Tours Delft

1. De Porceleyne Fles (factory and museum)

This is the last 17th -century still existing Delft Blue earthenware factory. The building is located in the south of the city center of Delft. Here you can see the art of hand-painting blue and white earthenware. Through a tour you get to know the different techniques, which were used throughout the centuries. You can also paint a pottery tile of 13 by 13 centimeters. The De Porceleyne Fles also houses a Delft Blue museum and a souvenir store.

2. Nieuwe Kerk

At Delft’s central Market (number 5 on this list), the Nieuwe Kerk stands opposite the City Hall (number 4 on this list). Unlike the name suggests, this Gothic church dates back to the 13th century. However, the construction of the church was not completed until 1496. The building is characterized by a high bell tower, which has a height of 108.75 meters. This makes it the highest church tower in the Netherlands after the Dom tower in Utrecht. With the exception of Sundays, you can climb this tower and enjoy a spectacular view of the city. The Nieuwe Kerk is also known for the Praalgraf van Willem van Oranje, under which the tomb of Oranje-Nassau is located. This is the burial vault of the Royal Family. Another attraction in the church is the sixteen stained glass windows in the choir.

3. City Hall

At the Markt in Delft (number 5 on this list), opposite the Nieuwe Kerk (number 2 on this list) stands the Stadhuis, an architectural masterpiece in Dutch Renaissance style. The building’s facade consists of beautiful building blocks, windows with red awnings, lots of gold and stone statues. The central tower of the building carries a large clock and above the main entrance is depicted the symbol of Delft, a red lion. The City Hall was built here in 1200. This first design burned down completely in 1618. It was rebuilt in 1629. This makes the City Hall the oldest building in Delft. Unfortunately you are not allowed to enter the City Hall. However, ceremonies and weddings do take place there.

4. Oostpoort

The Oostpoort, west of the center of Delft, dates from the 14th century. In the earlier centuries, the gate served as a defense for the city. Today the Oostpoort is a residence, but you can also admire the fantastic architecture of the structure. The gate features two pointed towers and circular carousels. Oostpoort is accessible via a bridge over the Zuidergracht. The Oostpoort stands beautifully at the intersection of five canals. This makes it a place that has already been photographed by many.

5. Delft Canals

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Originally, the Delft canals were used as a defense system for the city. But now they are used for recreation and transportation. Through the canals you can walk around the city. The various interconnected roads along the canals, feature beautiful trees and typical Dutch architecture. Especially beautiful is Hippoltusbuurt street, located west of the Markt, with its cafes and picturesque bridges. The Voldersgracht street north of the Markt is also worth a look. Here the water is as high as the thresholds of the houses. If you want to see Delft from a different angle, a canal cruise on the Delft canals is a good plan. There are several organizations in Delft that offer tours on the water. The tours all take about an hour. A guide will tell you about the history of Delft, the canals and the historic buildings along the canals.