Delft: Entrance Ticket for the Old and New Churches

This experience made our article of Which Delft Tours To Choose? Our Best 15 Picks.

Discover Delft’s Architectural Gems: Old and New Churches

When you visit Delft, a city famous for Vermeer and its royal connections, the entrance ticket to the Old and New Churches offers a perfect way to soak up centuries of history in one go. At just $10 per person and lasting around 1.5 hours, this ticket unlocks two of Delft’s most iconic landmarks. From the crooked tower of the Old Church to the royal mausoleum of William of Orange in the New Church, you’ll find yourself amidst stories of Dutch kings, painters, and noble families.

What we love about this experience is how smoothly it combines two historic sites—so you don’t need separate tickets or complicated arrangements. We also appreciated the detailed architecture of the New Church, especially its striking stained-glass windows and impressive pipe organ, both of which add to the sense of grandeur. The Old Church’s leaning tower, a literal off-center feature, is charmingly quirky and a reminder that even historic structures have their quirks.

A possible consideration is the timing—visitors must start at the New Church and exchange their voucher there, with entry to the Old Church following. Also, at 15 minutes before closing, new visitors are no longer admitted, so planning your visit early in the day ensures a relaxed experience.

This tour suits travelers who love history, architecture, and authentic Dutch atmosphere. If you’re keen on exploring sites that are rich in stories and visual appeal, this ticket offers excellent value. It’s especially good if you’re short on time but want a meaningful glimpse into Delft’s past.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Two-in-One Ticket: Access both the Old and New Churches with one affordable ticket.
• Historical Significance: See the final resting places of Dutch royalty and notable figures like Vermeer.
• Architectural Marvels: Admire the striking structures, stained glass, and the leaning tower of the Old Church.
• Brief but Rich: The 1.5-hour tour is packed with highlights and stories.
• Accessible & Flexible: Wheelchair accessible; plan your visit around opening hours.
• Value for Money: At $10, it’s a budget-friendly way to experience Delft’s religious and cultural landmarks.

A Deep Dive into Delft’s Churches

The Old Church (Oude Kerk)

Founded around 1246, the Old Church is one of Delft’s oldest and most beloved buildings. Its most distinctive feature, the leaning tower, leans about 2 meters off-center—an intriguing architectural twist that draws many visitors’ attention. We loved the way the uneven tilt adds character to an otherwise traditional Gothic façade. Inside, the church’s stained-glass windows cast colorful lights that change with the time of day, creating a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere.

Beyond its architecture, the Old Church is the final resting place of famous Dutch figures, including the painter Johannes Vermeer. Seeing his grave adds a layer of cultural depth, especially for art lovers eager to connect with Delft’s artistic history. Reviewers like Emma mention that they spent over an hour exploring this church, partly because of its storied past and beautiful details.

The New Church (Nieuwe Kerk)

Completed in 1655, the New Church is a symbol of Delft’s importance in Dutch history. It’s the burial site of many members of the Dutch Royal Family, including William of Orange, whose mausoleum is a highlight. Visitors often comment on how grand the church’s architecture is, with its soaring ceilings and elaborate stained-glass windows.

The spectacular pipe organ adds a musical touch, and many mention that if the church is open, paying a few extra euros for a climb up its tower offers one of the best panoramic views of Delft. Holly’s review says, “Climb the New Church tower as well if you’re able. It’s breathtaking,” which captures the appeal of this optional added experience.

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The Experience of Visiting Both Churches

Having a single ticket makes it easy to visit both sites without hassle. The process involves exchanging your voucher at the ticket counter of the New Church and then walking to the Old Church. The proximity of these two historic sites allows you to explore at a comfortable pace, but keep in mind that entry is not permitted 15 minutes before closing.

Many visitors find this combination ideal—it offers a compact, yet comprehensive, glimpse of Delft’s ecclesiastical architecture and storied past. Meghann notes, “Great way to see both churches! They were easy to get to and cool to see,” highlighting the convenience and appeal.

What to Expect at the Churches

Expect to spend time appreciating the architectural details, browsing the stained-glass windows, and contemplating the final resting places of Dutch luminaries. The churches are well-preserved and accessible, with informative signs that help you appreciate their significance.

You won’t need a guide for this experience, but many find that the visual cues and the historical context provided by the sites themselves are enough to enrich the visit. For those interested, the optional tower climb in the New Church offers spectacular views, which reviewers say are worth the extra euros.

Practical Details & Tips

• Price: $10 per person for both churches, representing excellent value given the historical significance and architectural beauty.
• Duration: About 1.5 hours, but you can easily spend more if you wish to linger or climb the tower.
• Start Point: Begin at the New Church, where you’ll exchange your voucher; plan to arrive early to avoid missing entry later in the day.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a wider range of visitors.
• Timing: Tours conclude 15 minutes before closing; make sure to plan accordingly and check opening hours.
• Additional costs: Optional tower climb at the New Church costs extra; it’s worth considering if you want the full experience.
• Restrictions: No food, drinks, alcohol, or drugs allowed inside the churches.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

Come prepared with comfortable shoes and a camera—both churches are visually captivating. Take your time exploring the stained-glass windows, the mausoleum of William of Orange, and the graves of Vermeer and other Dutch figures. If you’re interested in architecture, the unique features of each church will stand out, from the crooked tower to the ornate interiors.

Authentic Experiences and Reviews

Based on actual visitor reviews, this experience hits many marks for quality and value. Holly describes it as a “must-do activity,” especially highlighting the opportunity to climb the New Church tower. Emma appreciated the depth of history, spending over an hour in the Old Church alone, and noted the chance to see a beautiful view of Delft from the tower. Meghann summed it up well: “Great way to see both churches! They were easy to get to and cool to see. Worth a stop for sure.”

These comments reflect the authentic charm and practical accessibility of the tour, making it particularly attractive for those wanting a straightforward yet meaningful experience.

Final Thoughts

This ticket to Delft’s Old and New Churches offers more than just a sightseeing opportunity—it’s a chance to step into the city’s layered past, from medieval times through to the Dutch Golden Age. The combination of striking architecture, important graves, and the chance for panoramic views provides real value for the modest price.

Whether you’re an art lover eager to see Vermeer’s resting place, a history buff interested in William of Orange, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful buildings, this experience is well worth considering. The streamlined process and affordable price make it especially friendly for travelers on a tight schedule or those looking to maximize their cultural exposure in Delft.

In short, if authentic Dutch history, architecture, and a taste of royal grandeur appeal to you, this ticket will serve you well. It’s an excellent introduction to Delft’s spiritual and artistic heart.

FAQ

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended. You can reserve your spot and pay later, ensuring you secure a time slot that fits your schedule.

Where do I start the tour?
Begin at the New Church, where you’ll exchange your voucher. It’s the logical starting point and ensures smooth entry.

Can I visit the churches later in the day?
Yes, but note that no new visitors are admitted 15 minutes before closing, so plan your visit accordingly.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for a wider range of visitors to enjoy the sites.

Is it possible to climb the tower in the New Church?
Yes, if the church is open, you can pay a small extra fee to climb the tower for a breathtaking view of Delft.

Are there guided tours included?
No, this activity does not include a guide. The experience is self-guided, but the sites themselves are well-signposted and informative.

To sum it up, this combined ticket for Delft’s Old and New Churches provides a practical, engaging, and affordable way to connect with the city’s history and architecture. It’s perfect for those who want a balanced, authentic experience without the hassle of multiple tickets or guided tours—just the beautiful, storied churches of Delft.

You can check availability for your dates here: