Delft is one of the most charming small towns in the Netherlands, and it is right next door to The Hague. Its canals, bridges and gabled houses look much as they did in the 17th century, when Johannes Vermeer was born, lived and worked here.
The vast Markt square is framed by the Renaissance town hall and the Nieuwe Kerk, where William of Orange — who led the Dutch revolt against Spain and was assassinated in Delft in 1584 — lies in a magnificent tomb, together with members of the Dutch royal family. A short walk away, the Oude Kerk leans visibly; Vermeer is buried there.
Delft also gave its name to the famous blue-and-white earthenware. Royal Delft, founded in the 17th century, still makes it by hand and welcomes visitors to its factory and museum.
Top things to do: Delft
Climb the Nieuwe Kerk tower
The church holds the tomb of William of Orange; its tall tower gives a view over Delft and, on clear days, towards The Hague and Rotterdam.
Visit the Oude Kerk
Delft’s oldest parish church, with its leaning tower and Vermeer’s grave.
Discover Vermeer
The Vermeer Centrum explains the painter’s life and techniques. His originals are in the Mauritshuis and other museums — see View of Delft in The Hague.
See Delftware being made
Royal Delft shows painters at work, a museum and a shop.
Take a canal boat
A boat trip is a lovely way to see the canals; private open boats are available for small groups.
How to get to Delft
- By train: about 10–15 minutes from Den Haag Centraal or HS to Delft station, a few minutes’ walk from the old centre.
- By tram: tram 1 runs from the centre of The Hague to Delft in roughly 30–40 minutes.
- By bike: about 45 minutes on cycle paths.
Insider tips
- Thursday has traditionally been market day on the Markt — check the current schedule.
- Combine Delft with Rotterdam on the same day by train.
- The Prinsenhof museum shows where William of Orange was assassinated.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled streets.
Best activities for Delft
These well-reviewed experiences pair well with a visit to Delft:
Museum & factory ticket Royal Delft: Delftblue Factory and Museum
A self-guided visit to Royal Delft (De Porceleyne Fles), where blue-and-white earthenware has been made since the 17th century, with a museum and a look at the workshops.
- The historic Delftware factory and museum
- Painters at work, by hand
- Audio guide in several languages
Private boat · per group Delft: Open Boat Canal Cruise with Skipper
Hire a small open boat with a skipper for your own group and glide through the canals of Delft, past the old churches and gabled houses.
- A private open boat with skipper
- Up to 8 people per boat, per the listing
- Delft’s canals at your own pace
Guided day tour From Amsterdam: Day Tour to Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague
A guided day trip from Amsterdam taking in modern Rotterdam, historic Delft and The Hague’s Peace Palace and Binnenhof area, with an entry ticket included.
- Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague in one day
- Transport and a guide from Amsterdam
- Madurodam or Royal Delft entry, depending on the option
