Discover Delft through its art, craftsmanship and green excursion spots. Vermeer’s life and work, Delft Blue and the historic churches each offer a different focus. When planning your trip, you can decide which of these themes to put at the center and how to combine them with a visit to the gardens or surrounding area.
Art, craftsmanship and city history
The Vermeer Centrum Delft is dedicated to the life, work and era of Johannes Vermeer, as well as to the painter’s city. It displays high-quality, life-size reproductions of all his known works. The center also offers bookable guided tours, either at the center itself or around Delft with a focus on Vermeer. Tour arrangements may change; check the current options when planning a guided tour.
At the Royal Delft Museum, you can learn how Delft Blue is made in workshops and paint your own tile. Workshop dates and booking terms may change. So if this hands-on activity is an important part of your visit, check in advance which dates are available.
The Oude Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk are also part of the city’s cultural program, hosting exhibitions, concerts and lectures. As the program changes over time, it is worth checking the dates before planning your visit around them. The Oostpoort is a historic landmark: it is the only surviving city gate of the eight originally built in Delft.
The Paul TĂ©tar van Elven Museum is located in the former home of the painter and passionate art collector at Koornmarkt. He lived there until 1892. If you would like to visit the museum, check current access information in advance.
Gardens and green spaces
The TU Delft Hortus Botanicus is divided into an arboretum, a greenhouse complex, a central garden and a herb garden. Covering about 2.5 hectares, it includes around 7,000 unusual plant and tree species. You can explore the tropical gardens on your own or with a guide. There are also treasure hunts for children, workshops and exhibitions. Activities and program dates may change; check in advance whether the activity you want is taking place during your visit.
The Arboretum-Heempark is in the Delftse Hout recreation area. This green space on the edge of the city offers opportunities for walking, cycling and taking part in creative workshops; individual workshops may vary. Another natural and recreational area, Buytenhout lies between Delft, Zoetermeer and Pijnacker-Nootdorp. For a different kind of landscape, visit Midden-Delfland, right next to Delft, with its expansive meadows, historic farms and quiet dike paths.
Combining travel and activities
Delft railway station is in the city center. From there, you can reach the Markt and other attractions in about five minutes on foot. HTM tram line 1 runs directly from The Hague and Rotterdam to Delft. Routes and operators may change; check the connection for your travel date.
A boat trip along the picturesque canals is another way to explore Delft. Operators and schedules may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest departure times. Online walking routes are available for strolls past hidden gems and well-known sights; their availability may also change.
A cycling tour through Hoek van Holland, Maassluis, Midden-Delfland, Delft and Westland takes you to regional products. These include Westland strawberries and grapes, farm cheese and orchids from a nursery. Route details and participating producers may change.
Discover more destinations: Delft, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, Reeuwijk, Bodegraven, Oud-Beijerland, Dordrecht, Kaag En Braassem, Wassenaar.
For the broader travel overview: South Holland.
