Surviving the terraces

Markt
The main market square is the largest in the city, with a number of terraces to choose from. Bear in mind that it’s also the most touristy square in Delft, and busloads of visitors flock here throughout the summer. As such there’s a good choice of cafes, pubs and larger restaurants whether you’re looking for a beer, a meal or just an ice-cream. You can sit overlooking the historic city hall, the new church where the royal family are laid to rest, and the bronze statue of the famous lawyer Hugo de Groot dating from 1886. Public executions used to take place here, but entertainment these days is less bloody, with the Thursday market and a number of festivals and events taking place throughout the year. If you time it right, you can listen to the church bells ringing.

Beestenmarkt
The bull statue by artist Rob Brandt stands in the centre of this square, have you ever wondered why? From 1595 to 1972 the square was used for weekly cattle markets. Before that in 1449 a monastery was founded there, and more recently it was used as parking terrain before becoming the recreational area we have today. Look for a shady spot under one of the 60 year-old plane trees, of which there are 24, and enjoy what is arguably the terrace with the nicest atmosphere in Delft, with fewer tourists than the Markt. Here, Café Kobus Kuch is known for its home-made apple pie: “We sell about 60,000 pieces of this cake per year and we are quite proud of that,” they said. Sandpits are set up to entertain the little ones in good weather,Belvédère serves great chips, and La Cubanita has affordable cocktails.

Doelenplein
A short walk from the main market square is Doelenplein, the square least likely to be discovered by passers-by, and as such a little quieter. It has a Mediterranean feel, with coloured light bulbs strung amongst the plane trees, and the game ‘boules’ is often played there. A giant table lamp statue, the work of Chinese artist Wan Li Ya, stands central. LEF Restaurant, Filmhuis Lumen and Hotel de Plataan flank the square. Handy hint: the gin and tonic happy hour at GRK&ZO is a must.

Heilige Geestkerkhof
The oldest church in Delft is nicknamed ‘De Oude Jan’ and stands next to this square. It’s a smaller terrace served by the appropriately named Café De Oude Jan, and Restaurant Olympia. Look for the horn of plenty sculpture by Bas Maters. In the 80s there were archaeological excavations on the square, when the oldest known brewery in the Netherlands was discovered. “From an examination of the growth rings on the posts and planks used to erect the building, it could be concluded that the property was built in the year 1210,” stated Café De Oude Jan.

Boat terraces
For something a bit different, look for the boat terraces dotted around the city canals, of which there are 15 in total. De Stadskoffyhuis on Oude Delft has one with a view of the tilting tower of the old church. Huszár on Hooikade has a boat overlooking De Kolk; you can admire the boats from the spot where Vermeer painted his ‘View of Delft’. Eetcafé De Ruif on Kerkstraat has a boat terrace at the rear with picturesque street views too.