Delft

Delft is a mid-sized city in the west of the Netherlands. It's a beautiful, unspoiled town with traditional architecture, canals and bikes. It's also home to the world famous blue and white ceramics. Delft makes a great destination for a day-trip or can serve as a base to explore the region. And if the bustling crowds of Amsterdam are not really your thing, Delft is a lovely alternative, offering an equally interesting insight into the cultural wealth of old "Holland", on a far more intimate scale.



Understand
Delft is more than 750 years old. Its name is derived from the Dutch word 'delven' which means delve or digging. Delft's oldest canal is called The Old Delft (de Oude Delft). Delft expanded around it; later on many other city-canals were dug as life lines through the city. These grachten are still the pride of Delft.

In 1246 Delft received city rights, granted by Holland's Count William II. Delft grew prosperous and new neighbourhoods were added to the city. In 1355 it reached the size it would remain at until the 1900s.

In 1536 a great fire destroyed 2300 houses. The most likely cause was lightning striking the tower of The New Church. About 100 years later, in 1654, an explosion destroyed large parts of town; a warehouse with 36 000 kg of gunpowder blew up. A new warehouse (Kruithuis) was later built, outside the city perimeter.

Delft has long been a centre of art and science. With the foundation of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (East India Company) in 1602, Delft also became a trading center. The VOC was at one time the largest trading company in the world, with a huge fleet and offices all over Asia. One of the Dutch offices was in Delft.

In 1842, the Royal Academy for Civil Engineering (Koninklijke Academie ter opleiding van Burgerlijke Ingenieurs) was founded. Now known as Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), it is Delft's biggest employer. About 13,000 students study in Delft.



By plane
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is 45 min away by direct connection train. If you prearrange a taxi to pick you up at Schiphol, expect to pay at least €60 to Delft. As such, the train is the best option.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport is only a few kilometres away but since there is no direct public transport connection it takes around 45 minutes. Travel via Rotterdam Centraal station, where you can take a train. Either take bus 33 directly to Rotterdam Centraal, or the other direction to Meijersplein Metro where you can take metro line E to Rotterdam Centraal (direction Slinge).

When taking an airport taxi from Rotterdam The Hague Airport, expect to pay about €35 for the trip. Other, cheaper, options are prearranged taxis from Delft.

By train
There are 2 railway stations in Delft.



By tram
On the trams you must use the OV-chipkaart or day-pass.

From The Hague
Delft is a short tram ride from The Hague by tram. Tram runs from Scheveningen, through the middle of The Hague and Den Haag HS to Delft. Travelling time is approximately 30 min from The Hague (Centrum) to Delft. From Scheveningen to Delft the journey takes 45 minutes.

From Leidschendam-Voorburg
You can take tram from Leidschenhage to its end point at Delft's train station. From Leidschenhage to Delft it takes 40 minutes. Leidschenhage is on the route of trams and.

By car
Delft, between the A4 and A13 motorways, is easily reached by car. Both highways are easily accessible both from Amsterdam/Schiphol and from Rotterdam. Delft has three exits off the A13 motorway. The city centre is best reached via exit Delft (exit 9). During the weekend this exit can be busy with IKEA shoppers. Then take the North exit (exit 8), or the South exit (exit 10) to reach the University. From the A4 motorway, take exit 14. Then, go along the Kruithuisweg (N470), until the third stoplight. Turn left, then follow signs to 'centrum'. Once you are there, follow the 'P' of your choice. It is best to go to P Zuidpoort.

By bus
Buses from The Hague and Rotterdam terminate at Delft railway station. Tram line from Den Haag (HS) runs to Delft and has stops near the city center and railway station.

By public transport
Local public transport in the town is a part of the public transport system of the Hague. As said, the historical centre of Delft is small enough to be explored on foot, but local public transport could be used to reach the Hague and come back. HTM travel cards are also valid here.

There are two frequent tram routes that run north of the city center, although there are several suburban/regional bus routes operated by EBS as well. These are better suited to travelling between towns not directly connected by rail.

By foot
Walking - the centre is small enough to walk across in ten minutes. Most streets in the city centre are pedestrianized. But do take care: taxis are allowed to use these streets. Especially at night they drive at inappropriate speeds. When walking through town make sure you leave room for traffic on bikes. The locals are zooming around going about on their daily business.The locals are usually aware of tourists looking up at the gables and are ready for unsuspended side steps, but do try to keep an eye on the traffic. A collision with a bike can ruin your whole day. Walking around without a top is considered uncouth.

By bicycle
The Netherlands is a perfect country for cycling. The land is flat, the views broad and cycle paths are everywhere. For the Dutch cycling is not only useful for the daily commute but also considered an excellent leisure activity. Inexperienced cyclists are few and far between. Cyclist are expected to ride their bikes in an assertive way. If you have a wobbly and uncertain trajectory, cars tend to overtake. This would make the cycling experience a harrowing experience. But realize that even if you have right of way, a car is still a lot harder than you.

Inside the Delft canal streets, most locals will mount the pavement shortly to let cars past on the canals where possible. This is just courteous because the next time when you are driving the car you hope to be let through as well.

At the train station in Delft you can rent bicycles. To rent a bike you will need a valid ID and a deposit (€50 for a simple bike or €145 for a tandem). The rental fee for a normal bike with a back-pedal brake will be per day. (including insurance cover for theft). Often it is possible to rent a bike with gears or one with electric assistance. Especially if you are with a group it is best to reserve the bikes per telephone (015-2143033) beforehand. (Please) Make sure you understand the traffic rules before you set off.

By taxi

 * Call-taxi telephone: 015 2625425
 * A Taxi Delft telephone: 015 2612121
 * Deltax telephone: 015 2191919
 * Lextax VOF telephone: 015 2621211

By car
In brief, getting around by car in Delft is, similar to many other Dutch cities, discouraged through spatial planning and parking fares. The old city has been made largely car-free, but there are three large car parks at the edge of the city centre (Parkeergarage Zuidpoort, Markt and Phoenix). These car parks are expensive, but parking on the few public parking spaces on the streets in or near the city center can be even more expensive. The parking policy differs per area and is not always clear. Beware of the signs "alleen vergunninghouders" (permit holders only) in some streets in the vicinity of the city center, especially in residential areas. Sometimes only a floor tile with a "P" is visible. This means Permit parking. Many tourist assume "P" means parking and end up with a parking fine. Parking is energetically policed. Unauthorized parking will cost you about €70. A 10-minute walk from the centre parking for free can be found at the Nijverheidsplein. The University area will have space in the weekends.

Traffic rules on priority consider the vulnerability of the mode of transport. This means a car has to give way to a bike to avoid a collision. Even a bike travelling the wrong way up a one-way street, without lights, driven by someone clearly over the limit colliding with a car will put that car driver at fault. Because of the risk to the cyclist, the car should have done everything to avoid the collision, or he is at fault.

Be sure to check the mirrors before you make a right turn. There is a good chance a cyclist is between you and the pavement.

Markt square and around

 * , on Markt. On the market you will find the statue of Hugo Grotius (1583–1645). Grotius is the Latin version of the Dutch name Hugo de Groot. Grotius was a jurist in the Dutch Republic. He laid the foundations for international law and law of the sea. In 1618 Grotius was sentenced to life imprisonment to the Loevestein Castle, about 75 km south east of Delft. Grotius managed to escape in a book chest. Both the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the museum Het Prinsenhof in Delft claim to have the original book chest in their collection.
 * , on Markt. On the market you will find the statue of Hugo Grotius (1583–1645). Grotius is the Latin version of the Dutch name Hugo de Groot. Grotius was a jurist in the Dutch Republic. He laid the foundations for international law and law of the sea. In 1618 Grotius was sentenced to life imprisonment to the Loevestein Castle, about 75 km south east of Delft. Grotius managed to escape in a book chest. Both the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the museum Het Prinsenhof in Delft claim to have the original book chest in their collection.

Hofjes
In Netherlands towns hofjes (almshouses) were built to host single women.

Do

 * Stroll through town: suggested streets: Oude Delft, Boterbrug, Wijnhaven, Hippolytusbuurt, Choorstraat, Vrouw Jutteland, Rietveld, Kerkstraat, Markt ending at the Beestenmarkt for a refreshment.
 * Rent a bike and visit De Delftse Hout, a park/leisure area to the east of Delft. Cycle through the woods, sail on the lake, have a picnic, walk through the parks
 * Visit the bric à brac Markets around the central streets (Hippolytusbuurt, Vrouw Jutteland and Voldersgracht) and canals of Central Delft, every Saturday, April - October (free to visit)
 * Visit the Delft Library. DOK Vesteplein 100. This library was set up very different from other libraries. The books are in cupboarts on wheels. It won several national and international prizes because of its innovative layout and the other facilities and activities available. The reading room with the childerens books is very special. The reading room (and coffee corner) on the first floor has a fantastic glass ceiling spanning the whole library. There are many international newspapers and magazines available. Open Monday from 12:00 till 18:00 other days mostly 10:00 till 18:00. Closed on Sundays. More details on their (Dutch) website
 * Every week, Studium Generale organises lectures on a wide range of subjects. Usually these are in Dutch, but roughly once a month there may be one in English too. The lectures aim at the interest of students, but other people interested may often attend as well. Admission is usually free.

Attractions

 * Petting Zoo (Kinderboerderij Delftse Hout) on the Korftlaan 3, is a 15 minutes walk from the city centre, via the "Koepoort" Bridge. Opening hours 10:00-16:00. Admission free.
 * Waterpark, next to the Petting Zoo Delftse Hout. You will find this park geared towards young children. A beach, swings, slides, a cable slide, clean toilet facilities and a maximum water depth of 40 cm (1 ft 3) and free admission make this a popular destination on sunny days. Same entrance as the Petting Zoo. The gate to the waterpark is half-way on the left.
 * Play grounds. Delft has five outdoor play grounds. These are outdoor areas with swings and various climbing frames. Target audience: 2-12 year olds. The biggest is the one on the Beukenlaan 1. The admission is free. It has toilet facilities and a simple shop for coffee, drinks and ice cream. On sunny days the volunteers sometimes run blow-up paddling pools. Opening hours, Monday till Friday from 13:30 till 17:30.
 * Kids Playground Delft (Kleveringweg 35 2616 LZ Delft Tel. 015-2190673) On the other side of the A13 motorway behind the McDonald's restaurant is an indoor playpark. Although staff motivation and facilities both need a polish it can provide a channel for excess child energy on rainy days. Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-18:00 admission €7 children and €1.80 per adult.
 * Play grounds. Delft has five outdoor play grounds. These are outdoor areas with swings and various climbing frames. Target audience: 2-12 year olds. The biggest is the one on the Beukenlaan 1. The admission is free. It has toilet facilities and a simple shop for coffee, drinks and ice cream. On sunny days the volunteers sometimes run blow-up paddling pools. Opening hours, Monday till Friday from 13:30 till 17:30.
 * Kids Playground Delft (Kleveringweg 35 2616 LZ Delft Tel. 015-2190673) On the other side of the A13 motorway behind the McDonald's restaurant is an indoor playpark. Although staff motivation and facilities both need a polish it can provide a channel for excess child energy on rainy days. Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-18:00 admission €7 children and €1.80 per adult.

Theatres and cinemas

 * There are a few theaters in the inner city; Theater de Veste, Vesteplein 1 is the largest theater, with shows almost every night (except during summer). The Microtheater, next to the New Church is a small theatre with around one show per week. On the rietveld there is a small theater called the Rietveld theatre.
 * There are two cinemas in Delft. Filmhuis Lumen is a small pleasant cinema run mostly by friendly volunteers. It has a very nice foyer. It shows mostly non-Hollywood and art-house movies. Also the film "Girl with a pearl earring" is shown here once a week. Doelenplein 5 . Hollywood blockbusters can be seen in Pathé Delft, Vesteplein 5 . This is a new, large scale cinema near the Theater de Veste in the Zuidpoort (big screen, large comfy seats, expensive drinks and pre-made perfectly round popcorn).

Tours

 * The Canal taxi boat takes you to all the main tourist spots. You can flag a boat on the canals or you can order one by phone on 06 - 22 99 2795. Single fare per person. It is also possible to rent the whole boat for €35 per hour for max 8 persons, it will pick you up from where you want.
 * Tour the sights of Delft in a horse-drawn tram if you like a bumpy ride surrounded in the smell of manure. It starts on the market square.
 * Tour the sights of Delft in a horse-drawn tram if you like a bumpy ride surrounded in the smell of manure. It starts on the market square.

Events
Especially during summer there are several annual events to visit, most of them are in the open air and free to visit. For a list of upcoming events, you can check out the Event calendar:. An incomplete list of annual events:
 * Mooi Weer Spelen, creative event with street theatre (free), exhibitions and theatre shows on special locations (some of them are free), one entire weekend, usually somewhere in June
 * Taptoe, National event of non-military marching bands performing parades and demonstrations, usually the first weekend of September (free)
 * Westerpop, (rock) music festival with local, national and international artists, usually the last weekend of August (free)
 * Varend corso, flower decorated boats sailing from the Westland (the glasshouse area where special flowers are grown) to Delft, usually a Sunday in the beginning of August (free)
 * Lichtjesavond ("evening of lights"), evening with Christmas atmosphere, where Christmas songs are sung, a large Christmas tree on the central market square and many, many lights. Usually on a Tuesday evening, halfway December (free)
 * Open Monumentendag ("day of the open monuments"), on this national event, many monumental buildings can be visited for free, which are otherwise closed to the public. This includes climbing to the top of "Molen De Roos", the windmill on Phoenixstraat 112, and visiting the former city prison and torturing room (backside of the City Hall), where the alleged murderer of William of Orange was tortured in 1584. It usually takes place on a Saturday. Inform at the tourism office when the next open monumentendag is held.
 * Muziek op de Gracht ("Music on the canals"), in July and August free concerts are given on boats on the Vrouw Jutteland Canal.

Buy
The shopping area in the city spreads roughly from the "Zuidwal" on the south to the "Choorstraat" on the north. The national and international stores like C&A, H&M and McDonald's concentrate on the southern part of the city, while the more alternative small stores and gift shops can be found more to the north. Apart from some supermarkets, shops are usually closed on Sundays and on Monday mornings.


 * Vrouwjuttenland: In this short street along a canal, near the New Church, alternative clothing and gift stores can be found. Pipe or cigar smokers should definitely visit "Van Renssen". The street also contains an organic/health food supermarket. On summer evenings, once a week there are performances of musical artists, performing from a boat on the canal. Check the health food supermarket for the exact dates.
 * Choorstraat: Just around the corner from the Vrouwjuttenland, the Choorstraat can be found. This pleasant small street offers a variety of stores, like a drugstore selling all sorts of tea, an international gift store selling everything from tajines to Buddha statues, a chocolate store, a gameshop and a large book store with many international newspapers.
 * Hippolytusbuurt: At the end of the Choorstraat, until Wijnhaven is Hippolytusbuurt. This is one of the two major canals. It boasts the one of the oldest shops in the world. The Fish shop dates from 1342. The Tourist information point is here. A funny little sweets shop, two toy shops, two hairdressers, a Moroccan butcher with an excellent selection of olives and tapanades and two upmarket restaurants.
 * Bastiaansplein: The newest shopping area in town, consisting of a large supermarket (7 days a week open until 22:00) and several clothing stores. Tiles in the street light up at night.
 * Voldersgracht: For those who need good advice on tasteful alcoholic beverages, they definitely should visit the store Wines and Whisky's. Furthermore, the Voldersgracht holds a large record shop, which sells a wide range of LP's and CD's from all ages. The street also has a religious gift shop, the Bijbel-In.
 * Martinus Nijhofflaan: The "Hovenpassage" is a covered shopping area, 15 minutes of walking outside the city centre. The shops are smaller and less alternative, but it contains a wide variety of stores and a large supermarket, the "Jumbo". Another large supermarket, the Albert Heijn, is on the other side of the street.
 * Oude Delft: Wine shop "Van Dorp" is near the Old Church. The shop is in the vaulted basement of a monumental house. The atmosphere inside is cool and tranquil and worth a visit by itself. The shop has an extensive selection of wine in every price category. The customer service is highly personal and very friendly. Because the shop doesn't lend itself to much browsing the shopkeeper (a wine connoisseur himself) will try and find out what is to your liking and then recommend a suiting wine without pushing expensive wines. The venue can also be hired for wine tasting sessions. A visit here will cure you from supermarket wine forever.

Delftware
Delfts Blauw (Delft Blue) is a traditional Delft pottery. In the 18th century the city was famous for its porcelain. Around 1750, 32 earthenware factories were located in Delft. Avoid anything that says "Holland" on it, or depicts windmills. Check out the antique stores if you want something really traditional.



Eat
Restaurants on the central marketplace can be more expensive than those in back-streets.



Markets
On Thursday (at the Grote Markt and brabantse Turfmarkt) and Saturday (at the Brabantse Turfmarkt only) a market is held in Delft centre. Fresh produce, fish and flowers and non-food at bargain prices. Services like watch repair and mobile phone unlocking are also available. Try the sweet smelling freshly made "Stroopwafels" (syrup waffles). Try a herring or "Kibbeling" deep-fried battered fish. Every Tuesday a market is also held at the Papsouwselaan.

Budget
If you are on a really tight budget, many student societies provide food, for a modest price (around €4). To check what is on offer look here.



Drink


The city centre of Delft is full of small bars, finding seating is sometimes a challenge. In summer the grote markt, Beestenmarkt and Brabantse turfmarkt are filled with terraces, other bars have terrace barges out front. The great beer history is alive and well again in Delft. Many bars feature an extensive beer menu, and one can try a beer from the local brewery (De Koperen Kat) or the historic brew 'Delftse Mueselare Bier'
 * Al fresco at one of the many bars around the market square, or on a floating terrace (apparently unique to Delft) on a canal.
 * "De Beestenmarkt"; around this square in the city centre are many pubs and bars. In the summer it is filled with people drinking a beer under the maple tree canopy.
 * Many students get a drink at their fraternity (extremely cheap). Mostly you need to be a member or be introduced.

Specific cafés

 * Jazzcafé Bebop, Kromstraat, a good café where the music is not so loud that you can't hear each other speaking, where the bartender is friendly and the visitors are on average around 25-30 (outside the weekends maybe somewhat older). It has a wide variety of beers and during summer the patio at the back is open.
 * Knus, Zavelpad 3, 015–2122990. In the forest next to Delft lies a pleasant establishment for coffee and snacks. Most people arrive by bike after a tour around the woods. There is a sandpit with water for the children and a few other play things. It has water bikes for rent. Popular with children.
 * Café du Midi, Noordeindseweg 70, Delfgauw, 015 2157469. In the fields next to the Delft forest (behind Ikea) lies a relaxed café. It takes great pride in serving high quality local products. Petting zoo on the premises. Walkabout chickens everywhere. Tree shaded sitting area. usually busy. Also pleasantly priced. Most visitors are cyclists. Certainly worth a visit if you have a bike. (it also is accessible by car)

Nightlife
There are a few places to go out and dance:
 * The Koornbeurs (alternative student fraternity and youth society, no membership needed) has regular live music on Friday, and the occasional parties on Saturday.
 * The Lorre. This is a student disco that belongs to a fraternity (DSC). It is not always open to the public.
 * Cine Dans Cafe (still under construction, not open yet). This one is near the theatre (theater de Veste).

Cannabis
Use of cannabis, weed or hashish is legal in small amounts (5 grams or less) in the Netherlands. Dutch law enforcement tolerates its use in so-called coffeeshops. There are 5 coffeeshops in Delft. The Future in the Peperstraat 8, de Vlouw on the Vlouw 27, The Game on the Breestraat 30, 't Keldertje on the Kromstraat 22a and De Boeddha on the Achterom 19a. The Game and The Future are both exceptional places for Lattes and herbs.

Bed and breakfast
There are several bed and breakfasts in Delft.

Holiday rental houses
There are several international websites offering canal houses for rent. Mostly these rentals need to be organised some time in advance. Because they are only slightly more expensive then a hotel room, they can work out to be cheaper for families with children who want their own room. Add the privacy and the facilities and they can be a very good alternative to a hotel or B&B. The three mayor websites competing are:, and

Long-term rentals
Most estate agents in the Netherlands are a working together. This means real estate for sale and rent are pooled on a website covering nearly everything on the market. The advantage is that one website has most properties. The disadvantages of a near monopoly are also obvious. Long term stay houses for expatiates and PhD students can be found here.

Camping
There are three campgrounds in Delft.
 * Camping Delfse Hout is located near a small artificial lake, suited for swimming. A camping spot for two persons, including a car costs between and €24. Cabins (for three/four persons) are also available for €36. Cottages can be rented for €265 per week. Services include a restaurant, recreation room, supermarket, launderette, playground, table tennis, bike rent, swimming pool. This is not a quiet place. Korftlaan 5, tel: 015 2130040.
 * Uylenburg does not offer camping spots anymore but there is a very pleasant guesthouse. Rooms are €80/115/130 for 1/2/4 persons including breakfast as of 2021., e-mail: herberg@uylenburg.nl.
 * Even smaller is De Grutto. This is definitely only for the real nature lover. You have to be a member of NIVON to camp here. There are only 25 spots. For more information call Mrs. W. Klunder (18:00 - 20:00). Directions, take bus 64 from Delft Station. Ask the driver to let you out at Rietzangerstraat, it is a 30-minute walk from there.

Stay healthy
The European telephone number for emergencies is 112. Fire, ambulance or police can be called out on this number. Mobile phones without caller credit can still call this number.

General practitioner
Family doctors (GPs) outside working hours (08:00 till 17:00) and for non-registered patients can be found at the "huisartsenpost", Reinier de Graafweg 3a, 2625 AD. (the white portacabin, next to the ambulance entrance), telephone (015) 251 19 30. Call before you visit. Visit: €65.14, consultation at home: €97.40. Paid parking on hospital grounds.

For prescription medication outside working hours, got to Apothecary "Buitenhof Apotheek" on the Rossinistraat 1, 2625 AP Delft. Telephone: (015) 245 42 00.

Cope

 * Delft City Government website

Religious services
There are several church services available also in English. Some of them offer partly English spoken services, others offer translations by a headset or written on paper (both handed over at the entrance). The list below is not complete, but gives an impression of the possibilities.


 * International Reformed Evangelical Fellowship (Ecumenic service), Heilige Geestkerkhof 25. Su 12:00 (in English)
 * Delft Christian Fellowship (Evangelistic/Charismatic service), Cort van der Lindenstraat 1. (Indonesian, English, Dutch)
 * Levend Water (Evangelistic/Charismatic service), Hermesstraat 65. Su 10:00 (Dutch, English)
 * Gereformeerde Kerk vrijgemaakt (Reformed), Schoemakerstraat 1. Su 11:00 (Dutch, with English translation on paper)

Go next

 * The beach at Scheveningen — Tramline 1 takes about 1 h and terminates right on the beach (the same trip by train is faster, you have to change in The Hague).
 * The Hague is a city worth a visit on its own (and it's on the way to Scheveningen). You can cycle to The Hague in 30 min. Start at the Oostsingel and follow the canal. It is well-sign-posted, and The Hague is visible as soon as you leave Delft.
 * Schipluiden is a very small town on the outskirts of Delft, with a large canal with beautiful bridges and colorful boats. It's a popular watering hole for cyclists. There are also kayak and paddleboat rentals (€6 for first hour, €2/hr after).
 * Schiedam is the next small city south along the train line. The small historic city centre is an undiscovered gem.
 * Hook of Holland has a quieter and cleaner beach than Scheveningen's, and it faces the Port of Rotterdam so is nice when you want to see the big seagoing ships: Great views. Cycling from Delft takes you past farms, sheep, and greenhouses. If you only want to cycle one way there is a train station at the Hook of Holland. You can take your bike on the train for about €7.50.