Delft: Walking tour with local guide in city center

Summary

Stories & secrets on a walk through Delft’s old streets

You’ll wander Delft’s historic center with a local guide who brings stories alive — from royal tombs in towering churches to quiet canals and Vermeer’s world. Expect small surprises: leaning towers, secret spots only locals mention, and tips for snacks or drinks after your walk. It’s two hours packed with details you’ll remember long after leaving those cobbled streets behind.

What’s the experience like?

Hands waving in the air, our guide (Marieke — she said to call her “Maaike” if we could manage the Dutch) pointed out the statue of Hugo Grotius right in the middle of Delft’s Markt square. I was still finishing my coffee from a nearby café, not expecting to start with a crash course in Dutch law and royal burials, but there we were, surrounded by bikes and the smell of fresh stroopwafels drifting over from somewhere. The New Church is massive up close — apparently the second tallest in the country — and Maaike told us about the royal tombs inside like it was family gossip.

We wandered past the old town hall (the clock chimed just as we walked by — pure luck or maybe Delft magic?), then down narrow lanes where you can still see hooks above some doors for hauling goods upstairs. There’s something about these canals that makes you slow down; even the ducks seemed unhurried. At one point, Maaike stopped us outside Anthony van Leeuwenhoek’s old house and tried to explain how he discovered microbes using handmade lenses. I pretended to understand but mostly just stared at the crooked windows reflecting sunlight off the water. The Old Church leans so much it looks like it might topple if you sneeze too hard — Vermeer is buried there, which felt oddly humbling.

Opposite that is Prinsenhof, where William of Orange was assassinated (Maaike got quiet for a moment here; you could almost feel how heavy that history sits). We followed her along Oude Delft canal, past houses with those ornate facades that make you want to take a hundred photos. She pointed out where Vermeer painted his famous “View of Delft” — honestly, I tried to see what he saw but mostly noticed how blue everything looked under that sky. We ended at Beestenmarkt, which used to be an animal market but now is full of people laughing over beers and fries. Maaike gave us tips on where to get bitterballen; I still think about those little fried things sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Delft's Historic Highlights

• Meet at Market Square by Hugo Grotius statue
• Walk past Old Town Hall
• Visit Old Church and see leaning tower
• Explore Prinsenhof monastery
• See oldest house on Oude Delft canal
• View Delft Pottery and VOC building
• Pass old synagogue on canal
• Stop at Beestenmarkt near Markt square

Top questions

How long does this walking tour of Delft last?

The tour takes 2 hours from start to finish.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at Markt square in Delft city center.

Is this tour available in different languages?

Yes, you can book in English, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian or French.

Are there any entry fees included?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

Is this walking tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed to join the walking tour.

Does this day trip cover major attractions like Prinsenhof and Old Church?

You’ll visit sites including Prinsenhof Museum and both New and Old Churches along with other landmarks.

What’s included

Your experience includes all entry fees and taxes plus guidance throughout by a local expert who shares insider stories as you explore Delft’s historic heart together on foot.