Delft

Delft is a beautifully preserved Dutch city that balances its rich Golden Age history with a quiet, intimate atmosphere. The historic canals (grachten) remain central to the city's layout, originally dug for land drainage and transport but now providing peaceful, tree-lined corridors for walking and cycling. Exploring these waterways reveals a dense network of centuries-old brick townhouses, stepped footbridges, and world-renowned cultural heritage.

Highlights from Our Days in Delft

• A Modern Delft Welcome: Arriving via the striking contemporary railway station, where the structural columns are clad in a broken-tile mosaic—a modern architectural interpretation of the city's historic Delft Blue ceramic tradition.

• The Leaning Tower of the Oude Kerk: Looking straight down the waterways to spot the famous 75-metre-high brick tower of the Oude Kerk (Old Church), which leans noticeably out of vertical alignment over the surrounding historic centre.

• Classic Canal Bridges: Crossing the traditional, steep, arched brick footbridges that span the water, offering elevated vantage points to take in the architecture and the quiet flow of the city.

• Golden Age Townhouses: Admiring the meticulously maintained brick facades lining the streets, defined by their large symmetrical windows, crisp white frames, and traditional dark green shutters.

• The Rhythm of Dutch Life: Soaking in the authentic everyday atmosphere along the canals, taking portraits by the water, and capturing quintessential scenes of bicycles parked tightly against the iron railings beneath the streetlights.