Delft
Western Europe · Netherlands
Did you know?
- Vermeer is buried in the Oude Kerk beside the canal.
- Blue-and-white ceramics are the local craft signature.
- Kobus Kuch is a local stop for appeltaart.
See also
Overview
Canals, bicycles and traditional architecture shape a visit to Delft. Its blue-and-white ceramics provide a distinctive thread for exploring local craft.
Languages: Dutch
Why go?
Delft is a mid-sized city in the west of the Netherlands, offering a beautiful, unspoiled town with traditional architecture, canals, and bikes. It's home to the world-famous blue-and-white ceramics known as Delftware. Founded in 1075, Delft has a rich history as a center of art and science, and is the birthplace of the Royal Academy that became Delft University of Technology. With a more intimate scale than Amsterdam, it provides an equally interesting insight into the cultural wealth of old Holland.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Delft's main station, near the city centre, offers frequent direct trains: from Den Haag Centraal (15-20 min) or Den Haag HS (10 min), Rotterdam Centraal (15 min), Schiphol Airport (35 min), and Amsterdam Centraal (1 hr). The Delft Campus station serves southern areas. Train services are operated by NS.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The compact city centre is easily walkable. Biking is popular, with cycle paths throughout. Tram line 1 connects Delft to The Hague and Scheveningen. Canal boat tours offer a different perspective.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The main square hosts a market on Thursdays. A bric-à-brac market runs Saturdays from April to October around the central streets and canals. Summer months see outdoor terraces and canal boat cruises. Delft Jazz takes place over four days in August.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation includes hostels and mid-range hotels. Hotel Coen Delft is next to the station offering a free sauna. Hotel de Emauspoort is behind the New Church with breakfast included. Hotel de Plataan features themed rooms. Westcord Hotel is an Ikea-themed property. Hostel Delft offers budget dormitories.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Restaurants on the central marketplace can be more expensive; back-street eateries offer better value. Try local favorites like appeltaart at Kobus Kuch, Indonesian at De Parel van Flores, or affordable Dutch meals at Thuis bij Ladera. For drinks, Bierhuis de Klomp serves a large selection of craft beers and jenever. Cafe het Klooster has 20 craft beers on draft.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Climb the Nieuwe Kerk tower for panoramic views of Delft, The Hague, and Rotterdam. Visit the Oude Kerk, leaning over the canal, where Vermeer is buried. Explore the Prinsenhof museum (closed for renovation until 2027). The Vermeer Centrum offers reproductions of all his works. Take a canal cruise for €12.50. Cycle to De Delftse Hout park or visit the Botanische Tuin for €2.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
The European emergency number is 112. Fire, ambulance, or police can be reached on this number, even without caller credit. Delft is generally safe, but take usual precautions against pickpocketing in crowded areas.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
The Hague is a 30-minute cycle or short train ride away. Scheveningen beach is reachable by tram 1 in about 1 hour. Schipluiden is a picturesque town popular with cyclists. Schiedam has an undiscovered historic centre. Hook of Holland offers a quiet beach and views of port ships; bike there and return by train (€7.50 for bike).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Delft, continue to the beach at Scheveningen, The Hague for its museums, or Schiedam for its historic centre. Hook of Holland provides a quieter seaside experience. Rotterdam is a short train ride away.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
'Le Vieux Jean
Le Vieux Jean is an expensive French restaurant with very good food. Expect to pay €80 per person for a starter, main, dessert and wine. The restaurants has a very extensive wine list. Make sure you reserve seating in the downstairs restaurant. A private room is available. Their lunch menu will satisfy the most critical customer. Expect the highest quality in both the service and food in Delft. The price reflects this.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Café de V
Excellent food, probably the best price/quality ratio in Delft, where food and hotels are generally overpriced. Daily menu at unbeatable prices (except maybe "De Ruif").
Recorded price: €7.50. Dinner about €10-20
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Chocolaterie De Lelie
Great place to get ice cream. Try the dark chocolate. They also make their own chocolates.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
De Beren
Very busy restaurant. It works according to the more than you can eat principle. The portions are large. The meat servings are big. Every thing is served with plenty of carbs like chips, potato or rice. A token amount of salad is added. Very good place to go with a group. Very good value and quick service. Not the best place for a diner for two. Delivery also possible.
Recorded price: 12–24
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
De Parel van Flores
Authentic Indonesian cuisine (unlike the other indo-chin-thai places in town). Family-owned with reasonable prices and OK food. The service and quality get mixed reviews. No reservation needed.
Recorded price: Appetizers €5, meals €10
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Eetcafé de Ruif
Excellent food at acceptable prices, the best place in Delft for a sunny summer day, food served in the garden and on a barge with sunshine till late in the evening. Daily menu at low prices is usually out at about 20:00.
Recorded price: Dinner €15-20
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Eettafel Sint Jansbrug
The largest venue of Delft with a changing clientele of students and non-students. On weekdays you can enjoy a meal from 17:30 to 19:30 for a small price.
Recorded price: Soup, main course and dessert for less than €4.50
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Jans Delft
Jans is a patisserie and lunch place located right in the centre of town. They serve their own baked goods, pies and have ice cream. Open for breakfast (on some days) and lunch.
Recorded price: €5-10
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Language
Dutch is official; English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Money
The currency is the euro (€). ATMs are available; credit cards are widely accepted.
Transport
Delft's main station has direct trains to The Hague, Rotterdam, Schiphol, and Amsterdam.