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Dordrecht - Charming water city full of history

Dordrecht. Is the oldest city of Holland, which is the area of the two provinces of North and South-Holland combined. That fact alone makes it well worth a visit. Located in the province of Zuid-Holland, its picturesque alleyways, beautiful historical city center and more than 1000 monuments give this city a unique appearance and charming ambience.

Like a local
Experience Dordrecht like a true local ‘Dordtenaar’

Experience Dordrecht like a true local ‘Dordtenaar’

Dordrecht Hofstraat couple walks down the street
© InDordrecht

Dordrecht was granted its city rights as early as 1220 and is therefore one the oldest cities in the Netherlands. Due to its location in an area abundant with water and rivers such as the Merwede, the Noord and the Oude Maas, it was traditionally an important merchant city with a robust trade in wood, grain and wine. That history, wealth and culture are still evident today. The historical city center is home to about 1000 monuments, many of which are also beautifully utilized as restaurants, museums or theaters.

The old water tower is a great example of this. Past and present magically converge here, as the tower is now home to the beautiful Villa Augustus hotel and restaurant. The perfect base for an adventure in this city. A very special place to spend the night!

In the historical city center, houses and buildings from the Middle Ages stand side by side in harmony with those from the present day. The merchants' houses and warehouses that sprang up along the harbors in the 17th and 18th centuries still dominate the scenery today. Dordrecht was once the most important staple city of Holland and it still shows! The influence of the Dutch Era (previously known as the Golden Age) is still tangible in Dordrecht, which makes this city an enchanting place to explore.

Canal houses Dordrecht Grotekersbuurt
© Ernst Wagensveld via NBTC

Dordrecht's rich past is also evident when you walk along the old city-center harbors, monuments and museums. Be sure not to miss the Grote Kerk (Great Church), the widely acclaimed painting collection of the Dordrecht Museum, the beautiful interiors of the former mayor's residence 'Huis van Gijn' and the 13th century Augustine monastery 'Het Hof'. We also suggest you head over to the Groothoofd quay for a magnificent view of the meeting of the rivers.

Dordrecht Maartensgat couple looks at the boats in the harbor
© InDordrecht

A taste of Dordrecht

  • © Nobels Dordrecht
    Category: Visit website

    Enjoy a nice breakfast

    Looking for a good place to have breakfast while in Dordrecht? No problem! Whether you want a quick bite or an extensive breakfast, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the city. Check here for the best places to start your day.

    Read more on indordrecht.nl
  • © InDordrecht
    Category: Visit website

    Hip coffee bars

    Love coffee? You’ve come to the right city. When wandering through Dordrecht, you will come across the hippest and most charming coffee and tea bars. An added bonus is that they are often tucked away in the nicest streets.

    Read more on indordrecht.nl
  • © Rebel Rebel Café
    Category: Visit website

    Vegetarian & vegan in Dordrecht

    Dordrecht has a fantastic selection of places to go for delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes. Restaurants large and small offer menus with the most creative meals and snacks providing tasty, green treats for your tastebuds.

    Read more on indordrecht.nl
  • © InDordrecht
    Category: Visit website

    Lunch in the city

    While walking around this beautiful city, you’ll most likely need to refuel with a tasty lunch. And Dordrecht offers plenty of great places to do just that! Check out a selection of the most special spots to enjoy a delicious lunch.

    Read more on indordrecht.nl
  • © InDordrecht
    Category: Visit website

    Time for dinner

    From the city centre to the outskirts, you can go almost anywhere in Dordrecht for a delicious meal. Whether you fancy a simple dish of the day or an extensive dinner, InDordrecht.nl has listed the best places for you.

    Read more on indordrecht.nl

The historical port encompasses everything that makes Dordrecht so special. The many traditional buildings and bridges make the area very picturesque, and there are a lot of charming options for enjoying great food and drink. This makes the port the ideal place to combine a long walk with pleasant stops at welcoming bars and restaurants.

Water experience NL Waterland
Category: Visit website

Take a digital journey through the Netherlands Land of Water

Discover the Netherlands' water-rich cities, the most beautiful natural areas and the water icons that have made history in 360 degrees. Get ready for an unforgettable experience and get to know everything this beautiful land of water has to offer you.

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Sustainable
A green visit to Dordrecht

A green visit to Dordrecht

Dordrecht is situated in one of the most beautiful, unique nature reserves in the Netherlands: De Biesbosch National Park. This is a beautiful freshwater delta, with some 8,000 hectares (19,760 acres) of small rivers and streams. You can enjoy Dutch nature at its finest here!

It is perfect for hiking, biking, or canoeing through a unique labyrinth of rivers and creeks. You can rent canoes and paddle boats at the Biesbosch Center to explore this nature reserve near Dordrecht. If you love watching birds, you will revel in the varied species of water birds flying by or attempting to snatch a fish.

Canoeing through the Biesbosch from above
© Ellen van den Doel

But the beaver is the most special animal of all there. These industrious rodents have already built over 100 lodges in the Biesbosch wetlands.

Nationaal Park de Biesbosch Ecolodge
© Dordrecht Marketing

If you are in Dordrecht or the surrounding area for a longer period of time, then definitely consider an overnight stay in De Biesbosch. Stayokay Dordrecht De Biesbosch for example, is beautifully situated on the edge of the park. Or try the uber cool Wikkelhouse, a tiny house made of recycled cardboard. And if you seek even more peace and quiet, you could opt for the Ecolodge, a floating hotel room in the middle of the Biesbosch.

Green tips

  • © InDordrecht
    Category: Visit website

    Sustainable Dordrecht

    From vintage clothing stores and edible gardens to sustainable care products, fair trade coffee beans and toys, Dordrecht is home to numerous shops, museums and bars that have sustainability as a top priority.

    Read more on indordrecht.nl
  • © Duurzaamheidscentrum Weizigt
    Category: Visit website

    Sustainability center and playground Weizigtpark

    Boasting an urban farm, extensive playground and the park itself, sustainability center Weizigt is truly the ideal place to spend a day in nature. With free admission and a relatively central location, what’s not to love?

    Read more on indordrecht.nl
  • © Paul van de Velde via Flickr
    Category: Visit website

    Dordt bunkers

    If you are in the mood for cycling, then a tour of the many bunkers in Dordrecht might be ideal. Stichting Bunkerbehoud Dordrecht manages a selection of bunkers from the Second World War on and around the island of Dordrecht. They created a map you can use for a wonderful tour.

    Read more on google.com
  • © Ben Bender
    Category: Visit website

    Park Merwestein

    Dordrecht's oldest city park has monuments, a playground, deer and a wonderful ambiance. The perfect ingredients for a pleasant walk.

    Read more on goo.gl
  • © Smart Mockups
    Category: Visit website

    Save the city

    To enjoy this exciting adventure, you need nothing but a pair of comfortable walking shoes and the Save The City app. It will lead you on a journey through Dordrecht's history while discovering the city's hidden gems.

    Read more on savethecity.app
Hidden gems
The road less traveled in Dordrecht

The road less traveled in Dordrecht

Dordrecht is best discovered on foot. Follow the signposts of the 'Rondje Dordt' walk along the inner-city harbors, monuments, important historical places and attractive shopping streets.

Dordrecht Grotekerksbuurt
© Ernst Wagensveld via NBTC
One of the oldest cities of the Netherlands has a beautiful, historical center.
Ger de Gram redacteur Holland.com

Dordrecht has harbors instead of canals. These harbors were created in the 13th century for the flourishing trade. It is not without reason that Dordrecht was founded at a crossroads of rivers, which you can see beautifully from the Groothoofd quay. The monumental Groothoofdspoort gate gives access to the old city center.

Dordrecht Wolvershaven canal with boat from Barone
© Dordrecht Marketing

If you would you like to take a boat trip through the old harbors, we recommend the Waterrondje Dordt. Board the open electric boat Dordtevaar for a tour through the historical inner harbors and sail past houses built in the water and under dark bridges.

Hidden Gems in Dordrecht

  • © InDordrecht
    Category: Visit website

    Art tour Dordt

    This art tour is a walk along special galleries, art, antique and brocante shops, and museums in Dordrecht. You’ll get the chance to enjoy old and modern art, classic design, antiques, books and basically anything that falls under the heading of 'art'.

    Read more on indordrecht.nl
  • © InDordrecht
    Category: Visit website

    Treasures of Dordrecht

    Is there any better way to discover a city than by getting lost in it? This special walking tour takes you to some of the most beautiful and interesting fringes of Dordrecht and shows you an unexpected side of the city. It will make your visit to Dordrecht truly unforgettable.

    Read more on indordrecht.nl
  • © Bluebirds in the backyards
    Category: Visit website

    Bluebirds in the Backyard

    In the monumental Huis Roodenburch building, you will find a restaurant, shop and webshop combined: Bluebirds in the Backyard. It’s the perfect place for a quick look around or to spend some leisure time. Thanks to the spacious playground, it is an ideal location to visit with children.

    Read more on goo.gl
  • © Iconoclash via InDordrecht
    Category: Visit website

    Street Art Tour

    It may come as a surprise that Dordrecht boasts the most beautiful murals of the Netherlands. During your walk along this 6-kilometer trail you will discover all of the extraordinary street art that the city has to offer.

    Read more on indordrecht.nl

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