Attractions - Holland

Attractions - Amsterdam

Delft, Netherlands

Immerse yourself in cosy and historical Delft, one of the best-preserved towns in the Netherlands and birthplace of 17th-century Dutch painter Jan Vermeer. A gem of a town known as the city of the princes, Delft is set within an intricate tapestry of canals, cobbled streets and charming pedestrian bridges. Famous for its blue pottery, the town is a truly enchanting place where you can spend a relaxing and rewarding time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Start off your exploration of this engaging town by strolling along the canals and narrow winding alleyways, stopping off to sample the fare of local street traders or browsing in some excellent antique shops and emporiums. Listen to the unique sound of the barrel organ, bringing a smile to the faces of old and young alike with its infectious melodies filling the streets in the early evening. Pay a visit to the atmospheric New Church, which features within its lofty space the mausoleum of William of Orange and whose impressive 100-metre-high spire affords a spectacular view of the town below, or make the trip to the Porcelyne Fles factory, a factory specialising in the production of traditional Delft hand-painted pottery. After making your selection at the factory, why not pay a visit to the Museum Lambert van Meerten, a museum presenting Delft’s finest collection of Delftware. Amble down the flower-lined Wijnhaven, one of the prettiest streets in Delft and make your way to the Oude Kerk, the finest building in the town that boasts a quirky leaning tower and some breathtaking modern stained glass dating from the Second World War. Take a horse-drawn tram around the old city centre and admire the gabled red-roofed houses and medieval buildings above you. Sample the unique atmosphere of a floating café on the canal or enjoy a drink at one of the many cosy and welcoming old-fashioned pubs.

Enjoy a picnic on the banks of the canals, stop and watch the barges cruise past from your vantage point on a bridge or spoil yourself with a coffee in a sleepy outdoor café or one Delft’s renowned grand cafes. Sample the tranquil atmosphere during an evening stroll before dining in a smart restaurant by the canal bank or tucked away down a quaint cobbled street. Listen to some live jazz or blues in a suave nightspot or simply take in the sights and sounds of Delft, a laid-back town with a warm welcome.