Delft is a postcard that came to life. It is the definition of quaint: tree-lined canals, humpbacked bridges, and a market square so perfect it feels like a movie set. But Delft has gravitas. This is the final resting place of the Dutch Royal Family, the home of Johannes Vermeer, and the birthplace of the world-famous Delft Blue pottery. The light here—the way it hits the red bricks and the water—is exactly what you see in the Golden Age paintings.
The city is dominated by the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the Oude Kerk (Old Church), the latter of which leans alarmingly like the Tower of Pisa. Delft is also a brainy city, home to TU Delft (Technical University), which injects a stream of engineers and students into the historic center, keeping it from becoming a sleepy museum.
The defining color is, of course, blue. You will see it in the souvenir shops (mostly fake), but visiting the Royal Delft factory to see the hand-painting process is a masterclass in craftsmanship. Delft is best enjoyed slowly. It’s about eating pancakes by the canal, watching the students cycle over the bridges, and trying to spot the exact street corner where Vermeer painted his ‘Little Street.’
The perfect plan for Delft:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: Vermeer & The Royals
- Morning: Nieuwe Kerk. Climb the tower (376 steps). On a clear day, you can see Rotterdam and The Hague. Visit the choir to see the Monument of William of Orange.
- Afternoon: Vermeer Centrum. It doesn’t have original paintings (they are in The Hague/Amsterdam), but it explains his light and technique perfectly. Then find the location of ‘The Little Street’.
- Evening: Dinner at ‘t Postkantoor. A grand old post office turned into a cozy restaurant.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Blue Gold
- Morning: Royal Delft (De Porceleyne Fles). The last remaining original earthenware factory. Watch the painters hand-paint the black dye that turns blue when fired. It’s expensive but authentic.
- Afternoon: Museum Prinsenhof. See the bullet holes from the assassination of William of Orange. It’s a chilling piece of history. Lunch: Stads-Koffyhuis for the best sandwiches/pancakes.
- Evening: Walk to the Oostpoort (Eastern Gate). The only remaining city gate. It looks like a fairy tale fortress at sunset.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Canals & Leaning Towers
- Morning: Oude Kerk. It leans 2 meters off center. Inside, see the grave of Vermeer (humble) and naval heroes (grand).
- Afternoon: Canal Cruise. Take a small boat tour. You pass under bridges so low you have to duck.
- Evening: Beestenmarkt. The social square. Under the trees, crowded with terraces. Grab a beer and bitterballen at Kobuserij.
Weather
Spring (April-May): Perfect for walking. Canals are blooming.
Summer (June-Aug): Busy with day-trippers. Evenings are quiet.
Autumn (Sept-Nov): Moody and photogenic. Delft Blue looks good in grey light.
Winter (Dec-Feb): The skating rink on the market square is magical.
Local Customs
- Church Respect: The Nieuwe Kerk contains the Royal Crypt. It is a site of national reverence.
- Bike Parking: Do not park your bike randomly. Use designated racks or the municipality will remove it.
- Fake Pottery: Real Delftware is hand-painted and signed. Cheap printed stuff is fine for a souvenir, but know the difference.
History & Culture
Delft was a major city in the Middle Ages. Its defining moment was 1584, when William of Orange (Father of the Nation) was assassinated here by Balthasar Gérard—the bullet holes are still visible in the wall of the Prinsenhof. In 1654, the ‘Delft Thunderclap’ (gunpowder explosion) destroyed a huge chunk of the city, which was then rebuilt in the style seen today.
Getting Around & Safety
Walking. It is tiny.
- Tram 1: Connects Delft to The Hague and the beach.
- Train: The new Delft Station is an architectural marvel itself, with a ceiling map of the city from 1877.
Info for Nomads
Quiet, safe, and inspiring. Good for focused work.
Workation Vibe
Speed: Fast. 100 Mbps.
Cafes: Kek (hip, healthy food) and Coffee Company (on the market square).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify real Delft Blue? +
Look for the hand-painted mark on the bottom: a jar, the initials JT, and the word ‘Delft’. It should be ‘De Porceleyne Fles’. If it says ‘Hand decorated’, it’s likely a transfer.
Can I climb the tower? +
Yes, Nieuwe Kerk only. It is steep and narrow. Not for the claustrophobic.
Is it a day trip? +
Usually yes, but spending a night allows you to see the city when the tour buses leave. It becomes incredibly silent and romantic.