusiast from Germany

Now that I am past 50, I appreciate life at a slightly slower pace. I love culture, good food, cycling and a touch of romance. My wife Heidi shares that love, and together we recently discovered a destination that has it all: Delft. What a charming city! I would love to take you along on our journey - maybe it will give you some ideas too.

Day 1

History and charm in the heart of Delft

We arrived in the morning and checked in at the Arsenaal, as they say themselves a well-kept secret. The hotel is ideally located in the city centre, amidst the old facades and canals. We began our exploration with a walk through the city with a guide from the Guild. The atmosphere is almost fairytale-like: picturesque streets, charming bridges and history everywhere. We had a very enthusiastic guide who knew an enormous amount about Delft and its history.

Then, of course, we wanted to see more. We visited the Oude Kerk, the Nieuwe Kerk (where you also find the tomb of Willem van Oranje) and the Vermeer Centrum Delft - highly recommended for anyone wanting to know more about what drove Vermeer.

For lunch we settled down by the canal, at the Delfts Koffiehuys. Then it was time for an afternoon of shopping. Delft has surprisingly nice boutiques, art shops and of course... Delft Blue! We found some lovely pieces to take home.

In the evening, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at restaurant Lef on the idyllic Doelenplein, a perfect ending to our first day.

A tulip vase from Heinen Delfts Blauw The Nieuwe Kerk Delft in the evening light Gunther and Heidi together on the terrace at Doelenplein in Delft

Day 2

Cycling, ceramics and tranquillity in nature

After a good breakfast, we started our day with a visit to Royal Delft, where the world-famous Delft Blue is still made in the traditional way. Fascinating to see how much craftsmanship is behind it.

Then we got on our bikes, heading for Delftse Hout - a beautiful nature area just outside the city. The fresh air, the greenery, the silence... we immediately felt relaxed. Around lunchtime, we arrived at Landgoed de Uylenburg, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch in the garden at restaurant Du Midi. What a hidden gem!

In the evening, we returned to Delft for a quiet dinner at De Centrale: world cuisine in industrial premises. What a treat.

Proud Mary painted by a Royal Delft painter

Day 3

Westland, beach and a last diversions

On our last day, we took it easy. After breakfast, we left for Westland, known for its greenhouses and horticulture. On the way, we enjoyed the vast landscape and decided to head for the coast.

We ended up at Monster beach - a name we won't forget anytime soon! But what a surprise: wide sandy beaches, few people and cosy beach bars. We walked, read a book and enjoyed the sound of the waves. Pure relaxation.

In the afternoon, we returned to Delft for a nice beer and delicious drinks board at the Delfts Brouwhuis and took one more time to absorb the city's atmosphere before returning home.

A freshly tapped beer at Delfts Brouwhuis Walking on the beach motor canals and terrace Delft Blue Heart Delft

Conclusion: Delft is a perfect destination for couples who love culture, nature and the good life. Everything is close by, the people are friendly and there is always something beautiful to discover. We will definitely return again.

See you in Delft!
Kind regards, Günther

Tips from the experts:

We only had 3 days and good weather. But we were well informed via the site of indelft.nl/en. We will definitely come back. But we are also curious about your experiences. Tips we got are:

  • Wander through Delft without a plan and feel the atmosphere and come across unexpectedly nice places
  • Have lunch at Molen de Roos and buy the most delicious cakes
  • If you are more into technique and innovation, the techniektour at TU Delft is very interesting. From here, you can also easily visit the botanical garden.
  • In autumn you can still enjoy cycling and a walk on the beach. Bad weather? Then stay an extra day in Delft and visit Delft's smaller but no less interesting museums, such as the Paul Tetar van Elven Museum, Radius, 10CC or Het Maartenshuis.
  • Visit the local markt on Thursdays at the Markt.


Practical:
Come to Delft by train. Nice and sustainable and in Delft everything can be walked.
Hire a bicycle from the hotel where you will be staying
Want to know more? At the VVV tourist office they will advise and assist you.

Book your stay

Delft is a city you prefer to discover at your leisure. As Günther and his wife Heidi experience: "Delft has everything for bon vivants: history, art, cycling through greenery and relaxing pavement cafés. Everything is close by and yet you discover something new every day."

Whether you choose a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the city, a historic building with character or a green B&B just outside the centre: in Delft, you always sleep within walking distance of the canals, museums and squares.

View the accommodation locations and plan your stay
Hotel room Arsenaal

View more fun activities in Delft here

  • Walking

    Walking Elderly couple at Vermeer Cube

    There are plenty of interesting walks. With or without a guide. Discover them here. Our tip is to walk with a guide. They can tell you so much about Delft. Otherwise, the Historical Walk is very interesting. The walking guide is available at the VVV Tourist Office.

  • Take to the water

    Take to the water People sitting on the canal boat in Delft looking at the Oude Kerk

    Discover a different side of Delft and cruise through the canals. Rent a sloop or join the canal cruise.

  • Sniff some more culture

    Sniff some more culture Self-portrait by Paul Tétar van Elven in the Museum Paul Tétar van Elven

    And discover all the pearls that tell Delft's history.

  • Get inspired by locals

    Young lady walking out of shop Groene Vingers

    Who better to tell you the best spots in Delft? Our locals. They tell about their favourite spots in Delft

  • Consult the UITagenda

    Consult the UITagenda

    For the best activities during your stay

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