Welcome to my cultural travel blog (www.templeseeker.com). My name is Amy and I adore cute European towns and cities with beautiful architecture and historical Churches. As you can imagine, Delft was right up my street! In today’s blog, I am going to be answering a question that so many of you have been asking me – ‘Is Delft worth visiting?’
For the last two weeks, I have had the privilege of travelling around the Netherlands and I have realised that there is so much more to the Netherlands than just Amsterdam. Of course, Amsterdam is fantastic, but don’t limit yourself to staying there – jump on the train and check out some of the gorgeous canal lined streets of the smaller destinations such as Delft and Leiden. I travelled to Delft as a day trip from Rotterdam, but it is also doable as a day trip from the Hague or Amsterdam. The trains in the Netherlands are frequent, comfortable and easy to use. It was my favourite day trip of the whole holiday.
What is Delft famous for?
Delft is most famous for its gorgeous white and blue Delft pottery, which was originally inspired by imported Chinese porcelain and Japanese ceramics that were brought into the Netherlands by the Dutch East India Company. It is also famous for being the home city of the famous artist Johannes Vermeer who painted ‘The girl with the Pearl earring.’ You can see this painting if you visit the Het Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, where it is permanently exhibited.
So, is Delft worth Visiting?
First things first, is Delft worth visiting? I vote YES! Absolutely. This gorgeous little Dutch city exceeded all of my expectations. There are lots of interesting historical buildings including the Oudekerk (Old Church), Nieuwe kerk (New Church), Stadhuis (Town Hall) and Oudeport (The East Gate). It is brimming with museums (check out the Princenhof Museum and the Vermeer Centrum. If you are interested in learning more about the Delft Pottery, there is a dedicated Royal Delft Pottery museum. Attractions aside though, Delft is worth a day just to wonder around aimlessly taking in the beautiful views of the canals and enjoying sampling the local food in the cafes, such as Stroopwaffles. It’s not just worth a visit, in my opinion, Delft is unmissable!
When to visit Delft
The weather in the Netherlands can be cold, grey and unpredictable in the winter (a bit like UK weather), and so I would avoid going in the winter unless you want to try for some snow drenched pictures in December or January (possible but not always guaranteed!)
I went to Delft in May, which was the perfect time! The weather was beautiful and it was busy, but not too packed. Anytime between May and September would be suitable for a visit to Delft weather-wise. If you don’t mind the weather being a bit cooler (10-15°C), many people say travel to Delft in April for a quieter and more peaceful experience.
If you are visiting for a day trip, consider that on some days things are closed (for exampled on a Monday morning, many shops are closed). You may want to visit on a Saturday for the antiques market, or consciously avoid a Saturday if you don’t like shopping and crowds. There are also a few festivals that you many want to visit Delft for such as the Delft Fringe Festival (usually end of May/beginning of June), Delft Chamber Music Festival and the Delft Jazz Festival (August). However, if you are not into these kinds of things or don’t want the crowds then you may want to avoid them.
How long to spend in Delft
You will be pleased to know that one day is sufficient to spend in Delft. One full day in Delft will allow you to see all of the main historical buildings and monuments, go inside the two main churches (oudekerk and Nieuwe Kerk), enjoy lunch on Markt square, shop for Delft pottery and visit at least one of the Delft museums. Take your camera and make sure all of your gadgets are properly charged, because there is no doubt that you will be snapping photos and videos everywhere you look – it’s just so pretty! Of course, if you want to enjoy more time there for the markets and festivals, or maybe
Getting there and away – What is the closest Airport to Delft?
The nearest airports to Delft are Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), which is a massive international airport and supports lots of flights to UK and USA. If you are looking for cheap flights from the UK, both Ryanair and easyJet fly to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. There is also Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM), which offers flights with British Airways, Pegasus Airlines, TUI fly, SunExpress, Transavia and Air Arabia Maroc.
Getting to Delft by Train
As you don’t need to stay overnight – you can visit as a day trip from Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Den Haag (The Hague). It is around one hour away from Amsterdam, 15 minutes from Rotterdam and just 10 minutes from the Hague by train. The trains are easy to use and relatively good value for money – download the NS Train App here and book your trains in advance. The trains work with digital codes now, so there is no need for a printed ticket. Make sure that your phone is charge (maybe bring a power bank) and carry ID with you (train tickets are attached to your name in the Netherlands and they can ask to change your ID with your ticket).
A Brief History of Delft
Delft began as a small settlement in the 11th century, developing around a canal known as the “Delf,” from which the city takes its name. By the 13th century, Delft had been granted city rights and quickly grew into an important centre of trade and industry within the County of Holland. During the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, the city prospered through commerce, craftsmanship, and its strategic location between major Dutch cities such as The Hague and Rotterdam.
Delft also played an important role in Dutch political history, becoming closely associated with the House of Orange after William the Silent (known as William of Orange) made the city his residence during the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. Following his assassination in 1584, he was buried in the city’s Nieuwe Kerk, establishing Delft as the traditional burial place of the Dutch royal family. Today, the city retains much of its historic character, with canals, churches, and medieval architecture reflecting centuries of Dutch history.
What to see in Delft
Deflt is full of history, architecture, museums, churches, markets and cafe, so you can be sure to enjoy a jam packed schedule in Delft. If you can stay overnight and spend two days in Delft, this opens up more opportunities for shopping, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the local Delft craft beer. Here are some of the things that you should not miss in Delft…
The Most beautiful Canals in Delft
You will immediately get your camera out as soon as you set foot on any of the Delft canals, as they are all really beautiful. Particularly photogenic canals include Oude Delft, Koornmarkt, Vrouwjuttenland and Oosteinde (walk down this canal to Oostport gate).
Oostport – Delfts oldest City Gate
It is worth continuing your walk down Oosteinde to get some more canal-side pictures and to get a view of Oosport, which is the oldest city gate. This brick gothic gate was built around 1400 and it is sadly the last remaining of the eight original medieval entrance ways to Delft.
The Main Churches of Delft – Oudekerk and Nieuwe Kerk
Being templeseeker, I always love to visit the main Churches, and Delft boasts two fantastic ones that you can visit using the same ticket – Oudekerk and Nieuwe Kerk (€10 combined ticket allows you to visit both). Interestingly, although they are known as the old Church and the new Church, there is not much more than 100 years between them regarding when they were built. Construction of the Old Church began in 1246, as a successor to a wooden church from the 11th century. The New Church was built commencing in 1381.
There are some interesting things to see inside both of these Churches, and so it is well worth buying the combined ticket. Oude Kerk is renowned as the final resting place of the painter Johannes Vermeer (his grave is located in the choir section of the Church). The 75 metre tall tower of the Old Church is known as “Oude Jan” and has a lean to it of around 2m. If you look carefully from the outside, you will notice this. Oude Kerk has some gorgeous 19th Century stained glass windows and a wooden vaulted ceiling.
The Nieuwe Kerk holds the Dutch Royal Family’s royal crypt and the grand Mausoleum of William of Orange. A giant monumental pipe organ dominates the view from the Nave. If your legs can manage it, be sure to climb the 109-meter spire, which is the second-highest church tower in the Netherlands. You will get stunning panoramic photos of Delft from the top.
Additionally, there are a few other gorgeous Churches in Delft that are worth a stop for some photography – one of my other favourites is De Lutherse kerk (the Lutheran Church) with its beautiful canal-side location.
Stadhuis and Markt
After you have explored the main Churches of Delft, you will come out of the Nieuwe Kerk on Markt square and facing the Stadhuis, which is the town hall. The tower of the Stadhuis was remarkably once used as a prison – yes, even the prisons in Delft look gorgeous! The city hall of Delft originally dated back to 1200, but this medieval structure was destroyed by a devastating fire in 1618. Only ‘het steen’ which was the prison tower survived. The main building was then redesigned by renowned architect Hendrick de Keyser and rebuilt between 1618 and 1620. This Renaissance style building is the seat of the city’s government today, as well as being a popular venue for civil wedding ceremonies.
Lunch on the canals or Markt
Halfway through the day, you will start to get hungry after all that walking, and you will be spoilt for choice regarding food options in Delft. Here are some of the best food options in Delft…
- HANNO Groots Cafe on Doelenplein 7 – Global street food including Asian bao buns, spicy chicken, and Vietnamese pork belly sandwiches, with vegetarian and vegan options also available.
- ‘t Postkantoor on Hippolytusbuurt 14 – Dutch and European plates (think mussels, truffle risotto, rice platters with spring rolls, and roasted pumpkin soup) served in a gorgeous courtyard (when the weather allows!)
- Kek – De koffiebar van Delft on Voldersgracht 27 – Best for Coffee and Brunch – great for cortado (Spanish coffee), salads and foccacia and dips.
- De Botanie on Choor St 24 – The Drunken Botanist! Small plates and generous brunch items, with popular highlights including soft-shell crab brioche, pork belly, and vegan flatbreads.
- Affogato on Markt 49 (facing the City Hall) – Best for desserts including sensational ice-creams and waffles (I had the most amazing strawberry and nutella waffles here!)
Delft Pottery – Pottery Factory and Royal Delft Shop
If you are interested to find out more about how the beautiful blue and white Delft pottery is made, head to the Royal Delft Museum on Rotterdamseweg 196. During your visit, you will Royal Delft Museum you will learn everything about the history of the Porceleyne Fles. You will have the chance to see the historical collection (including the royal collection), and become acquainted with the traditional production process of Delft Blue pottery in the factory.
If you don’t have the time to visit the Royal Delft Museum, at least go to the Royal Delft shop right next to the Nieuwe Kerk on Markt 62. I was surprised to see these vases with individual flower outlets and realised that they were tulip vases, something I’d never seen before and didn’t even know existed! I bought some gorgeous pieces as souvenirs to take home including a Delft pottery mug and some Christmas ornaments. Regarding prices, expect to pay around €25-30 for a mug, €15-30 for a Christmas decoration and anything from €80 and above for a Delft pottery vase.
Museum Prinsenhof Delft
If time allows, head to the Museum Prinsenhof on St. Agatha Square 1. If you visit just one museum on your trip to Delft, this should be it! It is housed in the famous St. Agatha’s Monastery, which was the former residence and 1584 assassination site of William of Orange. You can see the rooms where William of Orange once lived and even witness the bullet hole left by his assassin. The museum has a collection of 17th-century masterpieces from the Dutch Golden age, featuring work by local Delft Masters, as well as more stunning exampled of historical Delft pottery. Check for opening on the Prisenhof museum website here, as it has recently been closed for refurbishment, and also closes regularly on Sundays.
is Delft worth visiting on Market day?
Delft is a famous market city and we were lucky enough to visit on a Saturday in May, which meant that the antiques market was on. It is definitely worth visiting Delft on a Saturday if you want to see the Antiques market. Here is a summary of the main markets in Delft, with Thursdays and Saturdays in the summer months (May to August) being the best days to go…
- Thursday Market – Main Delft market at the Markt.
- Thursday Flower Market – Brabantse Turfmarkt.
- Saturday Antique Market – Next to Oude Kerk (Old Church) and stretching through streets including Voldersgracht, Wijnhaven, Vrouwjuttenland, and Hippolytusbuurt.
Is Delft worth visiting – Overall Verdict
So, is Delft worth visiting? As you may have already gathered, it is a strong YES from me! Delft is worth visiting for couples, families and solo travellers and makes for a fantastic day trip from Rotterdam or the Hague. The beautiful architecture, historic Churches and treasures of the Antiques market made it well worth it for me. If you love cute, small and Instagrammable cities that are full of culture then do not miss Delft. If you don’t have Delft on your Netherlands itinerary, do me a favour and add it NOW! Delft was honestly my favourite place in the Netherlands and I returned to Rotterdam with both my heart and my belly full….along with a few pieces of Royal Delft Pottery, of course!
Further Reading on the Netherlands
If you enjoyed my blog on ‘Is Delft worth visiting?’ you might also like to read some more of my articles on the Netherlands. I have travelled in Netherlands for a total of 3 weeks now and experience many cities including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Delft, Den Haag (The Hague) and Leiden.