Home The Netherlands 10 Unmissable Activities in Dordrecht, Ancient City in The Netherlands

10 Unmissable Activities in Dordrecht, Ancient City in The Netherlands

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dordrecht
dordrecht

Around 25 kilometers southeast of Rotterdam, in the South Holland province, sits the city of Dordrecht. The city is the oldest in South Holland and among the oldest in the nation, with roots dating back to the 11th century. Let’s investigate the top activities in Dordrecht.

1. Take a stroll around the old harbors

Nieuwe-Haven
Nieuwe-Haven

A distinctive trait about Dordrecht, compared to other Dutch cities, is that the city doesn’t have canals. Instead, the city center is divided by harbors. The Voorstraatshaven served as the primary harbor. The Nieuwe Haven (New Harbour) was built in the fifteenth century, while the Wolwevershaven (Wool Weavers Harbour) was added in the seventeenth century.

At either end of the historic district are two recognizable buildings: the Groothoofdspoort (Big Head Gate) in the north and the Grote Kerk in the south. Beautiful old warehouses and merchant homes line the harborfronts in between, and bridges link the islands. Yachts and pleasure boats abound in the harbors. There are also a number of early 20th-century Dutch longboats at Wolwevershaven’s southern corner.

2. Check out the Grote Kerk (Dordrecht Minster)

grote-kerk-dordrecht
grote-kerk-dordrecht

Possibly the most recognizable structure in Dordrecht is the Grote Kerk or Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk, often known as the Dordrecht Minster or Church of Our Lady. The church, which was constructed between 1285 and 1470 in the Brabant Gothic style, contains a 65-meter-high bell tower in addition to a large nave and stained-glass windows. The tower can be climbed for sweeping views of the city and its rivers.

3. Views from Groothoofdspoort are beautiful

Groothoofdspoort
Groothoofdspoort

The old city gate is known as the Groothoofdspoort (Big Head Gate). This gate, which was constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries, includes the Maiden of Dordrecht and looks out over the meeting of the Meuse, Merwede, and Rhine Rivers. There are many cafés in this area, making it a fantastic place to see passing boats, yachts, and barges.

4. Observe the old facades

Nieuwe-Haven
Nieuwe-Haven

In the city center of Dordrecht, you will come across several of the city’s more than 900 national monuments. Appreciate the elegant gables and façades of the historic warehouses and commercial buildings that line the Nieuwe Haven and Wolwevershaven, as well as the humble homes that front the Voorstraathaven.

5. Travel by harbor cruise

Dordrecht-cruise
Dordrecht-cruise

Taking the Dordtevaar on a harbor cruise is a fantastic way to see Dordrecht. An hourly boat departure is made from a small dock next to the Wijnbrug (Wine Bridge). Call 078-6130094 or visit the Restaurant Stroper (Wijnbrug 1) to get tickets.

6. Discover Dordrecht’s past

Dordrecht
Dordrecht

Dordrecht has a lengthy and illustrious past that spans several centuries. The creation of the Netherlands and the growth of the Dutch language and culture were both greatly influenced by the city. You can visit a number of renowned museums. A multimedia history of Dordrecht and the Netherlands is presented at the Hof van Nederland, a national landmark in and of itself.

7. Unwind on a terrace

Scheffersplein
Scheffersplein

There are numerous locations where you may unwind with a drink or eat outside while taking in the surroundings or inhabitants going about their daily lives. I can recommend Finn’s, Merz, and Tapasbar t’Vlak as harborside cafes. Fantastic views of the rivers’ junction are available from the cafés along Groothoofd, including Grand Café Groothoofd and Restaurant Jongepier. The Scheffersplein is another lively location to relax and sip a beverage.

8. Visit an antique and vintage store

Kunstrondje-Dordt
Kunstrondje-Dordt

I instantly became aware of Dordrecht’s abundance of antique and vintage stores. During my tour across the city, I really enjoyed perusing the curio and vintage shops. A brochure from the tourism agency provides information on the Kunstrondje Dordt (Dordrecht Art Walk).

9. Walk in the evening

Dordrecht
Dordrecht

Evening strolls along the harbors are a truly magical experience because of how brilliantly lit up the buildings and Dordrecht Minster are.

10. Learn about Biesbosch National Park

biesbosch-national-park

Northwest of the Biesbosch National Park is where Dordrecht is located. The biggest freshwater tidal zone in all of Europe is contained within this national park. The park appears to be a tangle of rivers, islands, wetlands, and woodlands when viewed from above.

The Biesbosch contains many hiking trails and is abundant in wildlife and flowers, but a boat tour is perhaps the best way to experience the park. Large boat cruises in the Biesbosch are provided by a number of cruise operators in Dordrecht. Pak ja Biezen arranges electric boat trips to the Biesbosch National Park on a smaller scale. Come on the early-morning “Vroeg Op Tocht” tour for a truly amazing experience!

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