5 things to do in Delft

You may have heard of Delfts Blauw, the famous, typical Dutch pottery, which plenty of souvenirs have taken inspiration from. If you have, it is only rational then, that you will have heard of the city in which it is manufactured, right? Of course, that city is Delft, and it is definitely worthy of a place on your bucket list! 

Ways to explore Delft

If you’re planning a day trip to Delft, here are five things you have to do when in this charming Dutch city.

1. Visit the Delft Blue porcelain factory

Speaking of famous Dutch pottery, your trip to Delft would be amiss if you don't take a trip to the factory where Delft Blue pottery is made. De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, or Royal Delft in English, is located about five minutes by bike from Delft Station, or about 15 minutes by foot.

During your visit to the last remaining 17th-century earthenware factory, you will be able to learn all about the history and process of making the beautiful Royal Delftware, as well as meet a Royal Delft painter and craftsman from the factory. The pottery is still hand-painted according to centuries-old tradition!

2.  Roam around the TU Botanical Garden

Now you’re all potteried out, why not take a trip to the Botanical Garden of Delft University of technology. It will take you about 10 minutes by foot from Royal Delft, or just three minutes by bike.

The garden was created almost a hundred years ago and is the largest green area in Delft's inner city, covering around 2,5 hectares. Upon entering, you will find yourself in the Tree Garden. There is also a barefoot path here where you can also ditch your shoes and ground yourself in nature.

From a rock garden with snowdrops, hyacinths and lilies of the valley to greenhouses where tropical plants such as banana and coffee grow, there is loads to see for nature lovers. You could also get a view of the garden from the Tree Pavilion with a visitor's platform four metres in the air. The botanical garden is open from March until October.

3. See the bullet holes at Museum Prinsenhof

Once you’ve chilled out in the Botanical Garden, head on over to the Museum Prinsenhof Delft for some mental stimulation. Walking will take you a little over 20 minutes and cycling will be around seven.

Here you will find some more Delftware, but also learn about the citizens of Delft who played a leading role in the history of the Netherlands, such as famous painters like Johannes Vermeer, scientists like Anthonie van Leeuwenhoek and philosophers like Hugo de Groot.

And the cherry on top of it all? You’ll learn about William of Orange and his assassination and get to visit the scene of the crime. The bullet holes can still be seen in the walls today. 

4. Visit the resting places of Vermeer and William of Orange

Venture onwards from Museum Prinsenhof to the Old and New Church of Delft. It’s literally a one-minute walk away. The Church has a Gothic architectural style to it and features a leaning tower, which was established during 1325 to 1350. Of course, it didn’t lean to begin with.

Like with any Dutch church, you will be in awe at the grand stained glass windows and organs of the church dating back to the Middle Ages. The church is also the burial place of many a famous Dutch person, from Johannes Vermeer and Antoni van Leeuwenhoek to members of the royal family such as Willem van Oranje. 

While you're visiting the church, you should definitely climb the one or both of the towers. The tower of the New Church is the second-tallest in the Netherlands at 108,75 metres high and has a lot of history behind it, once being used by scientists to test the theory of gravity. So if you only have time to climb one, the New Church tower is the way to go, allowing you to see the charming city from above - but make sure you have enough energy as you'll have to climb 376 steps to get to the top.

5. Relax with a beer at Delft’s oldest bar

First established in 1652, Bierhuis De Klomp is the oldest brown cafe in Delft and the perfect end to your day in the city, just a five-minute walk from the Old Church. You’ll be charmed by the atmosphere and authenticity of the bar while enjoying a refreshing glass of beer.

You can also enjoy some of the city’s famous Bourgondier bitterballen and some delicious old cheese that you can cut yourself! You’ve probably worked up an appetite after a long day of sightseeing and activities in Delft, so after a round of drinks, head to one of the city’s many cafes and restaurants for something a bit more filling. 

Plan a day trip to Delft

Have these tips got you excited about a trip to Delft? Make sure you check out the NS Spoordeel website for offers on day trip tickets to save a few bucks on public transport, and enjoy a fun day out!