Delft

Netherlands

Delft is a mid-sized city in the west of the Netherlands. It's a beautiful, unspoiled town with traditional architecture, canals and bikes. It's also home to the world famous blue and white ceramics. Delft makes a great destination for a day-trip or can serve as a base to explore the region. And if the bustling crowds of Amsterdam are not really your thing, Delft is a lovely alternative, offering an equally interesting insight into the cultural wealth of old "Holland", on a far more intimate scale.

Oude Delft with terrace-boats

Delft is more than 750 years old. Its name is derived from the Dutch word 'delven' which means delve or digging. Delft's oldest canal is called The Old Delft (de Oude Delft). Delft expanded around it; later on many other city-canals were dug as life lines through the city. These grachten are still the pride of Delft.

In 1246 Delft received city rights, granted by Holland's Count William II. Delft grew prosperous and new neighbourhoods were added to the city. In 1355 it reached the size it would remain at until the 1900s.

In 1536 a great fire destroyed 2300 houses. The most likely cause was lightning striking the tower of The New Church. About 100 years later, in 1654, an explosion destroyed large parts of town; a warehouse with 36 000 kg of gunpowder blew up. A new warehouse (Kruithuis) was later built, outside the city perimeter.

Nieuwe KerkDelft has long been a centre of art and science. With the foundation of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (East India Company) in 1602, Delft also became a trading center. The VOC was at one time the largest trading company in the world, with a huge fleet and offices all over Asia. One of the Dutch offices was in Delft.

In 1842, the Royal Academy for Civil Engineering (Koninklijke Academie ter opleiding van Burgerlijke Ingenieurs) was founded. Now known as Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), it is Delft's biggest employer. About 13,000 students study in Delft.

  • VVV Delft, Kerkstraat 3, +31 15 - 215 40 51. Apr-Sepː M 10:00-16:00, Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 10:00-16:00; Oct-Marː M 12:00-16:00, Tu-Sa 10:00-16:00, Su 11:00-15:00.

VVV Delft, Kerkstraat 3, +31 15 - 215 40 51. Apr-Sepː M 10:00-16:00, Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 10:00-16:00; Oct-Marː M 12:00-16:00, Tu-Sa 10:00-16:00, Su 11:00-15:00.

Markt at dusk

  • Nieuwe Kerk, Markt 80, +31 15 212-3025. Closed on Sundays. Located at Markt, this church was built in 1496. The royal burial chamber is in this church but is not accessible. Prince William of Orange was the first to be buried here, after being shot in 1584. €5. It is possible to climb the 108.75- m tower to get a impressive view of Delft and surroundings. It's the second highest church tower, after the Dom church of Utrecht. You can see both Rotterdam and The Hague. On clear days is it possible to see Leiden and even Amsterdam. It's well worth the effort. (€4 extra to climb the tower; combi ticket (church + tower) is €9). A combi ticket gives free entrance to the Old Church. €5. Stadhuis from up close
  • Stadhuis, Markt 78. After a fire in 1618 after which only the tower remained, Hendrick de Keyser rebuilt the town hall. He reused the tower and some remaining walls. In 1620 construction was finished. The building was renovated in the 19th century.
  • Hugo de Groot (Hugo Grotius), Markt. On the market you will find the statue of Hugo Grotius (1583–1645). Grotius is the Latin version of the Dutch name Hugo de Groot. Grotius was a jurist in the Dutch Republic. He laid the foundations for international law and law of the sea. In 1618 Grotius was sentenced to life imprisonment to the Loevestein Castle, about 75 km south east of Delft. Grotius managed to escape in a book chest. Both the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the museum Het Prinsenhof in Delft claim to have the original book chest in their collection.
  • Drogisterij De Salamander, Markt 47. It's an old-fashioned pharmacy. The gable is adorned by a traditional Gaper. The pharmacist -in white lab coat- provides proper care and attention far beyond current standards. Waaggebouw is quite inconspicious
  • De Waag, Markt 111. A former weighting house. It hosts a café and a restaurant. Vleeshal
  • Vleeshal, Voldersgracht 1. Built in 1650. It is one of the only Hollands Classical buildings in Delft. Built as a meat market, later it was converted for wheat. Nowadays it is a youth society and restaurant.
  • Visbanken, Cameretten 2. Adjacent to the Vleeshal is the old city's fish market. Try traditional Dutch herring. The taste holds between raw tuna and "gravad lax" (cured salmon). The antique shop opposite the Visbank is the most photographed building in Delft. Note the fence. It is a depiction of the solar system.
  • Beestenmarkt. This is a tree-covered square with restaurants, cafés and bars all with outside seating. Very busy all year round. Many pubs have patio heaters to provide comfort after sunset. One of the pubs even provides a sand pit for the children. The name of the square refers to cattle (beest is animal) market which used to be held here. During December and January, an ice rink is built on the square.
  • Vrouwenregt. This is a tiny street at the back of the New Church. Note the little warped house on the corner closest to the church. It featured in the Girl with the pearl earring, a film about the painter Vermeer and every tourist takes it picture.

Nieuwe Kerk, Markt 80, +31 15 212-3025. Closed on Sundays. Located at Markt, this church was built in 1496. The royal burial chamber is in this church but is not accessible. Prince William of Orange was the first to be buried here, after being shot in 1584. €5. It is possible to climb the 108.75- m tower to get a impressive view of Delft and surroundings. It's the second highest church tower, after the Dom church of [[Utrecht]]. You can see both Rotterdam and The Hague. On clear days is it possible to see Leiden and even Amsterdam. It's well worth the effort. (€4 extra to climb the tower; combi ticket (church + tower) is €9). A combi ticket gives free entrance to the Old Church. €5.

Stadhuis, Markt 78. After a fire in 1618 after which only the tower remained, Hendrick de Keyser rebuilt the town hall. He reused the tower and some remaining walls. In 1620 construction was finished. The building was renovated in the 19th century.

Hugo de Groot (Hugo Grotius), Markt. On the market you will find the statue of Hugo Grotius (1583–1645). Grotius is the Latin version of the Dutch name Hugo de Groot. Grotius was a jurist in the Dutch Republic. He laid the foundations for international law and law of the sea. In 1618 Grotius was sentenced to life imprisonment to the Loevestein Castle, about 75 km south east of Delft. Grotius managed to escape in a book chest. Both the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the museum Het Prinsenhof in Delft claim to have the original book chest in their collection.

Drogisterij De Salamander, Markt 47. It's an old-fashioned pharmacy. The gable is adorned by a traditional Gaper. The pharmacist -in white lab coat- provides proper care and attention far beyond current standards.

De Waag, Markt 111. A former weighting house. It hosts a café and a restaurant.

Vleeshal, Voldersgracht 1. Built in 1650. It is one of the only Hollands Classical buildings in Delft. Built as a meat market, later it was converted for wheat. Nowadays it is a youth society and restaurant.

Visbanken, Cameretten 2. Adjacent to the Vleeshal is the old city's fish market. Try traditional Dutch herring. The taste holds between raw tuna and "gravad lax" (cured salmon). The antique shop opposite the Visbank is the most photographed building in Delft. Note the fence. It is a depiction of the solar system.

Beestenmarkt. This is a tree-covered square with restaurants, cafés and bars all with outside seating. Very busy all year round. Many pubs have patio heaters to provide comfort after sunset. One of the pubs even provides a sand pit for the children. The name of the square refers to cattle (beest is animal) market which used to be held here. During December and January, an ice rink is built on the square.

Vrouwenregt. This is a tiny street at the back of the New Church. Note the little warped house on the corner closest to the church. It featured in the Girl with the pearl earring, a film about the painter Vermeer and every tourist takes it picture.

Oude Kerk towering over the city

  • Oude Kerk, Heilige Geestkerkhof 25, +31 15 212-3015. Closed on Sundays. This is Delft's oldest church, built in 1246. The interior of this church is excellent. Famous Dutchmen are buried in this church, including: Piet Hein, Maerten Tromp and Johannes Vermeer. €3, with free entrance to the New Church. The Old Church leans out considerably over the Oude Delft canal. When the tower was built the canal had to be moved away from the church as the tower would have been half in the water. During the building works it became apparent that canal-half of the base soil was not firm enough to support the tower. To compensate for the tilt the upper part of the tower was build with a compensating counter curve. Heraldic shields of the Delft Water Board members on the façade of the Gemeenlandshuis
  • Gemeenlandshuis, Oude Delft 167. An imposing building dating from 1505 with richly decorated sandstone façade and a tower. Since 1645 it is a headquarters of Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland - a Dutch waterboard The synagogue in Delft, designed after classical ancient temples
  • Synagoge Delft, Koornmarkt 12, +31 15 256-3371. Jun-Oct: Sa 14:00-17:00. This former synagogue was built in 1862 as temple, to a design of Ir. Leon Winkel. The building houses a permanent exhibition to the remembrance of the Jewish victims in the Second World War. The Armamentarium at night
  • Armamentarium. The building of the former arsenal, picturesquely located at the fork of canals, used to house the Royal Army Museum (Legermuseum) until it moved to Soest in 2013. It is now in redevelopment, but you can still admire the building from the outside.
  • Oost-Indisch Huis, Oude Delft 39. not open to the public. The Dutch East India Company House consisted of 6 chambers. One of them was located in Delft. Delft had a harbour (Delfshaven) at that time, next to Rotterdam. The harbour was later engulfed by the growing city of Rotterdam. Oostpoort on a snowy night
  • Oostpoort, Oostpoort 1. The eastern gate to the city, built around 1400 and of the four original gates the only surviving one. Small building. It looks kind of cute. It is not on the famous painting by Vermeer (because that's the South Gate), as many tourists wrongly think.
  • Artilleriemagazijn, Paardenmarkt 1. As a result of the reformation around 1572, many cloisters were abandoned. This happened to the Clarissenklooster as well. It became a warehouse for sulphur, saltpeter and canon. In 1637 a small tower for firepowder was built. In 1654 this tower exploded, destroying a large part of the city. After this it was rebuilt. Library of the TU Delft
  • Universiteitsbibliotheek, Prometheusplein 1, +31 15 278-5678. Between the Mekelweg and the Schoemakerstraat sits one of the largest technical libraries of Europe. It is housed in a glass building, with a sloping grass roof penetrated by a concrete cone. Free entrance during opening hours.
  • Bagijnetoren, Phoenixstraat (at Bagijnhof. This lookout tower was built circa 1500, and is today preserved as a state monument (Rijksmonument). The back of the tower was set against the old defensive city wall which was built of earth and bordered by a canal. Both the wall and the canal are now gone leaving only the tower.
  • Kruithuis, Schiekade 2 (Take the train to Delft Zuid, or follow the Schie towards Rotterdam.. The kruithuis is a 17th-century munition depot. It was build far out of the city center after the old munition depot exploded (Delftse Donderslag), The site features a gate house and 2 magazines build into the water. Nowadays the complex houses a scouting organisation and astudent fraternity. There is no tours or visitor centre, but it is a great place to visit for lovers of old architecture.

Oude Kerk, Heilige Geestkerkhof 25, +31 15 212-3015. Closed on Sundays. This is Delft's oldest church, built in 1246. The interior of this church is excellent. Famous Dutchmen are buried in this church, including: Piet Hein, Maerten Tromp and Johannes Vermeer. €3, with free entrance to the New Church. The Old Church leans out considerably over the Oude Delft canal. When the tower was built the canal had to be moved away from the church as the tower would have been half in the water. During the building works it became apparent that canal-half of the base soil was not firm enough to support the tower. To compensate for the tilt the upper part of the tower was build with a compensating counter curve.

Gemeenlandshuis, Oude Delft 167. An imposing building dating from 1505 with richly decorated sandstone façade and a tower. Since 1645 it is a headquarters of Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland - a Dutch waterboard

Synagoge Delft, Koornmarkt 12, +31 15 256-3371. Jun-Oct: Sa 14:00-17:00. This former synagogue was built in 1862 as temple, to a design of Ir. Leon Winkel. The building houses a permanent exhibition to the remembrance of the Jewish victims in the Second World War.

Armamentarium. The building of the former arsenal, picturesquely located at the fork of canals, used to house the Royal Army Museum (Legermuseum) until it moved to [[Soest (Netherlands)|Soest]] in 2013. It is now in redevelopment, but you can still admire the building from the outside.

Oost-Indisch Huis, Oude Delft 39. not open to the public. The Dutch East India Company House consisted of 6 chambers. One of them was located in Delft. Delft had a harbour (Delfshaven) at that time, next to Rotterdam. The harbour was later engulfed by the growing city of Rotterdam.

Oostpoort, Oostpoort 1. The eastern gate to the city, built around 1400 and of the four original gates the only surviving one. Small building. It looks kind of cute. It is not on the famous painting by Vermeer (because that's the South Gate), as many tourists wrongly think.

Artilleriemagazijn, Paardenmarkt 1. As a result of the reformation around 1572, many cloisters were abandoned. This happened to the Clarissenklooster as well. It became a warehouse for sulphur, saltpeter and canon. In 1637 a small tower for firepowder was built. In 1654 this tower exploded, destroying a large part of the city. After this it was rebuilt.

Universiteitsbibliotheek, Prometheusplein 1, +31 15 278-5678. Between the Mekelweg and the Schoemakerstraat sits one of the largest technical libraries of Europe. It is housed in a glass building, with a sloping grass roof penetrated by a concrete cone. Free entrance during opening hours.

Bagijnetoren, Phoenixstraat (at Bagijnhof. This lookout tower was built circa 1500, and is today preserved as a state monument (Rijksmonument). The back of the tower was set against the old defensive city wall which was built of earth and bordered by a canal. Both the wall and the canal are now gone leaving only the tower.

Kruithuis, Schiekade 2 (Take the train to Delft Zuid, or follow the Schie towards Rotterdam.. The kruithuis is a 17th-century munition depot. It was build far out of the city center after the old munition depot exploded (Delftse Donderslag), The site features a gate house and 2 magazines build into the water. Nowadays the complex houses a scouting organisation and astudent fraternity. There is no tours or visitor centre, but it is a great place to visit for lovers of old architecture.

  • Botanische Tuin, Julianalaan 67, +31 15 2782356. M-F 8:30-17:00, Sa 10:00-16:00, Su (only May-Sep) 12:00-16:00. The botanical garden of Delft University houses a large collection of 'utility' plants, both in greenhouses and a nicely laid out park. Good place to spend a few quiet hours on a sunny afternoon. €2, free for TU Delft students.
  • Agnetapark. This small park was built around 1880 by a local factory owner for his workers. It is the first garden city in the Netherlands. It contains the house of the owner and small working-class cottages and has been a state monument since 1989.

Botanische Tuin, Julianalaan 67, +31 15 2782356. M-F 8:30-17:00, Sa 10:00-16:00, Su (only May-Sep) 12:00-16:00. The botanical garden of Delft University houses a large collection of 'utility' plants, both in greenhouses and a nicely laid out park. Good place to spend a few quiet hours on a sunny afternoon. €2, free for TU Delft students.

Agnetapark. This small park was built around 1880 by a local factory owner for his workers. It is the first garden city in the Netherlands. It contains the house of the owner and small working-class cottages and has been a state monument since 1989.

In Netherlands towns hofjes (almshouses) were built to host single women.

  • Hofje van Gratie, Van der Mastenstraat 26-38. This was a hofje for single women, founded in 1575 by Pieter Sasbout. It was built on Korte Geer, but, with the expansion of the Armamentarium, it was moved to its current location.
  • Hofje van Pauw, Paardenmarkt 54-62. It was built in 1707 as stated in the will of Elizabeth Pauw.
  • Klaeuwshofje, Oranje Plantage 58-77. This hofje was meant for unmarried or widowed Catholic women. It was founded in 1605 by Dirck and Elizabeth Uyttenhage.

Hofje van Gratie, Van der Mastenstraat 26-38. This was a hofje for single women, founded in 1575 by Pieter Sasbout. It was built on Korte Geer, but, with the expansion of the Armamentarium, it was moved to its current location.

Hofje van Pauw, Paardenmarkt 54-62. It was built in 1707 as stated in the will of Elizabeth Pauw.

Klaeuwshofje, Oranje Plantage 58-77. This hofje was meant for unmarried or widowed Catholic women. It was founded in 1605 by Dirck and Elizabeth Uyttenhage.

  • Het Prinsenhof, Sint Agathaplein 1, +31 15 260-2358. Tu-Su 11:00-1:700. In medieval Delft Sint Agathaklooster was the biggest cloister in Delft. After 1650 it was split in two parts. Part of the chapel remained for religious service (Waalse Kerk). Prince William of Orange held court in the rest of the complex. He was killed here in 1584. Nowadays the complex houses some museums, including the city museum. €7.50.
  • Science Centre Delft, Mijnbouwstraat 120, +31 15 2785200. Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 12:00-17:00. The museum, run by Delft University, is housed in a beautiful building. It displays a wide range of historical engines, as well as the history of the calculator. Activities aimed at children are organized regularly. €2.30. De Roos - the last windmill in Delft
  • Museum Paul Tétar van Elven, Koornmarkt 67, +31 1521 24 206. 13:00-17:00. This former house of a 19th-century artist, Paul Tétar van Elven, is very well preserved, with the original furniture and interior design. €5.
  • Molen de Roos, Phoenixstraat 112, +31 15 5012672. W Th Sa 10:00-16:00, F 13:00-16:00, with variations for holidays. De Roos (The Rose) windmill, the last surviving windmill in Delft, was built in 1679 with a residence added in 1728. Its current appearance is from 1760. The mill is open if a blue flag is flying. For a group visit, call ahead.

Het Prinsenhof, Sint Agathaplein 1, +31 15 260-2358. Tu-Su 11:00-1:700. In medieval Delft Sint Agathaklooster was the biggest cloister in Delft. After 1650 it was split in two parts. Part of the chapel remained for religious service (Waalse Kerk). Prince William of Orange held court in the rest of the complex. He was killed here in 1584. Nowadays the complex houses some museums, including the city museum. €7.50.

Science Centre Delft, Mijnbouwstraat 120, +31 15 2785200. Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 12:00-17:00. The museum, run by Delft University, is housed in a beautiful building. It displays a wide range of historical engines, as well as the history of the calculator. Activities aimed at children are organized regularly. €2.30.

Museum Paul Tétar van Elven, Koornmarkt 67, +31 1521 24 206. 13:00-17:00. This former house of a 19th-century artist, Paul Tétar van Elven, is very well preserved, with the original furniture and interior design. €5.

Molen de Roos, Phoenixstraat 112, +31 15 5012672. W Th Sa 10:00-16:00, F 13:00-16:00, with variations for holidays. De Roos (The Rose) windmill, the last surviving windmill in Delft, was built in 1679 with a residence added in 1728. Its current appearance is from 1760. The mill is open if a blue flag is flying. For a group visit, call ahead.

  • Stroll through town: suggested streets: Oude Delft, Boterbrug, Wijnhaven, Hippolytusbuurt, Choorstraat, Vrouw Jutteland, Rietveld, Kerkstraat, Markt ending at the Beestenmarkt for a refreshment.
  • Rent a bike and visit De Delftse Hout, a park/leisure area to the east of Delft. Cycle through the woods, sail on the lake, have a picnic, walk through the parks
  • Visit the bric à brac Markets around the central streets (Hippolytusbuurt, Vrouw Jutteland and Voldersgracht) and canals of Central Delft, every Saturday, April - October (free to visit)
  • Visit the Delft Library. DOK Vesteplein 100. This library was set up very different from other libraries. The books are in cupboarts on wheels. It won several national and international prizes because of its innovative layout and the other facilities and activities available. The reading room with the childerens books is very special. The reading room (and coffee corner) on the first floor has a fantastic glass ceiling spanning the whole library. There are many international newspapers and magazines available. Open Monday from 12:00 till 18:00 other days mostly 10:00 till 18:00. Closed on Sundays. More details on their (Dutch) website
  • Every week, Studium Generale organises lectures on a wide range of subjects. Usually these are in Dutch, but roughly once a month there may be one in English too. The lectures aim at the interest of students, but other people interested may often attend as well. Admission is usually free .

  • Vermeercentrum, Voldersgracht 21, +31 15 2138588. 10:00-17:00. It offers a view on the work and life of the famous 17th century painter Johannes Vermeer. The souterrain houses reproductions from all of his 37 works in chronological order. On the 1st floor, you find the studio of Vermeer that shows the methods and the famous light of Vermeer. On the 2nd floor, the special exhibition Love Letters from Vermeer reveals secrets from several famous paintings. There there are no original Vermeer paintings there: all the images exhibited are reproductions. €9.
  • Windmill Windlust, Oudeweg 70, Nootdorp, +31 6-27327289. On the road to Nootdorp 5 km outside Delft, on the IKEA side of the motorway you can find the Windmill Windlust. It is open to the public. Visit their website for the details and exact directions. It is best reached by bike.
  • Petting Zoo (Kinderboerderij Delftse Hout) on the Korftlaan 3, is a 15 minutes walk from the city centre, via the "Koepoort" Bridge. Opening hours 10:00-16:00. Admission free.
  • Waterpark, next to the Petting Zoo Delftse Hout. You will find this park geared towards young children. A beach, swings, slides, a cable slide, clean toilet facilities and a maximum water depth of 40 cm (1 ft 3) and free admission make this a popular destination on sunny days. Same entrance as the Petting Zoo. The gate to the waterpark is half-way on the left.
  • Play grounds. Delft has five outdoor play grounds. These are outdoor areas with swings and various climbing frames. Target audience: 2-12 year olds. The biggest is the one on the Beukenlaan 1. The admission is free. It has toilet facilities and a simple shop for coffee, drinks and ice cream. On sunny days the volunteers sometimes run blow-up paddling pools. Opening hours, Monday till Friday from 13:30 till 17:30.
  • Kids Playground Delft (Kleveringweg 35 2616 LZ Delft Tel. 015-2190673) On the other side of the A13 motorway behind the McDonald's restaurant is an indoor playpark. Although staff motivation and facilities both need a polish it can provide a channel for excess child energy on rainy days. Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-18:00 admission €7 children and €1.80 per adult.

Vermeercentrum, Voldersgracht 21, +31 15 2138588. 10:00-17:00. It offers a view on the work and life of the famous 17th century painter Johannes Vermeer. The souterrain houses reproductions from all of his 37 works in chronological order. On the 1st floor, you find the studio of Vermeer that shows the methods and the famous light of Vermeer. On the 2nd floor, the special exhibition Love Letters from Vermeer reveals secrets from several famous paintings. There there are no original Vermeer paintings there: all the images exhibited are reproductions. €9.

Windmill Windlust, Oudeweg 70, Nootdorp, +31 6-27327289. On the road to Nootdorp 5 km outside Delft, on the IKEA side of the motorway you can find the Windmill Windlust. It is open to the public. Visit their website for the details and exact directions. It is best reached by bike.

  • There are a few theaters in the inner city; Theater de Veste, Vesteplein 1 is the largest theater, with shows almost every night (except during summer). The Microtheater, next to the New Church is a small theatre with around one show per week. On the rietveld there is a small theater called the Rietveld theatre.
  • There are two cinemas in Delft. Filmhuis Lumen is a small pleasant cinema run mostly by friendly volunteers. It has a very nice foyer. It shows mostly non-Hollywood and art-house movies. Also the film "Girl with the pearl earring" is shown here once a week. Doelenplein 5 . Hollywood blockbusters can be seen in Pathé Delft, Vesteplein 5 . This is a new, large scale cinema near the Theater de Veste in the Zuidpoort (big screen, large comfy seats, expensive drinks and pre-made perfectly round popcorn).

  • Channel cruise, Koornmarkt 133, +31 15 2016385. daily 11-17. Experience a different view on Delft from a canal boat (Dutch and English tour guide). €6.
  • The Canal taxi boat takes you to all the main tourist spots. You can flag a boat on the canals or you can order one by phone on 06 - 22 99 2795. Single fare €2,50 per person. It is also possible to rent the whole boat for €35 per hour for max 8 persons, it will pick you up from where you want.
  • Tour the sights of Delft in a horse-drawn tram if you like a bumpy ride surrounded in the smell of manure. It starts on the market square.

Channel cruise, Koornmarkt 133, +31 15 2016385. daily 11-17. Experience a different view on Delft from a canal boat (Dutch and English tour guide). €6.

Especially during summer there are several annual events to visit, most of them are in the open air and free to visit. For a list of upcoming events, you can check out the Event calendar: . An incomplete list of annual events:

  • Mooi Weer Spelen, creative event with street theatre (free), exhibitions and theatre shows on special locations (some of them are free), one entire weekend, usually somewhere in June
  • Taptoe, National event of non-military marching bands performing parades and demonstrations, usually the first weekend of September (free)
  • Westerpop, (rock) music festival with local, national and international artists, usually the last weekend of August (free)
  • Varend corso, flower decorated boats sailing from the Westland (the glasshouse area where special flowers are grown) to Delft, usually a Sunday in the beginning of August (free)
  • Lichtjesavond ("evening of lights"), evening with Christmas atmosphere, where Christmas songs are sung, a large Christmas tree on the central market square and many, many lights. Usually on a Tuesday evening, halfway December (free)
  • Open Monumentendag ("day of the open monuments"), on this national event, many monumental buildings can be visited for free, which are otherwise closed to the public. This includes climbing to the top of "Molen De Roos", the windmill on Phoenixstraat 112, and visiting the former city prison and torturing room (backside of the City Hall), where the alleged murderer of William of Orange was tortured in 1584. It usually takes place on a Saturday. Inform at the tourism office when the next open monumentendag is held.
  • Muziek op de Gracht ("Music on the canals"), in July and August free concerts are given on boats on the Vrouw Jutteland Canal.
  • Delft Jazz. Four days in August at least 20 pubs and outside podia are participating in Delft Jazz. It attracts a friendly crowd of people.

Mooi Weer Spelen, creative event with street theatre (free), exhibitions and theatre shows on special locations (some of them are free), one entire weekend, usually somewhere in June

Taptoe, National event of non-military marching bands performing parades and demonstrations, usually the first weekend of September (free)

Westerpop, (rock) music festival with local, national and international artists, usually the last weekend of August (free)

Varend corso, flower decorated boats sailing from the Westland (the glasshouse area where special flowers are grown) to Delft, usually a Sunday in the beginning of August (free)

Lichtjesavond ("evening of lights"), evening with Christmas atmosphere, where Christmas songs are sung, a large Christmas tree on the central market square and many, many lights. Usually on a Tuesday evening, halfway December (free)

Open Monumentendag ("day of the open monuments"), on this national event, many monumental buildings can be visited for free, which are otherwise closed to the public. This includes climbing to the top of "Molen De Roos", the windmill on Phoenixstraat 112, and visiting the former city prison and torturing room (backside of the City Hall), where the alleged murderer of William of Orange was tortured in 1584. It usually takes place on a Saturday. Inform at the tourism office when the next open monumentendag is held.

Muziek op de Gracht ("Music on the canals"), in July and August free concerts are given on boats on the Vrouw Jutteland Canal.

Delft Jazz. Four days in August at least 20 pubs and outside podia are participating in Delft Jazz. It attracts a friendly crowd of people.

The shopping area in the city spreads roughly from the "Zuidwal" on the south to the "Choorstraat" on the north. The national and international stores like C&A, H&M and McDonald's concentrate on the southern part of the city, while the more alternative small stores and gift shops can be found more to the north. Apart from some supermarkets, shops are usually closed on Sundays and on Monday mornings.

  • Vrouwjuttenland: In this short street along a canal, near the New Church, alternative clothing and gift stores can be found. Pipe or cigar smokers should definitely visit "Van Renssen". The street also contains an organic/health food supermarket. On summer evenings, once a week there are performances of musical artists, performing from a boat on the canal. Check the health food supermarket for the exact dates.
  • Choorstraat: Just around the corner from the Vrouwjuttenland, the Choorstraat can be found. This pleasant small street offers a variety of stores, like a drugstore selling all sorts of tea, an international gift store selling everything from tajines to Buddha statues, a chocolate store, a gameshop and a large book store with many international newspapers.
  • Hippolytusbuurt: At the end of the Choorstraat, until Wijnhaven is Hippolytusbuurt. This is one of the two major canals. It boasts the one of the oldest shops in the world. The Fish shop dates from 1342. The Tourist information point is here. A funny little sweets shop, two toy shops, two hairdressers, a Moroccan butcher with an excellent selection of olives and tapanades and two upmarket restaurants.
  • Bastiaansplein: The newest shopping area in town, consisting of a large supermarket (7 days a week open until 22:00) and several clothing stores. Tiles in the street light up at night.
  • Voldersgracht: For those who need good advise on tasteful alcoholic beverages, they definitely should visit the store Wines and Whisky's. Furthermore the Voldersgracht holds a large record shop, which sells a wide range of LP's and CD's from all ages. The street also has a religious gift shop, the Bijbel-In.
  • Martinus Nijhofflaan: The "Hovenpassage" is a covered shopping area, 15 minutes of walking outside the city centre. The shops are smaller and less alternative, but it contains a wide variety of stores and a large supermarket, the "Jumbo". Another large supermarket, the Albert Heijn, is on the other side of the street.
  • Oude Delft: Wine shop "Van Dorp" is near the Old Church. The shop is in the vaulted basement of a monumental house. The atmosphere inside is cool and tranquil and worth a visit by itself. The shop has an extensive selection of wine in every price category. The customer service is highly personal and very friendly. Because the shop doesn't lend itself to much browsing the shopkeeper (a wine connoisseur himself) will try and find out what is to your liking and then recommend a suiting wine without pushing expensive wines. The venue can also be hired for wine tasting sessions. A visit here will cure you from supermarket wine forever.

Delfts Blauw (Delft Blue) is a traditional Delft pottery. In the 18th century the city was famous for its porcelain. Around 1750, 32 earthenware factories were located in Delft. Avoid anything that says "Holland" on it, or depicts windmills. Check out the antique stores if you want something really traditional.

Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, Rotterdamseweg 196, +31 15 251-2030. 09:00-17:00 daily. Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles is the only porcelain factory still operating in the town. It is possible to visit the factory or to participate in a workshop. Guided tour €12 (audioguide €2).

Aardewerkfabriek De Candelaer, Kerkstraat 13, +31 15 213-1848. De Candelaer is a little porcelain factory in the inner city.

Delft Pottery De Delftse Pauw, Delftweg 133, Rijswijk, +31 15-212 49 20.

De Blauwe Tulp, Kerkstraat 12, +31 15-2148092.

Vrouwjuttenland: In this short street along a canal, near the New Church, alternative clothing and gift stores can be found. Pipe or cigar smokers should definitely visit "Van Renssen". The street also contains an organic/health food supermarket. On summer evenings, once a week there are performances of musical artists, performing from a boat on the canal. Check the health food supermarket for the exact dates.

Choorstraat: Just around the corner from the Vrouwjuttenland, the Choorstraat can be found. This pleasant small street offers a variety of stores, like a drugstore selling all sorts of tea, an international gift store selling everything from tajines to Buddha statues, a chocolate store, a gameshop and a large book store with many international newspapers.

Hippolytusbuurt: At the end of the Choorstraat, until Wijnhaven is Hippolytusbuurt. This is one of the two major canals. It boasts the one of the oldest shops in the world. The Fish shop dates from 1342. The Tourist information point is here. A funny little sweets shop, two toy shops, two hairdressers, a Moroccan butcher with an excellent selection of olives and tapanades and two upmarket restaurants.

Bastiaansplein: The newest shopping area in town, consisting of a large supermarket (7 days a week open until 22:00) and several clothing stores. Tiles in the street light up at night.

Voldersgracht: For those who need good advise on tasteful alcoholic beverages, they definitely should visit the store Wines and Whisky's. Furthermore the Voldersgracht holds a large record shop, which sells a wide range of LP's and CD's from all ages. The street also has a religious gift shop, the Bijbel-In.

Martinus Nijhofflaan: The "Hovenpassage" is a covered shopping area, 15 minutes of walking outside the city centre. The shops are smaller and less alternative, but it contains a wide variety of stores and a large supermarket, the "Jumbo". Another large supermarket, the Albert Heijn, is on the other side of the street.

Oude Delft: Wine shop "Van Dorp" is near the Old Church. The shop is in the vaulted basement of a monumental house. The atmosphere inside is cool and tranquil and worth a visit by itself. The shop has an extensive selection of wine in every price category. The customer service is highly personal and very friendly. Because the shop doesn't lend itself to much browsing the shopkeeper (a wine connoisseur himself) will try and find out what is to your liking and then recommend a suiting wine without pushing expensive wines. The venue can also be hired for wine tasting sessions. A visit here will cure you from supermarket wine forever.

Building bordering the market place Restaurants on the central marketplace can be more expensive than those in back-streets.

  • Chocolaterie De Lelie, Voorstraat 10, 2611 JP Delft, +31 15 212 0363. Great place to get ice cream. Try the dark chocolate. They also make their own chocolates.

  • Kobus Kuch, Beestenmarkt 1. The café Kobus Kuch has a nice choice of lunch breads, but is probably best known for its home made pies, and particularly its appeltaart with whipped cream. If the personnel is not to busy to bake one for you, you can even order an entire pie to take home.
  • Lunchroom Leonidas, Choorstraat. Named after the Belgian chocolates (which they sell too), has nice lunch breads and a wide variety of tea. During summer time you can take your lunch out in the patio at the back. Bonus here: no background music!
  • Kleyweg's Stads-koffyhuis, Oude Delft 133. Kleyweg's Stads-koffyhuis is a favorite lunch place of many locals and undoubtedly sports the best sandwiches in town. It can be a bit crowded around lunch time however, so be on time. Otherwise stop there for coffee, Dutch coffee is consistently excellent, and goes well with the ubiquitous (and delicious) Dutch apple cake. It has a terrace boat in summer time which provides a lovely view of the oude delft canal.
  • Michel Boulanger, Oude Kerkstraat 3, 2611 HT Delft, Nederland, +31 6 24 34 94 15. M-F 08:00-17:00, Sa 08:30-17:00, Sa 09:00-15:00. Great little bakeries that does breads, sandwiches and cakes. €5-10.
  • Jans Delft, Brabantse Turfmarkt 87, +31-15 - 8200970. 10:00-17:30. Jans is a patisserie and lunch place located right in the centre of town. They serve their own baked goods, pies and have ice cream. Open for breakfast (on some days) and lunch. €5-10.

Kobus Kuch, Beestenmarkt 1. The café Kobus Kuch has a nice choice of lunch breads, but is probably best known for its home made pies, and particularly its appeltaart with whipped cream. If the personnel is not to busy to bake one for you, you can even order an entire pie to take home.

Lunchroom Leonidas, Choorstraat. Named after the Belgian chocolates (which they sell too), has nice lunch breads and a wide variety of tea. During summer time you can take your lunch out in the patio at the back. Bonus here: no background music!

Kleyweg's Stads-koffyhuis, Oude Delft 133. Kleyweg's Stads-koffyhuis is a favorite lunch place of many locals and undoubtedly sports the best sandwiches in town. It can be a bit crowded around lunch time however, so be on time. Otherwise stop there for coffee, Dutch coffee is consistently excellent, and goes well with the ubiquitous (and delicious) Dutch apple cake. It has a terrace boat in summer time which provides a lovely view of the oude delft canal.

Michel Boulanger, Oude Kerkstraat 3, 2611 HT Delft, Nederland, +31 6 24 34 94 15. M-F 08:00-17:00, Sa 08:30-17:00, Sa 09:00-15:00. Great little bakeries that does breads, sandwiches and cakes. €5-10.

Jans Delft, Brabantse Turfmarkt 87, +31-15 - 8200970. 10:00-17:30. Jans is a patisserie and lunch place located right in the centre of town. They serve their own baked goods, pies and have ice cream. Open for breakfast (on some days) and lunch. €5-10.

On Thursday (at the Grote Markt and brabantse Turfmarkt) and Saturday (at the Brabantse Turfmarkt only) a market is held in Delft centre. Fresh produce, fish and flowers and non-food at bargain prices. Services like watch repair and mobile phone unlocking are also available. Try the sweet smelling freshly made "Stroopwafels" (syrup waffles). Try a herring or "Kibbeling" deep-fried battered fish. Every Tuesday a market is also held at the Papsouwselaan.

If you are on a really tight budget, many student societies provide food, for a modest price (around €4). To check what is on offer look here.

  • Pizzeria Dennis, Nieuwstraat 8, +31 15 215-8677. 16:00-22:00 daily. Reasonable pizzas and Middle Eastern dishes (shawarma/kebab). Relatively cheap. The place is much more oriented on take-aways than on eat-ins. No reservation needed. Has a nice website especially the registered users section. Pizza €5-7.50, Meals €10-14.50, Drinks €1.50.
  • Thuis bij Ladera, Oosteinde 123, +31 15 212-5950. M-F 16:30-20:00. Affordable traditional Dutch menu in a tradiational Dutch 'living room diner' setting. Join the locals for a chat at the main table, have your own table, or eat in the garden (out the back, not indicated). Service fast and friendly, no reservation needed. Ask for special dishes, not indicated on the menu. Dinner €6.50-9.50, coffee €1.
  • Snackbar Kockie, Krakeelpolderweg 45. Tu-F 11:30-21:30, Sa Su 11:30-20:30. A bit of the beaten path, one can find a true Dutch snackbar. For many locals this is the best snackbar in town. This family business offers the full range of dutch snacks, including 'kroketten' and 'patatje stoofvlees' and also full snackbar meals. Most people order take away, but sit-down is also possible. €5.
  • Eettafel Sint Jansbrug, Oude Delft 50-52, +31 15 212-0619. The largest venue of Delft with a changing clientele of students and non-students. On weekdays you can enjoy a meal from 17:30 to 19:30 for a small price. Soup, main course and dessert for less than €4.50.
  • De Parel van Flores, Voldersgracht 31, +31 15 213-0946. Authentic Indonesian cuisine (unlike the other indo-chin-thai places in town). Family-owned with reasonable prices and OK food. The service and quality get mixed reviews. No reservation needed. Appetizers €5, meals €10.

Pizzeria Dennis, Nieuwstraat 8, +31 15 215-8677. 16:00-22:00 daily. Reasonable pizzas and Middle Eastern dishes (shawarma/kebab). Relatively cheap. The place is much more oriented on take-aways than on eat-ins. No reservation needed. Has a nice website especially the registered users section. Pizza €5-7.50, Meals €10-14.50, Drinks €1.50.

Thuis bij Ladera, Oosteinde 123, +31 15 212-5950. M-F 16:30-20:00. Affordable traditional Dutch menu in a tradiational Dutch 'living room diner' setting. Join the locals for a chat at the main table, have your own table, or eat in the garden (out the back, not indicated). Service fast and friendly, no reservation needed. Ask for special dishes, not indicated on the menu. Dinner €6.50-9.50, coffee €1.

Snackbar Kockie, Krakeelpolderweg 45. Tu-F 11:30-21:30, Sa Su 11:30-20:30. A bit of the beaten path, one can find a true Dutch snackbar. For many locals this is the best snackbar in town. This family business offers the full range of dutch snacks, including 'kroketten' and 'patatje stoofvlees' and also full snackbar meals. Most people order take away, but sit-down is also possible. €5.

Eettafel Sint Jansbrug, Oude Delft 50-52, +31 15 212-0619. The largest venue of Delft with a changing clientele of students and non-students. On weekdays you can enjoy a meal from 17:30 to 19:30 for a small price. Soup, main course and dessert for less than €4.50.

De Parel van Flores, Voldersgracht 31, +31 15 213-0946. Authentic Indonesian cuisine (unlike the other indo-chin-thai places in town). Family-owned with reasonable prices and OK food. The service and quality get mixed reviews. No reservation needed. Appetizers €5, meals €10.

  • Spijshuis de Dis, Beestenmarkt 36, +31 15 213-1782. Tu–Sa 17:00–close. Authentic Dutch fare, based on recipes of the Dutch Golden Age. €17–24.
  • Eetcafé de Ruif, Kerkstraat 22-24, +31 15 2142206. Excellent food at acceptable prices, the best place in Delft for a sunny summer day, food served in the garden and on a barge with sunshine till late in the evening. Daily menu at low prices is usually out at about 20:00. Dinner €15-20.
  • Japanese Restaurant FuSha, Choorstraat 36, +31 15 212-6026. Japanese sushi restaurant. Nice, serene atmosphere. A set sushi meal takes a whole evening. Limited choice of wine. Not too expensive. Take away possible. Sushi making workshops available.
  • Café de V, Voorstraat 9, +31 15 2140916. food served 18:00–22:00. Excellent food, probably the best price/quality ratio in Delft, where food and hotels are generally overpriced. Daily menu at unbeatable prices (except maybe "De Ruif"). €7.50. Dinner about €10-20.
  • LEF Restaurant, Doelenplein 2, +31 15 2120617. Very nice Paris bistro style restaurant/bar. Sit outside under the trees in the summer. Great place for sundowners. Sandpit for the kids available. Great food, low prices. €12-18.
  • Stadscafé De Waag, Markt 11, +31 15 2130393. Not so simple restaurant, caters often for groups. Prices are OK.
  • Malee, Voldersgracht 29, +31 15 2120781. Tu–Su 17:00–22:00. Authentic Thai food in a small restaurant. Every day, "auntie Malee" cooks a 3 course dinner for her guests. Not as spicy as you'll get in Thailand, but still a treat for your taste buds. Reservation advisable for larger groups. 3-course meal €18.
  • De Beren, Beestenmarkt, +31 15 212-6390. Very busy restaurant. It works according to the more than you can eat principle. The portions are large. The meat servings are big. Every thing is served with plenty of carbs like chips, potato or rice. A token amount of salad is added. Very good place to go with a group. Very good value and quick service. Not the best place for a diner for two. Delivery also possible. 12–24.
  • Cafe Einstein, Spoorsingel 24, +31 15 2127014. W-Su from 16:00. Einstein offers great Italian meals for a reasonable price served by a very friendly staff. The real attraction for a visitor is the beautifull historic interior and the large selection of home made liquers. It is advised to reserve in advance. €16-20 for a main course.

Spijshuis de Dis, Beestenmarkt 36, +31 15 213-1782. Tu–Sa 17:00–close. Authentic Dutch fare, based on recipes of the Dutch Golden Age. €17–24.

Eetcafé de Ruif, Kerkstraat 22-24, +31 15 2142206. Excellent food at acceptable prices, the best place in Delft for a sunny summer day, food served in the garden and on a barge with sunshine till late in the evening. Daily menu at low prices is usually out at about 20:00. Dinner €15-20.

Japanese Restaurant FuSha, Choorstraat 36, +31 15 212-6026. Japanese sushi restaurant. Nice, serene atmosphere. A set sushi meal takes a whole evening. Limited choice of wine. Not too expensive. Take away possible. Sushi making workshops available.

Café de V, Voorstraat 9, +31 15 2140916. food served 18:00–22:00. Excellent food, probably the best price/quality ratio in Delft, where food and hotels are generally overpriced. Daily menu at unbeatable prices (except maybe "De Ruif"). €7.50. Dinner about €10-20.

LEF Restaurant, Doelenplein 2, +31 15 2120617. Very nice Paris bistro style restaurant/bar. Sit outside under the trees in the summer. Great place for sundowners. Sandpit for the kids available. Great food, low prices. €12-18.

Stadscafé De Waag, Markt 11, +31 15 2130393. Not so simple restaurant, caters often for groups. Prices are OK.

Malee, Voldersgracht 29, +31 15 2120781. Tu–Su 17:00–22:00. Authentic Thai food in a small restaurant. Every day, "auntie Malee" cooks a 3 course dinner for her guests. Not as spicy as you'll get in Thailand, but still a treat for your taste buds. Reservation advisable for larger groups. 3-course meal €18.

De Beren, Beestenmarkt, +31 15 212-6390. Very busy restaurant. It works according to the more than you can eat principle. The portions are large. The meat servings are big. Every thing is served with plenty of carbs like chips, potato or rice. A token amount of salad is added. Very good place to go with a group. Very good value and quick service. Not the best place for a diner for two. Delivery also possible. 12–24.

Cafe Einstein, Spoorsingel 24, +31 15 2127014. W-Su from 16:00. Einstein offers great Italian meals for a reasonable price served by a very friendly staff. The real attraction for a visitor is the beautifull historic interior and the large selection of home made liquers. It is advised to reserve in advance. €16-20 for a main course.

  • 'Le Vieux Jean, Heilige Geestkerkhof 3, +31 15 213 04 3. Lunch 12:00-14:30, dinner 18:00-22:30. Le Vieux Jean is an expensive French restaurant with very good food. Expect to pay €80 per person for a starter, main, desert and wine. The restaurants has a very extensive wine list. Make sure you reserve seating in the downstairs restaurant. A private room is available. Their lunch menu will satisfy the most critical customer. Expect the highest quality in both the service and food in Delft. The price reflects this.
  • Stadsherberg De Mol, Molslaan 104, +31 15 2121343. Who wants to eat having a medieval experience, should definitely visit this restaurant. Bring a bag of money, it's not cheap. €16–35.

'Le Vieux Jean, Heilige Geestkerkhof 3, +31 15 213 04 3. Lunch 12:00-14:30, dinner 18:00-22:30. Le Vieux Jean is an expensive French restaurant with very good food. Expect to pay €80 per person for a starter, main, desert and wine. The restaurants has a very extensive wine list. Make sure you reserve seating in the downstairs restaurant. A private room is available. Their lunch menu will satisfy the most critical customer. Expect the highest quality in both the service and food in Delft. The price reflects this.

Stadsherberg De Mol, Molslaan 104, +31 15 2121343. Who wants to eat having a medieval experience, should definitely visit this restaurant. Bring a bag of money, it's not cheap. €16–35.

Chocolaterie De Lelie, Voorstraat 10, 2611 JP Delft, +31 15 212 0363. Great place to get ice cream. Try the dark chocolate. They also make their own chocolates.

view from canal cafe

The city centre of Delft is full of small bars, finding seating is sometimes a challenge. In summer the grote markt, Beestenmarkt and Brabantse turfmarkt are filled with terraces, other bars have terrace barges out front. The great beer history is alive and well again in Delft. Many bars feature an extensive beer menu, and one can try a beer from the local brewery (De Koperen Kat) or the historic brew 'Delftse Mueselare Bier'

  • Al fresco at one of the many bars around the market square, or on a floating terrace (apparently unique to Delft) on a canal.
  • "De Beestenmarkt"; around this square in the city centre are many pubs and bars. In the summer it is filled with people drinking a beer under the maple tree canopy.
  • Many students get a drink at their fraternity (extremely cheap). Mostly you need to be a member or be introduced.

  • Jazzcafé Bebop, Kromstraat, a good café where the music is not so loud that you can't hear each other speaking, where the bartender is friendly and the visitors are on average around 25-30 (outside the weekends maybe somewhat older). It has a wide variety of beers and during summer the patio at the back is open.
  • Knus, Zavelpad 3, 015-2122990. In the forest next to Delft lies a pleasant establishment for coffee and snacks. Most people arrive by bike after a tour around the woods. There is a sandpit with water for the children and a few other play things. It has water bikes for rent. Popular with children.
  • Café du Midi, Noordeindseweg 70, Delfgauw, 015 2157469. In the fields next to the Delft forest (behind Ikea) lies a relaxed café. It takes great pride is serving high quality local products. Petting zoo on the premises. Walkabout chickens everywhere. Tree shaded sitting area. usually busy. Also pleasantly priced. Most visitors are cyclist. Certainly worth a visit if you have a bike. (it also is accessible by car)
  • Bierhuis de Klomp, Buitenwatersloot 5. Su-W 16:00-1:00, Th-Sa 15:00-2:00. De Klomp (the wooden shoe) is the oldest bar in Delft. It is staffed by a very professional team that gladly will tell you about the history of the place. Since 2010 the bar has been featured in the Dutch 'Café top 100'. The bar serves a large selection of craft beers. What is really special is the large Jenever selection. This dutch drink is sometimes called the Dutch gin, the staff will be happy to tell you about it and serve you a tasting of three different Jenevers.
  • Cafe het Klooster, Vlamingstraat 2. Klooster has a large selection of craftbeer on draft (20 beers) and in their firdge. The staff give great recommendations. A recent change of ownership brought a large increase in seating area, which means you probably can get a table.

Jazzcafé Bebop, Kromstraat, a good café where the music is not so loud that you can't hear each other speaking, where the bartender is friendly and the visitors are on average around 25-30 (outside the weekends maybe somewhat older). It has a wide variety of beers and during summer the patio at the back is open.

Knus, Zavelpad 3, 015-2122990. In the forest next to Delft lies a pleasant establishment for coffee and snacks. Most people arrive by bike after a tour around the woods. There is a sandpit with water for the children and a few other play things. It has water bikes for rent. Popular with children.

Café du Midi, Noordeindseweg 70, Delfgauw, 015 2157469. In the fields next to the Delft forest (behind Ikea) lies a relaxed café. It takes great pride is serving high quality local products. Petting zoo on the premises. Walkabout chickens everywhere. Tree shaded sitting area. usually busy. Also pleasantly priced. Most visitors are cyclist. Certainly worth a visit if you have a bike. (it also is accessible by car)

Bierhuis de Klomp, Buitenwatersloot 5. Su-W 16:00-1:00, Th-Sa 15:00-2:00. De Klomp (the wooden shoe) is the oldest bar in Delft. It is staffed by a very professional team that gladly will tell you about the history of the place. Since 2010 the bar has been featured in the Dutch 'Café top 100'. The bar serves a large selection of craft beers. What is really special is the large Jenever selection. This dutch drink is sometimes called the Dutch gin, the staff will be happy to tell you about it and serve you a tasting of three different Jenevers.

Cafe het Klooster, Vlamingstraat 2. Klooster has a large selection of craftbeer on draft (20 beers) and in their firdge. The staff give great recommendations. A recent change of ownership brought a large increase in seating area, which means you probably can get a table.

There are a few places to go out and dance:

  • The Koornbeurs (alternative student fraternity and youth society, no membership needed) has regular live music on Friday, and the occasional parties on Saturday.
  • The Lorre. This is a student disco that belongs to a fraternity (DSC). It is not always open to the public.
  • Cine Dans Cafe (still under construction, not open yet). This one is near the theatre (theater de Veste).
  • Ciccionina, Kromstraat 24. Opening hours: each Friday and Saturday from 23:00 till 05:00, other opening times may vary. A small venue in the city centre with a huge variety of electronic music and concerts. The crowd is mixed, usually there are mostly students. Sometimes the place is half-empty, sometimes its packed (about 100 people) Entrance fee: usually between 0 and 4 Euro.

The Koornbeurs (alternative student fraternity and youth society, no membership needed) has regular live music on Friday, and the occasional parties on Saturday.

The Lorre. This is a student disco that belongs to a fraternity (DSC). It is not always open to the public.

Cine Dans Cafe (still under construction, not open yet). This one is near the theatre (theater de Veste).

Ciccionina, Kromstraat 24. Opening hours: each Friday and Saturday from 23:00 till 05:00, other opening times may vary. A small venue in the city centre with a huge variety of electronic music and concerts. The crowd is mixed, usually there are mostly students. Sometimes the place is half-empty, sometimes its packed (about 100 people) Entrance fee: usually between 0 and 4 Euro.

Use of cannabis, weed or hashish is legal in small amounts (5 grams or less) in the Netherlands. Dutch law enforcement tolerates its use in so-called coffeeshops. There are 5 coffeeshops in Delft. The Future in the Peperstraat 8, de Vlouw on the Vlouw 27, The Game on the Breestraat 30, 't Keldertje on the Kromstraat 22a and De Boeddha on the Achterom 19a. The Game and The Future are both exceptional places for Lattes and herbs.

The European telephone number for emergencies is 112. Fire, ambulance or police can be called out on this number. Mobile phones without caller credit can still call this number.

Family doctors (GPs) outside working hours (08:00 till 17:00) and for non-registered patients can be found at the "huisartsenpost", Reinier de Graafweg 3a, 2625 AD. (the white portacabin, next to the ambulance entrance), telephone (015) 251 19 30. Call before you visit. Visit: €65.14, consultation at home: €97.40. Paid parking on hospital grounds.

For prescription medication outside working hours, got to Apothecary "Buitenhof Apotheek" on the Rossinistraat 1, 2625 AP Delft. Telephone: (015) 245 42 00.

There are several church services available also in English. Some of them offer partly English spoken services, others offer translations by a headset or written on paper (both handed over at the entrance). The list below is not complete, but gives an impression of the possibilities.

  • International Reformed Evangelical Fellowship (Ecumenic service), Heilige Geestkerkhof 25. Su 12:00 (in English)
  • Delft Christian Fellowship (Evangelistic/Charismatic service), Cort van der Lindenstraat 1. (Indonesian, English, Dutch)
  • Levend Water (Evangelistic/Charismatic service), Hermesstraat 65. Sun 10:00 (Dutch, English)
  • Gereformeerde Kerk vrijgemaakt (Reformed), Schoemakerstraat 1. Su 11:00 (Dutch, with English translation on paper)

International Reformed Evangelical Fellowship (Ecumenic service), Heilige Geestkerkhof 25. Su 12:00 (in English)

Delft Christian Fellowship (Evangelistic/Charismatic service), Cort van der Lindenstraat 1. (Indonesian, English, Dutch)

Levend Water (Evangelistic/Charismatic service), Hermesstraat 65. Sun 10:00 (Dutch, English)

Gereformeerde Kerk vrijgemaakt (Reformed), Schoemakerstraat 1. Su 11:00 (Dutch, with English translation on paper)

  • The beach at Scheveningen — Tramline 1 takes about 1 h and terminates right on the beach (the same trip by train is faster, you have to change in The Hague).
  • The Hague is a city worth a visit on its own (and it's on the way to Scheveningen). You can cycle to The Hague in 30 min. Start at the Oostsingel and follow the canal. It is well-sign-posted, and The Hague is visible as soon as you leave Delft.
  • Schipluiden is a very small town on the outskirts of Delft, with a large canal with beautiful bridges and colorful boats. It's a popular watering hole for cyclists. There are also kayak and paddleboat rentals (€6 for first hour, €2/hr after).
  • Schiedam is the next small city south along the train line. The small historic city centre is an undiscovered gem.
  • Hook of Holland has a quieter and cleaner beach than Scheveningen's, and it faces the Port of Rotterdam so is nice when you want to see the big seagoing ships: Great views. Cycling from Delft takes you past farms, sheep, and greenhouses. If you only want to cycle one way there is a train station at the Hook of Holland. You can take your bike on the train for about €7.50.