01 Jan DORDRECHT CITY GUIDE – ALL THE BEST SPOTS!

Between the Burgundian city of Antwerp and modern Rotterdam, there is a charming little city by the name Dordrecht. In this article we will highlight the best bits of this gem in the Netherlands. Best places to eat, stay and things not to miss. Tell your friends!

Dordrecht in a nutshell

• Dordrecht is officially the oldest city of Holland that dates back to the 1200’s. You can still see some of the original city gates.
• The city is historically known as Dordt, and located in the province of South Holland.
• It’s the only city in the Netherlands with a harbor in the city center.

WHERE DID WE STAY IN DORDRECHT

We have 2 amazing accommodations to tip; that are both unique and comfortable. Dordrecht has many B&B and hotels,

Villa Augustus

One of the most unique spot to stay in Dordrecht. The whole compound is amazing – a restaurant, garden and marketplace. Additionally, Villa Augustus houses a boutique hotel with charming rooms that are individually decorated, each with its own distinct character. Beyond the hotel and restaurant, Villa Augustus also features a market where visitors can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products. It’s a place where the concept of community and sharing is beautifully woven into every aspect of the establishment. Book it here.

Find all the BEST HOTELS IN DORDRECHT here!

Experience Dordrecht by Boat

This is a must if you have a couple of hours in Dordrecht! Book a trip with Si Barone, a boat company that offers a beautiful boat made in Venice, and gives exactly that experience as you would in the Italian city. Stop for coffee and cake at Coffeelicious Bakery, which they will hand to you from the window. You can book all sorts, but we had a high-tea cruise of 2 hours through the historic city and the open water, where we took off with the wind in our hairs, such a cool experience.

Rondje Dordt

If you’re not sure where to go, walk rondje Dordt! Basically, it’s a walking route that takes you past all the (historic) highlights across Dordrecht. Walk along the harbors with its many monuments, visit a museum along the way or enjoy a drink on a terrace. The route is 5 km long, but you can walk as long as you like. Follow the signs, or buy the route booklet with lots of background information and photos. You can also follow this route route with the izi-Travel app on your smartphone.

While you walk around, don’t miss one of Dordrecht’s iconic landmarks is the Grote Kerk (Great Church or Church of Our Lady), an impressive Gothic church that towers over the city. The church is not only an architectural masterpiece but also an important historical monument. Dordrecht also boasts several interesting museums, including the Dordrechts Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Dutch paintings.

FIND ALL OUR CITY GUIDES HERE! 

WHERE TO EAT IN DORDRECHT

Well, a city guide wouldn’t be complete without this information so let’s get to it. Here are some places we loved, tried and want to tip you.

Het Magazijn

The cool kid of Dordrecht for sure! The high ceiling with a colourful display catches your eye as you step inside. Walk past the bar and discover the massive beer garden where people sit when the sun’s out. Great for parents; Het Magazijn has a small playground, which means undisturbed eating, yeah!

Bluebirds in the Backyard

If you love trendy, matcha latte’s, pancakes and other pretty food, definitely go here. Downstairs you have a wonderful giftshop, with clothes and things you want. Go upstairs for the restaurant that features an indoor greenhouse where you can eat. The space get’s bigger and bigger, the more you walk around. 

Villa Augustus

There we have them again, this time it’s all about the restaurant. It offers a farm-to-table dining experience, with menus that change according to the produce available in the garden. This emphasis on sustainability and fresh ingredients has earned Villa Augustus a reputation for its delicious cuisine.

Finns

Great for an afternoon drink with snacks, but you can also have lunch or dinner here. Pretty servings, with a nice view overlooking the Nieuwe Haven – great for people watching! When the sun shines. it’s the perfect place to sit on the outside terrace.

Rebel Rebel

Vegan or or not, at Rebel Rebel you can eat some tasty food! Vegan burgers, curry’s, salads or soup, you name it. A must order? Their soft vegan ice-cream made from coconut is REALLY good – but melts quickly, so eat fast! They also hosts events and offer a viarity in beers.

Where to go for drinks

Dordrecht has many outside terraces, which makes the city ‘oud Hollands gezellig”. Locals told us to go to Het Groothoofd for a beer. Other great spots are De Lachende Monnik and De Tijd.

All in all, the charming harbours, historic buildings, hidden streets and vibrant cultural scene, Dordrecht is certainly a place that will appeal to history buffs, culture aficionados, and curious travelers alike.

Check more of our City Guides in the Netherlands below!

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