10 Top Things To Do in Delft The Netherlands
When you’re planning a trip to The Netherlands, you may ask yourself is it worth visiting Delft?
I’m going as far as to say that Delft is one of the prettiest places in Europe so yes, it is definitely worth visiting for a few days to go Delft sightseeing like I did or even as a Delft Amsterdam day trip!
Delft city is found in South Holland but is big in terms of Netherlands history and pottery and should be high on travellers’ buckets list. Here’s the top things to do in Delft!
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Contents For Delft What to Do
What is Delft Nederland / The Netherlands?
The city of Delft is located in Holland, between The Hague and Rotterdam. Delft to Den Haag is 30 minutes drive and Rotterdam to Delft is 25 minutes drive away.
I caught a Flixbus from Amsterdam to Delft which cost just €4 and Amsterdam to Delft distance is 67km so only took 1.5 hours to get there and see the places to visit in Delft.
Netherlands Delft Facts
- The population is just over 100,000 people.
- Delft is famous for Delftware also known as Royal Delft which is the white and blue porcelain you see everywhere!
- It is a University city so you see lots of students and businesses aimed at student population.
- The church in town (see more below on visiting) is where the Royals are buried including William of Orange, one of the must Delft places to visit.
- Delft is found on the River Schie in Holland.
Fun Things To Do in Delft
1. Royal Delft Museum
You can visit the museum of this Royal company, Delftware, to discover traditions that are still use today to create Delft Blue.
You can watch workers at work or participate in your own workshop, admire the pottery and enjoy a hot beverage in the gardens. Get your ticket to visit Delft Pottery here or see below for the museum availability:
2. Enjoy a beer or coffee on the Square of Chairs!
Okay, the square of chairs isn’t the official name but it is literally a huge piazza place full of chairs from the restaurants in Delft and cafe in Delft around the perimeter. You can purchase your drink and take a chair to enjoy the surroundings.
Note: I didn’t see any coffee shops in Delft but for any specific places check out Reddit for recommendations.
3. Visit The Prince’s Court AKA Museum Prinsenhof
Visiting The Prince’s Court, known as Museum Prinsenhof, which is a former monastery and an impressive building just to look at is the best way to learn all about Delft history, Willem I the Silent and the Dutch Royal House, and how his actions have impacted the country today.
This is also the place where William of Orange was murdered by his servant on orders from King Phillip II of Spain who offered a cash reward for killing Willem. This is a Delft must see!
4. Stroll the River Schie
Delft is found on the River Schie with canals running throughout the entire city. I recommend walk a little bit outside of the centre of city and finding a good spot to stroll adjacent to the river or getting some picnic supplies to enjoy on the river.
Being a student city, Delft has a strong and popular rowing community and you can often see lots of rowers passing by with their trainers shouting at them on a tannoy. Alternatively, you could rent a canal water bike to see the city!
5. Oostpoort (East Gate)
The most photogenic area of all the activities in Delft, Oostpoort looks like a fairytale castle. It reminds me of Castell Coch in Wales.
You can stroll the river from the centre to reach the East Gate of the old city and cross the bridge for stunning photos of Delft things to do.
6. See The Canals, Markt Square, and Town Hall
Everywhere you walk you will see a beautiful spot whether it’s through the canals, alleyways between churches or the market in front of the Old Church and New Church.
To experience the fun attractions in Delft visit a Delft city walking tour for a detailed guide of the best things to do in Delft.
7. Eat Dutch Food!
The market is one of the things to see in Delft and is a great place to sample local delicacies such as Kibbeling or Herring fresh from the Market in the town centre or go shopping and get some fresh produce including locally-produed honey!
There is also Albert Heijn Delft which is the main supermarket in The Netherlands to get groceries or picnic supplies for other Delft things to do.
For where to eat in Delft other than the market, check out De Roti Shop for Surinamese food or Indo to Go for Indonesian food.
Related Post: Review of Dutch Food Tour in Amsterdam
8. Go to Vermeer Centrum – A Delft To Do!
This is the centre to learn all about the famous Dutch painter, Johannes Vermeer, who lived and is buried in Delft. The museum is a dedicated to him and his work. Get your entry tickets for Vermeer Centrum museum.
9. Oude Kerk (Old Church)
One of the best Delft tourist attractions is Holland’s leaning tower of Pisa standing 75 meter!
Dutch artists and famous people are buried here including a mausoleum of painter, Jan Vermeer. Click here to get entrance tickets for both Oude Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk!
10. Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and Tower
The not-so-new church (finished in 1496) is the burial place of the members of the Dutch Royal Family including William of Orange, the nation’s father who is entombed here in a mausoleum. Click here to get entrance tickets for both Oude Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk!
I’ve left my favourite things to see in Delft Holland until last: The New Church Tower! You can climb 376 up to the top of the tower for 360 scenic views of Delft, Den Haag and Rotterdam. The steps have gaps and the walkway is narrow but definitely worth it for the view at the top.
Note: To climb the tower you will need to purchase an extra ticket on arrival. I paid €5 for entry.
Join an Amsterdam to Delft Day Trip
Choose from one of the day trips from Amsterdam to Delft via Viator below:
Accommodation in Delft Netherlands
Here is your warning before you are overcome with envy of the gorgeous Airbnb Delft in Netherlands gave me!
I stayed in a tiny home on the River Schie about a one hour walk from Delft centre but just 10 minute drive by Uber/Car/Taxi.
It had everything you could possibly want in a relaxing stay watching the sun come up and down, enjoying a drink, watching the dozens of rowers, boats and ducks passing by and experiencing a bit of Netherlands countryside!
If you’d prefer a more central location for accommodation Delft because my Airbnb was quite far out, try booking Delft which is close to the bus station for onward travel around Europe.
Booking.comIf you don’t know by now, although there are good Delft places to see, Delft is a great place to ‘just be’.
I highly recommend visiting Delft on your Netherlands trip or Europe tour to see a different side to The Netherlands and visit a pretty city outside off Amsterdam!
Thanks for reading my Delft Netherlands things to do post!
Read Next: First-time Tips to Amsterdam!
Rushed? Save Delft Things to See Guide For Later!
