Klaeuwshofje

The eastern gate to the city, built around 1400 and of the four original gates the only surviving one. Small building. It looks kind of cute. It is not on the famous painting by Vermeer (because that's the South Gate), as many tourists wrongly think.

This is a tree-covered square with restaurants, cafés and bars all with outside seating. Very busy all year round. Many pubs have patio heaters to provide comfort after sunset. One of the pubs even provides a sand pit for the children. The name of the square refers to cattle (beest is animal) market which used to be held here. During December and January, an ice rink is built on the square.

The botanical garden of Delft University houses a large collection of 'utility' plants, both in greenhouses and a nicely laid out park. Good place to spend a few quiet hours on a sunny afternoon.

This is a tiny street at the back of the New Church. Note the little warped house on the corner closest to the church. It featured in the Girl with a Pearl Earring, a film about the painter Vermeer, and every tourist takes its picture.

The Roman Catholic Maria van Jesse church was built between 1875 and 1882, then named St Joseph's church. The building was designed in the style of the Gothic revival by the architect Everard Margry, one of the first and most productive students of Dr. Pierre Cuypers. Since 1982 this church is a national heritage site, not least because of its original interior.

Located at Markt, this church was built in 1496. The royal burial chamber is in this church but is not accessible. Prince William of Orange was the first to be buried here, after being shot in 1584. It is possible to climb the 108.75-m tower to get an impressive view of Delft and surroundings. It's the second highest church tower, after the Dom church of Utrecht. You can see both Rotterdam and The Hague. On clear days is it possible to see Leiden and even Amsterdam. It's well worth the effort.