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Canal · Delft, Holanda Meridional
Oude Delft
The oldest canal in Delft, lined with merchant houses from the Golden Age on both sides. From April to October, boats run guided tours of about 50 minutes through the city's canals.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Oude Delft
The Oude Delft is the city's oldest canal. It was dug around the year 1100 to drain the land, even before Delft existed. The city's name comes from 'Delf', meaning to dig.
In the Golden Age, the higher ground between the canals became the address of wealthy merchants. That's why the banks of the Oude Delft are lined with grand houses, many protected as national monuments. Along the way are the Oude Kerk, with its leaning tower, and the Oost-Indisch Huis, the former office of the Dutch East India Company in Delft.
The walk along the banks is easy and flat. 'Gracht' means canal; the Oude Delft and the Koornmarkt, another parallel canal, are the most photographed.
To see the city from the water, there are guided boat tours departing from the Koornmarkt. The season runs from April 1 to October 31, with departures every hour and a duration of about 50 minutes. The boats are low and pass under narrow bridges.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 50 minutes on the boat and another 30 to 45 minutes walking along the banks.
Best time
From April to October, during the boat season. The walk along the banks can be done year-round, preferably early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
How to get there
The canal runs along the west side of the historic center, a 5-minute walk from the Markt and about 10 minutes from Delft station. The boat departs from the Koornmarkt, on the south side of the center.
Tip
Buy the boat tour at the Koornmarkt kiosk. Walk along the Oude Delft on the way to the Oude Kerk. On the banks, watch out for bicycles, which pass close to pedestrians.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Oude Delft
When does the boat tour in Delft operate?
The season runs from April 1 to October 31, with departures every hour from the Koornmarkt. Confirm before you go.
How long does the boat tour last?
About 50 minutes, with a guide telling the city's history.
Which is Delft's oldest canal?
The Oude Delft, dug around the year 1100. The city's name comes from it.