Delft, Netherland
Delft is a charming historic Dutch city famous for its picturesque canals, Delft Blue pottery, and its association with painter Johannes Vermeer. 1302
Delf: Netherland
Date Picture Taken: May, 2026
Delft is a picturesque historic city in the Netherlands, known for its canals, traditional Dutch architecture, and Delft Blue pottery. It was also the hometown of Johannes Vermeer, who lived and worked there throughout his life. The compact old center is centered around the Markt, with the Nieuwe Kerk and historic City Hall, and much of the city still retains the atmosphere seen in 17th-century Dutch paintings.
Since Delft is only a short distance from The Hague, I decided to stop there as well while visiting The Hague.
Unlike The Hague, Delft felt like a small historic town, with picturesque canals, narrow streets, and many beautiful old Dutch buildings.
Centrum Delft (Market Squire) is the historic heart of the city, filled with picturesque canals, narrow streets, old Dutch houses, cafés, and shops, centered around the lively Markt square.
The building in front is the city hall. Stadhuis Delft (Delft City Hall) is a beautiful Renaissance building on the Markt, facing the Nieuwe Kerk. Originally medieval, it was largely rebuilt after a 1618 fire, while its old Gothic tower survived.
The Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) dominates Delft’s Markt with its tall Gothic tower. Built beginning in the 14th century, it is especially important as the burial place of William of Orange and members of the Dutch royal family.
Looking back across the Markt, I had a beautiful view of the historic Delft City Hall
A view behind me
After visiting the main square, I wandered through the small but beautiful streets of Delft, enjoying its canals and historic buildings as I walk to the Old Church
The Oude Kerk (Old Church) is Delft’s oldest church, dating to the 13th century and famous for its noticeably leaning tower. The painter Johannes Vermeer was buried here in 1675.
The Gemeenlandshuis Delft is an ornate 16th-century building along the Oude Delft canal. Originally a wealthy private residence, it later became the headquarters of the Delfland Water Board, responsible for managing the region’s water and flood protection.
After seeing the Old Church, I continued walking through Delft’s charming streets and canals as I made my way back to the train station.
Looking back, I had another beautiful view of the Old Church, with its distinctive leaning tower rising above Delft’s historic buildings.
After exploring Delft, I returned to the train station, ending my short visit.
