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You are here: Home / Travel / Europe / The Netherlands / Weekend Trips from Amsterdam / One perfect day in Dordrecht, the Venice of Holland

One perfect day in Dordrecht, the Venice of Holland

July 28, 2020 by Karen Turner 12 Comments

While my mom visited me this summer, we finally visited Dordrecht as a day trip.   This stunning city without the crowds of Amsterdam is an easy day trip from Rotterdam, the Hague, or Amsterdam, however the quiet charm of Dordrecht won me over with its beautiful canals, picturesque warehouses, and stunning views.

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  • Why visit Dordrecht
  • Dordrecht History
  • One perfect day in Dordrecht with things to do in Dordrecht
  • Where to stay in Dordrecht
  • How to get to Dordrecht from Holland 
If you are looking for more in-depth travel advice about Belgium and the Netherlands, I created a guidebook on behalf of Moon Travel about Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bruges. You can find this book on Amazon!

Contents

  • 1 Why you should visit Dordrecht
  • 2 Your one day in Dordrecht itinerary
    • 2.1 Explore a hofje
    • 2.2 Start with a great brunch in Dordrecht
  • 3 Admire the views from the Wijnbrug and Visbrug
    • 3.1 Peek down the alleyways of Dordrecht
    • 3.2 Admire the canals of Dordrecht
      • 3.2.1 Cross Pelserbrug for the best views
    • 3.3 Climb the Grote Kerk 
    • 3.4 Browse the shops along Voorstraat
    • 3.5 Stop for a beer or a local drink
    • 3.6 Enter the Hof van Nederland and enjoy Hofstraat
  • 4 Where to stay in Dordrecht
  • 5 Getting to Dordrecht
  • 6 Have you been to Dordrecht? 

Why you should visit Dordrecht

Dordrecht, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Holland. This stunning city known as the Venice of Holland is full of beautiful canals! #travel #holland #dordrecht

Dordrecht is often overlooked.  This stunning Dutch city, just fifteen minutes from Rotterdam, will make you feel like you’re stepping back in time  The island’s key location along five rivers enabled it to grow as a commercially successful port city.

Dordrecht was not always an island. In 1421, much of Zeeland as well as Holland was flooded and numerous villages around Dordrecht were left underwater.  This flooded area is now part of the De Biesbosch National Park.

Historically, Dordrecht was disconnected from other cities and could be only accessed by boat.  Even today, you can see numerous former docks where boats used to pick up passengers.  (It’s still possible to travel by boat from Rotterdam if you want the authentic experience!) In this manner, Dordrecht is similar to Venice and this history is why it’s called the Venice of Holland.

Although part of Dordrecht was destroyed during World War II, however the city remains one of the most picturesque cities of the Netherlands.   You’ll find numerous medieval monuments, cozy cafes, a beautiful medieval church, stunning buildings from the Dutch Golden Age, and picturesque rivers/canals.  If you have the opportunity, be sure to visit Dordrecht’s famous Christmas market!

Your one day in Dordrecht itinerary

Explore a hofje

Hof van Slingelandt, the oldest hofje in Dordrecht.  This beautiful almshouse in Dodrecht is worth seeing! #travel #holland #dordrecht #netherlands

As soon as you walk from the station, you’ll end up just passing this hofje.  Hofjes are Dutch almshouses where people with limited income or extenuating circumstances could live in affordable housing endowed by wealthy people.    Hof van Slingelandt is the oldest courtyard in Dordrecht, dating back to 1519.  Visitors can quietly walk through the hofje during the day.

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Start with a great brunch in Dordrecht

Pancakes at a great brunch at Coffeelicious, one of the best brunch places in Holland.  This cozy breakfast place in Dordrecht (and elsewhere) has great vegan-friendly options! #travel #holland #vegan #eten #onbijt

Coffeelicious is a charming cafe that sits along one of Dordrecht’s prettiest canals.  This vegan-friendly cafe has a stunning view of the canals from the back window as well as delicious food.  I ended up getting the pancakes and the vegan Straight Edge latte, which is like a red velvet latte.  (I was tempted by the Instagrammable pancakes, which were described by our waitress as “extra.”)  Arrive early as it gets quite busy!

Admire the views from the Wijnbrug and Visbrug

Beautiful view from the Wijnbrug in Dordrecht.  This viewpoint in Dordrecht is one of the best places to admire the historic warehouses in Dordrecht! #travel #holland #dordrecht #netherland #nederland

Just around the corner from Coffeelicious, you’ll find some of the most famous viewpoints in Dordrecht. Both the Wijnbrug and the Visbrug will give you a stunning view of Dordrecht’s stunning warehouses.

Peek down the alleyways of Dordrecht

Beautiful side alley in Dordrecht along Haringstraat. #travel #holland #netherlands

For many years, Dordrecht was the center of trade in this part of the Netherlands with a particularly large fishing market.  In the 18th century, Rotterdam overtook Dordrecht.  However, you still have remnants of Dordrecht’s past all around the city, including beautiful quiet alleyways.  I loved walking down Haringstraat, a beautiful street full of charming warehouses and 17th-18th century brick buildings.

Admire the canals of Dordrecht

Beautiful warehouses along the canal in Dordrecht, the oldest city in Holland.  This beautiful day trip from Rotterdam is very romantic and full of great things to do! #travel #dordrecht #holland #nederland

All around Dordrecht, you’ll find small docks where you can imagine the countless boats coming and going with people from all around the island, similar to Venice.  Roads to Dordrecht are a relatively recent phenomenon, however many Dordrecht residents still think of themselves as islanders.  You’ll find countless nooks that lead down to the water, perfect for a slow moment to take in the sights (or a photo).  Once you’re done, cross Pelserbrug.

Cross Pelserbrug for the best views

From the Pelserbrug, you can see stunning views of Dordrecht in both directions.  Most notably, you can see the Grote Kerk with its iconic tower in the distance.  

  • Beautiful warehouses in Dordrecht.  Read about the perfect day trip to Dordrecht, a stunning day trip from Rotterdam! #travel #dordrecht #holland #nederland #netherlands
  • Beautiful view of a canal in Dordrecht with the Grote Kerk.  You'll find many things to do in Dordrecht in one day.  #travel #holland #dordrecht #netherlands #Nederland

Climb the Grote Kerk 

The must-see building of Dordrecht is the Grote Kerk.  This stunning medieval church in Dordrecht was built in the Brabant Gothic style. It was first built in 1285 although the church was later reconstructed following damage from a fire in 1470.

One of the main reasons to visit the Grote Kerk, which has an admission fee of a few euros, is that its leaning tower (that you can climb!) has stunning views over the historic city center of Dordrecht.  The tower leans due to architects underestimating the ground’s ability to support the tower.  

  • Beautiful historic medieval church in Dordrecht, Holland.  This stunning church with a leaning tower has a great view of the historic city center. #travel #holland #dordrecht #nederland
  • Beautiful interior of Grote of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, a beautiful medieval church in Dordrecht, Holland. #kerk #nederland #holland #netherlands

The tower was the tallest building in the city for many years with its 65 meter tower.  Notably, the carillon of the Grote Kerk is the largest carillon in Europe with 67 bells. If you have the chance, be sure to catch one of the carillon concerts during the summer.  During July and August, there are concerts on Thursday evenings that can heard from different points in Dordrecht.

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Although I’ve climbed a lot of church towers in the Netherlands, I was really impressed with the views over the city center as well as the direct views of the warehouses below!  This viewpoint also gives you a great chance to view the shape of the island of Dordrecht from above.

Beautiful view from the Grote Kerk in Dordrecht (Grote of Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk).  This medieval church in Holland has stunning views of Dordrecht, a beautiful city in Holland! #travel #holland #dordrecht #netherlands #nederland

Browse the shops along Voorstraat

Beautiful storefront of Gallery 61, a charming independent boutique in Dordrecht, Holland.

Voorstraat is the oldest and first street on Dordrecht.  This charming street is full of charming shops as well as cafes.  We also enjoyed stepping into Gallery61 to browse for unique souvenirs, home goods, and decorations.  This retro-inspired home goods store has a stunning interior full of plants, antiques, and signs. 

Stop for a beer or a local drink

  • Beautiful Dutch house in Dordrecht, one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands and the perfect day trip in Holland! #travel #holland #nederland #netherlands
  • Craft beer from a local brewery in Dordrecht, Holland.  #craftbier #nederland #dordrecht

For beer, we loved DE TIJD – lokaal voor bieren.  This cozy brown bar with a great beer selection is likely to have something to surprise you.  Even if you’re not hungry for dinner and just want a snack, I recommend the beer bitterballen.

Rutte is a well-known Dutch distillery that is famous for its celery gin.  Even if you’re not a beer drinker, a gin and tonic might be in order.  If you’re really into gin, stop into the tasting room (Distilleerderij Rutte) to sample some of the gins in their historic tasting room between 9am and 5pm, which is on the way from the station into town. 

Enter the Hof van Nederland and enjoy Hofstraat

  • Beautiful street in Dordrecht full of houses from the Golden Age.  Dordrecht is the oldest city in Holland and the perfect day trip from Rotterdam. #travel #holland #netherlands #nederland
  • Beautiful Dutch building with a a Dordrecht facade, a typical style of architecture in Dordrecht, Holland. #travel #holland #netherlands

Even if you don’t end up visiting Het Hof van Nederland, be sure to walk through the courtyard.  This stunning museum was where the First Assembly of the Free States occurred in 1572.   This event was where representatives from provinces of the Netherlands assembled to revolt against Spain.  This led to the establishment of the Netherlands as a country.   Even if you don’t pay for admission to the museum, you can still admire the exterior of the building prior to turning onto Hofstraat.

Hofstraat is one of the most stunning streets of Dordrecht.  You’ll be able to spot several building with a typical Dordtse facade, which typically has an arch above the windows as well as a stepped roof.

Where to stay in Dordrecht

For a taste of Holland, I recommend staying overnight in Dordrecht to enjoy it at a slower pace.  I recommend deciding whether you want to stay in the history city center at one of the cozy bed and breakfasts.  (You’ll not find too many hotel chains in Dordrecht.)

One of the most famous hotels in Dordrecht is Villa Augustus.  This quirky boutique hotel within a former water tower just outside of the city center is full of charm with individually decorated rooms and stunning gardens.

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Getting to Dordrecht

Beautiful view of historic warehouses in Dordrecht, Holland's oldest city!  #travel #holland #netherlands

From Amsterdam, the train will take a bit over one hour.  However, if you’re based in Rotterdam or The Hague, Dordrecht is a quick ride on the train!  It takes just fifteen minutes to visit Dordrecht from Rotterdam by train and costs € 4,70 each way (2021 prices).  It’s a twenty minute walk from the train station to the Dordrecht historic city center.

If you’re driving, there’s ample paid parking near the train station.  I would not recommend driving within the city center and remaining on foot.

Have you been to Dordrecht? 

  • Looking for the perfect day trip from Rotterdam, the Netherlands? Visit the Venice of Holland! Dordrecht is a stunning city in Holland worth taking a day trip from Amsterdam! #travel #netherlands #holland
  • Planning a day trip to Dordrecht? Read about the best things to do in Dordrecht in this picturesque day trip in Holland to see the oldest city in Holland, known as the Venice of Holland. #travel #holland #netherlands

Filed Under: Day Trips from Amsterdam, Europe, Holland, The Netherlands, Uncategorized, Weekend Trips from Amsterdam Tagged With: City Guide, holland, Netherlands

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Esther

    October 3, 2018 at 1:56 pm

    Great guide!! You know people from Giethoorn will come after you with pitchforks now, right? As Giethoorn is the official Venice of Holland (just water, no streets). 😉

    Reply
    • Karen

      October 4, 2018 at 5:13 pm

      Hi Esther, Thanks. I hope that people see this and get inspired to visit Dordrecht. I’m afraid that the tourism to Giethoorn is not sustainable. FYI: I named it this way as Giethoorn isn’t in Holland. Dordrecht is!

      Best,
      Karen

      Reply
      • Rachel

        December 29, 2019 at 8:02 am

        Perfect! I am in Dordrecht currently on holiday, and it is my favorite. Way to go with the name- I love that as most people don’t catch the Holland reference.

        Reply
      • Joseph

        January 6, 2023 at 1:17 am

        Cats!!! OMG…..Already love you❤️
        We are staying in Rotterdam but after reading this, I want to spend a day in Dordrecht. We will be there April 2023.

        Thank you so much!!!

        Reply
  2. Steph

    May 11, 2019 at 7:53 pm

    Hi, really loved your post! I’m visiting Amsterdam soon and am planning a few day trips out. Would you recommend Dordrecht or Giethoorn and why? They are both very beautiful places! Thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • k.

      May 13, 2019 at 4:17 pm

      Hi Steph, I recommend Dordrecht more. You really get the feeling of Venice!

      Reply
  3. Joseph Bayot

    August 9, 2020 at 1:40 am

    Hey thanks for this great write-up! We’re in town for a few days and we were looking for a guide just like this.

    Hope all these places are still open during these troubling times!

    -Joseph

    Reply
    • k.

      August 15, 2020 at 3:34 pm

      Hope so! I’ll check now. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Annelise

    April 18, 2021 at 6:55 pm

    Thank you for the nice overview of Dordrecht. I lived and worked there for several years, and would recommend the characteristic Hotel Dordrecht as a place to stay. It’s right on the haven, quiet, charming, and everything in the historic center is close by on foot. Friends and colleagues who stayed there always enjoyed it, as did I during one return visit. If possible, (when everything is open again) go to Dordrecht on a Saturday and attend the market. If you can find the fresh, warm stroopwafel vendor, that alone is worth the trip.

    Reply
  5. Liv

    April 26, 2021 at 4:45 pm

    We absolutely loved Dordrecht, even with most things shut, it is really beautiful! My husband is Dutch and had never thought about going but also loved it.
    My only thought after reading your blog was that parking by the station wasn’t ideal for the walk up there especially if you end up in the wrong side of the tracks like we did and that there are loads of parking places / garages easy to access in the centre. Otherwise, your recommendations were fab, thank you!! Liv x

    Reply
  6. Paul

    June 19, 2021 at 10:45 pm

    I lived in Dordrecht from ’79 to ’83 and worked across the river in Papendrecht. I absolutely love the place and revisit when I can. I lived in several places including the Hotel Blauwpoort, the Voorstraat, the Wijnstraat, Kromhout and Adriaan van Bleijenburgstraat. I would recommend the Hotel Dordrecht and also the B&B ‘Blom aan de Gracht’ in the Grotekerksbuurt.
    If you’re visiting from Rotterdam the Waterbus from the Erasmusbrug takes about 30 minutes and is a great way to travel.
    There are plenty of decent restaurants and bars to choose from. Many years ago we would frequent the ‘Klander Meulen’ which I’m pleased to say still exists.

    Reply

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  1. Top 28 Places to Visit in Europe for First Timers | RomanRoams says:
    August 15, 2021 at 3:13 pm

    […] Although most people go crazy for Amsterdam, you can find the heart of the Netherlands elsewhere!  One of my favorite cities in the Netherlands, as someone who has even lived here for a while, is Dordrecht. […]

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About

Authors of Wanderlustingk

Karen. American expat and cat lover from New York City who lived in Amsterdam…. Then, Paris. Now, living in The Hague, the Netherlands. Happily married to Jacob.

Guidebook Author to Moon Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bruges, published March 2022.

 

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