A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cambridge vs. Delft for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cambridge or Delft?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cambridge and Delft. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a collegiate, scholarly, and charming university town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Cambridge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Cambridge travel costs.

Delft

Delft is a charming, historic, and quaint town. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Delft travel costs.

Cambridge and Delft: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cambridge or Delft?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cambridge than Delft, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Cambridge is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Delft is known for its historical sights. Cambridge is more touristy than Delft and is known for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. It is also home to King's College and the King's College Chapel. Delft is popular for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery.

How is Cambridge different from Delft?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Delft and Cambridge. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cambridge or Delft?

Cambridge is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cambridge. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

Delft offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.

Is the Food Better in Cambridge or Delft? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cambridge is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Delft. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

Is Cambridge or Delft Better for Nightlife?

Cambridge is a university town with good options for nightlife. However, Delft is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cambridge. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Delft is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Is Cambridge or Delft Better for its Old Town?

Delft is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Delft. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.

Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Delft?

Cambridge is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Delft offers some nice shopping areas. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Is Cambridge or Delft More Beautiful?

Cambridge is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cambridge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The beautiful campus is a unique place to explore.

Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cambridge or Delft Better for Families?

Both Cambridge and Delft are good family-friendly destinations.

Cambridge is a family-friendly university town. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Delft. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.

Is Cambridge or Delft Better for Couples?

Cambridge is a very popular place for romance. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cambridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Delft makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

Is Cambridge or Delft Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cambridge is a university town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Delft is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Cambridge is a good university town to visit for backpackers. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Delft is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some affordable accommodation options, but many backpackers head to Delft as a day trip from the nearby city of The Hague.

Is Cambridge or Delft Better for Students?

Cambridge is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Cambridge is a very popular university town for students. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Many students visit Delft. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

Is Cambridge or Delft Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Delft is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Delft. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

You'll find some public transit in Cambridge, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Is Cambridge or Delft a more walkable city?

Cambridge and Delft are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cambridge. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Getting around Delft on foot is easy. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

For even more information, also check out Is Cambridge Worth Visiting? and Is Delft Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Delft or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Delft?

Cambridge and Delft both offer plenty of fun activities. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cambridge than Delft because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cambridge, and 1 day is enough time in Delft.

Families should spend more time in Cambridge than Delft. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cambridge, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cambridge than Delft. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cambridge that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cambridge than Delft if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cambridge.

One day in Cambridge or Delft?

In Cambridge, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Delft. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cambridge or Delft?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cambridge. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Delft. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cambridge or Delft?

Cambridge is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cambridge. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic town of Delft. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cambridge or Delft?

You'll find food and shopping around the collegiate destination of Cambridge. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Delft is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cambridge and Delft, we can see that Cambridge is more expensive. And not only is Delft much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delft would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delft and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cambridge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cambridge than you might in Delft.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cambridge Expensive? and Is Delft Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cambridge or Delft?

Cambridge has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Delft. When comparing the sizes of Cambridge and Delft, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.