Tour idea - 48h in Delft
Delft is a city that will capture your heart with its rich history, charming canals, and cozy pubs and restaurants. But don’t be fooled; there is so much more to discover in this vibrant city. Whether you are interested in history, innovation, art, or simply looking for an authentic Dutch experience, Delft has something for everyone.
Delft Creating History
In Delft, tradition and innovation come together seamlessly. Explore the historical buildings and canals while immersing yourself in advanced technology, thanks to the students of Delft University of Technology. Throughout the centuries, the creativity and innovation of Delft have contributed to the development of the Netherlands, from Van Leeuwenhoek's microscope to quantum computers and solar cars. Discover for yourself how trade, technology, art, and science in Delft have changed the world.
Day 1: - History
Royal Delft Museum
Start your day with a visit to Royal Delft, the only remaining Delft Blue factory from the 17th century. Upon arrival at Royal Delft, you are welcomed into an environment steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. The scent of paint, the sound of hand tools at work, and the beautiful ceramic pieces surrounding you instantly transport you back in time. A guided tour of the factory not only showcases the various steps in the production process but also reveals the passion and precision needed to create this world-famous pottery.
At Royal Delft, you can also request a fun workshop to paint your own plate or tile. You can find more information via this link.
Discover Royal Delft
Canal tour
Enjoy a leisurely cruise from Royal Delft to the historic city center with Rondvaart Delft. As you glide along the picturesque canals, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history of this remarkable city.
The captain, a local expert, shares captivating stories and anecdotes about the iconic sights along the route. Discover the unique architecture, charming bridges, and historic buildings that shape the character of Delft. From magical views of the famous Old Church to the impressive New Church, everything passes by as the captain takes you on this enriching journey.
Experience Delft with a canal tour
Old & New Church
Visit the Old and New Church, where you can admire the graves of famous individuals such as Johannes Vermeer and William of Orange. Don’t forget to take a picture of the leaning tower of the Old Church!
Fun fact! In good weather, you can climb the tower of the New Church and enjoy a stunning view over the city.
Meer informatie over de Oude Kerk
Wandering through the city.
Strolling through the city of Delft reveals an old town that is ideally suited for exploration on foot. With its narrow streets, canals, and characteristic buildings, Delft offers a unique walking experience that allows visitors to discover the charm of the city in all its facets. The city center of Delft is compact, making most attractions and amenities within walking distance of each other.
Explore the Market Square and the surrounding shops for delightful souvenirs and clothing. Every Thursday, you can find the Delft market from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Market Square. On Saturdays, there is a slightly smaller version of the market at Burgwal and Brabantse Turfmarkt in Delft.
Day 2: - Creating
Creating History
The charming thing about Delft is that old and new go hand in hand. On one side, you’ll find historical buildings and canals, while on the other, there’s an abundance of (technical) innovation. Every year, over 25,000 students study at Delft University of Technology. So, Delft is truly a student city, and you can see this reflected in the streets!
Take a behind-the-scenes look at TU
TU Delft, a vibrant campus with over 40 impressive buildings, is a hub of innovative research. Normally, many of these intriguing areas remain hidden from the public, but with the Backstage Tours, you get a special opportunity to peek behind the scenes.
During these tours, you'll discover a diverse program that takes you through the various aspects of the university. Each tour provides a unique insight into the groundbreaking research projects and innovations that contribute to the future.
More about the Backstage Tours
TU Delft Hortus Botanicus
Enjoy 7,000 unique species of plants and trees! You can experience this at the TU Delft Hortus Botanicus of the Delft University of Technology. Spanning around 2.5 hectares, it is the largest contiguous green space in the city center of Delft.
Discover more
Tour of the art galleries in Delft
Delft was once known for its famous painters, such as Johannes Vermeer, who adorned the city with their masterpieces and carried on its rich art tradition. Their works, filled with detail and atmosphere, continue to inspire many artists today. However, Delft is currently undergoing an exciting transformation. A new generation of painters and artists has embraced the power of modern techniques and contemporary subjects. They are experimenting with a diverse range of styles and materials, offering a fresh perspective on the world around them.
Delft is bursting with quirky art galleries where you can purchase and admire unique pieces. Whether you’re looking for a large exhibition, an artist working in their own studio, or a quiet viewing by appointment, everything is possible in Delft!
Bekijk alle kunstgaleries in Delft
RADIUS
Curious about an art center located in a water basin of a beautiful historic monument? Come and take a look at RADIUS! This center for contemporary art and ecology features an underground exhibition space of no less than five hundred square meters. Here, you'll find a program that combines art and science, with a focus on climate, ecology, and the living environment.
At RADIUS, artists play an essential role in shaping and critiquing the narrative surrounding climate and ecological degradation. The program welcomes artists who address urgent ecological issues in their work, including climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, environmental rights, and social justice.
Unique hotels to stay in Delft
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Hotel Arsenaal ****
Hotel Arsenaal ****
Hotel Arsenaal by Westward is an icon of Delft and an essential part of the cityscape.
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Hampshire Hotel Delft Centre ****
Hampshire Hotel Delft Centre ****
Hampshire Hotel - Delft Centre has a music theme and is located on the edge of the center of Delft, within walking distance of all major tourist sights....
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Best Western Museumhotels Delft ****
Best Western Museumhotels Delft ****
Stay at the atmospheric hotel in the centre of Delft full of art and antiques. A place to relax after a day full of musea and culture.
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Casa Julia ***
Casa Julia ***
Casa Julia is located at a prominent corner building from 1920. The hotel is within walking distance from the city centre and in a quiet neighbourhood...
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Grand Canal Hotel ***
Grand Canal Hotel ***
Do you want to wake up at one of the oldest canals of Delft? This is possible at Hotel Grand Canal, a three-star family hotel in the centre of the city.
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Hotel de Koophandel ***
Hotel de Koophandel ***
Hotel De Koophandel is a three-star hotel, close to the old centre of Delft.
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Hotel de Plataan Delft Centrum ***
Hotel de Plataan Delft Centrum ***
Hotel De Plataan is a three-star hotel with character. The hotel is perfectly located in the historic heart of Delft.
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Hotel Johannes Vermeer ***
Hotel Johannes Vermeer ***
Staying in the city of the great Delft master? The comfortable Hotel Johannes Vermeer is located in the middle of the cosy city centre.
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Hotel Royal Bridges ****
Hotel Royal Bridges ****
Delft is known for her beautiful canal belt and many bridges. Enjoy this beautiful view from Hotel Royal Bridges, a 4-star hotel.
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Shanghai Hotel Holland ****
Shanghai Hotel Holland ****
The Shanghai Hotel Holland welcomes you to an experience of traditional Chinees hospitality.
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De Westcord Hotel ****
De Westcord Hotel ****
The Westcord Hotel Delft is conveniently located between the city centre and the green space De Delftse Hout.
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The Social Hub Delft ***
The Social Hub Delft ***
The Social Hub Delft is a hotel where a community of travellers, locals and students get together to learn, stay, work and play.
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Hotel Campanile ***
Hotel Campanile ***
The 3-star Hotel Campanile Delft is ideal for a visit to Delft. It is affordable and comfortable.
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Ibis Style Delft City Centre ***
Ibis Style Delft City Centre ***
Ibis Style Delft City Center opened its doors at the Van Leeuwenhoek Park, located in the old Spoorzone of Delft; nowadays called Nieuw Delft. The hotel...
