Old Town Delft
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Old Town Delft

4.5
·2k reviews·Delft, Netherlands

Step back in time in Delft's enchanting old town, famous for its canals, Delft Blue pottery, and iconic leaning church towers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Old Town Delft

Old Town Delft

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time in Delft's enchanting old town, famous for its canals, Delft Blue pottery, and iconic leaning church towers.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Exploring Delft's old town feels like stepping back in time. Instagram"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Combo Ticket for Churches

Get a combined ticket for Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk for great value and access to both.

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets, so comfy shoes are a must!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)

Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)

Market Square

Climb the iconic leaning tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Delft and its surroundings.

Instagram
Oude Kerk (Old Church)

Oude Kerk (Old Church)

Delft

Marvel at the unique, leaning brick tower and explore the peaceful interior, a resting place for many notable figures.

Reddit
Delft Blue Pottery

Delft Blue Pottery

Royal Delft Museum & various shops

Discover the artistry behind the world-famous Delft Blue pottery, a quintessential Dutch craft.

TikTok
Canal Views

Canal Views

Throughout Old Town Delft

Wander along the charming canals, admiring the historic architecture and picturesque bridges.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Old Town Delft

To truly soak in the charm of Old Town Delft, consider visiting during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Early mornings offer a serene experience before the day-trippers arrive, allowing for peaceful canal strolls and unhurried exploration of its historic streets. Reddit

Navigating Delft's Historic Core

Old Town Delft is best explored on foot, with its compact size and picturesque canals making it ideal for leisurely walks. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of exploring. Many visitors find a few hours is enough to get a good feel for the town. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light on canals
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, markets
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Netherlands has some of the prettiest churches #utrecht #netherlands #amsterdam #delft #rammstein #goth #gothic
@allypopa17
429.4K likes • 2M views

🎟️ Combo Ticket for Churches

Get a combined ticket for Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk for great value and access to both. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets, so comfy shoes are a must! Reddit

The most personal project we’ve added to our home #delfttiles #homedecor #homerenovation #interiordesign
@mcauleyolivia
78.2K likes • 544.2K views
Delft #delft #holland #altstadtliebe #oldtown #vacation #goodtimes #urlaub
oliver_metz
12 likes • 250 views

📸 Capture the Canals

Delft's canals offer endless photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. Instagram

🕰️ Allow 4-5 Hours

A few hours is sufficient to see the highlights and get a feel for the town. Reddit

Delft. Town centre from the Nieuwe Kerk (new church) tower. #delft #holland #netherlands #europe #town #travel #motherland ##adventure #towncentre #nieuwekerk #church #streets #old #aerial #aerialphotography
paulbettings
41 likes • 368 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Combo Ticket for Churches

Get a combined ticket for Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk for great value and access to both. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets, so comfy shoes are a must! Reddit

📸 Capture the Canals

Delft's canals offer endless photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. Instagram

🕰️ Allow 4-5 Hours

A few hours is sufficient to see the highlights and get a feel for the town. Reddit

🎶 Unexpected Music

You might be surprised by the music played inside the churches, like Queen! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Old Town Delft for its picturesque canals, charming architecture, and the unique experience of its leaning church towers. The opportunity to witness the creation of Delft Blue pottery is a major draw, and many find the town to be a peaceful and historically rich destination. Some find the church towers a bit of a climb, and the town can get busy during peak times.

"The church dates back to the 1200s and you can’t miss its quirky leaning tower, it really tilts. Inside feels peaceful, with colorful stained glass and a sense of old Dutch history, famous for graves of painter Johannes Vermeer and naval hero Piet Hein. When I visited they were renovating Piet's tomb and found out a secret painting behind it so it's a very special occation to come see it. You should visit the Nieuwe Kerk at the central square first because the ticket covers visiting for both churches"

Ho Vinh Thanh

"An impressive church both in terms of its size and its beauty. It also serves as an important element in Delft's history, an aspect that you can read during your visit as it is presented in depth on the info pannels. I swear it leaves nothing out and you'll also find some well known personalities entombed here! Worth at least an hour of your time."

Sabo Radu

"Oude Kerk (Oude Jan) - a Gothic Protestant church in Delft. Its most recognizable feature is a 75-meter-high brick tower that leans about two meters from the vertical. The church is open to visitors and there is a lot of information about the interior."

Emilia Stammler

What People Like

Picturesque canals
Historic architecture
Delft Blue pottery

What People Dislike

Crowded during peak times
Church tower climbs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way to reach Old Town Delft from Amsterdam is by train. Direct trains run frequently from Amsterdam Centraal to Delft Station, taking approximately 1 hour. From Delft Station, it's a short walk or a quick bus ride to the heart of the old town. Reddit

Absolutely! Delft is a very easy and worthwhile day trip from The Hague. The train journey is short, around 15-20 minutes, making it a convenient option for exploring both cities. Reddit

Driving into the historic center of Delft is not recommended due to narrow streets and limited parking. It's best to park in designated car parks on the outskirts of the old town and walk in. Instagram

Old Town Delft is very walkable. For longer distances or if you prefer not to walk, local buses are available. Cycling is also a popular way to get around the Netherlands, including Delft. Instagram

Yes, Delft is well-connected by public transport. The main train station is within walking distance of the old town, and buses serve various parts of the city. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Wandering through Old Town Delft itself is free. However, there are entrance fees for attractions like the Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk towers, and museums. A combined ticket for both churches is around €10. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking tickets for the Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid queues. Reddit

Opening hours for the Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk can vary seasonally and may be affected by services or events. It's best to check their official websites for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

Yes, simply exploring the charming streets, canals, and market squares of Old Town Delft is a wonderful free experience. You can admire the architecture and soak in the atmosphere without spending a euro. Instagram

Yes, the Royal Delft Museum has an entrance fee. It's a popular attraction for those interested in the history and production of Delft Blue pottery. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The canals, historic bridges, the leaning towers of the Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk, and the Market Square are all prime photography locations. Look for reflections in the water for extra magic. Instagram+1

Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, perfect for capturing the serene beauty of the canals. Late afternoons, during the golden hour, provide warm, dramatic light that enhances the historic architecture. Instagram

Photography rules can vary inside the churches. Generally, non-flash photography is permitted for personal use, but it's always best to check for any specific signage or ask a staff member. Reddit

The Oostpoort (East Gate) is a beautiful medieval gate that makes for a striking photograph, especially at dusk. The Market Square with the Nieuwe Kerk is also a classic Delft shot. Instagram

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide canal scenes and architectural details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the narrow streets and church interiors. Don't forget a tripod for low-light shots. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You can find traditional Dutch dishes like 'stamppot' or 'bitterballen' in many local pubs and restaurants around the Market Square and along the canals. Look for 'eetcafes' for a casual dining experience. Instagram

Yes, Delft has numerous charming cafes perfect for a coffee break. Many offer delicious pastries and light snacks, providing a cozy spot to rest your feet while exploring. Instagram

While specific recommendations change, exploring the area around the Markt (Market Square) and the canals will reveal a variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to more upscale dining. Many offer outdoor seating with canal views. Instagram

Most restaurants in Delft are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus online or ask staff about plant-based choices. Instagram

You might find some street food vendors, especially around the Market Square during market days, offering local treats like 'stroopwafels' or fries. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Old Town Delft offers a delightful experience for families. The compact nature of the old town makes it easy to navigate with children, and the canals provide endless fascination. Climbing the Nieuwe Kerk tower can be an exciting adventure for older kids, offering a unique view of the city. Instagram

Consider visiting the Royal Delft Museum where live demonstrations of pottery painting can captivate young minds. TikTok Many cafes offer kid-friendly snacks, and simply exploring the charming streets and bridges can be an adventure in itself. Pack comfortable shoes for everyone, as there will be plenty of walking. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Old Town Delft is quite accessible for budget travelers. The best way to save money is to focus on the free attractions: simply wandering the streets, admiring the canals, and soaking in the atmosphere of the Market Square costs nothing. Instagram

Opt for a combined ticket for the Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk if you wish to climb the towers and explore the interiors, as this offers better value than separate tickets. Reddit Pack your own snacks and water, and consider a picnic by the canals. Many cafes offer affordable coffee and pastries for a budget-friendly break. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Delft is a photographer's dream, with its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and iconic leaning towers. The Market Square and the Oostpoort (East Gate) are particularly photogenic spots. Instagram

Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for the best light, avoiding midday harshness and crowds. Instagram Experiment with reflections in the canals and capture the charming details of the gabled houses. Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the unique tilt of the church towers. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Leaning Towers of Delft

Delft is home to two prominent churches, each with a distinctive tower that draws visitors' attention. The Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) boasts a 75-meter-tall brick tower that famously leans, offering a unique architectural sight and a challenging climb for panoramic views of the city. Instagram Inside, it serves as the royal burial place, adding a layer of historical significance.

The Oude Kerk (Old Church), also known as 'Oude Jan', features a similarly striking, albeit less pronounced, leaning tower. This Gothic Protestant church is recognized for its unique tilt and its peaceful interior, which houses the tomb of the renowned Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. Reddit Visitors can explore the history presented on info panels within the church, learning about its long and rich past.

Both towers offer a chance to appreciate Delft's skyline from above, but be prepared for a climb! The combined ticket for both churches provides excellent value for those wanting to experience both historical sites. Reddit

The Art of Delft Blue

Delft Blue pottery, or Delfts Blauw, is an iconic symbol of the Netherlands, and Delft is its birthplace. This distinctive blue and white earthenware gained popularity in the 17th century, inspired by Chinese porcelain. The Royal Delft Museum is the last remaining original Delftware factory from the 17th century, offering a deep dive into the history and intricate process of creating these beautiful ceramics. Reddit

Visitors can witness live demonstrations by master painters, see the evolution of Delft Blue designs, and explore a vast collection of historical pieces. The museum provides a comprehensive understanding of how this craft has shaped Delft's identity. TikTok Beyond the museum, numerous shops throughout Old Town Delft sell authentic Delft Blue items, from small souvenirs to elaborate vases, allowing you to take a piece of Dutch heritage home with you. Instagram

Exploring the shops and the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into a centuries-old tradition that continues to thrive. It’s a must-do for anyone interested in Dutch art, history, or unique decorative items. Instagram

Exploring Delft's Charming Canals

Old Town Delft is characterized by its picturesque canals that wind through the historic center, reflecting the charming gabled houses and bridges. A leisurely stroll along these waterways is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the city's ambiance. Instagram The canals provide a serene backdrop, offering countless photo opportunities and a sense of stepping back in time. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy simply wandering without a specific destination, allowing the winding paths and canal views to guide them. You can admire the boats docked along the sides, the lush greenery, and the architectural details of the buildings that line the water. Instagram For a different perspective, consider a canal cruise, which offers a relaxing way to see the city from the water and learn about its history from a local guide. Instagram

The canals are not just for aesthetics; they are an integral part of Delft's history and charm, contributing to its unique character and making it a truly photogenic destination. Instagram+1

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