Photo: M.Minderhoud, CC BY-SA 3.0Museum Paul Tétar van Elven
Historic artist's house preserving nineteenth-century interiors and collections.
Tue–Sun✓ Museumcard
tetar.nl
Visit Delft, a scenic city full of history and beauty. Its peaceful canals, cobbled streets, and historic buildings create a charming old-world atmosphere. The grand Markt square, with the New Church and Town Hall, lies at the heart of the city. Delft is famous for its iconic blue-and-white pottery, known as Delftware, and as the home of the great painter Johannes Vermeer. A city where art, tradition, and quiet elegance come together.
Delft, first mentioned in 1246, is a historic Dutch city that thrived during the Golden Age. Known for its blue-and-white Delftware and as the birthplace of painter Johannes Vermeer, it remains a centre of art and tradition.
Here’s why Delft should be at the top of your travel list:
Discover how traditional Delftware is made at the city’s famous Royal Delft Factory, the last of the original 17th-century workshops still in operation. Watch skilled artisans hand-paint the iconic blue-and-white ceramics and explore the museum’s beautiful collection of historic and modern pieces. A perfect place to learn about this unique Dutch craft and pick up a special souvenir.
Learn about the life and work of Delft’s most famous painter, Johannes Vermeer, in this interactive and engaging museum. Set near where Vermeer once lived and worked, the centre offers insight into his artistic world, techniques, and the city that inspired his masterpieces.
Go to the top of one of the tallest church towers in the Netherlands and be rewarded with breathtaking views over Delft’s rooftops, canals, and the surrounding countryside. The New Church is also the final resting place of members of the Dutch royal family, adding historical significance to your visit.
Explore the lively heart of Delft, surrounded by charming cafés, shops, and some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the New Church and the historic Town Hall. It’s the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere, browse market stalls, or simply relax with a coffee while taking in the view.
Before you leave Delft, stop at Bakery Suyckerbuik in the heart of the old town and try a Delftse bol. This soft, round bread roll is filled with lightly sweetened whipped cream and dusted with icing sugar, making it a uniquely Delft experience you will not find anywhere else. The name simply means ‘Delft ball’, and one bite makes clear why locals and visitors keep coming back for more. It is the perfect treat after a morning of exploring the canals and cobbled streets.
Explore this historic building where William of Orange was assassinated in 1584. Once a monastery, it is now a museum of Dutch history and art. You can still see the bullet holes in the wall, and learn about Delft’s role in the Dutch Golden Age, its royal connections, and famous Delftware.
Visit Delft’s oldest church, known for its leaning tower and beautiful Gothic style. It’s the burial place of Johannes Vermeer and other famous Dutch figures. A peaceful spot full of history and charm. Don’t miss the stunning stained glass windows and quiet atmosphere inside.
Visit Molen de Roos, the only remaining windmill in Delft, standing proudly since the 18th century. Once one of 18 windmills in the city, it still grinds grain today using traditional methods. Climb up to see the sails turning and enjoy views over Delft’s rooftops. This is a unique glimpse into Dutch heritage and craftsmanship.
9 museums in Delft
Photo: M.Minderhoud, CC BY-SA 3.0Historic artist's house preserving nineteenth-century interiors and collections.
Tue–Sun
Photo: Steven Lek, Public domainMuseum telling the story of William of Orange, Delft and the Dutch Revolt.
Tue–SunSpecialist museum of historic tools and craftsmanship.
Limited openingmensert.nlMuseum exploring the history of medicine and pharmacy.
Limited openingmuseumdegriffioen.nl
Photo: Steven Lek, Public domainHistoric collection of Delftware, furniture and decorative arts.
Limited openinglambertvanmeerten.nl
Photo: Donald Trung Quoc Don (Chữ Hán: 徵國單) - Wikimedia Commons - ©, CC BY-SA 4.0Museum and factory explaining the history of Delft Blue pottery.
Dailyroyaldelft.com
Photo: Michiel1972, CC BY-SA 3.0Interactive museum showcasing research and innovation from TU Delft.
Tue–Sunsciencecentre.tudelft.nl
Photo: Moedagalega, CC BY-SA 4.0Museum in Delft picturing the Delft tobacco industry since the seventeenth century.
Limited openingwww.tabaksmuseum.nl
Photo: Ralf Roletschek (talk) - Fahrradtechnik auf fahrradmonteur.d, GFDL 1.2Museum introducing the life, work and techniques of Johannes Vermeer.
Dailyvermeercentrumdelft.nlMost travellers spend three to five hours, enough for a walking tour, a Delftware factory visit, and time in the historic heart. A full day allows you to explore museums and enjoy a slower pace.
Yes. Royal Delft is the most famous and offers demonstrations, a museum, and a shop. It is the only remaining factory from the seventeenth century.
You can buy authentic hand painted Delftware, as well as more affordable pieces, at Royal Delft, specialist shops, and galleries around the centre.
Direct trains run frequently and take about one hour. Guided tours by car are also popular, especially when combined with The Hague or Rotterdam.
When you arrive in Delft you can walk everywhere. The historic centre is compact and flat, making it easy to explore on foot.
