Delft

Top sights to visit

• Nieuwe Kerk Towering over the market square, this grand church holds the royal burial vault where almost every member of the Dutch royal family is laid to rest. You can climb the hundreds of stone stairs to the top of the spire for a panoramic view that reaches all the way to the North Sea on a clear day.
• Oude Kerk Known locally as Lean Charlie because of its significantly tilted brick tower, this ancient church sits right on the edge of a quiet, picturesque canal. It serves as the final resting place of the master painter Johannes Vermeer and features stunning stained glass windows that bathe the interior in soft light.
• Museum Prinsenhof National history comes alive in this former palace which was once the residence of William of Orange and the site of his famous assassination. You can still see the actual bullet holes preserved in the wall from the 1584 attack, offering a chilling and direct connection to the birth of the Dutch Republic.
• Royal Delft Master artists still paint intricate cobalt blue patterns by hand at the last remaining pottery factory from the 1700s. Watching the transition from plain clay to world famous Delftware is a highlight of any visit, and the onsite museum showcases pieces that once decorated royal palaces across Europe.
• The Vermeer Centrum Deep insights into the life and secret techniques of the master painter await you in this dedicated art space located in the former St. Luke’s Guild. You can explore how he used light, shadow, and a camera obscura to create some of the most serene and famous images in the history of art.
• Oostpoort Twin brick towers rise sharply from the water edge at this scenic gate which was built around the year 1400. It served as a vital part of the city defenses for centuries and remains the only original city gate still standing, making it a favorite spot for photographers and history buffs alike.
• Beestenmarkt Shade trees and cozy terrace cafes now fill this large square that once hosted a busy and loud animal market for the local farmers. It is a fantastic place to park your bicycle and enjoy a local craft beer or a long lunch away from the more crowded tourist areas of the main market.
• The Botanical Garden Rare and exotic plants flourish in this green sanctuary owned by the Delft University of Technology. You can walk through the historic glass houses to see tropical trees, giant water lilies, and blooming flowers from around the globe while enjoying a quiet break from the brick paved city streets.
• Maria van Jessekerk Bright colors and fine religious art decorate the interior of this massive church which features two unique towers that were designed to look different from one another. It stands out on the city skyline as a masterpiece of neo-gothic design and contains a rich collection of gold and silver treasures.
• Agnetapark Beautiful small houses wrap around a central lake in this historic garden village which was originally built as a model community for factory workers. It was a global pioneer in social housing and offers a peaceful stroll through early industrial architecture and lush, landscaped parkland.
• Molen de Roos Massive wooden sails still turn at this historic corn mill which was famously lifted up entirely to allow a new railway tunnel to be built beneath it. You can go inside the mill to see the heavy millstones in action and learn how wind power has been harnessed by the Dutch for centuries.
• The Hidden Courtyards Secret gardens called hofjes hide behind small, unassuming wooden doors along the many winding canals of the old town. These tiny oases of peace were built by wealthy merchants for the elderly and offer a quiet moment of reflection away from the modern world.