A Super Easy Guide to Delft

First time in Delft? This guide is all you need! Plan your trip easily and enjoy this small Dutch city.

Before You Go

1. Visa: Get a Schengen visa for the Netherlands. Prepare the required documents and apply at the visa center. It takes about 15 working days to get the visa.

2. Flights: Book 2–3 months in advance. Fly to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and then transfer.

3. Transportation: The city is small, so walking or cycling is fine. If you take the bus, buy an OV-chipkaart.

4. Accommodation: Choose a hotel in the city center or by the canal for convenience. If you're on a budget, choose a hostel.

Must-See Attractions

1. Markt Square: Climb the New Church tower for a panoramic view of the city. The City Hall is also very distinctive. There's a lively market here too.

2. Royal Delft: See the entire process of Delftware production. The finished products are exquisite and make great souvenirs.

3. Delft Canals: Rent a boat and cruise along the canals, admiring the old houses and beautiful bridges on both sides.

Local Specialties

1. Dutch Pancakes (Poffertjes): Available in sweet and savory versions. Sweet ones are served with fruit syrup, while savory ones are paired with ham and cheese.

2. Raw Herring: Served with onions and pickles. It has a unique taste.

3. Stroopwafels: Caramel waffles filled with sweet syrup. They're delicious with hot coffee.

Shopping

1. Delftware Shops: The city center has a wide variety of styles, and you might even find limited editions.

2. Traditional Cheese Shops: Sample Gouda, Edam, and other cheeses. The shopkeepers will vacuum-pack them for you.

Itinerary

1. One-Day Trip: Arrive in Delft in the morning and head to the Markt. Have Dutch pancakes for lunch. Visit Royal Delft in the afternoon, and take a stroll along the canal in the evening.

2. Two-Day Trip: Follow the one-day itinerary for the first day. On the second day, visit Delft University of Technology in the morning, take a boat trip on the canals in the afternoon, and then buy some local specialties in the city center.