Dordrecht travel guide

Dordrecht, The Netherlands

By the Travel Wiki editorial team

Dordrecht

Introduction

You will find history in every corner of Dordrecht, a city situated in the province of South Holland within the Western Netherlands. Historically known as Dordt or Dort, this municipality offers an atmosphere rooted in its long-standing heritage.

Before you go

Prepare to immerse yourself in a city shaped by its historical position at a river confluence, where wealth from commercial, military, and private boat building left a lasting legacy. Because the city escaped much of the destruction during the Second World War, you can explore an abundance of historic architecture that reflects a sense of old-world prosperity. The atmosphere today is peaceful and laid-back, inviting you to wander through the streets at a leisurely pace rather than rushing through your visit.

Getting there

You can reach the city by rail via the Dordrecht railway station, which serves as a hub for several direct lines. Trains connect you directly from Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak, while longer routes provide direct service from Amsterdam Centraal, Gorinchem, Roosendaal, and Breda.

If you prefer to travel by water, a fast ferry known as a waterbus operates from Rotterdam as part of the public transport network. For those traveling by car, two primary highways lead into the city: the A16, which connects Rotterdam to the Belgian border, and the N3, which links Papendrecht to the A16 in Dordrecht.

Getting around

You can easily explore the city on foot since it is small enough for walking. If you need to travel more quickly or are carrying many bags, frequent buses serve both the city and its surrounding areas.

For a different way to navigate, you can rent bicycles from a shop located next to the train station. You can also consult regional bus maps and timetables provided by Qbuzz.

Where to stay

You will find a relative shortage of hotels within the city, though options vary based on your preference for atmosphere and location. For those staying in the historic city centre, Stadsklooster Dordt is housed in a well-maintained building from 1726 and offers both shared hostel beds and private rooms. If you prefer a modern experience closer to the train station, the Innercity Hotel provides a contemporary stay with lift access and Wi-Fi. For a more unique experience, Villa Augustus sits slightly outside of town as a designer hotel featuring a post-modern castle tower and a walled garden complex.

If you prefer to stay on the outskirts of town, you can find modern accommodations near the edge of the national park De Hollandse Biesbosch. Alternatively, for those seeking a nature-focused experience, a volunteer-run house provides a bed, kitchen, and outdoor space, with a boat service available to transport you from the railway station.

Food & drink

You can explore a wide variety of international cuisines throughout the town, including Chinese, Greek, Italian, Macedonian, Thai, Turkish, and Vietnamese dishes. During pleasant weather, you can enjoy many restaurants with outdoor seating located around Statenplein and Scheffersplein off Wijnstraat.

Depending on your preference for atmosphere or cuisine, you can choose from several distinct dining experiences:

For your evening drinks, nightlife is primarily centered around the Scheffersplein bridge and square. You can also find The Hide Away, a charismatic bar with a style influenced by the British Isles.

What to see and do

You can explore a vast collection of ancient architecture throughout the city, where nearly 900 listed buildings offer a glimpse into the past. Wander through the streets to find historical sites such as the Grote Kerk, featuring Brabantine Gothic style and a tower housing a heavy carillon, or visit the Augustijnenkerk. You can also explore various museums, including Dordrechts Museum with its collection of oil paintings, Het Hof van Nederland located in a former monastery, and Huis Van Gijn, the former residence of a collector. For a look into local history, Museum 1940-1945 provides insights into the Second World War, while other sites like the Mint Court of Holland, the old city gate Groothoofdspoort, and the 18th-century Dordts Patriciërshuis showcase different eras of the city's heritage.

Experience the local atmosphere by visiting the various boat harbours or viewing the only remaining windmill in the city. You can stroll through green spaces like Merwestein Park, which features large trees and a reindeer enclosure, or visit Wantijpark. For those seeking nature, the nearby national park De Biesbosch offers areas for walking and rowing. If you prefer to stay active, you can cycle through the local parks or travel further into the countryside.

Three days in Dordrecht

Day one, you can begin your journey by arriving in Dordrecht via train from Rotterdam Centraal or the nearby stations of Rotterdam Blaak, Gorinchem, Roosendaal, Breda, or Papendrecht. Once you arrive, explore the historic atmosphere of this city in South Holland, located in the western part of the Netherlands.

Day two, you can wander through the local area to experience the history of Dordt and Dort. You can also visit the Stadsklooster Dordt or find your way to Statenplein to take in the surroundings.

Day three, you can enjoy a variety of international cuisines for your final meals, including options such as Chinese, Greek, Italian, Macedonian, Thai, Turkish, or Vietnamese dishes.

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