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Delft is a mid-sized city in the west of the Netherlands. It's a beautiful, unspoiled town with traditional architecture, canals and bikes. It's also home to the world famous blue and white ceramics. Delft makes a great destination for a day-trip or can serve as a base to explore the region. And if the bustling crowds of Amsterdam are not really your thing, Delft is a lovely alternative, offering an equally interesting insight into the cultural wealth of old "Holland", on a far more intimate scale.

Oude Delft with terrace-boats

Understand

Delft is more than 750 years old. Its name is derived from the Dutch word 'delven' which means delve or digging. Delft's oldest canal is called The Old Delft (de Oude Delft). Delft expanded around it; later on many other city-canals were dug as life lines through the city. These grachten are still the pride of Delft.

In 1246 Delft received city rights, granted by Holland's Count William II. Delft grew prosperous and new neighbourhoods were added to the city. In 1355 it reached the size it would remain at until the 1900s.

In 1536 a great fire destroyed 2300 houses. The most likely cause was lightning striking the tower of The New Church. About 100 years later, in 1654, an explosion destroyed large parts of town; a warehouse with 36 000 kg of gunpowder blew up. A new warehouse (Kruithuis) was later built, outside the city perimeter.

Nieuwe Kerk

Delft has long been a centre of art and science. With the foundation of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (East India Company) in 1602, Delft also became a trading center. The VOC was at one time the largest trading company in the world, with a huge fleet and offices all over Asia. One of the Dutch offices was in Delft.

In 1842, the Royal Academy for Civil Engineering (Koninklijke Academie ter opleiding van Burgerlijke Ingenieurs) was founded. Now known as Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), it is Delft's biggest employer. About 13,000 students study in Delft.

  • 1 VVV Delft (Tourist Information), Kerkstraat 3, ☏ +31 15 - 215 40 51, . Apr-Sepː M 10:00-16:00, Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 10:00-16:00; Oct-Marː M 12:00-16:00, Tu-Sa 10:00-16:00, Su 11:00-15:00. (updated Jun 2016)

Get in

By plane

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS IATA) is 45 min away by direct connection train. If you prearrange a taxi to pick you up at Schiphol, expect to pay at least €60 to Delft.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM IATA) is only a few kilometres away. Bus line 37 operated by EBS brings you to Delft (train station) in approximately 20 minutes.

When taking an airport taxi from Rotterdam The Hague Airport, expect to pay about €35 for the trip. Other, cheaper, options are prearranged taxis from Delft.

By train

See also: Rail travel in the Netherlands

There are 2 railway stations in Delft.

  • 1 Delft. The station is near the city center and also the best for the university. Among the popular direct train connections run are: Den Haag Centraal (15-20 min) or Den Haag HS (Hollands Spoor, ~10 min), Rotterdam Centraal (~15 min), Schiphol Airport (~35 min), Amsterdam Centraal (~1 hr). The current building of the station was opened in 2015. Delft railway station (Q800653) on Wikidata Delft railway station on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2019)

The 2nd railway station in Delft is Delft Zuid. It serves the southern residential areas and the southern part of the University quarter, this station is also closest to the historic site 'Het Kruithuis'.

By tram

Delft is a short tram ride from The Hague by tram. Tramline 1 runs from Scheveningen, through the middle of The Hague and Den Haag HS to Delft. Travelling time is approximately 30 min from The Hague (Centrum) to Delft. From Scheveningen to Delft takes about 45 min. Tell the driver your travel plans so that he can sell you the best value ticket. On the trams you now must use the OV-chipkaart or day-pass. Buy these from the central station or ask at an information desk.

By car

Delft, between the A4 and A13 motorways, is easily reached by car. Both highways are easily accessible both from Amsterdam/Schiphol and from Rotterdam. Delft has three exits off the A13 motorway. The city centre is best reached via the IKEA exit (exit 9). During the weekend this exit can be busy with IKEA shoppers. Then take the North exit (exit 8), or the South exit (exit 10) to reach the University. From the A4 motorway, take exit 14.

By bus

Buses from The Hague and Rotterdam terminate at Delft railway station. Tram line 1 from Den Haag (HS) runs to Delft and has stops near the city center and railway station.

Get around

By public transport

Local public transport in the town is a part of the public transport system of the Hague. As said, the historical centre of Delft is small enough to be explored on foot, but local public transport could be used to reach the Hague and come back. HTM travel cards are also valid here.

By foot

Walking - the centre is small enough to walk across in ten minutes. Most streets in the city centre are pedestrianized. But do take care: taxi's are allowed to use these streets. Especially at night they drive at inappropriate speeds. When walking through town make sure you leave room for traffic on bikes. The locals are zooming around going about on their daily business.The locals are usually aware of tourists looking up at the gables and are ready for unsuspended side steps, but do try to keep an eye on the traffic. A collision with a bike can ruin your whole day. Walking around without a top is considered uncouth.

By bicycle

The Netherlands is a perfect country for cycling. The land is flat, the views broad and cycle paths are everywhere. For the Dutch cycling is not only useful for the daily commute but also considered an excellent leisure activity. Inexperienced cyclists are few and far between. Cyclist are expected to ride their bikes in an assertive way. If you have a wobbly and uncertain trajectory, cars tend to overtake. This would make the cycling experience a harrowing experience. But realize that even if you have right of way, a car is still a lot harder then you.

Inside the Delft canal streets, most locals will mount the pavement shortly to let cars past on the canals where possible. This is just courteous because the next time when you are driving the car you hope to be let through as well.

At the train station in Delft you can rent bicycles. To rent a bike you will need a valid ID and a deposit (€50 for a simple bike or €145 for a tandem). The rental fee for a normal bike with a back-pedal brake will be €7,50 per day. (including insurance cover for theft). Often it is possible to rent a bike with gears or one with electric assistance. Especially if you are with a group it is best to reserve the bikes per telephone (015-2143033) beforehand. (Please) Make sure you understand the traffic rules before you set off.

By taxi

By car

The old city has been made largely car-free, but there are three large car parks at the edge of the center (Parkeergarage Zuidpoort, Markt and Phoenix). These car parks are expensive, but parking on the few public parking spaces on the streets in or near the city center can be even more expensive. The parking policy differs per area and is not always clear. Beware of the signs "alleen vergunninghouders" (permit holders only) in some streets in the vicinity of the city center, especially in residential areas. Sometimes only a floor tile with a "P" is visible. This means Permit parking. Many tourist assume "P" means parking and end up with a parking fine. Parking is energetically policed. Unauthorized parking will cost you about €70. A 10-minute walk from the centre parking for free can be found at the Nijverheidsplein. The University area will have space in the weekends.

Traffic rules on priority consider the vulnerability of the mode of transport. This means a car has to give way to a bike to avoid a collision. Even a bike travelling the wrong way up a one-way street, without lights, driven by someone clearly over the limit colliding with a car will put that car driver at fault. Because of the risk to the cyclist, the car should have done everything to avoid the collision, or he is at fault.

Be sure to check the mirrors before you make a right turn. There is a good chance a cyclist is between you and the pavement.

See

Markt at dusk

Markt square and around

  • 1 Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Markt 80, ☏ +31 15 212-3025. Closed on Sundays. Located at Markt, this church was built in 1496. The royal burial chamber is in this church but is not accessible. Prince William of Orange was the first to be buried here, after being shot in 1584. It is possible to climb the 108.75 m tower to get a impressive view of Delft and surroundings. It's the second highest church tower, after the Dom church of Utrecht. You can see both Rotterdam and The Hague. On clear days is it possible to see Leiden and even Amsterdam. It's well worth the effort. €5.5 for the church, €4.5 for the tower and €8.5 for both. A ticket is valid for both New and Old Church, but only the tower in the New Church can be climbed.. Nieuwe Kerk Delft (Q678611) on Wikidata Nieuwe Kerk (Delft) on Wikipedia (updated Dec 2018)
Stadhuis from up close
  • 2 Stadhuis (Town Hall), Markt 78. After a fire in 1618 after which only the tower remained, Hendrick de Keyser rebuilt the town hall. He reused the tower and some remaining walls. In 1620 construction was finished. The building was renovated in the 19th century. Town hall of Delft (Q732262) on Wikidata City Hall (Delft) on Wikipedia (updated Jun 2016)
  • Hugo de Groot (Hugo Grotius), Markt. On the market you will find the statue of Hugo Grotius (1583–1645). Grotius is the Latin version of the Dutch name Hugo de Groot. Grotius was a jurist in the Dutch Republic. He laid the foundations for international law and law of the sea. In 1618 Grotius was sentenced to life imprisonment to the Loevestein Castle, about 75 km south east of Delft. Grotius managed to escape in a book chest. Both the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the museum Het Prinsenhof in Delft claim to have the original book chest in their collection.
  • 3 Drogisterij De Salamander (Apotheek De Salamander), Markt 47. It's an old-fashioned pharmacy. The gable is adorned by a traditional Gaper. The pharmacist -in white lab coat- provides proper care and attention far beyond current standards. (updated Jun 2016)
Waaggebouw is quite inconspicious
  • 4 De Waag (Waaggebouw), Markt 111. A former weighting house. It hosts a café and a restaurant. (updated Jun 2016)
Vleeshal
  • 5 Vleeshal (Meat Hall), Voldersgracht 1. Built in 1650. It is one of the only Hollands Classical buildings in Delft. Built as a meat market, later it was converted for wheat. Nowadays it is a youth society and restaurant. (updated Jun 2016)
  • 6 Visbanken, Cameretten 2. Adjacent to the Vleeshal is the old city's fish market. Try traditional Dutch herring. The taste holds between raw tuna and "gravad lax" (cured salmon). The antique shop opposite the Visbank is the most photographed building in Delft. Note the fence. It is a depiction of the solar system. (updated Jun 2016)
  • 7 Beestenmarkt (2 min from the main square). This is a tree-covered square with restaurants, cafés and bars all with outside seating. Very busy all year round. Many pubs have patio heaters to provide comfort after sunset. One of the pubs even provides a sand pit for the children. The name of the square refers to cattle (beest is animal) market which used to be held here. During December and January, an ice rink is built on the square. (updated Jun 2016)
  • 8 Vrouwenregt. This is a tiny street at the back of the New Church. Note the little warped house on the corner closest to the church. It featured in the Girl with the pearl earring, a film about the painter Vermeer and every tourist takes it picture. (updated Jun 2016)

Other sites

Oude Kerk towering over the city
  • 9 Oude Kerk (Old Church), Heilige Geestkerkhof 25, ☏ +31 15 212-3015. Closed on Sundays. This is Delft's oldest church, built in 1246. The interior of this church is excellent. Famous Dutchmen are buried in this church, including: Piet Hein, Maerten Tromp and Johannes Vermeer. The Old Church leans out considerably over the Oude Delft canal. When the tower was built the canal had to be moved away from the church as the tower would have been half in the water. During the building works it became apparent that canal-half of the base soil was not firm enough to support the tower. To compensate for the tilt the upper part of the tower was built with a compensating counter curve. See New Church, since it's one ticket for both, but only the New Church tower may be climbed.. (updated Jan 2020)
Heraldic shields of the Delft Water Board members on the façade of the Gemeenlandshuis
  • 10 Gemeenlandshuis, Oude Delft 167. An imposing building dating from 1505 with richly decorated sandstone façade and a tower. Since 1645 it is a headquarters of Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland - a Dutch waterboard (updated Jul 2016)
The synagogue in Delft, designed after classical ancient temples
  • 11 Synagoge Delft, Koornmarkt 12, ☏ +31 15 256-3371. Jun-Oct: Sa 14:00-17:00. This former synagogue was built in 1862 as temple, to a design of Ir. Leon Winkel. The building houses a permanent exhibition to the remembrance of the Jewish victims in the Second World War. 
The Armamentarium at night
  • 12 Armamentarium (ArsenaalDelft). The building of the former arsenal, picturesquely located at the fork of canals, used to house the Royal Army Museum (Legermuseum) until it moved to Soest in 2013. It is now in redevelopment, but you can still admire the building from the outside. (updated Jun 2016)
  • 13 Oost-Indisch Huis (VOC-Huis), Oude Delft 39. not open to the public. The Dutch East India Company House consisted of 6 chambers. One of them was located in Delft. Delft had a harbour (Delfshaven) at that time, next to Rotterdam. The harbour was later engulfed by the growing city of Rotterdam. (updated Jun 2016)
Oostpoort on a snowy night
  • 14 Oostpoort, Oostpoort 1. The eastern gate to the city, built around 1400 and of the four original gates the only surviving one. Small building. It looks kind of cute. It is not on the famous painting by Vermeer (because that's the South Gate), as many tourists wrongly think. (updated Jun 2016)
  • 15 Artilleriemagazijn (Artillery Depot), Paardenmarkt 1. As a result of the reformation around 1572, many cloisters were abandoned. This happened to the Clarissenklooster as well. It became a warehouse for sulphur, saltpeter and canon. In 1637 a small tower for firepowder was built. In 1654 this tower exploded, destroying a large part of the city. After this it was rebuilt. 
Library of the TU Delft
  • 16 Universiteitsbibliotheek (University Library), Prometheusplein 1, ☏ +31 15 278-5678. Between the Mekelweg and the Schoemakerstraat sits one of the largest technical libraries of Europe. It is housed in a glass building, with a sloping grass roof penetrated by a concrete cone. Free entrance during opening hours. 
  • 17 Bagijnetoren, Phoenixstraat (at Bagijnhof). This lookout tower was built circa 1500, and is today preserved as a state monument (Rijksmonument). The back of the tower was set against the old defensive city wall which was built of earth and bordered by a canal. Both the wall and the canal are now gone leaving only the tower. (updated Sep 2018)
  • 18 Kruithuis, Schiekade 2 (Take the train to Delft Zuid, or follow the Schie towards Rotterdam.). The kruithuis is a 17th-century munition depot. It was build far out of the city center after the old munition depot exploded (Delftse Donderslag), The site features a gate house and 2 magazines build into the water. Nowadays the complex houses a scouting organisation and astudent fraternity. There is no tours or visitor centre, but it is a great place to visit for lovers of old architecture. (updated Apr 2019)

Parks

  • 19 Botanische Tuin (Botanical Garden), Julianalaan 67, ☏ +31 15 2782356. M-F 8:30-17:00, Sa 10:00-16:00, Su (only May-Sep) 12:00-16:00. The botanical garden of Delft University houses a large collection of 'utility' plants, both in greenhouses and a nicely laid out park. Good place to spend a few quiet hours on a sunny afternoon. €2, free for TU Delft students. 
  • 20 Agnetapark (10 min walk northwest out of the city's centre). This small park was built around 1880 by a local factory owner for his workers. It is the first garden city in the Netherlands. It contains the house of the owner and small working-class cottages and has been a state monument since 1989. (updated Jun 2016)

Hofjes

In Netherlands towns hofjes (almshouses) were built to host single women.

  • 21 Hofje van Gratie, Van der Mastenstraat 26-38. This was a hofje for single women, founded in 1575 by Pieter Sasbout. It was built on Korte Geer, but, with the expansion of the Armamentarium, it was moved to its current location. (updated Jun 2016)
  • 22 Hofje van Pauw, Paardenmarkt 54-62. It was built in 1707 as stated in the will of Elizabeth Pauw. (updated Jun 2016)
  • 23 Klaeuwshofje, Oranje Plantage 58-77. This hofje was meant for unmarried or widowed Catholic women. It was founded in 1605 by Dirck and Elizabeth Uyttenhage. (updated Jun 2016)

Museums

  • 24 Het Prinsenhof (Museum Prinsenhof), Sint Agathaplein 1, ☏ +31 15 260-2358. Tu-Su 11:00-1:700. In medieval Delft Sint Agathaklooster was the biggest cloister in Delft. After 1650 it was split in two parts. Part of the chapel remained for religious service (Waalse Kerk). Prince William of Orange held court in the rest of the complex. He was killed here in 1584. Nowadays the complex houses some museums, including the city museum. €7.50. 
  • 25 Science Centre Delft (formerly Techniekmuseum), Mijnbouwstraat 120, ☏ +31 15 2785200. Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 12:00-17:00. The museum, run by Delft University, is housed in a beautiful building. It displays a wide range of historical engines, as well as the history of the calculator. Activities aimed at children are organized regularly. €2.30. 
De Roos - the last windmill in Delft
  • 26 Museum Paul Tétar van Elven, Koornmarkt 67, ☏ +31 1521 24 206. 13:00-17:00. This former house of a 19th-century artist, Paul Tétar van Elven, is very well preserved, with the original furniture and interior design. €5. 
  • 27 Molen de Roos, Phoenixstraat 112, ☏ +31 15 5012672. W Th Sa 10:00-16:00, F 13:00-16:00, with variations for holidays. De Roos (The Rose) windmill, the last surviving windmill in Delft, was built in 1679 with a residence added in 1728. Its current appearance is from 1760. The mill is open if a blue flag is flying. For a group visit, call ahead. (updated Jun 2018)

Do

  • Stroll through town: suggested streets: Oude Delft, Boterbrug, Wijnhaven, Hippolytusbuurt, Choorstraat, Vrouw Jutteland, Rietveld, Kerkstraat, Markt ending at the Beestenmarkt for a refreshment.
  • Rent a bike and visit De Delftse Hout, a park/leisure area to the east of Delft. Cycle through the woods, sail on the lake, have a picnic, walk through the parks
  • Visit the bric à brac Markets around the central streets (Hippolytusbuurt, Vrouw Jutteland and Voldersgracht) and canals of Central Delft, every Saturday, April - October (free to visit)
  • Visit the Delft Library. DOK Vesteplein 100. This library was set up very different from other libraries. The books are in cupboarts on wheels. It won several national and international prizes because of its innovative layout and the other facilities and activities available. The reading room with the childerens books is very special. The reading room (and coffee corner) on the first floor has a fantastic glass ceiling spanning the whole library. There are many international newspapers and magazines available. Open Monday from 12:00 till 18:00 other days mostly 10:00 till 18:00. Closed on Sundays. More details on their (Dutch) website
  • Every week, Studium Generale organises lectures on a wide range of subjects. Usually these are in Dutch, but roughly once a month there may be one in English too. The lectures aim at the interest of students, but other people interested may often attend as well. Admission is usually free .

Attractions

  • 1 Vermeercentrum (Vermeer Centrum), Voldersgracht 21, ☏ +31 15 2138588. 10:00-17:00. It offers a view on the work and life of the famous 17th century painter Johannes Vermeer. The souterrain houses reproductions from all of his 37 works in chronological order. On the 1st floor, you find the studio of Vermeer that shows the methods and the famous light of Vermeer. On the 2nd floor, the special exhibition Love Letters from Vermeer reveals secrets from several famous paintings. There there are no original Vermeer paintings there: all the images exhibited are reproductions. €9. (updated Jul 2016)
  • Windmill Windlust, Oudeweg 70, Nootdorp, ☏ +31 6-27327289. On the road to Nootdorp 5 km outside Delft, on the IKEA side of the motorway you can find the Windmill Windlust. It is open to the public. Visit their website for the details and exact directions. It is best reached by bike. 
  • Petting Zoo (Kinderboerderij Delftse Hout) on the Korftlaan 3, is a 15 minutes walk from the city centre, via the "Koepoort" Bridge. Opening hours 10:00-16:00. Admission free.
  • Waterpark, next to the Petting Zoo Delftse Hout. You will find this park geared towards young children. A beach, swings, slides, a cable slide, clean toilet facilities and a maximum water depth of 40 cm (1 ft 3) and free admission make this a popular destination on sunny days. Same entrance as the Petting Zoo. The gate to the waterpark is half-way on the left.
  • Play grounds. Delft has five outdoor play grounds. These are outdoor areas with swings and various climbing frames. Target audience: 2-12 year olds. The biggest is the one on the Beukenlaan 1. The admission is free. It has toilet facilities and a simple shop for coffee, drinks and ice cream. On sunny days the volunteers sometimes run blow-up paddling pools. Opening hours, Monday till Friday from 13:30 till 17:30.
  • Kids Playground Delft (Kleveringweg 35 2616 LZ Delft Tel. 015-2190673) On the other side of the A13 motorway behind the McDonald's restaurant is an indoor playpark. Although staff motivation and facilities both need a polish it can provide a channel for excess child energy on rainy days. Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-18:00 admission €7 children and €1.80 per adult.

Theatres and cinemas

  • There are a few theaters in the inner city; Theater de Veste, Vesteplein 1 is the largest theater, with shows almost every night (except during summer). The Microtheater, next to the New Church is a small theatre with around one show per week. On the rietveld there is a small theater called the Rietveld theatre.
  • There are two cinemas in Delft. Filmhuis Lumen is a small pleasant cinema run mostly by friendly volunteers. It has a very nice foyer. It shows mostly non-Hollywood and art-house movies. Also the film "Girl with the pearl earring" is shown here once a week. Doelenplein 5 . Hollywood blockbusters can be seen in Pathé Delft, Vesteplein 5 . This is a new, large scale cinema near the Theater de Veste in the Zuidpoort (big screen, large comfy seats, expensive drinks and pre-made perfectly round popcorn).

Tours

  • Channel cruise (Rondvaart Delft), Koornmarkt 133, ☏ +31 15 2016385. daily 11-17. Experience a different view on Delft from a canal boat (Dutch and English tour guide). €6. 
  • The Canal taxi boat takes you to all the main tourist spots. You can flag a boat on the canals or you can order one by phone on 06 - 22 99 2795. Single fare €2,50 per person. It is also possible to rent the whole boat for €35 per hour for max 8 persons, it will pick you up from where you want.
  • Tour the sights of Delft in a horse-drawn tram if you like a bumpy ride surrounded in the smell of manure. It starts on the market square.

Events

Especially during summer there are several annual events to visit, most of them are in the open air and free to visit. For a list of upcoming events, you can check out the Event calendar: . An incomplete list of annual events:

  • Mooi Weer Spelen, creative event with street theatre (free), exhibitions and theatre shows on special locations (some of them are free), one entire weekend, usually somewhere in June
  • Taptoe, National event of non-military marching bands performing parades and demonstrations, usually the first weekend of September (free)
  • Westerpop, (rock) music festival with local, national and international artists, usually the last weekend of August (free)
  • Varend corso, flower decorated boats sailing from the Westland (the glasshouse area where special flowers are grown) to Delft, usually a Sunday in the beginning of August (free)
  • Lichtjesavond ("evening of lights"), evening with Christmas atmosphere, where Christmas songs are sung, a large Christmas tree on the central market square and many, many lights. Usually on a Tuesday evening, halfway December (free)
  • Open Monumentendag ("day of the open monuments"), on this national event, many monumental buildings can be visited for free, which are otherwise closed to the public. This includes climbing to the top of "Molen De Roos", the windmill on Phoenixstraat 112, and visiting the former city prison and torturing room (backside of the City Hall), where the alleged murderer of William of Orange was tortured in 1584. It usually takes place on a Saturday. Inform at the tourism office when the next open monumentendag is held.
  • Muziek op de Gracht ("Music on the canals"), in July and August free concerts are given on boats on the Vrouw Jutteland Canal.
  • Delft Jazz. Four days in August at least 20 pubs and outside podia are participating in Delft Jazz. It attracts a friendly crowd of people. 

Buy

The shopping area in the city spreads roughly from the "Zuidwal" on the south to the "Choorstraat" on the north. The national and international stores like C&A, H&M and McDonald's concentrate on the southern part of the city, while the more alternative small stores and gift shops can be found more to the north. Apart from some supermarkets, shops are usually closed on Sundays and on Monday mornings.

  • Vrouwjuttenland: In this short street along a canal, near the New Church, alternative clothing and gift stores can be found. Pipe or cigar smokers should definitely visit "Van Renssen". The street also contains an organic/health food supermarket. On summer evenings, once a week there are performances of musical artists, performing from a boat on the canal. Check the health food supermarket for the exact dates.
  • Choorstraat: Just around the corner from the Vrouwjuttenland, the Choorstraat can be found. This pleasant small street offers a variety of stores, like a drugstore selling all sorts of tea, an international gift store selling everything from tajines to Buddha statues, a chocolate store, a gameshop and a large book store with many international newspapers.
  • Hippolytusbuurt: At the end of the Choorstraat, until Wijnhaven is Hippolytusbuurt. This is one of the two major canals. It boasts the one of the oldest shops in the world. The Fish shop dates from 1342. The Tourist information point is here. A funny little sweets shop, two toy shops, two hairdressers, a Moroccan butcher with an excellent selection of olives and tapanades and two upmarket restaurants.
  • Bastiaansplein: The newest shopping area in town, consisting of a large supermarket (7 days a week open until 22:00) and several clothing stores. Tiles in the street light up at night.
  • Voldersgracht: For those who need good advise on tasteful alcoholic beverages, they definitely should visit the store Wines and Whisky's. Furthermore the Voldersgracht holds a large record shop, which sells a wide range of LP's and CD's from all ages. The street also has a religious gift shop, the Bijbel-In.
  • Martinus Nijhofflaan: The "Hovenpassage" is a covered shopping area, 15 minutes of walking outside the city centre. The shops are smaller and less alternative, but it contains a wide variety of stores and a large supermarket, the "Jumbo". Another large supermarket, the Albert Heijn, is on the other side of the street.
  • Oude Delft: Wine shop "Van Dorp" is near the Old Church. The shop is in the vaulted basement of a monumental house. The atmosphere inside is cool and tranquil and worth a visit by itself. The shop has an extensive selection of wine in every price category. The customer service is highly personal and very friendly. Because the shop doesn't lend itself to much browsing the shopkeeper (a wine connoisseur himself) will try and find out what is to your liking and then recommend a suiting wine without pushing expensive wines. The venue can also be hired for wine tasting sessions. A visit here will cure you from supermarket wine forever.

Delftware

Delfts Blauw (Delft Blue) is a traditional Delft pottery. In the 18th century the city was famous for its porcelain. Around 1750, 32 earthenware factories were located in Delft. Avoid anything that says "Holland" on it, or depicts windmills. Check out the antique stores if you want something really traditional.

Eat

Building bordering the market place

Restaurants on the central marketplace can be more expensive than those in back-streets.

  • Chocolaterie De Lelie, Voorstraat 10, 2611 JP Delft, ☏ +31 15 212 0363. Great place to get ice cream. Try the dark chocolate. They also make their own chocolates. (updated May 2015)

Pie and lunch

  • Kobus Kuch, Beestenmarkt 1. The café Kobus Kuch has a nice choice of lunch breads, but is probably best known for its home made pies, and particularly its appeltaart with whipped cream. If the personnel is not to busy to bake one for you, you can even order an entire pie to take home. 
  • Lunchroom Leonidas, Choorstraat. Named after the Belgian chocolates (which they sell too), has nice lunch breads and a wide variety of tea. During summer time you can take your lunch out in the patio at the back. Bonus here: no background music! 
  • Kleyweg's Stads-koffyhuis, Oude Delft 133. Kleyweg's Stads-koffyhuis is a favorite lunch place of many locals and undoubtedly sports the best sandwiches in town. It can be a bit crowded around lunch time however, so be on time. Otherwise stop there for coffee, Dutch coffee is consistently excellent, and goes well with the ubiquitous (and delicious) Dutch apple cake. It has a terrace boat in summer time which provides a lovely view of the oude delft canal. 
  • 1 Michel Boulanger, Oude Kerkstraat 3, 2611 HT Delft, Nederland, ☏ +31 6 24 34 94 15. M-F 08:00-17:00, Sa 08:30-17:00, Sa 09:00-15:00. Great little bakeries that does breads, sandwiches and cakes. €5-10. (updated May 2015)
  • Jans Delft (Jans), Brabantse Turfmarkt 87, ☏ +31-15 - 8200970, . 10:00-17:30. 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. €5-10. (updated Apr 2019)

Markets

On Thursday (at the Grote Markt and brabantse Turfmarkt) and Saturday (at the Brabantse Turfmarkt only) a market is held in Delft centre. Fresh produce, fish and flowers and non-food at bargain prices. Services like watch repair and mobile phone unlocking are also available. Try the sweet smelling freshly made "Stroopwafels" (syrup waffles). Try a herring or "Kibbeling" deep-fried battered fish. Every Tuesday a market is also held at the Papsouwselaan.

Restaurants

Budget

If you are on a really tight budget, many student societies provide food, for a modest price (around €4). To check what is on offer look here.

  • Pizzeria Dennis, Nieuwstraat 8, ☏ +31 15 215-8677. 16:00-22:00 daily. Reasonable pizzas and Middle Eastern dishes (shawarma/kebab). Relatively cheap. The place is much more oriented on take-aways than on eat-ins. No reservation needed. Has a nice website especially the registered users section. Pizza €5-7.50, Meals €10-14.50, Drinks €1.50. 
  • Thuis bij Ladera (Ladera), Oosteinde 123, ☏ +31 15 212-5950, . M-F 16:30-20:00. Affordable traditional Dutch menu in a tradiational Dutch 'living room diner' setting. Join the locals for a chat at the main table, have your own table, or eat in the garden (out the back, not indicated). Service fast and friendly, no reservation needed. Ask for special dishes, not indicated on the menu. Dinner €6.50-9.50, coffee €1. 
  • Snackbar Kockie (Kockies), Krakeelpolderweg 45. Tu-F 11:30-21:30, Sa Su 11:30-20:30. A bit of the beaten path, one can find a true Dutch snackbar. For many locals this is the best snackbar in town. This family business offers the full range of dutch snacks, including 'kroketten' and 'patatje stoofvlees' and also full snackbar meals. Most people order take away, but sit-down is also possible. €5. (updated Apr 2019)
  • Eettafel Sint Jansbrug, Oude Delft 50-52, ☏ +31 15 212-0619. 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. Soup, main course and dessert for less than €4.50. 
  • De Parel van Flores, Voldersgracht 31, ☏ +31 15 213-0946. 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. Appetizers €5, meals €10. 

Mid-range

  • Spijshuis de Dis, Beestenmarkt 36, ☏ +31 15 213-1782. Tu–Sa 17:00–close. Authentic Dutch fare, based on recipes of the Dutch Golden Age. €17–24. (updated May 2016)
  • Eetcafé de Ruif, Kerkstraat 22-24, ☏ +31 15 2142206. 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. Dinner €15-20. (updated May 2016)
  • Japanese Restaurant FuSha, Choorstraat 36, ☏ +31 15 212-6026. Japanese sushi restaurant. Nice, serene atmosphere. A set sushi meal takes a whole evening. Limited choice of wine. Not too expensive. Take away possible. Sushi making workshops available. 
  • Café de V, Voorstraat 9, ☏ +31 15 2140916. food served 18:00–22:00. 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"). €7.50. Dinner about €10-20. 
  • LEF Restaurant, Doelenplein 2, ☏ +31 15 2120617. Very nice Paris bistro style restaurant/bar. Sit outside under the trees in the summer. Great place for sundowners. Sandpit for the kids available. Great food, low prices. €12-18. 
  • Stadscafé De Waag, Markt 11, ☏ +31 15 2130393. Not so simple restaurant, caters often for groups. Prices are OK. 
  • Malee, Voldersgracht 29, ☏ +31 15 2120781. Tu–Su 17:00–22:00. Authentic Thai food in a small restaurant. Every day, "auntie Malee" cooks a 3 course dinner for her guests. Not as spicy as you'll get in Thailand, but still a treat for your taste buds. Reservation advisable for larger groups. 3-course meal €18. (updated May 2016)
  • De Beren, Beestenmarkt, ☏ +31 15 212-6390. 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. 12–24. (updated May 2016)
  • Cafe Einstein (Einstein), Spoorsingel 24, ☏ +31 15 2127014, . W-Su from 16:00. Einstein offers great Italian meals for a reasonable price served by a very friendly staff. The real attraction for a visitor is the beautifull historic interior and the large selection of home made liquers. It is advised to reserve in advance. €16-20 for a main course. (updated Apr 2019)

Splurge

  • 'Le Vieux Jean, Heilige Geestkerkhof 3, ☏ +31 15 213 04 3. Lunch 12:00-14:30, dinner 18:00-22:30. Le Vieux Jean is an expensive French restaurant with very good food. Expect to pay €80 per person for a starter, main, desert 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. 
  • Stadsherberg De Mol, Molslaan 104, ☏ +31 15 2121343. Who wants to eat having a medieval experience, should definitely visit this restaurant. Bring a bag of money, it's not cheap. €16–35. (updated May 2016)

Drink

view from canal cafe

The city centre of Delft is full of small bars, finding seating is sometimes a challenge. In summer the grote markt, Beestenmarkt and Brabantse turfmarkt are filled with terraces, other bars have terrace barges out front. The great beer history is alive and well again in Delft. Many bars feature an extensive beer menu, and one can try a beer from the local brewery (De Koperen Kat) or the historic brew 'Delftse Mueselare Bier'

  • Al fresco at one of the many bars around the market square, or on a floating terrace (apparently unique to Delft) on a canal.
  • "De Beestenmarkt"; around this square in the city centre are many pubs and bars. In the summer it is filled with people drinking a beer under the maple tree canopy.
  • Many students get a drink at their fraternity (extremely cheap). Mostly you need to be a member or be introduced.

Specific cafés

  • Jazzcafé Bebop, Kromstraat, a good café where the music is not so loud that you can't hear each other speaking, where the bartender is friendly and the visitors are on average around 25-30 (outside the weekends maybe somewhat older). It has a wide variety of beers and during summer the patio at the back is open.
  • Knus, Zavelpad 3, 015-2122990. In the forest next to Delft lies a pleasant establishment for coffee and snacks. Most people arrive by bike after a tour around the woods. There is a sandpit with water for the children and a few other play things. It has water bikes for rent. Popular with children.
  • Café du Midi, Noordeindseweg 70, Delfgauw, 015 2157469. In the fields next to the Delft forest (behind Ikea) lies a relaxed café. It takes great pride is serving high quality local products. Petting zoo on the premises. Walkabout chickens everywhere. Tree shaded sitting area. usually busy. Also pleasantly priced. Most visitors are cyclist. Certainly worth a visit if you have a bike. (it also is accessible by car) [dead link]
  • Bierhuis de Klomp (de Klomp), Buitenwatersloot 5. Su-W 16:00-1:00, Th-Sa 15:00-2:00. De Klomp (the wooden shoe) is the oldest bar in Delft. It is staffed by a very professional team that gladly will tell you about the history of the place. Since 2010 the bar has been featured in the Dutch 'Café top 100'. The bar serves a large selection of craft beers. What is really special is the large Jenever selection. This dutch drink is sometimes called the Dutch gin, the staff will be happy to tell you about it and serve you a tasting of three different Jenevers. (updated Apr 2019)
  • Cafe het Klooster (Klooster), Vlamingstraat 2. Klooster has a large selection of craftbeer on draft (20 beers) and in their firdge. The staff give great recommendations. A recent change of ownership brought a large increase in seating area, which means you probably can get a table. (updated Apr 2019)

Nightlife

There are a few places to go out and dance:

  • The Koornbeurs (alternative student fraternity and youth society, no membership needed) has regular live music on Friday, and the occasional parties on Saturday.
  • The Lorre. This is a student disco that belongs to a fraternity (DSC). It is not always open to the public.
  • Cine Dans Cafe (still under construction, not open yet). This one is near the theatre (theater de Veste).
  • Ciccionina, Kromstraat 24, . Opening hours: each Friday and Saturday from 23:00 till 05:00, other opening times may vary. A small venue in the city centre with a huge variety of electronic music and concerts. The crowd is mixed, usually there are mostly students. Sometimes the place is half-empty, sometimes its packed (about 100 people) Entrance fee: usually between 0 and 4 Euro. 

Cannabis

Use of cannabis, weed or hashish is legal in small amounts (5 grams or less) in the Netherlands. Dutch law enforcement tolerates its use in so-called coffeeshops. There are 5 coffeeshops in Delft. The Future in the Peperstraat 8, de Vlouw on the Vlouw 27, The Game on the Breestraat 30, 't Keldertje on the Kromstraat 22a and De Boeddha on the Achterom 19a. The Game and The Future are both exceptional places for Lattes and herbs.

Sleep

Hotels

  • Hotel Coen Delft, Coenderstraat 47, ☏ +31 15 214-5914. Comfortable, clean, reasonably priced and right next to the railway station, the only hotel in Delft offering a free sauna for its guests. Also offering a free Wi-Fi service and a lobby computer. 40 rooms. Double room €110, breakfast €12. 
  • Hotel de Emauspoort Delft, Vrouwenregt 9-11, ☏ +31 15 219-0219. Right behind the New Church. 23 rooms. Double room €100, breakfast included. 
  • Hotel Grand Canal, Breestraat 1, ☏ +31 15 215-7133. Housed in a historic building (former city prison and VOC building) overlooking the canals, 2 minutes from the railway station. Clean and well-furnished, not very wheelchair-friendly. Wi-Fi available. Double room €95-150, breakfast €16. 
  • Hotel de Plataan, Doelenplein 10, ☏ +31 15 212-6046. Unique and stylish hotel. Themed rooms are available. Look at their website for details. Great location, reasonable prices. Free Wi-Fi. Single/double room €99/114. breakfast €15. 
  • Westcord, Olof Palmestraat 2 (Exit Delft centrum), ☏ +31 15 888-9010. WestCord Hotel Delft is a showcase for Ikea. Everything is Ikea. The chairs, the bed, the cutlery, everything. Odd atmosphere, like sleeping in an Ikea store. 110. 
  • Hostel Delft, Voldersgracht 17, ☏ +31 6 16496621. 
  • Hampshire Hotel Delft Centre, Koepoortplaats 3, ☏ +31 15 212-2125, . Hotel parking at kKepoortparking. 

Bed and breakfast

There are several bed and breakfasts in Delft .

Holiday rental houses

There are several international websites offering canal houses for rent. Mostly these rentals need to be organised some time in advance. Because they are only slightly more expensive then a hotel room, they can work out to be cheaper for families with children who want their own room. Add the privacy and the facilities and they can be a very good alternative to a hotel or B&B. The three mayor websites competing are: , and

Long-term rentals

Most estate agents in the Netherlands are a working together. This means real estate for sale and rent are pooled on a website covering nearly everything on the market. The advantage is that one website has most properties. The disadvantages of a near monopoly are also obvious. Long term stay houses for expatiates and Phd students can be found here:

Camping

There are three campgrounds in Delft.

  • Camping Delfse Hout is located near a small artificial lake, suited for swimming. A camping spot for two persons, including a car costs between €19,5 and €24. Cabins (for three/four persons) are also available for €36. Cottages can be rented for €265 per week. Services include a restaurant, recreation room, supermarket, launderette, playground, table tennis, bike rent, swimming pool. This is not a quiet place. Korftlaan 5, tel: 015 2130040.
  • Uylenburg does not offer camping spots anymore but there is a very pleasant guesthouse. Rooms are €45/50/75 for 1/2/4 persons. Breakfast is €6 per person. Tel.: 015-2143732, e-mail: herberg@uylenburg.nl.
  • Even smaller is De Grutto. This is definitely only for the real nature lover. You have to be a member of NIVON to camp here. There are only 25 spots. For more information call Mrs. W. Klunder tel. 079 - 341 83 25 (18:00 - 20:00). Directions, take bus 64 from Delft Station. Ask the driver to let you out at Rietzangerstraat, it is a 30 minute walk from there.

Stay healthy

The European telephone number for emergencies is 112. Fire, ambulance or police can be called out on this number. Mobile phones without caller credit can still call this number.

General practitioner

Family doctors (GPs) outside working hours (08:00 till 17:00) and for non-registered patients can be found at the "huisartsenpost", Reinier de Graafweg 3a, 2625 AD. (the white portacabin, next to the ambulance entrance), telephone (015) 251 19 30. Call before you visit. Visit: €65.14, consultation at home: €97.40. Paid parking on hospital grounds.

For prescription medication outside working hours, got to Apothecary "Buitenhof Apotheek" on the Rossinistraat 1, 2625 AP Delft. Telephone: (015) 245 42 00.

Cope

Religious Services

There are several church services available also in English. Some of them offer partly English spoken services, others offer translations by a headset or written on paper (both handed over at the entrance). The list below is not complete, but gives an impression of the possibilities.

  • International Reformed Evangelical Fellowship (Ecumenic service), Heilige Geestkerkhof 25. Su 12:00 (in English)
  • Delft Christian Fellowship (Evangelistic/Charismatic service), Cort van der Lindenstraat 1. [dead link] (Indonesian, English, Dutch)
  • Levend Water (Evangelistic/Charismatic service), Hermesstraat 65. Sun 10:00 (Dutch, English)
  • Gereformeerde Kerk vrijgemaakt (Reformed), Schoemakerstraat 1. [dead link] Su 11:00 (Dutch, with English translation on paper)

Go next

  • The beach at Scheveningen — Tramline 1 takes about 1 h and terminates right on the beach (the same trip by train is faster, you have to change in The Hague).
  • The Hague is a city worth a visit on its own (and it's on the way to Scheveningen). You can cycle to The Hague in 30 min. Start at the Oostsingel and follow the canal. It is well-sign-posted, and The Hague is visible as soon as you leave Delft.
  • Schipluiden is a very small town on the outskirts of Delft, with a large canal with beautiful bridges and colorful boats. It's a popular watering hole for cyclists. There are also kayak and paddleboat rentals (€6 for first hour, €2/hr after).
  • Schiedam is the next small city south along the train line. The small historic city centre is an undiscovered gem.
  • Hook of Holland has a quieter and cleaner beach than Scheveningen's, and it faces the Port of Rotterdam so is nice when you want to see the big seagoing ships: Great views. Cycling from Delft takes you past farms, sheep, and greenhouses. If you only want to cycle one way there is a train station at the Hook of Holland. You can take your bike on the train for about €7.50.


Routes through Delft
Amsterdam ← The Hague ←  N  S  → Rotterdam → Antwerp


This city travel guide to Delft is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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