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Things to do in Delft

There are plenty of things to do in Delft that will keep you entertained during your visit, and you’re guaranteed to have loads of fun exploring by foot, via the canals, or on two wheels!

The beautiful city of Delft boasts pretty tree-lined canals, traditional architecture, and quaint cafés that make it look like it belongs on a postcard, and it is only 35 minutes from the port in Rotterdam which means it is the perfect destination for a short break.

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Walk around the city
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Delft canal network
3
Delft's famous pottery
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Cycling in Delft

Things to do in Delft

Walk around the city

One of the best things to do in Delft is to go out and see some of its striking buildings and attractions on a self-guided walking tour.

Start at Markt Square, which you will find in the centre of the city, and marvel at the Gothic beauty of the New Church before heading up its 108 metre tower for amazing views across Delft and beyond. Take a moment to admire the renaissance Town Hall while you’re in the square too, its red shutters and gold and silver statues give it a very impressive look.

The next stop should be to see the fairy tale spires of the Oostpoort, a gatehouse constructed in the 1400s, and you can then wander to the leafy Botanical Gardens which are an absolute must-see for nature lovers.

The city hosts a number of open air markets which offer the chance to pick up some locally produced gifts, and on Thursdays and Sundays the streets are transformed with stalls set up along the canals. The largest general market is held in Markt Square, and features over 150 stalls selling everything from antiques to fresh produce.

Explore Delft's canal network

Like many destinations in the Netherlands, Delft boasts a pretty canal network that runs throughout the city and gives visitors the perfect excuse to explore. Take a walk alongside the canals, admire the small bridges that cross the water, and stop at different cafés on the way for coffee and delicious food too.

Alternatively, opt for a boat tour and see Delft from a different perspective as you sail past its traditional architecture and pretty rows of trees, all whilst learning facts about the city and getting an insight into its history.

Discover Delft's famous pottery

As you wander around Delft you will notice that many of the shops sell lovely pieces of blue and white pottery, and this style has been created in Delft for centuries.

You can visit the last remaining Delft pottery factory, which dates back to the 17th century, and see how it is still made using traditional techniques today. To learn more, take the Royal Delft Experience tour and visit the museum, or have a go at the workshop that they offer in which you can paint your own ceramic tile.

Bike on a bridge with old brickwork in Delft

Cycling in Delft

Riding a bike out into the countryside is one of the most active things to do in Delft, as you can cycle along trails and routes through beautiful scenery to your heart’s content. Take your bike around the city itself to see the sights on two wheels before heading out into the surrounding villages and seeing the green space that they are set in.

If you don’t have your own bike to take to Delft with you, you can easily hire one from the main train station or Markt Square and start your cycling adventure from there.

Now that you know about all of the great things to do in Delft, plan a trip to discover them for yourself by booking your Hull to Rotterdam crossing today. For an extra piece of mind upgrade to one of flexi ticket types for some added flexibility.

Take a walk alongside the canals, admire the small bridges that cross the water, and stop at different cafés on the way for coffee and delicious food too.

Top attractions to see in Delft

Delftblue Factory and Museum

Chamonix . France

Royal Delft, is the last remaining original Delft Blue factory from the 17th century in Delft that still hand makes Delft Blue according to centuries-old tradition.

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