Things to do & places to visit in Delft, South Holland Province, The Netherlands

Vermeer’s birthplace and a true gem, Delft sits between The Hague and Rotterdam in the country’s southwest. The city’s name comes from the Dutch word for digging, fitting since canals are a highlight here. Others include the 13th-century Old Church, the 15th-century New Church and the Prinsenhof, once home to William of Orange and now a museum. Delft has long been a center for fine ceramics, and traditional hand painting methods can still be witnessed at Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles.

Delft city in , South Holland Province, The Netherlands. Timezone: Europe/Amsterdam, current date and time: Monday, May 13, 2024, 22:33.

Delft Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

60°F - 48°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly and breezy

Feels like

22%

Chance of rain

68.0 millimeters

Amount

15.3 mph

Wind speed

74%

Humidity

15.6

Daylight length

5:50 AM

Sunrise

9:28 PM

Sunset

46%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (17)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Arboretum Heempark (5 reviews)
- Discovery
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Gardens

Came across this on a cycle ride, lovely place for escaping the busy streets of Delft for some nature See more..
5.0 Museum De Beurs van Londen (3 reviews)
- Facinating (the story behind it)
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums

Museum "The London Stock Exchange" is situated in a listed canal house dating from 1544. In the 1620's English Merchant Adventurers inhabited the house, hence the name. The Englishmen left behind unique beam paintings depicting "The long hunt", dated 1620. The museum also houses a large collection of antique English furniture and porcelain. English guided tours. See more..
4.5 Beestenmarkt (754 reviews)
- This is the place to go!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This lovely square is filled with trees shading you on warm days as you sit on one of the restaurants that is all around the square. There is plenty of restaurants to choose from, and in our opinion much better choice of restaurants than what you find on Markt. We found that this was the most popular place for the locals as well. From 1595 to 1972 the square was the Delft cattle market where local farmers came with their cattle. This was then replaced making place for a parking lot. In the 90's it was being transformed into the lively square you'll find today. See more..
4.5 Markt (718 reviews)
- Lovely town square
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Delft Markt is the large town square located in the city of Delft famous for the blue coloured Delft Pottery. You will find the swuare sourounded by these pottery stores. The day we visited there was a market on. The famous Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) but ironicaly its not new and Stadhuis Delft (Town Hall) are located on the square. Its also surrounded by many cafes, restaurants and bars as well as retrail stores. This square is the hub of the city. See more..
4.5 Museum Prinsenhof Delft (594 reviews)
- Interesting museum
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Museum Prinsenhof Delft offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the Netherlands, Delft and delftware. The museum is housed in a building of great historical importance, the site of some of the most dramatic and consequential events of Dutch history. It was once the court of William of Orange, the Father of the Dutch Nation. In the museum you will also discover the role the citizens of Delft played in the history of the Netherlands and how delftware became the global brand it is today. See more..
4.5 Oostpoort (415 reviews)
- A glimpse of the past
Monuments & Statues

If you’ve ever wanted to compare Vermeer’s View of Delft with the scene today, you’ll be largely disappointed. Much has changed since the 1660s. But, if you pass through the Oostpoort and cross the bridge, you’ll get a glimpse of the past. There’s the broad canal and, beyond it, the twin towers of a gateway with its arched entrance. Whilst Vermeer’s painting is from the south, and features a different gateway, the style of the Oostpoort is largely identical. When we visited, it was raining but, surveying the scene from beneath the dripping trees, it was worth the effort. See more..
4.5 Stadhuis van Delft (City Hall Delft) (353 reviews)
- landmark building on old market square
Points of Interest & Landmarks

this old renaissance building highlights the old market square. on the top of the facade ,it's sculptor of justice god in gold color. See more..
4.5 Saturday Flea Market (278 reviews)
- Local culture
Points of Interest & Landmarks

It was a nice experience to visit the Saturday Flea market in Markt Delft. Crowded but still fine as there were many things to see and taste. It represented the local culture. The most common stalls were selling cheese, wafer and tulip seeds. We were lucky to have our visit on Saturday as we were not aware there was such a flea market on Saturday before we came. Highly recommend place in Delft. See more..
4.5 Vakantiepark Delftse Hout (243 reviews)
- Camping and caravan ing
Parks

We have been staying at this site since 1986 and I have to say we have done both camping and rental accommodation every year since and I have to say this is the best camp site that we have ever stayed on both in uk or Europe. The staff are fantastic, especially the owner Pim, security is great , facilities are just perfect and. Within short distance from delft town , love it there and would recommend it to anyone regards sue Lyward See more..
4.5 The Hidden House of Madame de Berry (95 reviews)
- If you are in Delft on a Sunday, visit Madame de Berry!
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

From the creator of Mojo and the godfather of the dutch festivals, now in Delft: The Hidden House of Madame de Berry. A dream journey through time and space. “A tsunami for the senses” NRC In this futuristic fairy tale/audio drama, written by Berry Visser for adults and children of 11 and up, four visitors per theatrical tour travel through the Madame de Berry’s Hidden House. Attendants ensure that they do not go astray in the atomic clock-driven maze of time and space. See more..
4.5 Maria van Jessekerk (93 reviews)
- Well Worth Your Time
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

No admission fee. The Church is full of beautiful things to see! Stained glass windows, artwork and a great ambience. The Church is still an active Roman Catholic Church, built around 1875. Great organ and choir! See more..
4.5 Agnetapark (38 reviews)
- I Live here
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Neighborhoods • Parks

This park dates from 1877. And was Commissiond by J.C.van Marken and his wife Agneta It looks a bit like Sun City It belongs to Monumment care like The Nationale Trust in the UK And Itink that says ennough See more..
4.5 Prinsenkwartier (33 reviews)
- Visit art shop Kunstsuper for free art
Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Art Museums

Visitors of museum Prinsenhof Delft get a voucher for a selection of art cards. Don’t miss this gift. See more..
4.5 Vermeer Centrum Delft (21 reviews)
- Interesting peek into Vermeer life
Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

We had a good luck that in one week we were able to visit both Rembrandt house as well as this Vermeer exhibition. Both are great, yet each completely different to the other. Whereas Rembrandt house is more about the everyday life of the artist, Vermeer Centrum is more about the general portrait of Vermeer, his time, education, influences. Yes, it is good there are reproductions of all his paintings - it helps to see the scale and development. However - having seen some originals in Rijksmuseum I must confirm that they are not 100%. Still very close. Overall, very interesting to see. See more..
4.5 BuytenDelft (17 reviews)
- Lovely place
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Water Parks

At BuytenDelft there are a lot of animals to cuddle and to see. During the weekends you can take a ride on one of the pony's or we turn on the fire place to bake your own bread or to pop some corn. Next to the farm there's a big playground. During the summer season kids can play in the water (€2,-p.p.). During the winter season the playground is open to play (free). There is a little lunchroom where you can enjoy pancakes, sandwiches, soup and more. See more..
4.5 DOK Delft (14 reviews)
- Now it is called OPEN
Monday: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Libraries

A library, music and art school, children’s playing corner and coffee. On Sundays there’s an international church service here. See more..
4.5 De Candelaer (10 reviews)
- Lovely Delft Pottery Store
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

De Candelaer is a small factory in the centre of Delft which still produces her own pottery, everything is still painted by hand. Besides the traditional blue and polychrome, we also produce one of a kind modern styled delftware. De Candelaer has started in 1975 by Jan and Ineke Stillebroer and now owned by Steffan Delfos, he is a fourth generation potter with 39 years of experience in his trade. He is responsible for the production of the pottery, glazing and firing of the delftware. Anna is a master painter and has a painting experience for almost 50 years Each article is entirely handpainted and has initials from the painter and the potter and the code for the year of production. all items are produced in our factory and they come with two certificates. One from the factory and one from the Chamber of Commerce Delft, they give you the guarantee that each item is produced and painted in our factory in Delft. See more..
4.5 Avontura Delft (10 reviews)
- Great place for kids to play
Spent 1-2 hours Playgrounds

Bad weather forecast? Is playing outside not really an option? Come to Avontura Delft for a whole day of indoor fun! Avontura Delft is a new indoor playground for children from 1 to up to 12 years. There is over 3000m2 of different play area's that provide for a fun day for the whole family. Come and play, climb, race, build, jump and slide with our mascot Okke! See more..
4.5 Hot Spot Doelenplein Delft (9 reviews)
- Better than beestenmarkt
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Doelenplein is a square located in the medieval centre of Delft. In summer the square is used as a terrace for the nearby eateries. It is the most intimate square of Delft, especially when the sun shines through the huge platan trees. In the middle of the square you will also find one of the most impressive form of ceramic art. Wan Li Ya has created "A National Treasure", a work of art in the form of a 5 meter high lamp, inspired by a true story. In 2002, a rare ancient Chinese vase auctioned and sold for $ 5.3 million. This vase was decades in possession of a family, but they did not know the great historical value and had used it just as lamp base. A national treasure was thus transformed into a tool.Since 1996 the Filmhuis Lumen located on the square, a cinema which mainly emits art films. We also find Hotel De Plataan, located in an old telecommunication building since 1994. In the former Doelencafé LEF Restaurant & Bar is now located with the atmosphere as is found in the real French brasserie. See more..
4.5 Medisch Museum "De Griffioen" (6 reviews)
- A charming private collection!
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

In the old centre of Delft a unique collection of ancient medical and pharmaceutical instruments is displayed to the public. By appointment only, the museum holds guided tours for groups of 10 to 20 persons at a fee of 90Euro. Visits are possible Monday through Saturday, also in the evening hours. Please visit the website for more information. See more..
4.0 Nieuwe Kerk (1.342 reviews)
- Secont tallest in The Netherlands
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

In the middle of the Market you will find the New Church of Delft. This church dates back to 1300 and is famous for the tomb of William the Silent and Royal crypt where most members of the Dutch Royal family are buried. In the Church is a scale model of the crypt. You can also climb the Tower of the Church and once at the top you may enjoy a wonderful view of Delft and the surrounding area. See more..
4.0 Royal Delft - Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles (1.092 reviews)
- Niche but enjoyable museum
Monday: 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Royal Delft, established in 1653, is the last remaining Delft earthenware factory from the 17th century. The world famous blue and white earthenware is still entirely handpainted according to centuries old tradition. Visit Royal Delft and see how we still authentically produce Royal Delftware! See more..
4.0 Old Church (798 reviews)
- Worth visiting
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The Old Church of Delft dates back to 1050 ad. In this church one finds the tombs of the famous painter Johannes Vermeer, naval heroes Piet Hein and Maarten Tromp, and scientists such as Anthonie van Leeuwenhoek. The beautiful stained glass windows of this church are also worth seeing. See more..
4.0 Vermeer Centrum Delft (789 reviews) from $12.85
- Step back in time
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

The Vermeer Centrum Delft offers the visitor a discovery tour through the life, works and town of the 17th century master of light: Johannes Vermeer. The section 'Vermeer's world' shows you 17th century Delft. Wander through the famous 'View of Delft' and meet Vermeer's environment: his clients, his family and his rich mother-in-law. In Vermeer's world there are copies of all his paintings in their original size, an entire own world in his 37 works. Vermeer's atelier is dedicated to Vermeer's working methods. Discover how Vermeer mastered light in the light studio. Experiment with the camera obscura and play with colour, hidden views and perspective. And literally step into one of Vermeer's paintings. Many of the Delft painter Johannes Vermeer's paintings are about love. Sometimes it is obvious, but other times he subtly refers to it by painting certain objects or details. These objects and details can be seen in the exhibition 'Vermeer's love messages'. Learn to recognise the symbols in Vermeer's paintings. Besides a visit to the centrum, Vermeer can also be discovered on foot. An individual walk has been set out along all the highlights in Vermeer's life. The Vermeer Combiticket gives you access to all the locations. See more..
4.0 Hugo de Groot Monument (128 reviews)
- High up as a hero should be!
Monuments & Statues

The most remarkable and impossible to miss monument in Delft. Placed on Markt in front of Nieuwe Kerk in 1886. Putting him high up, overlooking all of us, was comforting and put him to his right. Hugo Grotius might be one of the most distinguished law makers, arbitrator and the author of many international laws. The monument symbolizes the greatness of Dutch people throughout the history. His life and work made him in conflict with many peoples, among them the royal family. He was imprisoned because of his ideals that often sided with equality and diplomatic ways to solve religious and political conflicts that plagued the Dutch society during his time. He was exiled to Paris and was never allowed to come back to Holland and eventually died far away from his hometown in 1645. See more..
4.0 Molen de Roos (117 reviews)
- Informative visit to Windmill
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

It was a rainy day and I was the only person visiying the windmill. The gentleman manning the mill and shop was really great.He gave a guided tour, explained the working of the mill and climbing upstairs gave a different view and understanding of the mill. There was a shop selling flour,etc since I was a tourist didnt buy anything but saw some folks entering to buy stuff as I was leaving. Location of the windmill is also central and gives a good view of the meRby attractions. See more..
4.0 Museum Paul Tetar van Elven (75 reviews)
- Good guides and authentic experience
Monday: Historic Sites • Art Museums

Museum Paul Tetar van Elven was once the home of the academic painter and art collector Paul Tetar van Elven (1823-1896). Nowadays every aspect of the interior reminds you of his presence. While walking through the living rooms, the study and the library, it is not difficult to imagine that you are visiting the house of an artist. You will encounter historical paintings, portraits and copies after Old Masters like Rembrandt and Rafael, that Paul Tetar painted himself. You can even admire The Nightwatch! The house is filled with antique furniture, Oriental porcelain and Delft pottery. See more..
4.0 Gemeenlandshuis van Delfland (26 reviews)
- Ornately designed building on Oude Delft
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Gemeenlandshuis van Delfland - Commonwealth House is an ornately designed late-Gothic building on Oude Delft and is the headquarters of Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland. It was built in 1505 and the owner at the time was Jan de Huyter who held many positions including delivering hops to many of the breweries in Delft. There is a lot of history connected with the building and was very popular with guided tours and curious passers-by at the time we visited. See more..
4.0 Delft Tourist Office (13 reviews)
- Clear map
Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

The tourist information office is just off the main square. The helpful lady gave us some very clear maps which were very useful. See more..
3.5 TU Botanical Garden (101 reviews)
- Oasis in Delft
Gardens

We loved this small piece of heaven in Delft. Fair warning: if you don't like to garden, or like to visit gardens, this tour may not be for you. It only cost 4 Euros to visit. There is a medicinal garden, hot houses and a variety of paths with various trees, shrubs and flowers to walk along. All of the signs are in Dutch. It would have been nice to have a few in English. Unfortunately, we toured the garden in between the spring bloom and the summer bloom. I think it would be more spectacular to see the flowers in bloom, but we loved seeing the variety of plants and the relaxing nature of getting away from the crowds of the town. See more..