The picturesque city of Delft combines elegance and history with modern innovation and invites visitors to discover its rich past and vibrant present. Known for its charming canals and historical facades, the city is a living museum of Dutch history and culture. Delft is the birthplace of the world-famous Delft Blue ceramics and one of the great Dutch Masters, Johannes Vermeer. His influence and presence can still be felt in the city. Visit this lovely, walkable city for a true ‘Delluf’ experience.
Like a local
Feel like a real Delft local
Feel like a real Delft local
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Delft is a city where history and modern innovation go hand in hand. The characterful city centre with its historical facades and canals reflects a rich history, while the cityscape is graced by the subtle appearances of Delft Blue. This traditional ceramic, recognisable for its deep blue colour, helps maintain cultural heritage by adorning numerous elements of the city, from public artworks to street signs. Did you know that the name Delft comes from the verb 'delven', which means ‘to dig’? The city originated on a delf, a man-made watercourse we now call a 'canal'.
The influence of Johannes Vermeer, the famous painter from the Dutch Era, is unmistakable in Delft. As the home of this Dutch Master, the city offers a living canvas where his artistic legacy lives on. Vermeer's work is known for its masterful use of light and perspective and still inspires many artists and enthusiasts who visit Delft from around the world. The calm, almost 'hushed' atmosphere of the city reflects the aesthetics of his paintings, establishing Delft as a centre of cultural and artistic appreciation. Visit the city centre to learn more about this creative genius.
© Mauritshuis
The Nieuwe Kerk is a Protestant church in Delft and plays a key role in national history due to its function as a royal crypt. This aspect reinforces the city's historical and ceremonial ties with the Dutch royal family. Visitors to the church are struck by its majestic interior and reverent atmosphere. It not only connects the past with the present, but also highlights Delft's role as a city of national importance, where history and royal tradition come together and contribute to the city's unique character.
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© Anne Hamers
But amongst all this iconic splendour, an essential part of this extraordinary city should not be forgotten: TU Delft is home to some of the smartest students in the Netherlands. The city centre is also a great place to enjoy student life, which just goes to show that culture and innovation go hand in hand in Delft. The artwork Het Blauwe Hart (The Blue Heart) in the city centre, with its shiny blue glass panels and steel frame, is also a striking ode to the city’s connection with technology.
A taste of Delft
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Café Luna
For over 20 years, Café Luna has been serving the best co*cktails in the most beautiful spot on the market square in Delft. This café is a household name in this historical city and worth a visit for that reason alone.
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Bar Sil
Enjoy a fantastic sandwich made of pizza dough, prepared with lots of love and baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, exactly as it should be.
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5 welcoming squares for dining
There is an abundance of atmospheric restaurants and cafés in Delf. A short stroll through the atmospheric city centre will undoubtedly lead you to a charming new discovery! Here’s an overview to help you choose.
Read more onindelft.nl
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Café & Boutique Hotel Johannes
Stop by Café Johannes to enjoy some tasty treats in the birthplace of Johannes Vermeer! Let them tempt you with their delicious sweets.
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Board menu at De Delf
In Delft, your meal is served on a wooden board. At least, here it is. Quite literally. Curious? Give it a try! Fun and tasty!
Read more ondedelf.nl
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The best vegetarian restaurants
Restauplant is a website dedicated to vegan and vegetarian food and it provides an overview of the best, most original vegetarian restaurants in Delft. Yum!
Read more onrestauplant.com
Sustainable
A plethora of green choices
A plethora of green choices
Delft is a natural beauty. Walk from the station through the Garden of Delft towards the historic city centre. Stroll along canals and discover hidden courtyards like Oude Delft, where nature and history meet. Agneta Park was designed as one of the first garden villages in the Netherlands. It’s an idyllic setting for a quiet afternoon. Delftse Hout has a vast recreational area of forests, lakes and fields. Perfect for walks and picnics. There’s even a campsite for longer stays! Or visit the TU Delft Botanical Garden, with its exotic plants and innovative sustainable projects.
© Emily Courtois
© Olivier Groot
Want to travel responsibly when visiting Delft? No problem. The city is actively committed to sustainability and green transport. Travel in comfort to Delft by train from throughout the Netherlands and you’ll immediately encounter the beautiful station that balances technical innovation with historical charm. Explore the city in an eco-friendly way, e.g. with an e-bike. Its extensive bike lanes and car-free zones make sustainable travel easy. Visit the weekly Delft Market for organic and local produce and find out how the city is promoting green initiatives such as waste reduction and recycling. The Papaver Delft, a sustainability centre aiming to inspire in a fun way to achieve a more sustainable existence, is a great example of this.
Just outside Delft, you will find even more nature and sustainable activities. Explore the Bieslandse Bos, a beautiful nature reserve with extensive walking and cycling trails, ideal for nature lovers. Visit the nearby town of Den Hoorn and explore the beautiful gardens of Vlietlanden. Participate in organised nature walks or cycle along the scenic route of a network of green areas and sustainable initiatives around the city. For a unique experience, head to the Westland, known for its innovative horticulture and sustainable greenhouses offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable food production.
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Green tips in Delft
© Knus Delft
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Knus
Enjoying all the natural beauty in Delftse Hout? Then stop for a drink at Knus. Relax in the cosy atmosphere. Top tip: you can rent a rowing boat here!
Read more onindelft.nl
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Groene Vingers
Looking for a striking bit of green in the middle of Delft's city centre? Head to Groene Vingers! This welcoming shop has loads of different plants and flowers. It's a dream for anyone with green fingers.
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Arboretum Heempark
The Arboretum Heempark Delft is a living encyclopaedia of trees and shrubs. It’s a green paradise for naturalists, nature lovers, researchers, children and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Art Landscape Park LAD
Art landscape park LAD – Land Art Delft – is a unique and accessible place. Walking, cycling and bridle paths criss-cross the park, allowing visitors to enjoy the peaceful nature and impressive works of art.
Read more onwww-landartdelft-nl.translate.goog
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RADIUS
RADIUS is a centre for contemporary art and ecology. It works with artists and other stakeholders to tell vital stories about systems and climate change through visual art. An enriching and educational experience.
Read more onradius-cca.org
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Wildplukplezier
Discover the joy of foraging on a walk around Delft. You will be amazed by the amount of edible and useful plants that grow near you. Fun for young and old!
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Buytenhout Regional Park
Buytenhout Regional Park is a breathtaking nature and recreation area nestled between Delft, Zoetermeer and Pijnacker-Nootdorp. Escape the hectic pace of daily life and immerse yourself in tranquil greenery.
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Hidden gems
Architectural delights
© Anne Hamers
Obviously, Delft is known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. It's also home to special buildings that are historically valuable and architecturally impressive. For example: Oude Delft 167 is a unique building full of decorative elements, but few people know about it. In 1645, the property was bought by the Delfland Water Board and it’s been the Gemeenlandshuis (its main office) ever since. The 18th-century painted wallpaper panels in the garden room are quite special. The façade was restored in 1888 and the interior was refurbished between 1931 and 1933, preserving the building's historic charm.
As you walk around the train station, you’ll likely spot the Huis van Delft, a modern architectural marvel inspired by the famous Delft Blue KLM houses. This building is a contemporary icon that fits perfectly in the historic centre of Delft. Its design is a nod to the city's rich history and traditions and offers a unique living experience with all the modern conveniences. The central location is perfect for anyone who wants to have the best of Delft at their fingertips.
© Emily Courtois
© Emily Courtois
The 3D printed Delft Blue ceramic entrance gate is another unique architectural highlight in Delft. Composed of 4,000 Delft Blue tiles, this impressive construction is a wonderful blend of innovation and tradition. The gate is a giant puzzle that brings the classic Delft Blue to life in a modern way. The design is not only a tribute to Delft's rich heritage, but also a testament to the cutting-edge technologies possible today. It is a must-see for anyone interested in both historical and modern architecture.
Hidden gems in Delft
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Don't miss out
Visiting Delft for the first time? If so, here are some top tips for your bucket list. From historical buildings to hidden gems and fun local events and activities.
Read more onindelft.nl
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The most intelligent bike path
On TU Delft’s campus, there’s a special piece of road that's worth a visit: a bike path equipped with innovative sensors that accurately record how much traffic passes over it, at what speed and at what time. An exemplary bit of engineering.
Read more ontudelft.nl
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Gouden klinkers
When in picturesque Joseph Street, take a good look at the ground. After all, you’re walking on golden bricks here! They’re actually just normal tiles coated with ceramic gold, but does that really matter?
Read more onindelft.nl
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Markets in Delft
Fancy strolling through some charming markets? You’re in luck in Delft. Why not visit the unique antiques market? With more than 100 stalls, it is a paradise for curio lovers.
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Exhibition space 38CC
Exhibition space 38CC is a contemporary art platform which supports artists in the development of their work. The light and airy building with beautiful works is a paradise for art lovers.
Read more on38cc.nl
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Classical churches
Delft is home to a series of beautiful churches. From the leaning Oude Kerk to the hidden Schuilkerk; each building has its own unique charm. A highlight of any visit to Delft.
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