Dordrecht is located in the South Holland province of the Netherlands and it is the oldest city within the Holland region. The city has a rich history and is a great place to visit for a day trip. From the train station, everything is within walking or cycling distance so it’s very easy to get around. Below are my top 10 recommendations if you’re visiting this lovely city!
1. Visit the Harbour
Right near the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe-Kerk (Our Loving Lady Church) in Dordrecht there is a beautiful harbour with many yachts moored there. This area really feels like you’re on the mediterranean somewhere (especially when it’s sunny!).
2. Enjoy a Delicious Lunch at Khotinsky
I absolutely loved the lunch we had at Khotinsky – filling and tasty meals to satisfy all tastes. It’s a modern restaurant/cafe (with good prices too!) and you have the option to sit inside or outside depending on the weather of course. This was the meal we had below…heel lekker!
3. Visit the Dordrechts Museum
If you love art and want to learn something about the history of the artists in this region, why not visit the Dordrechts Museum? This is a great museum that combines modern and classic in a dynamic and interesting manner. Not to be missed!
4. Climb up a Windmill
Visit Molen Kijck Over Den Dijck (Windmill ‘Look over the Dijk’) – a windmill right next door to the abovementioned Khotinsky restaurant. I really loved this area; it’s quiet and appears to be like the Dordrecht surburbia – very pretty but almost too perfect!
5. Climb up the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe-Kerk Tower
The view from the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe-Kerk (church tower) is really fantastic! Here you can see the lovely little harbour with all the yachts moored there. From up top Dordrecht appears to be a tiny toy town with the near-perfect buildings and canals – really picture perfect!
You can see just how spotless and well-kept things are in Dordrecht!
6. Stroll Around the Food Market
In the city centre you’ll find a traditional food market, complete with cheeses, meats, nuts, fruit, veg and more. You simply have to take some of it home or at least have a taste then and there on the spot!
7. View the Leaning Houses
Dordrecht is home to some lovely leaning houses. These are to be found in the same road as the Dordrechts Museum but also in other parts of the city.
8. View Various Other Markets Around the Town
There are many colourful stalls and smaller markets set up around the town (mostly on Saturdays). Many of these stalls sell locally made goods and crafts – demonstrative of just how creative and artsy this little city really is!
9. Marvel at the Beautiful Statenschool Building
This historic building in the city centre is currently a primary school. We absolutely love the black, red and white shutters and the staircase (which makes for a great photo opportunity!).
10. Stroll in Het Hof
Round the corner from the Statenschool is Het Hof (or in English, the court), a courtyard dating back to the 13th century. This is an important location for the Netherlands since it was here that William of Orange was announced as stadhouder of the country.
All-in-all, Dordrecht has much to offer. This is a great place for a relaxed day trip and to experience a Dutch city that is particularly different from Amsterdam or Rotterdam.
Elizabeth Joss-Bethlehem
Elizabeth Joss-Bethlehem is the founder and main writer at The Museum Times. She works as a university lecturer by day and is an avid travel blogger and arts and culture enthusiast by night. Elizabeth started The Museum Times out of the need to give smaller, lesser-known museums more exposure.
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