A Day Trip to Delft from Rotterdam: Canals, Blue Pottery and Vermeer

If Rotterdam is the Netherlands looking forward, Delft is the country looking back. The small city just north-west of Rotterdam kept its historic centre of canals, bridges and gabled houses, and it is easy to reach for a relaxed day out. It makes a perfect counterpoint to a visit to the Kinderdijk windmills and the modern skyline you leave behind.

Getting there

Trains run frequently between Rotterdam Centraal and Delft, and the journey is short. You can pay by tapping in and out with a contactless card, as explained in our getting around guide. Cyclists can follow a flat route through the green belt between the two cities, an easy ride on a fine day.

A simple walking route

1. From the station into the old town. Follow the canals towards the centre; the change of pace is immediate.
2. The Markt. The large market square is framed by the tall Nieuwe Kerk at one end and the decorated city hall at the other. On market days it fills with stalls.
3. The Nieuwe Kerk. This church is the burial place of members of the Dutch royal family, and its tower offers wide views over the town if you are happy to climb.
4. The Oude Kerk. Look for the leaning tower of the old church, a short walk away along the canals.
5. The quieter canals. Wander off the main routes to find small bridges, houseboats and courtyards.

Delft Blue pottery

Delft gave its name to the blue-and-white earthenware that became famous across Europe. You will see it in shop windows all over town, from souvenirs to hand-painted pieces. If you are interested in how it is made, look for a workshop or factory that offers demonstrations and tours.

Vermeer's town

The painter Johannes Vermeer lived and worked in Delft in the seventeenth century, and his "View of Delft" is one of the best-known Dutch paintings. His original works hang in museums elsewhere, but Delft has a centre dedicated to his life and techniques, and walking the old streets gives a sense of the light and the town he painted.

Where to slow down

• A canal-side terrace for coffee and apple pie.
• A boat trip on the canals in the warmer months.
• A picnic in one of the small parks near the old city walls.

Back in Rotterdam

Return in time for dinner and compare: the train drops you back in a city of glass and steel. If you still have energy, head to the riverfront and plan tomorrow with our guide to things to do in Rotterdam.