If you’re wondering whether Delft is worth a day trip, the short answer is yes. It’s compact, easy to get around on foot and feels calmer than nearby cities, which makes it ideal if you want to see a lot without rushing.
I visited Delft on a day trip from Leiden and found it as exquisite as the porcelain that takes its name. Its compact historic centre is laced with tranquil canals that could have come straight out of a painting by Vermeer, the city’s favourite son, and it never felt overrun while I was there. My guide walks through how to spend one day in Delft, what to prioritise and how to make the most of your time without trying to cram everything in.
What to See in Delft in One Day
It is easy to hit the highlights of Delft in a day. Walking from one end of its Old Town to the other takes no more than 15 minutes, making it a breeze to explore on foot.
I recommend getting there early (or, better still, staying overnight). When I arrived around 9.30 am, it was wonderfully tranquil. An hour later, the coach groups started to arrive.
Whilst it didn’t feel mobbed, exploring Delft with fewer people around was better, particularly for capturing photographs minus selfie stick-wielding tourists.
The Markt
Start your day at Delft’s beating heart: its main square, or Markt. This is encircled by over 50 historic buildings and is book ended by the City Hall in the southwest and the New Church at the northeast end.
I particularly liked the City Hall, built in 1620 in the Renaissance style of the time. If you want to take a good look at this building, try to avoid market day (Thursday & Saturday) as the market stalls will obscure your view.
the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk)
For a bird’s eye view of Delft and to get your Gothic architectural fix, visit Delft’s 14th-century New Church.
William I, Prince of Orange, the so-called father of the Netherlands, is buried in an elaborate, canopied tomb inside the New Church. Most of his descendants are also buried here, and it is now the resting place for members of the Dutch royal family.
Are you feeling in good shape? If so, climb the 376 steps of the New Church’s 85-meter-high tower for a panoramic view of Delft. On a clear day can see as far as Rotterdam and The Hague.
Delft’s canals
One of the best things to do on a day trip to Delft is to simply walk along its canals.
In the summer months, the Oude Delft Canal is lined with barges that were used to transport goods into the city. Today, they are great places for a spot of al-fresco eating and drinking.
If you fancy seeing Delft from its waterways, take a 45-minute boat tour of the Old Town from the Koornmarkt canal.
The Old Church (Oude Kerk)
The Old Church flanks the Oude Delft canal.
And no; this image does not need straightening. Also known as Scheve Jan (“Skewed John”), the tower of Delft’s Old Church leans at a jaunty two meters from the vertical. I guess a filled-in canal isn’t the most stable foundation for a large stone structure.
Although less impressive than the New Church, it does have an elaborately carved pulpit. Johannes Vermeer is buried here, his resting place marked by a stone plaque on the floor.
The Vermeer Centre (Vermeercentrum)
If you’re curious about Vermeer’s life in Delft you might find the Vermeer Centre useful, though it doesn’t house original work.
Prisenhof Museum
Remember William of Orange from the New Church? The Prisenhof Museum is housed in the former convent where he sought refuge and was killed by a French assassin’s bullet.
The museum focuses on his life but its collection also includes an impressive collection of Delftware. It is located at Sint Agathaplein 1.
The Royal Delft
Are you interested in learning more about how Delftware is produced? If so, head to the Royal Delft. This is the city’s biggest tourist attraction and one of the best things to do in Delft.
The first pottery factory in Delft was established in the 16th century and, at the industry’s peak, there were 32 porcelain factories in Delft. Ultimately competition from overseas, particularly from the UK, forced many Delftware factories out of business.
The Royal Delft is located just outside Delft’s Old Town. You can get there by canal boat or via the Delft City Shuttle.
One Day in Delft: FAQs
Is Delft worth a day trip?
Yes. Delft is compact, easy to walk and relaxed compared with nearby cities. You can see the main sights, wander along the canals and still have time to sit down for lunch without feeling rushed.
How long do you need in Delft?
One full day is enough to see the highlights. If you only have half a day you can still walk around the centre and visit Markt Square and one church, but a full day gives you more breathing space.
Can Delft be done as a day trip from Amsterdam?
Yes. Trains run frequently and the journey is straightforward, making Delft an easy day trip from Amsterdam or The Hague.
What is the best order to see Delft in one day?
Start at Markt Square, visit the Nieuwe Kerk, walk along the canals and then head towards the Oude Kerk. Museums like the Prinsenhof or Royal Delft work well later in the day if you want to add one more stop.
Is Delft walkable?
Very. The historic centre is small and flat, and most places you’ll want to see are within a short walk of each other.
Thank you for reading my Delft day trip guide
Delft is proof that there is more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam. And thanks to the efficient Dutch railway system, this and other historic towns such as Leiden, Gouda, Haarlem and Utrecht, are all easy day trips from Amsterdam or Rotterdam.
During my stay in the Netherlands, Delft was my favourite city. It is an effortlessly low-key city, made for wandering, daydreaming and munching waffles.
Lastly, is visiting the Keukenhof Gardens and the Dutch tulip fields on your travel bucket list? If so, why not base yourself in Delft for the greatest flower show on earth?
Happy travels!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.