Delft's Old Town centres on the Markt, an elongated market square framed by the Gothic Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the ornate old Town Hall — one of the most photogenic historic squares in the Netherlands. Begun in 1396 and finished in 1496, the New Church holds the grand marble mausoleum of William of Orange, founding father of the Dutch nation, above a royal crypt where the House of Orange-Nassau is still interred today. Its 108.75 m tower is the second-tallest church tower in the country after Utrecht's Dom Tower, rewarding climbers with panoramic views over the canals and rooftops. As of 2026 both the church and the tower are open to visitors, and the square — busiest on Thursday and Saturday market days — makes an easy half-day walk.
The marble tomb of William of Orange inside the New Church, designed by Hendrick de Keyser and completed around 1621 — the finest Dutch funerary monument of its age
Climbing the 108.75 m tower via a narrow spiral staircase for a panorama over Delft's old town and canals (the Netherlands' second-highest church tower)
The royal crypt of the House of Orange-Nassau beneath the choir, resting place of 46 royals — not open to the public, but marked by royal ledger stones set into the floor
The Renaissance Town Hall (Stadhuis) facing the church across the square, rebuilt after the 1618 fire
The Markt itself with its Thursday/Saturday markets, Delft Blue pottery shops, cafés, and the nearby Vermeer Centrum in the city of painter Johannes Vermeer
Good to know
SafetyThe square and lanes get crowded on Thursday/Saturday market days and in peak summer; keep bags to the front and avoid loose outer pockets, as pickpockets work the crowds.
SeasonIn winter (Nov–Jan) weekday hours shrink to roughly 11:00–16:00, and Sundays may be limited or closed for services — check the official calendar for the day you visit.
RulesThe tower closes an hour before the churches and shuts in bad weather; backpacks and umbrellas are not allowed, under-5s cannot climb, and ages 6–16 need an accompanying adult.
MannersThis is both a royal tomb and a working place of worship — visits are restricted during services, so keep quiet inside and be respectful when photographing the tomb and altar area.
CautionWatch for unlicensed 'charity' petitions or pushy bracelet sellers around the square, and look for official marks (e.g. Royal Delft) when buying genuine Delft Blue pottery.
RulesDutch public transport uses an OV-chipkaart or contactless tap-in/out; the Markt is about a 10-minute walk from Delft station, and you should confirm current train fares and timetables via the NS app.
Practical info
From Delft station (not Delft-Zuid) it is about a 10-minute walk to the Markt; trains reach it in roughly 7 minutes from The Hague, about 12 from Rotterdam, and about an hour from Amsterdam. Opening hours are seasonal (broadly Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00 from Feb–Oct, shorter Nov–Jan, Sundays for services), with combined church tickets, a separate tower ticket, and a Vermeer Centrum combo — always confirm current prices and times on the official website.
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