Scenic Dutch town referred to by Rick Steves as a 'Rewarding Miniature Version of Amsterdam'

Scenic Dutch town referred to by Rick Steves as a 'Rewarding Miniature Version of Amsterdam'

Delft, a city in the Netherlands, is often overlooked by tourists in favour of more famous destinations like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague. However, this picturesque city offers a unique charm that sets it apart from its more notorious counterparts.

Located about an hour from Schiphol International Airport, Delft is easily accessible by public transit. For those preferring a faster journey, driving from the airport to Delft takes approximately 45 minutes. Once there, the old city is thick with hotels, making it easy to walk to major sites. Delft offers a variety of affordable accommodations, with many hotels under $100 per night.

Delft is renowned for its beautiful canals, historic churches, and the Prinsenhof Museum. The city is also the birthplace of the painter Johannes Vermeer, whose works are showcased at the Vermeer Centrum Delft. The city's architecture, classically Dutch, is not overly crowded, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the city's charm.

One of the city's most famous landmarks is the medieval Oude Kerk (Old Church), completed in the 13th century. Delft is also home to the Royal Delft Museum, which houses a vast collection of porcelain, including the city's famous blue and white Delftware pottery.

Delft is not just a city of history and culture. It is also known for its lively nightlife, clustered in the old city, near most hotels, making for easy bar-hopping. The city's cycling infrastructure, part of the Netherlands' exhaustive network, makes for blissful riding during warmer months. Bikes can be rented from local shops or hotels in Delft.

Delft is a city that embraces its unique character. It is home to a handful of "coffeeshops," a popular attraction for some visitors. The city is also proud of its local Delft Blue Gin, a must-try for spirits enthusiasts.

Travel expert Rick Steves lists Delft among his top destinations in the Netherlands, praising its authentic Dutch atmosphere and abundance of world-class museums, scenic bridges, and an abundance of bike lanes. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or a food and drink connoisseur, Delft offers a diverse and enjoyable experience.

So, if you're planning a trip to the Netherlands, don't forget to include Delft in your itinerary. Combining popular and lesser-known destinations like Amsterdam, Delft, and Rotterdam, the Netherlands offers a strong mix of history, culture, and modernity to explore.

Embarking on a journey through the Netherlands, consider incorporating Delft into your itinerary. Known for its picturesque old city and rich lifestyle experiences, Delft's unique charm, lively nightlife, and diverse attractions make it an ideal addition to your travel plans, complementing more famous destinations like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

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