Delft walking tour & city guide
Vermeer's hometown of canals and blue pottery.
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Delft is a small, picture-perfect Dutch city of tree-lined canals, humpback bridges and a great market square. It is famous around the world for Delft Blue pottery and as the home of the painter Johannes Vermeer, and its relaxed atmosphere makes it a favorite day trip.
Market Square and the churches
The Markt, one of the largest market squares in the Netherlands, is framed by the Renaissance City Hall at one end and the New Church at the other. The New Church holds the tombs of the Dutch royal family, including William of Orange, the father of the nation, and its tower offers wide views.
The Old Church, with its leaning tower, is the city's oldest, and Vermeer is buried there. The Vermeer Centre tells the story of the painter, who painted the famous View of Delft.
Delft Blue
In the 17th century, Dutch potters began copying the blue and white porcelain that the East India Company brought from China, and Delft became the center of this craft. Royal Delft, the last original factory from that era, still paints pottery by hand and can be visited.
The canals of the Oude Delft and the Voldersgracht are among the prettiest in the country, especially on a quiet morning or when the market is in full swing.
Visiting tips
Delft is about an hour from Amsterdam by train and only 15 minutes from The Hague and Rotterdam. Thursday is market day on the Markt, and on Saturdays there are flower and antique markets along the canals.
Top sights in Delft
- 1
Markt
A grand market square with the City Hall.
- 2
New Church
The resting place of the Dutch royal family.
- 3
Old Church
A gothic church with a leaning tower.
- 4
Royal Delft
The historic Delft Blue pottery factory.
- 5
Vermeer Centre
The life and work of Vermeer.
- 6
Oude Delft canal
One of the oldest and prettiest canals.
Food markets & where to eat in Delft
Markt cafés
Terraces facing the City Hall and New Church.
Thursday market
Stalls with cheese, fish and stroopwafels.
Beestenmarkt
A leafy square full of café terraces.
Canal-side cafés
Coffee and apple pie by the water.
Food to try in Delft
Apple pie
Dutch apple pie with whipped cream.
Kibbeling
Fried fish from the market.
Dutch cheese
Gouda and other local cheeses.
Poffertjes
Small fluffy pancakes.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Delft
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in DelftCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Delft.
- eSIM for NetherlandsStay online from the moment you land.
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