Rick Steves Calls This Peaceful Netherlands City An 'Idyllic Mini-Amsterdam'

There is a city that has the look, feel, and vibe of the ever-popular Dutch city of Amsterdam, yet still retains its own special personality. That is, according to travel blogger and television host Rick Steves. On his blog, Steves calls the city of Delft in the Netherlands an "idyllic mini-Amsterdam," and points to its relaxed pace and beautiful setting.

Steves' comparison of Delft to Amsterdam is certainly a compliment. In fact, more than 19 million people visit Amsterdam each year, which speaks to its attractiveness. However, all those visitors also help Amsterdam earn a spot as one of Europe's most popular destinations where overtourism has become a problem. That's where Delft comes in. Because even though the destination might not be on the top of many travelers' lists of destinations, those who do make the trip find a charming alternative with far fewer crowds.

The city's name might also ring familiar. That's because Delft is synonymous with a specific type of ceramic that was created here in the 1620s. Local craftsmen, inspired by the intricate designs of Chinese porcelain, decided to come up with their own, similar luxury pottery. With the help of a tin glaze, Delftware was born, thriving until the 1850s before a new technique took over. The city is also familiar thanks to Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, the visionary behind the painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring." According to Steves, the city's peaceful nature makes it easy to understand why it served as Vermeer's muse.

The most obvious comparison between Delft and Amsterdam is both cities' abundance of canals. The first manmade canal in Delft was dug around the year 1100, with more added as the city grew to assist with drainage. Today, Delft is considered a walkable city full of canal views and charm, making it what Steves calls an "I could live here" town.

Beyond its postcard-worthy canals, the streets of Delft are also full of Dutch history. For starters, they're lined with historic Dutch facades, some of which date back hundreds of years. For art lovers and true fans of Delft Blue — the famous blue-and-white ceramics made here — there's a historic Delft Ceramics Walk that showcases public works of art celebrating the truly Dutch craft. If you prefer your art indoors, museums of all sorts celebrate the city's history, art, ceramics, and notable people.

The Market in Delft is also a popular stop. Dating back to the 12th century, the space is located near city hall. Thursday is the busiest day at the market, with nearly 150 vendors selling everything from food to crafts, electronics, and clothing. Whether you're into history, art, or hunting down handmade souvenirs, it's safe to say that Delft is one of the top attractions in the Netherlands worth visiting on your trip.

According to Steves, one of the best ways to experience Delft is to simply "wander around." The city's old walls limit vehicle traffic, adding to its pedestrian allure. And it seems the locals would agree. In fact, visitors to Delft can participate in a free walking tour (don't forget to tip your guide) that lasts about two hours and hits all of the historic highlights.

The oldest part of Delft is its city center, appropriately called the Old Town. From there, finding the city's Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk (New Church and Old Church) will give tourists a deeper glimpse into its history. Plus, brimming with small bars and cafes, these cozy spots make for quaint stopping points and opportunities for people-watching, Steves adds. There are also botanical gardens and numerous green spaces to enjoy throughout the city.

Getting to Delft is as easy as visiting its larger sibling. For starters, Amsterdam is less than an hour's train ride away. Better yet, the capital city is home to an international airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which makes arriving in the Netherlands refreshingly simple. That said, once you've explored Delft (and Amsterdam) and are ready to see even more, consider these locations that Steves says make for the absolute best day trips from Amsterdam.