Things to do & places to visit in Dordrecht, South Holland Province, The Netherlands

Dordrecht city in , South Holland Province, The Netherlands. Timezone: Europe/Amsterdam, current date and time: Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 1:33.

Dordrecht Weather Statistics view more »

Top things to do (28)

• Historic Sites
• History Museums
• Theaters
• Speciality Museums
• Religious Sites
• Libraries
• Monuments & Statues
• Art Galleries
• Bridges
• Rides & Activities
• Children's Museums
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Biking Trails
• Scenic Walking Areas
• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• Distilleries
• Gardens
• Ships
• Hiking Trails
• Farms
• Architectural Buildings
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Art Museums
• Historic Walking Areas
• Observatories & Planetariums
• Parks
• Cemeteries
• Visitor Centers

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

1. 5.0 Historische Binnenstad (5 reviews)
   - City on an island: wonderful historic ambiance
   Bridges • Monuments & Statues • Scenic Walking Areas
   
   
   The heydays of the city of Dordrecht were roughly between 1300 and 1650. From this period few buildings have survived, but the pattern of the historic city, more or less, has remained the same today. The main waterway Voorstraathaven and Wijnhaven -used to be the flow of the Thure river ending in the Merwede- is the heart of the city. Along its quays the historic center emerged and grew. Between Groothoofd and the Grote Kerk medieval structures were replaced with 18 and 19th century buildings in different styles (Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassicist). Walk through Wijnstraat and Voorstraat, visit the area around Hof van Nederland and you will get a good impression of the old town. We did not do the boat tour, but probable it would add another angle to your perspective. See more..
   
2. 5.0 Boekdruk Museum Dordrecht (4 reviews)
   - Prachtig en gastvrij drukkerijmuseum bezocht
   Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
   
   
   The museum is only open on Saturdays by appointment. Make an appointment by phone for the possibilities See more..
   
3. 4.5 Grote Kerk (425 reviews)
   - Once the center of Dutch religious life
   Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals
   
   
   After decades of construction work, the church took its present shape in 1470. The tower was never completed, because of insufficient foundation in the swampy soil of the island. Considering Dordrecht had just 8000 inhabitants early 1400s, the enormity of the structure is amazing. Within just a few decades Dordrecht had reached the status of wealthiest city in Holland and eventually took the lead in the revolt against Spanish rule. The interior is sober, as after the Reformation in 1572 when Protestants took over, sculpture work was removed and frescos covered. Recently partly undone (see photo). Entrance fee 4€ includes access to the tower. See more..
   
4. 4.5 Dordrechts Museum (372 reviews)
   - Old and rich museum in very old city
   Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Rides & Activities • Art Museums
   
   
   Six centuries of Dutch paintings. A rich collection and temporary exhibitions, a high quality restaurant and a well stored museumshop. Situated in the oldest city of Holland: Dordrecht. Coming up in 2020: ' Aelbert Cuyp & Gainsborough - Constable - Turner' and 'Pioneers of Modernism. Collection Columbus Museum of Art'. See more..
   
5. 4.5 Huis Van Gijn (286 reviews)
   - Must see if you're in Dordrecht
   Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Rides & Activities
   
   
   The museum is the house of the banker and collector Simon van Gijn who lived there from 1864 until his death in 1922. Van Gijn left the house and most of his collections to the Old Dordrecht Society. His wish was for the collections to be made publicly accessible and for his home to be converted into a museum, maintaining the interior in its original state as much as possible. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Groothoofdspoort (71 reviews)
   - A city gate at the nicest part/ view in town, at the point where three rivers come together..
   Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
   
   
   This is the only remaining citygate in Dordrecht... the foundations of this gate date back from the fourteenth century, but it's current state and look dates back from the 17th century. It is different from any other city gate that I have seen in the Netherlands, both in colour and with it's decorations... This really is a must see!. not only for the Gate itself, but also this point of town with a great view on the water and all the terraces/ restaurants/ cafes that are there. The Gate is currently part of a Hotel/ Restaurant, but you can still see it and go under it without having to go and eat there. Without having seen this city gate your day in Dordrecht would not have been complete!. See more..
   
7. 4.5 Dordts Patriciërshuis (60 reviews)
   - Amazing, like stepping into a time machine
   Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
   
   
   Very interesting, very well curated. This house has been brought back to late 17th/early 18th century. Lot of information available and the staff was very helpful and spend some twenty minutes with us explaining various aspects of the house. It is not huge, so you will be done in 60-90 minutes. Bring your museumjaarkaart! Dordrecht is a lovely town to stroll around. See more..
   
8. 4.5 Distillery Rutte (37 reviews)
   - Dutch Liquor at it's best (it's a secret)
   Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Distilleries
   
   
   Our spirits today are the result of seven generations of Rutte fathers meticulously teaching their sons the art of distilling, always with a passion for craft. We still hand-make our gins and genevers in the same tiny back-room where our founder, Simon Rutte, concocted his first spirits back in 1872. Simon, with access to exotic spices and fruits from the Dutch East Indies, put them to good use in the still. Soon his spirits were so popular that he transformed the family’s café out front into a liquor store. Thus, Rutte was born. We haven’t changed much since our origination. The family’s former living room continues to welcome guests as Rutte’s tasting room. Mini tasting: Every Friday and Saterday at 15.00 and 16.00 hours. Duration 25 minutes, includes a tour and little tasting See more..
   
9. 4.5 Museum 1940-1945 (37 reviews)
   - Surprise packet
   Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums
   
   
   Let me start by indicating that as an Aussie of Dutch parents - who lived through the war period - this museum has a personal appeal. It helped me to better understand what daily life was like during the German occupation. I stumbled on to this small museum after visiting the Van Gijn Huis which is next door. The 2 Euro entrance was great value. The museum is packed with donated items (ration cards, improvised equipment and substitute items used by the locals during the occupation). The museum also explains the significance of the Dordrecht area in the war. The exhibits are well labelled - most in English as well as Dutch. It is a real tribute to the efforts of many volunteers. I was also fortunate to have a volunteer walk me through the rooms and tell me much of the details behind many of the display items (mainly in English) and answer my queries. I felt very fortunate to have visited this museum. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Molen Kyck Over Den Dyck (30 reviews)
    - Mills and Netherlands
    Wednesday: Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
    
    
    The "Kyck over den Dyck" windmill is a 30 meter high stone mill. It was built in 1713. The millers grind on wind power every Saturday. In our mill shop we sell various types of flour and self-milled wheat and spelled. The entrance to the mill costs € 2.00 Children under supervision are free. Opening hours: Saturday 10 am - 4 pm Every first Sunday of the month there is an art exhibition in the mill, called: Het Kunstrondje Dordrecht. Every month there are other artists. Open on the first Sunday of the month: 12 am - 5 pm See more..
    
11. 4.5 Schouwburg Kunstmin (25 reviews)
    - mixed bag
    Spent 2-3 hours Theaters
    
    
    Kunstmin Theatre is a modern theatre company, situated in two monumental buildings in the beautiful, historical centre of Dordrecht. Each year more than 250 performances are presented here in almost every category: Stand-up comedy, children's theatre, classical music, pop, shows, musicals, drama and comedies. Kunstmin and Energiehuis are ideally suited for congresses, (business) meetings and receptions. For each event we offer an appropriate ambiance and customization. See more..
    
12. 4.5 VVV Zuid Holland Zuid (18 reviews)
    - Take your time for this Intree, because there is a lot to see and to buy and then don't forget to go downstairs.
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers
    
    
    If you would like to know something about an interesting trip in Dordrecht, Kinderdijk National Park the Biesbosch or somewhere in the Netherlands, naturally you go to the VVV [Tourist information office]. At intree Dordrech I VVV you can get all your information and get inspired by the special presentations and replica's of Dordrecht. If you're planning a trip in Dordrecht this is your starting point. See more..
    
13. 4.5 Park Merwestein (10 reviews)
    - Beautiful park with some less-known heritage
    Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Parks • Hiking Trails • Gardens
    
    
    Interesting about this place is that it started as a private estate to a villa which has been destroyed in WWII. This background explains the old, monumental trees and the botanical diversity of the trees. Without knowing that, it is still a pleasant park for a stroll, or, if you are a tourist, why not buy your lunch in a local supermarket and have it here sitting on the grass? See more..
    
14. 4.5 Pieter Boele (5 reviews)
    - Originele stoomboot
    Historic Sites • Ships
    
    
    een zeer grondige gerenoveerde stoomboot in een prachtige staat te bewonderen in één van de havengeulen. iets om te genieten. laat het maar stomen. See more..
    
15. 4.5 Nieuwe Dordtse Biesbosch (3 reviews)
    - Nature to compensate for harm
    Biking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
    
    
    There used to be agricultural land at this southeastern side of the isle of Dordrecht. Now it is a new nature and recreational area mainly visited by people from the city of Dordrecht. You can walk, cycle, canoe and watch birdlife here. The area still feels a bit artificial as it has only recently been 'developed'. Perhaps an indication of what is ahead for the Netherlands in the future: continued urbanization with recreational areas. The western part of the isle of Dordrecht has been 'developed' into an ugly industrial zone. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Sterrenwacht Mercurius (2 reviews)
    - Nice little observatory in a beautiful park
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Observatories & Planetariums
    
    
    Visited with my 6 year old daughter who is a space-nerd! What a great time we had! The place is small, so in a way, you don't get overwhelmed by thousands of displays, and feel more comfortable taking time to go through everything at your own pace. At least that's how I feel. Sure it's dated, but I wasn't looking for state of the art there anyways. It's a nice side attraction to a large park around Dordrecht. They showed us a film (I'm guessing from the 80s) and that was fun in its own quirky way. Easy to watch and follow for a 6 year old. Then the greatest attraction is the 1920's telescope up in the observatory dome. We had a guided tour and the resident scientist showed us..... the sun! See more..
    
17. 4.5 Dordtyart (2 reviews)
    - Kunst in industriële omgeving
    Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Art Museums
    
    
    Dordtyart is gevestigd in een voormalige fabriekshal op de Stadswerven. In een rauwe industriële omgeving wordt kunst getoond. In seizoen 2016 is dat glaskunst, onder de naam Glassfever. Vooral heel interessant is het werk van verschillende kunstenaars, waaronder Folkert de Jong en Giny de Vos, die normaal gesproken niet in glas werken, maar die door de organisatie gevraagd zijn voor deze tentoonstelling speciaal werk te maken. In een korte film is te zien hoe deze kunstenaars te werk zijn gegaan.
    Door de grootte van de hal kan er ook groot werk getoond worden.
    Een heel bijzondere tentoonstelling, zeer de moeite van een bezoek waard. See more..
    
18. 4.0 Visitorscenter Biesbosch Dordrecht (148 reviews)
    - If you like nature, you must visit here!
    Spent More than 3 hours Visitor Centers
    
    
    Here you can get information about the Biesbosch. How it was formed, what the influence was on the people of Dordrecht and the surrounding collages and what the importance of this area is at the present time. And ofcourse there are many beautifull walks in the surrounding areas. Maps available in the Biesbosch center and on your phone. See more..
    
19. 4.0 Hof van Nederland (134 reviews)
    - Free art installation: robot writing the Statenbijbel (States Bible) in seven months time
    Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
    
    
    Museum about our freedoms then and now In Hof van Nederland you will experience how we in the Netherlands deal with our freedoms, then and now, told from different perspectives. On the basis of important historical events that are important for Dutch history and which largely took place in Dordrecht, the oldest city in Holland, you will learn more about our freedoms. You will also take a look at the present and gain a better understanding in what freedom means for you. In this way we want to achieve that you cherish your own freedom and respect that of others. See more..
    
20. 4.0 Standbeeld gebroeders De Witt (104 reviews)
    - impressive statue of the 'De Witt' brothers
    Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues
    
    
    This is a historically important statue of the 'De Witt' brothers: Johan and Cornelis (sitting on the left respectively standing on the right side). See more..
    
21. 4.0 Stadhuis Van Dordrecht (92 reviews)
    - just old nice house
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    It opened at every month first Sunday.Worth to go and see it,wery old style house,meeting halls,prison.. See more..
    
22. 4.0 Nationaal Onderwijsmuseum (68 reviews)
    - Love this museum on education
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Children's Museums
    
    
    This is a trip down memory lane. What did education mean throughout the years. Beautiful museum where you can see how schools were in the history of Holland. See more..
    
23. 4.0 Arend Maartenshof (23 reviews)
    - Result of fearing God?
    Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    Arend Maartenszoon, Dordrecht's financial man in the early 1600s made the creation of this small court (hofje) with simple houses possible. You can admire no less than 14 portraits of him, his three spouses and children in the Regentenkamer at the right side of the beautiful Renaissance style gate. A stern looking man. Son of a priest and his housekeeper Arend specialized in accounting. Through different marriages he manoeuvered himself cleverly upwards and became a pivotal member of Dordrecht's elite. His reputation among the common people was rather tarnished by his practice as a moneylender charging usury interest. Towards the end of this long life (died at the age of 74 in 1629) he made philantropic gestures like the founding of this 'hofje' where poor women and widows of soldiers could find a decent place to live. Was Arend fearing God's judgement? Not only the dwellings and gate are beautiful but also the five majestic platans in the center of the court. See more..
    
24. 4.0 Duurzaamheidscentrum Weizigt (22 reviews)
    - The most Boring animalfarm in the area
    Spent 1-2 hours Farms
    
    
    The idea behind this animalfarm is great but for smaller kids this is the most boring one in the area. You're hardly ever alowed to pet the rabits and quite often the gates to other animals are closed. So it's just looking at the animals never really petting them. Also you're not alowed to feed them or buy food here making the animalfarm in Zwijndrecht (nearby village) a way cooler place. This animalfarm however is close to one of the best playgrounds in Dordrecht, within a nice park and close to the city centre and trainstation. See more..
    
25. 4.0 Trinitatiskapel (18 reviews)
    - Beautiful church
    Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites
    
    
    We spent some time exploring the inside of this beautiful church. At the entrance, we were welcomed by an elderly lady who gave us directions and a map of the church. There is also a possibility to go up the tower, but it's paid. See more..
    
26. 4.0 Augustijnenkerk (14 reviews)
    - Beautiful old church with pipe organ
    Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    The historically very valuable church is open for viewing at various times. During the year, the church is open on Saturdays from April to October and at the Christmas market (Saturday) in December. The church will also be open on Sunday afternoon during the National Heritage Day. On these Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm guided tours are given by the volunteers of the Foundation Augustinian Church. On these Saturdays there are organ concerts at 2 p.m. which you can find in the activity agenda on the website. See more..
    
27. 4.0 stadsbibliotheek Dordrecht (8 reviews)
    - Inviting
    Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Libraries
    
    
    In front of the entrance there is a sign welcoming both members and non-members! Staff is friendly and always willing to assist. You can have a seat and read (international) newspapers and magazines. There is free WiFi and even a coffee machine. At a fee you can use computers with internet and printing option. The registration procedure is simple and straightforward. In my case it took 5 minutes to get me a card. You only pay for use, not for the card. The library is at a central location at Groenmarkt near the statue of de Witt brothers.Two buildings of which one has a beautiful historic facade are linked. The library is currently being renovated, but remains open to the public. See more..
    
28. 4.0 Oud Katholieke Parochie v.d. Maria Maior (7 reviews)
    - Beuatiful Old Church
    Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals
    
    
    We came across this church by chance - we were walking from the Waterbus station on the river into the old town centre of Dordrecht. And this smallish building is not immediately on Voorstraat - it is set back slightly and is behind an iron gate and some iron railings. Beautiful from the outside and very very beautiful on the inside. We think it was built on the mid 19th century though the history of the site is earlier than that. Fasciinating, impressive and very special inside. See more..
    
29. 4.0 Essenhof (6 reviews)
    - Testament of history and diversity
    Historic Walking Areas • Cemeteries
    
    
    The oldest grave dates from 1829. Nowadays Essenhof is a general cemetery with many different sections. Most striking for me is the WOII part with the sculpture of a nude man by Cor van Kralingen. The man is being executed and symbolizes how defenseless Netherlands was cowardly attacked by Nazi Germany in 1940. Other interesting parts are the old section with rather dull unimaginative tombstones, but also some graves of a later date with individualist expressions like a grave with metal horses on top and another one with Buddha. Near the Nassaulaan entrance there is also an Armenian section. Well worth a visit especially for history lovers. See more..
    
30. 4.0 Weizigtpark (5 reviews)
    - Loved the playground
    Parks
    
    
    Didn't explore a lot of the park, but the playground and the central location right behind the train station make this a great option to help kids spend their endless energy! See more..