24 hours in Delft - your ultimate citytrip (for students)
Fancy a spontaneous trip with your friends, without travelling far but with maximum atmosphere, events and fun? Delft is just such a city where everything is right: compact, lively and always a little surprising. Delft is one of those cities where you are in the right vibe in no time. Whether you come for atmosphere, events or just to hang out, in 24 hours you will get the most out of your May holiday here.
Those who live or study here know: Delft is not something you "just visit", you experience it!
Morning: quiet start in the city centre
Start your day relaxed with a coffee to-go and a stroll through the historic city centre. Canals, old facades and small streets immediately provide that typical Delft vibe. Everything is close by, so it's easy to wander here without a plan. Along the way, you will come across plenty of cute boutiques and vintage spots.
For a top hospitality spot, walk towards the Doelenplein, one of those places where you immediately understand why locals love Delft so much. UITblinker Chelsey (25), born and raised in Delft, calls this her favourite place in town. Among other things, you will find Hanno Groots Café, where you can linger in the sun on the terrace or in the atmospheric lighting at night. The square sits just outside the biggest crowds, but always full of life.
In the May holidays there is often extra excitement, such as the Delft Antiques Market. Even if you don't necessarily want to buy anything, it's fun to stroll around here and soak up the atmosphere. From unusual finds to just good people-watching. This is one of those places where it's easy to linger.
Afternoon: Some action!
Time to delve further into the city. Delft is full of unique shops and local spots, such as LACHA STUDIO store, where you will find clothes and accessories that are just a little different from the standard shopping street.
Even more action? Discover Delft from the water. An absolute must: supping through the canals. With a SUP board you discover Delft in a totally different way. It is relaxed, a bit sporty and above all just great fun with friends.
Prefer something more creative? Then check out the Urban Blue exhibition. Here you dive into modern art and urban vibes, and often you can also join a workshop. Ideal if you want something different from just walking around or sitting on a terrace.
Gained an appetite from all the activities? For food later in the day, one place remains a real favourite, according to UITblinker Chelsey: San Marco Delft. Fresh pizzas from the stone oven and just that cosy, uncomplicated atmosphere where you can sit well with your whole group.
Afternoon: chill mode on
Taking a break from the hustle and bustle? Then it's time for green. Agneta Park is perfect for that. This green, quiet park is just outside the hustle and bustle and feels like a mini escape. Bring some snacks, throw down your rug and enjoy the sun. This is exactly one of those moments when you think: why don't we do this more often?
Or you could just stay in town and settle down on a terrace. UITblinker Fee (21) calls Delft the ultimate shopping and chill city. She especially tips de Beestenmarkt: always lively, always people, always good for a drink with friends.
Evening: Delft comes to life
As soon as the sun goes down, Delft goes up another gear. During the May holidays, there are plenty of events and activities. Think Delft Live: a city festival where music, cosiness and a relaxed festival atmosphere come together. Perfect for diving in with your group.
And does your visit fall around Koningsdag? Then you're in the right place. The whole city turns into one big party with music, markets and fun everywhere. From daytime drinks to evening.
Night: linger a little longer (because you want to)
End your day as it should be: with a drink by the canal or in a cosy pub. Delft may not have the size of a metropolis, but the atmosphere makes up for everything. You roll from place to place and before you know it, it's time to go home (far too late).
Extra: robot vibes in the city 🤖
In between all the chilling, eating and events, you might suddenly come across something totally unexpected from The Robots Are Coming in Delft. Think: interactive robot-like installations and art that you don't just look at, but actually become part of.
This is not a "quiet look in a museum" thing, but rather made to experiment with and post about Perfect for TikTok or that one Insta-story your friends immediately respond to with "wtf is this?".
It feels a bit like Delft is suddenly getting a futuristic twist in the middle of the historic city. And honestly: that contrast is exactly what makes it so bold. From ancient canals to robot interaction in a few minutes' walk. Check out the agenda here.
Why Delft is perfect for students
What all the UITblinkers actually say? Delft feels like a mix of everything you want in one day: food, shopping, nature, events and, above all, lots of atmosphere. You don't have to plan anything tightly, the city does the work for you.