Self-guided audio tour in Delft

Besides our audio guides, there are many other ways to discover Delft. Here are some suggestions that can enrich your visit:

• Royal Delft Factory Tour: Discover the world-famous Delft Blue pottery at the last remaining original Delft factory from the 17th century. Book a guided tour to see skilled craftspeople at work and learn about this iconic Dutch craft.

• Vermeer Centrum: Immerse yourself in the life and works of Johannes Vermeer, Delft's most famous painter. The center houses reproductions of all his known works and offers insights into his techniques and inspiration sources.

• New Church (Nieuwe Kerk): Climb the 376 steps to the top of this Gothic tower for one of the best views in Delft. The church also houses the royal burial vault of the House of Orange-Nassau, including William of Orange.

• Old Church (Oude Kerk): Visit this leaning church (nicknamed "Old John") with its remarkable wooden ceiling and the graves of notable Dutch figures including Vermeer himself.

• Canal Cruise: See Delft from a different perspective on a relaxing boat tour through the historic canals. These tours provide excellent photo opportunities of must-see places in Delft from the water.

• Thursday Market: Experience the vibrant weekly market on the historic Market Square (Markt), where locals have been trading since 1246. Find everything from fresh produce to antiques and typical Dutch treats.

• Science Centre Delft: Perfect for families, this interactive museum connected to the Technical University offers hands-on exhibits that make science accessible and fun.

• Botanical Garden: Explore the peaceful TU Delft Botanical Garden with its collection of rare plants, trees, and a beautiful butterfly greenhouse – one of the hidden gems in Delft away from the tourist crowds.

• Prinsenhof Museum: Discover Dutch history in this former monastery where William of Orange was assassinated in 1584. You can still see the bullet holes in the wall!

Best Time to Visit
Spring and early summer (April-June) offer the most pleasant experience in Delft, with blooming flowers and comfortable temperatures perfect for walking tours. The city is especially charming during King's Day (April 27) when the streets fill with orange-clad revelers. Winter brings fewer tourists and a cozy atmosphere with holiday markets, though be prepared for chilly weather.

Getting There
Delft is easily accessible by train, with direct connections from Amsterdam (1 hour), Rotterdam (15 minutes), and The Hague (10 minutes). The historic center is compact and best explored on foot, but you can also rent bicycles from shops near the train station for about €10 per day. If driving, park at one of the P+R facilities on the outskirts as the center has limited parking.

Opening Hours and Holidays
Most museums and attractions in Delft are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, with many closed on Mondays. Shops typically open at 9:00 or 10:00 and close at 18:00, with late shopping on Thursday evenings until 21:00. Restaurants serve dinner from around 17:30 to 22:00. Be aware that many places have reduced hours on Sundays, and most shops are closed.

Comfort on the Go
Delft's cobblestone streets are picturesque but can be challenging, so wear comfortable walking shoes for your self-guided tours Delft offers. The Dutch weather is famously changeable, so carry a light raincoat even on sunny days. Public water fountains are available throughout the city, and most cafés will refill water bottles for free.

Local Customs and Etiquette
The Dutch appreciate directness and punctuality. When entering shops, a simple "hello" (or "hallo") is appreciated. Tipping is not obligatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common practice. In cafés, it's perfectly acceptable to sit for hours with just one drink, making them ideal rest stops during your Delft sightseeing tours.

How much time should I plan for a visit to Delft?
You should plan at least one full day to properly experience Delft. While our self-guided tours can be completed in about 2-3 hours if walked continuously, the real joy comes from taking your time. Many visitors pause to enjoy apple pie at Kobus Kuch café on the Market Square or spend time exploring the Royal Delft factory, turning their audio tour into a full-day experience.

What makes Delft different from other cities in the Netherlands?
Delft offers a perfect blend of history and innovation without the crowds of Amsterdam. The city uniquely combines its famous pottery heritage and Golden Age architecture with the youthful energy of one of the Netherlands' top technical universities. Delft also has a special connection to the Dutch royal family that dates back to William of Orange, giving it a distinctive place in Dutch history that few other cities can claim.

Why choose an audio guide instead of a guided tour in Delft?
An audio guide gives you complete freedom to explore Delft at your own pace, without being tied to a fixed schedule or group. This is particularly valuable in Delft's intimate canal-lined streets, where large tour groups can feel intrusive. You can pause the tour to photograph the perfect reflection in a canal, spend extra time at sites that interest you most, or take a spontaneous detour into a ceramic shop—options not available with traditional guided tours.

Do I need internet while walking?
No, you don't need internet while walking through Delft. Once you've downloaded the tour, everything works offline, including maps and audio. This is particularly useful in Delft where some narrow streets and historic buildings can occasionally affect mobile signals. You'll only need internet again if you want to access external links or share your experience online.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children, though it's primarily written for adults. Children from about 12 years old will enjoy the stories about William of Orange's assassination and the tales of the city's devastating gunpowder explosion of 1654. Younger children might appreciate the shorter distances between highlights in Delft's compact center compared to larger Dutch cities.

Can I share the tour with my travel companions?
Yes, you can absolutely share the experience with your travel companions. Each person can use their own phone with headphones for the best audio experience while exploring Delft together. We offer special group discounts when purchasing multiple tours—check the Delft product page for current offers and bundle deals.

What else is there to do in Delft?
Beyond our audio tour, Delft offers excellent cycling opportunities in the surrounding countryside, with routes to nearby windmills and the historic town of Schiedam. The city also hosts several seasonal festivals, including the Delft Chamber Music Festival in summer and the Delft Ceramics Days in autumn. The nearby beach at Scheveningen is just a short train and tram ride away for a refreshing contrast to city sightseeing.

Is there a free tour in Delft?
While there are some free walking tours in Delft, they operate on a tip-based model where guides expect €10-15 per person, making them ultimately not free. Our audio guide offers better value with a fixed, transparent price, no hidden expectations, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Additionally, free tours in Delft often have limited availability, especially during the off-season when many operators reduce their schedules.

Who is CityAppTour?
We're a team of travelers passionate about sharing local stories. Our Delft audio guides are created by a mix of local historians and international storytellers who understand both the city's rich history and what makes it fascinating for visitors. We've spent countless hours researching the stories behind Delft's famous blue pottery, Vermeer's life, and the royal connections that make this compact city so historically significant.

How can I see Delft in one day?
To see Delft in one day efficiently, start with our audio tour in the morning to orient yourself and learn about the main historical sites. After lunch, visit either the Royal Delft Factory or the Vermeer Centrum (depending on your interests), then spend the late afternoon exploring the canals or climbing the New Church tower for panoramic views. End your day with dinner at one of the restaurants around the Market Square to experience local cuisine.

Which areas are best to explore in Delft?
The best areas to explore in Delft include the historic center around the Market Square with its iconic New Church and City Hall, the charming canal ring with its picturesque bridges and historic houses, and the Oostpoort (Eastern Gate) area with its preserved medieval gate. The university district offers a contrast with its modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere, while the Agnetapark area showcases an early example of planned worker housing with beautiful green spaces.

Is Delft pottery still made by hand today?
Yes, authentic Delft pottery is still made by hand today at Royal Delft (De Porceleyne Fles), the last remaining factory of the 32 that existed in the 17th century. Visitors can watch master craftspeople hand-paint the iconic blue and white pieces using techniques that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Each authentic piece receives a hand-painted mark that guarantees its origin and quality, distinguishing it from mass-produced imitations.

"De stadswandelingen door Delft via de audiogids gaven me de perfecte balans tussen structuur en vrijheid. Ik leerde fascinerende details over Vermeer's leven die ik anders nooit zelf had ontdekt, maar ik kon mijn tijd nemen en genieten van een kop koffie langs de grachten wanneer ik wilde." — Mara, België

"As someone who hates being rushed through sightseeing, these self-guided tours in Delft were exactly what I needed. The stories about the royal family's connection to the city were captivating, and I could replay sections when background noise from passing cyclists momentarily distracted me." — Sienna, US

"Ik was echt geraakt door de verhalen achter de gebouwen die ik talloze keren eerder had gepasseerd. Na jaren in de buurt van Delft te hebben gewoond, dacht ik alles over de stad te weten, maar deze audiogids bewees me aangenaam het tegendeel! De verborgen parels in Delft die door deze persoonlijke verhalen werden onthuld, gaven me een compleet nieuwe waardering voor mijn naburige stad." — Thomas, Nederland