We were back to Amsterdam after a wonderful day and night spent in Leiden, the charming university and canal city. And were putting up in our favorite Ramada by Wyndham Amsterdam Schiphol for two nights before returning home. Delft had been in our plans for a while and hence decided we must visit this time. We woke up to a lovely sunny morning with no rain forecasts for the day and after our breakfast we set out for our Day Trip to Delft .
Delft – The Town of Johannes Vermeer
Apart from its famous blue-and-white pottery, Delft is also the home of the renowned Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. He was born here and lived in the town his entire life, experiencing only moderate success. Yet people consider him one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age.
Delft is also a small but beautiful canal city, and it is the town where an assassin killed William of Orange, the father of the nation, in 1584. The Dutch royal family is still buried in its Nieuwe Kerk.
Things to do on a Day Trip to Delft
1. Walk from the train station to the city
In October, visitors find this cozy town ideal for walking and experiencing because it has very few crowds. Since we reached early, the city was just warming up. We were in no hurry either as we strolled toward an exciting landmark before we entered the heart of the city.
2. Visit Molen de Roos Windmill
De Roos is the only remaining windmill of the 18 mills that once operated in Delft. And it welcomes you with open arms. Entry is free and during your visit you can experience craftsmanship, history, culture and technology all in one place. Every week powered by the wind, the Roos grinds organic grain into flour.
As you enter and go upstairs you will find millers or guides who would be glad to show you the mill and tell you more about it. After the experience relax a while at the Cafe Bij de Roos with a cup of coffee or tea, a slice of sourdough bread, a homemade roll and a glass of fresh syrup.
3. Take a relaxed walk along the canals
4. Enjoy a Canal Boat Ride together
Like other canal cities of Netherlands namely Amsterdam, Den Bosch, Utrecht and Leiden. Delft too provides the opportunity to experience the city from a completely different perspective. The 45-50 mins boat ride takes you through the narrow canals of the medieval city offering unique views of the city and its prominent landmarks.
You get to see Oude Delft- the oldest canal of the city, the oldest house in Delft dating back to 1521, the Old Church (Oude Kerk), historic 17th & 18th century gabled houses and the innumerable arched stone bridges of the city beneath which the boat glides on its journey. Boats depart from Koornmarkt 113 and you can rent boats for individuals or groups.
5. Stroll the Quaint Streets
Start your walk after the boat trip exploring the city at your leisurely pace till you reach the Town Hall (Stadhuis). Then visit the two famous churches, Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk (Old Church) for some quiet time. Come let’s take this refreshing walk.
6. Visit Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk
Oude Kerk (Old Church)
Oude Kerk is a Gothic Protestant church in the old city center of Delft. Its most noticeable feature is the 75-meter-high-brick-tower that leans about two meters from the vertical.
The church is famous for the three distinct pipe organs including the massive main organ built in 1857 by Christian W. Batz, which features 2,832 pipes and is still played weekly. It also serves as the final resting place for iconic Dutch figures including Johannes Vermeer among others.
Oude Kerk Gift Shop
7. Spend time at Markt, the main square
The Delft Markt stands right between the Nieuwe Kerk and the Town Hall, where all the action is. You can spend some time observing what’s on offer, buy a few items, cheese if you like from Henri Willig or maybe shop for a few paintings that attracts you. Afterwards, perhaps settle down for a while in a street-side cafe for a coffee or a drink of your choice before moving for lunch.
8. Have a relaxed lunch at a street-side cafe
A typical Dutch lunch for the two of us. Soup, Bitterballen, Kroketten & Dutch Pancake.
9. Shop for Delft Pottery at ‘De Candelaer’
Came for a day, fell for a lifetime. Thank you Delft, for the canals, the calm, and all that blue. You were the quiet pause we didn’t know we needed.
If you loved roaming around in Delft on a day trip with us, PIN it for later & forward for friends!
