Delft Canals
Delft's enchanting canals, historic architecture, and iconic Delft Blue pottery create a picturesque Dutch escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Delft Canals
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Delft's enchanting canals, historic architecture, and iconic Delft Blue pottery create a picturesque Dutch escape.
"A must-do activity if you’re visiting Delft. Very informative and enjoyable."
🎯 Embrace the Canals by Boat
A canal tour offers a unique perspective of Delft's beauty. Opt for a boat with clear windows for better photos.
🚲 Rent a Bike for Exploration
Cycling is a quintessential Dutch experience. Rent a bike to easily navigate the city and its surroundings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Canal Cruise
Various departure points
Glide through Delft's historic waterways, admiring charming bridges and waterside cafes.

Oude Kerk (Old Church)
Delft city center
Marvel at the leaning tower and intricate Gothic architecture of this historic landmark.

Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)
Market Square
Climb the tower for panoramic city views and explore the royal burial chambers.

Delft Blue Pottery
Various shops and museums
Discover the iconic Delft Blue pottery, a symbol of Dutch craftsmanship.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Canals
Timing is Key for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Canals by Boat
A canal tour offers a unique perspective of Delft's beauty.
Opt for a boat with clear windows for better photos.🚲 Rent a Bike for Exploration
Cycling is a quintessential Dutch experience. Rent a bike to easily navigate the city and its surroundings.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Capture stunning shots of Delft's canals and architecture during sunrise or sunset.
🥞 Savor Dutch Pancakes
Try delicious Dutch pancakes, including gluten-free options, at local eateries.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Canals by Boat
A canal tour offers a unique perspective of Delft's beauty.
Opt for a boat with clear windows for better photos.🚲 Rent a Bike for Exploration
Cycling is a quintessential Dutch experience. Rent a bike to easily navigate the city and its surroundings.
📸 Golden Hour Photography
Capture stunning shots of Delft's canals and architecture during sunrise or sunset.
🥞 Savor Dutch Pancakes
Try delicious Dutch pancakes, including gluten-free options, at local eateries.
🗣️ Language on Tours
Be aware that some canal tours may have more commentary in Dutch than English.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Delft's charm, picturesque canals, and historic architecture, making it a highly enjoyable destination. While most boat tours are pleasant, some reviewers noted a preference for Dutch commentary over English, and a few found specific tours to be less engaging or to run over schedule.
"Truly enjoy this trip every time I do it. So fun and informative. The Captains are always great."
Yvonne Wezelenburg
"Nice boat trip. We asked for an English tour. It was half English half Dutch. I speak just enough Dutch to realise that there was quite a bit of information that was missed in English.
That said I enjoyed the tour and the information given. A nice way to pass an hour and get a different perspective of Delft."
Jon Riley
"A must do activity if you’re visiting Delft. Very informative and enjoyable."
Salah Alsaif
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Delft is easily accessible by train from Amsterdam. The journey typically takes around 1 hour.
Trains are frequent and comfortable, making it a convenient day trip option.Yes, Delft is very close to Rotterdam, with a train journey of only about 15 minutes.
This makes it an easy addition to a trip exploring the South Holland region.Delft is a very walkable city, and cycling is also a popular and efficient way to get around.
Many visitors rent bikes to explore at their own pace.There are several parking garages available in Delft, but it's often easier and more pleasant to arrive by public transport, especially if you plan to explore the city center on foot or by bike.
Yes, you can reach Delft by car, but parking within the historic center can be challenging and expensive.
It's generally recommended to use public transportation.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not always mandatory, booking canal tours in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Opening hours for the Oude Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk can vary. It's best to check their official websites for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
The Delft canals themselves are public spaces and free to access. Fees apply only for specific attractions like boat tours or museum entries.
Wandering through the historic streets, admiring the architecture, and enjoying the market square are all free activities.
Some events, like Open Monumenten Dag, offer free access to historical sites.Delft Blue pottery can be purchased at various shops throughout the city, including the Royal Delft Experience museum and numerous souvenir stores.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Delft offers a rich history, charming streets, the Vermeer Centrum Delft, the Prinsenhof Museum, and opportunities to explore its famous Delft Blue pottery.
Absolutely! Delft is incredibly photogenic with its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and charming bridges.
The 'golden hour' is particularly magical for capturing its beauty.Key highlights include the Oude Kerk, Nieuwe Kerk, the Market Square, and of course, experiencing the canals via a boat tour or a leisurely stroll.
Yes, it's possible to rent small boats for exploring the Delft canals, offering a more intimate experience.
Delft is known for its charming, historic, and relatively peaceful atmosphere, especially compared to larger Dutch cities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Delft is famous for its Delft Blue pottery, but culinary delights include traditional Dutch pancakes
and delicious apple pie. Many cafes and restaurants offer waterside dining.Explore the Market Square and the areas around the canals for a wide selection of restaurants and cafes.
Many offer outdoor seating with lovely views.Yes, some establishments in Delft offer gluten-free options, including Dutch pancakes.
It's always a good idea to ask your server about dietary accommodations.Indeed! Many cafes and restaurants have barges moored on the canals, allowing you to enjoy your meal right on the water.
Travelers rave about the apple pie in Delft, with one visitor calling it the 'best apple pie of my life'.
📸 📸 Photography
The canals, historic bridges, the Oude Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk, and the charming streets are all prime photography locations.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the most beautiful light for photographing the Delft canals and architecture.
Generally, photography is allowed in public spaces. However, be mindful of private property and always ask permission before photographing individuals up close.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for capturing both wide canal views and architectural details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the full charm of the streets.
Visit during weekdays, early mornings, or late evenings to minimize crowds and capture more serene shots of the Delft canals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Delft's Canals
For those who prefer to be more active, renting a bike is a fantastic way to explore Delft and its surroundings. The city is relatively flat and bike-friendly, allowing you to easily discover hidden corners and enjoy the scenic routes. Remember to lock your bike securely when you stop to explore on foot.
When planning your canal experience, consider the time of day. Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light for photography and a more tranquil atmosphere. Evenings can be particularly lovely as the city lights begin to twinkle along the water.
The Art of Delft Blue
Beyond the museum, numerous shops throughout Delft sell authentic Delft Blue items, from small souvenirs to elaborate vases and tiles. It's a perfect place to find a unique memento of your trip or a special gift.
While the pottery is a significant part of Delft's heritage, don't forget to appreciate the city's other artistic connections, most notably to the painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born and lived in Delft. The Vermeer Centrum Delft offers insights into his life and work.
Culinary Delights in Delft
Beyond pancakes, Delft is also celebrated for its exceptional apple pie. Many travelers have praised it as a must-try dessert. For a truly unique dining experience, look for restaurants and cafes that have moored barges on the canals, allowing you to dine directly on the water.
When exploring, don't hesitate to wander through the Market Square, which is lined with numerous cafes and restaurants offering outdoor seating. This is a great spot to soak in the city's atmosphere while enjoying a meal or a coffee.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit