Delft's old town is one of the best-preserved historic centres in the Netherlands, and it is free to explore. It is built around the Markt, a broad square with the Stadhuis at one end and the Nieuwe Kerk at the other, and it is threaded with canals, bridges and gabled houses. The Nieuwe Kerk holds the tomb of William of Orange and has a tower you can climb for a view. The Oude Kerk, known as Scheve Jan, leans noticeably because it was built on soft ground by a canal. The Oostpoort, dating from around 1400, is the only surviving gate of the original eight. A Thursday market has run on the Markt since the Middle Ages. Wander the Oude Delft and Koornmarkt canals, and the old streets between them, for the quiet, brick-and-water character that Vermeer painted.
The route is simple. Start at the Markt, look at the Stadhuis and the Nieuwe Kerk, then walk the canals: Oude Delft is the long, tree-lined spine, and Koornmarkt is one of the prettiest. Visit the Oostpoort at the edge of the centre for a sense of the old city walls, and loop back through the lanes to the Oude Kerk. The town is small enough to see on foot in a couple of hours, and the best light is in the morning or at dusk when the lamps come on along the canals.
If you want to go inside, the Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk sell tickets for the churches and the tower. The church prices page shows winter hours from November to January of Monday to Friday 11:00 to 16:00 and Saturday 10:00 to 17:00, with the tower closing an hour earlier and possibly shutting in bad weather.
Children under six cannot climb the tower, and backpacks and umbrellas are not allowed in it. The churches may close for events, so check the church's calendar before you travel, and note that Sunday hours are not shown on the prices page.
Delft combines easily with The Hague, since the train takes about a quarter of an hour, and tram 1 also links the two. Add Royal Delft and the Vermeer Centrum for a full day, or stay the night to see the town after the day visitors leave. The Markt is liveliest on Thursday, and in the run-up to Christmas the old town gets festive. Wear flat shoes, because the cobbles and canal bridges are uneven.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk around the Markt, canals, churches and old gate, with optional tickets for the Nieuwe Kerk tower.
Best time
Morning light or dusk; Thursday if you want the market.
How long
Two hours for the walk; four with churches and a tower climb.
Tips
The tower closes earlier than the church and in bad weather. Wear flat shoes. Check the church calendar for event closures.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who likes canals, brick houses and a slower pace than The Hague.
- Families
- The tower climb and the market suit older children; keep a hand on young ones near the canals.
- Couples
- A dusk walk along the canals, then dinner on a terrace or in a brown café.
- Pair with
- Royal Delft, the Vermeer Centrum and a train back to The Hague.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is Delft old town free to visit?+
Yes, walking the Markt, the canals and the streets costs nothing. The churches and the tower climb charge admission.
What are the Nieuwe Kerk's winter hours?+
From November to January the churches are open Monday to Friday 11:00 to 16:00 and Saturday 10:00 to 17:00. The tower closes an hour earlier and may shut in bad weather.
Can children climb the tower?+
Children under six cannot, and children from six to sixteen must be accompanied by an adult. Backpacks and umbrellas are not allowed in the tower.
When is the Delft market?+
The main market takes place on the Markt on Thursday. It has run since the 12th century.
How do I get to Delft from The Hague?+
The train takes about a quarter of an hour, and tram 1 also links the two. Delft is easy to visit as a day trip.
