Things To Do
in Delft
Delft is a compact, picturesque Dutch town best known for its blue-and-white Delftware pottery, historic canals, and well-preserved medieval center. It is the birthplace of painter Johannes Vermeer and combines artistic heritage with a lively student culture from TU Delft. The city’s narrow streets, market square, and towering Nieuwe Kerk create an intimate, walkable atmosphere that rewards slow exploration.
Delft also sits conveniently between The Hague and Rotterdam, making it a great base for regional day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the iconic Markt square, where the stunning City Hall and the Old Church stand tall. Enjoy a fresh pastry and coffee from a local bakery as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll around the square, admiring the historical buildings and the bustling market stalls.
Visit the Vermeer Center to learn about the life and works of the famous painter Johannes Vermeer, who hailed from Delft. Afterward, explore the Royal Delft factory, where the renowned blue-and-white pottery is made, and witness the intricate art of pottery painting. Conclude your afternoon with a peaceful walk along the canals, taking in the picturesque views and charming houses.
Dine at one of Delft's cozy restaurants, where you can savor traditional Dutch cuisine paired with local beers. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, enjoying the serene ambiance of the city at night. End your day with a visit to a local pub for an authentic Dutch experience.
Begin your day at the Museum Prinsenhof, where you can delve into the rich history of Delft and its connection to William of Orange. Admire the impressive collection of paintings, artifacts, and exhibitions that showcase the city's artistic heritage. Don't forget to take a moment in the lovely courtyard garden, a peaceful spot for reflection.
Head to the Delft University of Technology to explore its modern architecture and innovative exhibitions, which highlight the intersection of art and technology. Afterward, wander through the botanical garden on campus, filled with diverse plant species and serene walking paths. Grab lunch at a nearby café that offers a fusion of international and Dutch flavors.
Attend a cultural performance at the Theater de Veste, where you can enjoy local theater productions, music concerts, or dance performances. After the show, indulge in a delightful dessert at a café nearby, sampling traditional Dutch sweets. As the evening winds down, take a stroll along the canal, enjoying the quiet charm of the city.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $5-7 |
| 🏛️Museum ticket (average) | $10-15 |
| 🚆Local train fare to nearby city | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming, compact historical center with canals and architecture
- Strong cultural heritage (Vermeer, Delftware) and good museums
- Excellent cycling infrastructure and easy day trips to The Hague and Rotterdam
- Can get crowded in peak summer and market days
- Limited nightlife compared with nearby larger cities
- Weather can be changeable and often windy
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank je wel / Dank u" - Thank you (informal / formal)
- "Alsjeblieft / Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go (informal / formal)
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
Places to Visit in Delft
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide views of the square with the impressive Nieuwe Kerk tower — great for architectural shots and morning light.
Picturesque lined canals with reflections of historic houses and boats; best at golden hour or early morning for calm water.
Colorful Delftware workshops and kilns provide interesting detail shots and portraits of artisans.
Lush plantings, glasshouses and intimate garden scenes ideal for macro and nature photography.
Natural landscapes, lakes and wide skies ideal for nature and sunset photography just outside the city center.
Food in Delft
Delft Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy, deep-fried meat ragout balls served with mustard — a classic Dutch bar snack found in pubs and cafés around Delft.
Must-Try!
Salt-cured North Sea herring often eaten from a paper wrapper with onions; try it at market stands or fish shops during the season.
Large Dutch pancakes available sweet or savory; ideal for a relaxed lunch at family-run eateries.
Gouda, Edam and local varieties sold at markets and cheeseshops — sample them at the Markt or specialty stores.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The central square hosts a bustling market with fresh produce, cheese stalls, fish vendors and street snacks like herring and stroopwafels.
Look for seasonal stalls and takeaway options — great for trying quick local specialties while strolling the canals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect bike lanes — cyclists have right of way, and many locals ride fast; avoid walking in bike lanes.
Dutch people are typically direct and punctual; be on time for appointments and keep communications straightforward.
Keep noise levels moderate in residential areas, especially at night; dispose of trash properly and respect public spaces.
A friendly hello (handshake or brief nod) is customary when entering small shops or meeting hosts.
Safety
Tipping in Delft
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service in restaurants. Small change at cafes, taxis and for porters is common.
Contactless cards and debit (Maestro/Bankkaart) are widely accepted; many places accept major credit cards, but smaller stalls or cafés may prefer cash. Mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay) are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and bulbs in bloom make for pleasant walks; weekends can be busy, and spring showers are possible — pack a light rain jacket.
Warmest and busiest season with long daylight hours, outdoor terraces and events; expect tourists and plan ahead for popular sites.
Crisp air and colorful foliage in parks and polder areas; fewer crowds and good light for photography, but bring layers and a windproof jacket.
Chilly, damp and occasionally snowy; museums and cafés offer cozy respite — check opening hours around holidays and be prepared for short daylight hours.
Delft at Night
Hiking in Delft
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy lakeside walks and woodland paths ideal for short hikes, birdwatching and picnics just a short bike ride from the center.
Polder landscape with marked routes through meadows, waterways and farms — good for moderate hikes, cycling and encountering local wildlife.
Sand dune and coastal area near The Hague offering longer trails, dunes, small lakes and varied flora and fauna.
Coastal walks along wide beaches and dunes suitable for vigorous hiking and spectacular sea views; reachable by bike or short train/bus ride.
Airports
How to reach Delft by plane.
The closest small international airport (about 20–30 minutes by car/train to Rotterdam, then short onward connection to Delft). Convenient for European flights.
Major international hub about 45–60 minutes by train to Delft (typically via Rotterdam or direct regional services); offers the most flight options worldwide.
Smaller airport further away (around 90–120 minutes by train/car) with budget and seasonal routes; a possible alternative for low-cost carriers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
TU Delft brings a large international and national student population, contributing to a youthful, dynamic atmosphere and diverse eateries.
Many Dutch families and multi-generational residents live in Delft, maintaining traditional shops, community life and local events.
Proximity to The Hague (international institutions) and the university attracts diplomats, academics and professionals who live in or commute to Delft.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Both a mode of transport and a popular recreational sport; many residents cycle daily and there are organized routes for road and leisure cycling.
Widely followed across the Netherlands — local fans follow national clubs and regional teams; casual football is common among students.
Water sports are popular given Delft’s canals and proximity to coastal waters and lakes; student rowing clubs are active at TU Delft.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Delft.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in Delft’s cafés and many restaurants list meat-free dishes; mention preferences and staff will usually adapt meals easily.
Vegan choices are increasingly available (plant-based burgers, dairy-free milks in coffee); look for specifically labeled menu items or ask servers for recommendations.
Gluten-free bread and menu options are offered in some places, but smaller cafés may have limited choice — check ahead for cross-contamination concerns.