The lovely city of Delft is located in the South Holland province. It lies between Rotterdam and The Hague. Delft is best known for its unique blue and white pottery that is popular all over the world. Their other claim to fame is that the renowned artist, Johannes Vermeer who painted “the Girl with the Pearl Earring”, was born here. The city thrives on the tourist industry while being part of the Netherlands’ technology advancement network. During your stay at a cozy Airbnb vacation rental, you will find plenty of attractions to visit and places to see to create lasting memories. Delft is also home to some fine dining restaurants, trendy cafes, bistros, and bars. Shoppers will have their pick of branded stores or chic locally owned shops. To get the most out of your trip, check out this list of the top things to do in Delft, Netherlands.
1. Visit Delftblue Factory and Museum (from USD 16.27)
For those who have a fascination with the art of Delft Blue pottery, a visit to the Royal Delft Delftblue Factory and Museum is a must. This exceptional destination is the exclusive location where the authentic production of Delft Blue has taken place since the 17th century. Here, you can delve into the rich history and craftsmanship behind this iconic Dutch ceramic ware while marveling at a remarkable collection of both historical and contemporary pieces.
Additionally, you have the opportunity to partake in a painting workshop, allowing you to create your very own Delft Blue masterpiece. To complete your experience, indulge in a delectable lunch or indulge in a delightful high tea at the charming Brasserie1653.
Royal Delft: Delftblue Factory and Museum
Duration: 1.5 hour
2. Join an escape tour (from USD 32.48)
If you have a penchant for puzzles, mysteries, and history, then the Escape Tour Delft is an experience that will captivate you. This self-guided city game transports you back to the 16th century, immersing you in the footsteps of Balthasar Gérard, the assassin of William of Orange, as he attempted to flee from Delft. Your task will be to uncover the secret passages he utilized and unravel the clues he left behind.
As you navigate through the charming streets of Delft, you will also have the opportunity to appreciate the city’s stunning sights and attractions. The challenge lies in completing the escape within a time limit of 2 hours and perhaps even etching your name as an Escape Tour legend.
Delft: Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame
Duration: 2.0 hour
3. Marvel at the Gothic architecture of Nieuwe Kerk
In the middle of the market square sits Nieuwe Kerk, or New Church. The magnificent Gothic structure is anything but new, it dates back to the 1300s. Worth seeing inside the church are the tombs of the royal family and the crypt of William the Silent. The church has 16 stained glass windows, a tower with impressive views of the city, and a mechanical clock. Guided tours are available.
Nieuwe Kerk
Address: Markt 80, 2611 GW Delft, Netherlands
Website: Nieuwe Kerk
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 10 USD
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4. Walk along the Delft canals
The oldest canal is the Old Delft and was built for defense. The city was built around it around the canal became the chief mode of transportation. Supplies, goods, and people were transported by boat through the connecting waterways. Today, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the canals and take in some of the old tales that the city has to tell.
Delft Canals
Address: City of Delft
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Enjoy an afternoon of educational fun at the Delft Science Museum
The Delft Science Museum brings science alive for kids of all ages. The hands-on exhibits let them learn about technology and how things work. The Science Museum has workshops for kids and adults on Sunday afternoons. You can also find special events and exhibits centered around a particular theme, such as light or energy. Take a backstage tour and see what current projects the resident scientists are working on.
Delft Science Museum
Address: Mijnbouwstraat 120, 2628 RX Delft
Website: Delft Science Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 9 USD
6. Visit the last-standing Molen de Roos
Molen de Roos translates to ‘Windmill the Rose’. Molen de Roos is the last working windmill left in Delft. The windmill dates back to 1679 when the original wood mill was torn down and replaced with stone. You can take a peek inside and climb to the top to see the view of the area. The Molen de Roos is seven floors in height and the attic holds an exhibit on the history of windmills. When you see the flag hanging outside you will know that it is open to the public.
Molen de Roos
Address: Phoenixstraat 111, 2611 AK Delft, Netherlands
Website: Molen de Roos
Opening hours: Wed, Thu & Sat: 10am - 4pm; Fri: 1pm - 4pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
7. Explore the wonders of TU Botanical Garden
TU Botanical Garden is more than just lush greenery and stately trees. Together with the universities of Leiden and Utrecht, the garden is part of a scientific botanical network. The goal is to share knowledge on biodiversity, applied practices for conservation, and how plant life can be used with technology. The garden features a coniferous forest with rock gardens and a children’s play area. In the middle area is where volunteers grow edible crops and bee-friendly plants. Your walk continues through the greenhouses, technical garden and ends at the tree pavilion.
TU Botanical Garden
Address: Poortlandplein 6, 2628 BM Delft, Netherlands
Website: TU Botanical Garden
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: 7 USD
8. Tour the historic Oude Kerk church
Oude Kerk, or Old Church, stands over the infamous red-light district of Amsterdam. The church houses an extensive collection of religious artwork, along with the special exhibits that it hosts throughout the year. You can also enjoy weekly concerts, activities and other cultural events here. You can also enjoy the monastery garden, coffee factory, and pick up a souvenir from the museum shop.
Oude Kerk
Address: Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Website: Oude Kerk
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 5:30pm
Price: 14 USD
9. Cruise through the city on a canal boat
One way to see all the historic sites in Delft is to take a canal boat trip. You have two options for your canal cruise, you can book a canal tour with one of the companies that offer them, such as Rondvaart Delft. Or, you can rent a boat and see the sites on your terms. With a booked canal tour, you will get a guide that will share the history and stories of the sites you see. Either option is the ideal way to spend an afternoon.
Rondvaart Delft Canal Bout Tours
Address: Koornmarkt 113, 2611 ED Delft, Netherlands
Website: Rondvaart Delft
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 11 USD
10. Create countless memories at the photogenic Oostpoort
Oostpoort, or East Gate, is the only gated tower left standing in Delft. The tower was originally built in the 1400s to keep invaders out of the city. At the entrance to the gate is a medieval statue of a guardsman. The gate has been the inspiration of Dutch artists since its beginning. Now the Oostpoort is a popular tourist attraction used for the great photographs that you can capture there. the second floor of the tower is a private residence, but the ground floor holds an interesting, historical collection.
Oostpoort,
Address: Oostpoort 1, 2611 RZ Delft, Netherlands
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Travel the hiking and cycling trails of Wilhelminapark
Located on the northern edge of the city is Wilhelminapark. The public park was designed to resemble an English garden. Throughout the park, you will find open grassy areas for the kids to play, many lakes with bridges and benches around them, and numerous hiking and bicycling trails. Wilhelminapark is the ideal place to enjoy a sunny afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Wilhelminapark
Address: Colijnlaan en Westplantsoen, 2613 VZ Delft, The Netherlands
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
12. Learn about the Dutch Golden Age at Prinsenhof
Museum Prinsenhof Delft is housed in an urban palace that once belonged to William the Silent. The collection of artifacts and artwork will give you an idea of how the Netherlands was born. You will also see a large collection of pottery that led to the Delft brand becoming a worldwide brand. While exploring the museum you will have access to an audio guide that will share the history and stories of the collection with you. The kids will love the educational games and interactive displays.
Museum Prinsenhof Delft
Address: Sint Agathaplein 1, 2611 HR Delft, Netherlands
Website: Museum Prinsenhof Delft
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 20 USD
13. Come by Beestenmarkt and chat with the locals
There are several free things to do in Delft and one of them is visiting the Beestenmarkt. Once, this public square was home to the cattle market. Ranchers would come from miles away to sell their livestock. Today, it is a lovely place to sit and meet the locals. The square is surrounded by restaurants, terraces, and a hotel. During the winter, the ice rink is set up in the square, in the summer it is a shady place to relax and people watch.
Beestenmarkt
Address: Beestenmarkt, Delft, The Netherlands
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
14. Watch a show at Theater de Veste
Theater de Veste is the performing arts center for Delft. The building its located in is impressive all on its own. Inside, you will find bright cheerful colors and possibly an actor or two. The cultural venue holds shows of all types, including dance, music, acrobatic performers, and live plays. Be sure to check their website to see what performances are available during your stay. Theater de Veste is just one example of the many fun things to do in the Netherlands, providing an enriching and enjoyable experience for both locals and visitors alike.
Theater de Veste
Address: Asvest 1, 2611 PK Delft, Netherlands
Website: Theater de Veste
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 2pm - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
15. Spend some time appreciating art at Vermeer Centrum Delft
Vermeer Centrum Delft is a small museum dedicated to the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. The painter is best known for his piece “the Girl with the Pearl Earring”. While most of Johannes’ work is no longer in the Netherlands, you can get an inside look at what his life was like. The museum features an audio guide that will help you as you tour the artifacts of this collection. Johannes’ most popular works were of ordinary people, and you can ‘step’ into one of his scenes to create a memorable work of art of your own.
Vermeer Centrum Delft
Address: Voldersgracht 21, 2611 EV Delft, Netherlands
Website: Vermeer Centrum Delft
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
16. Take the kids to play at Avontura Delft
If you’re wondering what to do in Delft with your kids, Avontura Delft is the perfect place to let them have a great time and burn off some energy! This is an indoor playground for kids from 1 to 12 years of age The huge facility has plenty of activities for all likes, including jumping, running, sliding, creating, and building. The kids will love the fun mascots who interact and play with them. In the center of all the action is a restaurant where the grown-ups can relax while still keeping an eye on their kids.
Avontura Delft
Address: Leeuwenstein 18, 2627 AM Delft, Netherlands
Website: Avontura Delft
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 9 USD
17. Explore the historic city center of Delft
The city center, or Old Town, is a great place to explore. In this historic district, you will see beautiful old buildings dating back to Delft’s beginnings. At the center of these is the public square where the city hall is located. While meandering through the quaint streets, don’t be surprised if you feel like you have stepped into the past. Parts of the city center still retain the look, and feel, of the Middle Ages. During your adventure, you will find many cafes, bars, and shops to try and check out.
Old Town, Delft
Address: Old Town, Delft, Netherlands
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
18. Please your taste buds at Kek
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Kek is a trendy cafe/coffeehouse that is well worth a visit. The decor features artwork inspired by lattes. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch, along with delicious coffee drinks and pastries. Kek also offers a unique collection of items for purchase, some are edible and some are not. Some of the local’s favorites are the red velvet cake and the hearty organic salads.
Kek
Address: Voldersgracht 27, 2611 EV Delft, Netherlands
Website: Kek
Opening hours: 8:30am - 6pm (daily)
19. Sample some great beer at Bierhuis De Klomp
The Bierhuis De Klomp is Delft’s older bar and hang-out. Don’t let the exterior deceive you. Once inside you will be pleasantly surprised at the size of the place, which is divided into unique spaces. The Voorheis is where many locals come to have their first beer and is the oldest part of the cafe. Their Blue Room features the pottery Delft is famous for. And the Secret Annex is a great place to hang out and play board games with your friends. De Klomp serves over 80 different beers and some of the best Dutch gins. Come along with your group of friends to have a fantastic time together.
Bierhuis De Klomp
Address: Binnenwatersloot 5, 2611 BJ Delft, Netherlands
Website: Bierhuis De Klomp
Opening hours: 4pm - 1am (daily)
20. Get your adrenaline fix at Bleekemolens Race Planet
Bleekemolens Race Planet was the first to bring indoor go-karts to Europe. Adrenalin junkies will love the many opportunities to satisfy a need for speed. You can opt to just race around the track with your friends and family. Or, you can participate in one of Bleekemolens’ two-hour races and see if you can keep up. The indoor race track also features a kid’s playground, bowling alley, laser tag, and a souvenir shop.
Bleekemolens Race Planet
Address: Kleveringweg 18, 2616 LZ Delft, Netherlands
Website: Bleekemolens Race Planet
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 11pm
21. Relish the delectable seafood at Brasserie 't Crabbetje
Brasserie ’t Crabbetje is Delft’s premier French restaurant. The chefs specialize in tasty seafood dishes that are sustainable. The recipes used showcase the freshest seasonal produce available. You can choose the three-course dinner option, or just order the dishes that intrigue you the most. They offer both hot and cold appetizers and they have a children’s menu.
Brasserie 't Crabbetje
Address: Verwersdijk 14, 2611 NH Delft, Netherlands
Website: Brasserie ’t Crabbetje
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 5:30pm - 11pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
22. Discover the history of Delft pottery (from USD 5.0)
Delft pottery is very distinct and known by its blue and white designs. Now you can learn its history, see how its made, and take a piece home with you. The factory tour lasts about one hour and is available throughout the day. So you can visit it when you like. At the end of the tour, you will visit the showroom and be offered a discount on any additional pieces that you would like to purchase.
Delftse Pauw Pottery Factory Tour from The Hague
Duration: 30 minutes
Delft: a charming city with a rich history
Delft is a lovely city, full of history, that has something to offer visitors of all ages. The House of Orange is associated with Delft, and William of Orange, also known as William the Silent, is buried here. As you can see from our extensive list, you will find plenty of attractions to keep you busy. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the numerous options for hiking, swimming, camping, and even horseback riding just outside the city limits.
When it comes to the best coffee shops in Delft, you’re in for a treat. The city boasts a vibrant coffee culture with several fantastic options to choose from. And getting around the city is easy too; you will find canal taxis and public transportation to take you anywhere you want to go.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Delft, Netherlands
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