Is Delft worth visiting?
Yes, Delft is definitely worth visiting for numerous reasons. Its a town that everyone should see, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. During our first trip to Delft in 2024, we fell in love with its beautiful architecture and interesting shopping scene. We've been back several times since then to experience it even more.
Whether you're a traveling as a family or a couple, this town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific historical sights and great museums and attractions.
Delft is a beautiful and historic city in the Netherlands that has a rich cultural and art history. Many visitors enjoy walking through its picturesque Old Town, with its lovely shops, cafes, and landmarks like the New Church and Old Church. Delft is also home to a vibrant student population, adding youthful energy to the city's mix of tradition and modernity.
Delft, Netherlands
5 Reasons to Visit Delft
1. Historical Sights
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.
2. Museums and Attractions
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.
3. Food
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.
4. Shopping
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.
5. Authenticity
Delft has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Delft worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Delft is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F).
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable town, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks and the historic old town.
Summer Weather in Delft
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| August | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| September | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Is Delft worth visiting in the Autumn?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 11°C (51°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Delft, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Delft is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to admire the historic sights and wander through the museums.
Autumn Weather in Delft
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| November | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| December | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Is Delft worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Delft. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Delft can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 2°C (36°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and browse around the old town.
Winter Weather in Delft
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| February | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| March | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Is Delft worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Delft. Even though Delft is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The weather in Delft can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 8°C (46°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the shops and boutiques, the famous sights and museums, and the historic old town.
Spring Weather in Delft
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| June | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Delft
Nightlife: Most people don't associate Delft with a lively nightlife scene. 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.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Delft might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Delft here or see if Delft is expensive here.
Related
What is Delft most famous for?
Delft is most famous for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery. People visit this impressive town for its great historical sights. It is also known for its great museums and attractions, food, and shopping. It is often described as charming, historic, and quaint.
What is the most famous sight in Delft?
The most popular sight in Delft is the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk). You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Delft on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and other attractions here.
How touristy is Delft? Is it a popular town to visit?
Delft is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- City Tour with Dutch Food and Drink: $93
- Private Historical and Cultural Guided Walking Tour: $135
- Private Tour of Delft + Visit to Royal Delft Museum: $200
- Delft Private Walking Tour: $294
- Guided Walking Tour: $199
- Delft - Step/scootertour in and around the city: $29
- Open Boat Canal Cruise with Skipper: $112
- City Center Walking Tour: $22
How long should I spend in Delft?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Delft is one day. Since Delft has activities such as historical sights, many visit for up to one days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Delft? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Delft?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.
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