What to see in Delft

Delft, that hidden jewel of the Netherlands, is much more than just a scenic waterways and stores of blue ceramic. This city, with its rich history and unparalleled charm, looks like something out of a fairy tale. In addition to its famous ceramics, Delft is home to impressive churches, historic squares y museums that take you back in time. 

If you are deciding which sites to visit on your next trip, you may want to route through the Netherlands If you are looking for a day trip to Amsterdam, don't miss our list of must-see places in this beautiful city, as you will not be disappointed. It is only 45 minutes by train from Amsterdam, so we think it is the perfect day trip. Here are the best things to do and see in Amsterdam what to see in Delft to help you plan your trip in detail, so join us on this tour of Delft!

Market Square

The Market Square Delft, or Grote Markt, is the center of the city and, without a doubt, one of the first places you should mark on your Delft route map. You will be surprised by its enormous size It is one of the largest squares in Europe. 

It is surrounded by historic and colorful buildings that tell stories of centuries past. At one end of the square, you will find the City Hall (Stadhuis) with its Renaissance architecture that looks like something out of a storybook. In front of it, is the Nieuwe Kerk, or New Church with its imposing tower with panoramic views of Delft. 

If you're lucky enough to visit on a Thursday, you'll see the square come alive with a bustling market where you can find everything from local products to unique souvenirs. In addition, it seems to us the perfect place to make a stop to recharge your batteries, as the square is full of cafes and terraces where you can taste the local gastronomy while you watch the coming and going of the people.

2. Old Church (Oude Kerk)

If there is one place that transports you directly into Delft's past, it is undoubtedly the Oude Kerk, or Old Church. This gothic jewel, with its tower of 75 meters inclada (yes, you read that right, leaning!), is one of the most emblematic symbols of the city. It is estimated to be from the eleventh century and that the tower was built on top of what was the main canal of Delft, hence with the passage of time has been sinking gradually, giving it the characteristic appearance of a leaning tower. 

We recommend you to enter if you have the opportunity, as it has some impressive stained glass windows. In addition, the Old Church houses the grave of one of the most illustrious sons of Delft, the painter Johannes Vermeer which makes it an obligatory stop for art lovers. However, if you do not want to go inside, we recommend you to go and see it because the environment The location is beautiful, with the canal at your feet and the typical dutch houses background, creating a perfect postcard that you will want to immortalize.

After the visit, we recommend a stroll in the surrounding area, as the area is full of charming little stores and cafes where you can relax and soak up the authentic Delft atmosphere. 

3. New Church (Nieuwe Kerk)

The New Church or Nieuwe Kerk, is located on the Market Square as we mentioned before, but do not be fooled by its name! XIVth century! So new, new it is not. 

Its main attraction is its imposing bell tower of more than 100 meters high, being one of the highest in the Netherlands. We recommend you to visit it if you have enough energy because you have to walk up more than 300 steps on a narrow walkway. The views from above are impressive The whole of Delft at your feet, with its orange roofs and canals glistening in the sun.

The church houses the remains of a large number of members of the Dutch royal family, such as. William of Orange a key figure in the history of the Netherlands. You can buy a combined ticket 8 to see both the Old and the New Church. 

4. City Hall (Stadhuis)

This impressive Renaissance building of the thirteenth century, located in the Market Square, has been rebuilt several times over the years. In 1618 it suffered major fire damage and was rebuilt in the Renaissance style that it has today, preserving its gothic tower known as "Het Steen", which was once a prison. Today the tower houses a Torture Museum. 

Outside you can admire the impressive statues that adorn the entrance, representing justice and prudence, and inside, the rooms decorated with wood paneling and antique paintings. It is common for the building to house temporary exhibitions related to local history, so if you are looking for a unique blend of history and art, the Delft City Hall seems to us a highly recommended option. 

5. Old Canal (Oude Delft)

If there is one thing that defines Holland apart from its tulips and windmills, it is its canals! And in Delft, the Oude Delft o Old Channel is the most emblematic. Imagine walking along a meandering canal flanked by centuries-old trees and historic houses with facades that reflect in the water, it's pure magic!

This channel is the oldest The legend tells that the first inhabitants of Delft settled on its banks. Along its banks, you will find several monuments and old buildings that bear witness to the commercial and artistic past of the city. We recommend rent a bicycle Or just stroll and get lost in the many bridges and alleys that cross it, and don't forget to bring your camera!

6. East Gate (Oostpoort)

At the eastern end of the city, you will come across a little piece of Delft history: the Oostpoort o East Gate. This door, flanked by two watchtowers is the only gate in the city that has survived from the Middle Ages. It served not only as an entrance to the city, but also as a defense, so its robust structure and defensive details are still visible.

This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Delft, because with its red bricks and its drawbridge Oostpoort looks like something out of a fairy tale. You can take a leisurely stroll around and enjoy a quiet corner with spectacular views and full of history. It is also ideal for taking stunning photos.

7. Vermeer Center

One of the best things to do in Delft for the art lovers is the visit to the Vermeer Center. Johannes Vermeer, the famous 17th century painter, was born and grew up here, leaving his unmistakable mark on the city. This small museum offers a journey through the life and work of the Dutch painter.

Located in a beautiful brick house next to a canal, in the Vermeer Center you will not find original works, but rather reproductions full-scale of his works. In addition, you will find interactive displays which will transport you to the Delft of the 17th century, and in which you can appreciate the influences of the period. General admission costs 12€ and is open daily from 10am to 5pm. With the entrance you have a free audio guide. 

If you don't have time to go in, you will at least pass by it, since it is located on the street Voldersgracht One of the main streets of Delft and one of the most beautiful, full of small bars and charming stores, which run along the canal with the same name. 

8. Prinsenhof Museum

Located in a 15th century former monastery This museum is a piece of history in itself and, if only to see it from the outside, it is worth visiting this beautiful corner on the route through Delft. This museum is dedicated to the Dutch history with a special section on William of Orange the founding father of the country. It was in these same rooms that William was assassinated in 1584. If you pay attention, you will see that you can still appreciate the bullet holes on the walls!

In addition to this historical moment, the museum houses an impressive collection of antique objects and paintings depicting life in Delft over the years. It is open every day except Mondays and the general admission fee is 14€. 

9. Royal Delft

One of the most curious things you can visit in Delft is the factory of Royal Delft blue ceramic. Delft was formerly a place of reference in the manufacture of this pottery, very famous among the wealthy families of the sixteenth century, having in the city more than 30 factories of this type, of which today only remains standing the Royal Delft. 

In this museum you can see all the manufacturing process y hand painted of ceramics, in addition to an impressive collection of it. And the most interesting part for us is that you can make a workshop for paint your own blue tile It's a great plan! For us it is one of the best things to do in Delft if you have bad weather.

10. Windmill of Roos (Molen de Roos)

The Roos Windmill is the typical Dutch mill that you always see in photos of the Netherlands. This 18th century mill is the only one of the 9 mills in Delft that is still standing, and it was used in the past for grind corn. It has been restored several times over the years and guided tours are organized inside. It is possible to visit to see it in operation and learn a little about the history of windmills in this country.

11. De Beestenmarkt

This small square with lots of charm is one of the best places to visit in Delft to have a drink and relax after a day of sightseeing. Now filled with cozy cafes and restaurants This square used to be, as its name indicates, the main livestock market of the city until the 19th century.
Today, the Beestenmarkt has traded his cows and sheep for terraces and shady trees, making it one of the favorite places to visit, especially between the premises. It is the ideal place to savor the local cuisine and enjoy a Dutch beer. In addition, if you go when it is cold you will see that the terraces are all equipped with stoves and blankets to cover yourself, a luxury!

📍Delft tour in one day (Map)

Here is the walking route we followed to visit Delft in one day. All the sites we tell you about can be seen by following the route marked on the map.

As you can see, the city is small enough to be able to walking it on foot completely. There are some points that are further away, such as the Royal Delft or the Oostpoort, which you can walk to (about 20 minutes from the center) or take a bus or a bike. In one day you will have plenty of time to see the must-see sites of Delft.

If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement What to see in Delft you can visit our posts about Netherlands.