Delft

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Amsterdam

$21.99

Shop Book

Getty Images

Overview

An amalgam of austere medieval magnificence and Golden Age glory, Delft's exquisite town centre is a hugely popular Dutch day-trip destination, awash with visitors strolling its narrow, canal-lined streets and central Markt. The centre is time-capsule-like, having changed little since Golden Age artist Johannes Vermeer, who was born in Delft and lived his whole life here, painted his famous View of Delft in 1660–61.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Nieuwe Kerk

Delft

Construction of Delft's Nieuwe Kerk began in 1381; it was finally completed in 1655. The church has been the final resting place of almost every member of…

Vermeer Centrum Delft

Delft

Johannes Vermeer was born in Delft in 1632 and lived here until his death in 1675, aged only 43. Although none of his works remain in Delft, this centre…

Royal Delft

Delft

Pottery fans will love visiting Royal Delft, the town's most famous earthenware factory, which has been handcrafting its blue-and-white-painted porcelain…

Museum Paul Tetar van Elven

Delft

Off the usual tourist radar, this museum is the former studio and home of 19th-century Dutch artist Paul Tetar van Elven, who lived and worked here from…

Museum Prinsenhof Delft

Delft

William of Orange (William the Silent) was assassinated in this former convent in 1584 (the bullet hole in the wall is preserved), becoming the world's…

Oude Kerk

Delft

Founded c 1246, the Oude Kerk is a surreal sight: its 75m-high tower, which was erected c 1350, leans nearly 2m from the vertical due to subsidence caused…

De Delftse Pauw

Delft

This long-operating Delftware factory north of the city centre offers free short guided tours in which the production process is explained. These start…

Markt

Delft

One of the largest historic market squares in Europe, the rectangular Markt was first paved in the late 15th century. It is edged by the town hall, Nieuwe…

View more attractions