3 Course Walking Dinner in Delft with Guided Tours in Between

Exploring Delft through a combination of fine dining and guided walking tours offers a refreshingly authentic way to experience this charming Dutch city. This 5-hour 3-course walking dinner in Delft, organized by Discover Delft, blends culinary delights with cultural insights, making it an ideal choice for those who love good food paired with meaningful stories. The tour includes visits to historic landmarks, picturesque canals, and local hidden corners, all while enjoying expertly prepared dishes at three different local restaurants.

What really sets this experience apart are two standout features: first, the knowledgeable guides who bring Delft’s stories alive with enthusiasm and detail, making history feel personal. Second, the delicious, locally-sourced meals, which include drinks with each course and a variety of regional specialties. These elements make the evening both educational and indulgent.

One potential consideration is that the hour-long guided tours are tightly packed into the evening, so if you prefer a leisurely pace or are less interested in walking, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, given the price tag of around $495 per person, it’s a premium outing — but for many, the combination of culture, cuisine, and a well-organized route offers good value.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic local experience: Combines dining at three different historic restaurants with guided walks through Delft’s most emblematic sites.
• Expert guides: Known for their engaging storytelling, guides like “Jan” (if named) make history feel lively and relevant.
• Delicious regional cuisine: Each course includes drinks, showcasing Delft’s culinary traditions, from starters at De Waag to desserts at De Kurk.
• Historical highlights: Visits include the old town hall, Water Board, Museum Prinsenhof (William of Orange’s assassination site), and the Old Church.
• Hidden gems: Walks over the Oude Delft canal, past Delft’s oldest tree, and through lively squares like Beestenmarkt reveal Delft’s lesser-known charms.
• Good for groups: Ideal for families, friends, or colleagues wanting a mix of food, culture, and storytelling in one evening.

Delft, a city often associated with blue-and-white ceramics and the painter Johannes Vermeer, is much more than just a picturesque postcard. This experience—a 3-course walking dinner paired with guided tours—aims to show you its soul. It’s a well-thought-out mix of culinary enjoyment, local history, and authentic city sights, all packed into about five hours. Although the price is on the higher side at roughly $495 per person, the value comes from the quality of the experience: excellent food, expert storytelling, and the chance to see Delft’s most iconic sites without feeling hurried.

You’ll start your evening at De Waag, the historic weighing house, where you get your first taste of Delft’s past with a starter and two drinks. From there, you meet your guide—who is often praised for their engaging knowledge—and launch into a walk around the city. The guided parts are not just sightseeing; they’re storytelling sessions that often include amusing anecdotes, like the story behind the Old Church’s leaning tower or the tale of Delft’s smallest façade.

What I especially appreciate is how seamless the transition is between eating and exploring. The stops are carefully chosen — from the Water Board’s old building to the Museum Prinsenhof where William of Orange was assassinated, and the vibrant Markt square. The guides seem to know their stuff, adding personal touches and insights that go beyond what you might find in a guidebook.

A tip: if you’re a foodie, you’ll love the regional cuisine served at each meal, with drinks included, that showcase Delft’s flavors. Reviewers consistently mention the “delicious” food and “fascinating stories,” making this more than just a meal—it’s an immersive cultural experience.

However, keep in mind that the tour is quite packed, with about an hour of walking and sightseeing between each course. If you prefer a very relaxed pace or are less mobile, this might require some planning. Also, the price reflects the quality and scope of the experience, and for some, it might seem steep — but in my view, the combination of food, storytelling, and sightseeing justifies it.

What You’ll Experience Step-by-Step

Starting at De Waag: Setting the Scene in Delft’s Historic Heart

Your evening kicks off at De Waag, a beautifully preserved weighing house dating back centuries. You will enjoy a starter and two drinks here, soaking in the ambiance of Delft’s old town. The admission ticket is included, and this spot really sets the scene—imagine standing inside a building that once played a vital role in trade and commerce.

Once your meal concludes, your guide (often praised for making history lively) will lead you on your first walking tour. Expect stories about Delft’s oldest structures, such as the town hall tower from around 1270, which remains the oldest standing building in the city. This tour is a wonderful blend of architecture, history, and local lore.

Walking Past Delft’s Water Guardians and Oldest Trees

From De Waag, you’ll stroll over the Oude Delft canal, passing the Gemeenlandshuis van Delfland, built in 1505. Here, you’ll hear about Delft’s famous water management—a crucial aspect of Dutch life—and why water boards are still vital today. Along the way, you’ll cross the long butter bridge, admire Delft’s smallest façade, and see its oldest tree—a quiet reminder of the city’s long history.

This walk takes you past two old orphanages, adding to the sense of Delft’s communal spirit. The guide’s stories help you connect these buildings with their historical roles, making the city come alive far beyond postcards.

The Prinsenhof: Where History Made Headlines

Next, you arrive at the Museum Prinsenhof, where the assassination of William of Orange in 1584 took place. This monument is vital to understanding Dutch independence and national identity. The story told here is not just about a murder but about Delft’s role in shaping the Netherlands. It’s a profound and moving stop, particularly if you’re interested in the stories behind important figures.

The Old Church and the Iconic Leaning Tower

On the way to your main course, you’ll see the Old Church, often called Delft’s most picturesque church, with its distinctive lean. The guide will share details about its architecture and the history that makes it a favorite photo spot. You will view it from various angles, adding to your appreciation of Delft’s charming skyline.

The Transition Along Delft’s Old Canals and Discoveries

Passing along Delft’s second-oldest canal, you’ll learn about the discoverer of microbes, passing by the house where he died over 300 years ago. This brief mention connects Delft’s local history to global scientific progress, emphasizing how this city’s past is intertwined with wider stories.

Main Course at Vleeshal de Koornbeurs: Dining in History

Your main meal is served at Vleeshal de Koornbeurs, a stunning building that once functioned as a meat hall, now housing Restaurant De Centrale. The setting is atmospheric, and the main course includes a drink, making it a generous and satisfying stop. This part of the evening is often highlighted for the delicious food and the unique ambiance.

Exploring Delft’s Market Square and Beyond

After the main course, you’ll wander into Delft’s bustling Markt, where the New Church, Hugo Grotius’s house, and Johannes Vermeer’s former residence (not where you might think!) are located. This lively square captures Delft’s vibrant social life.

Next, you visit Beestenmarkt, once Delft’s animal market, now full of cafes and terraces. It’s a lively spot to soak in local life and perhaps get a drink or a snack after the tour.

Historical and Cultural Gems in the South

You’ll then walk past Delft’s old synagogue and the impressive Armamentarium, an old weapon’s armoury and former Dutch East India Company office. These lesser-known sites give you a sense of Delft’s diverse history—from religious tolerance to maritime commerce.

Finishing at De Kurk: Sweets and Socializing

The tour concludes at De Kurk, where you’ll enjoy a dessert and a drink. The guide will leave you here, giving you time to explore on your own or head out for Delft’s nightlife. The proximity to the train station makes this a convenient ending point.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This walking dinner is perfect if you enjoy good food with a side of storytelling. It’s especially suited for groups of friends or colleagues who want to combine cultural learning with a relaxed evening out. History buffs will appreciate the detailed stories about Delft’s landmarks, while food lovers will enjoy the regional dishes and drinks at each course.

Given the pace and the amount of walking involved, it’s best if your group is comfortable on their feet and eager to listen. The experience isn’t ideal for those seeking a slow, leisurely evening or with mobility constraints, but it rewards those looking for a lively, engaging way to see Delft.

Price and Logistics

At nearly $495 per person, this is a premium experience. However, considering the three courses at different locations, guided tours, and all included drinks, the cost reflects a comprehensive, curated evening. It’s a good value for travelers who want a complete, hassle-free way to explore Delft’s highlights in one go.

The tour starts at De Waag at 5:30 PM and wraps up at De Kurk around 10:30 PM. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the mobile ticket format makes it easy to join.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This?

If you’re after a well-organized combination of food and culture, this walking dinner offers a memorable way to discover Delft’s stories and sights. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate history, art, and regional cuisine, and are willing to spend a bit more for a curated experience. Families, groups of friends, or colleagues seeking a lively evening will find plenty to love here.

For those who want to combine delicious food, scenic walks, and fascinating stories, this tour hits all the right notes. Just be prepared for a fairly full schedule—if you prefer a slow pace, consider whether this fits your style.

FAQ

• What is the duration of the tour?
  It lasts about 5 hours, starting at 5:30 PM and ending around 10:30 PM.

• Are drinks included?
  Yes, each course comes with one included drink, including alcoholic options.

• Where does the tour start and end?
  It begins at De Waag at Markt 11 and finishes at De Kurk at Kromstraat 20.

• Is this tour suitable for children or families?
  It’s suitable for most travelers, including families, but keep in mind the walking and timing involved.

• Can I cancel if I change my mind?
  Yes, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start.

• Is transportation provided during the tour?
  No, the tour is entirely walkable, and the stops are within a comfortable walking distance.

• Do I need to book in advance?
  Yes, booking in advance is recommended, especially since it’s a private group experience.

• What should I wear?
  Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll be walking between locations, some of which are historic and cobbled.

In the end, this 3-course walking dinner with guided tours offers a delightful blend of culinary pleasure and cultural discovery in Delft. It’s a great choice for those eager to see the city from a local’s perspective, savor regional flavors, and enjoy stories that bring Delft’s history to life.