Dordrecht between art, water and nature
Accommodation in Dordrecht
Dordrecht lies at the confluence of three rivers and is a watersports hub. During your stay, the city combines art and history with walks through natural areas and explorations on the water.
Museums and Dutch history
Founded in 1842, the Dordrechts Museum is one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands. Behind its historic façade, you can see paintings spanning six centuries. The permanent exhibition ranges from 16th-century altarpieces to contemporary art. You can encounter different periods there, rather than just one particular art movement.
Huis Van Gijn is the former home of Simon van Gijn (1836–1922) and his wife Cornelia Agatha Vriesendorp (1840–1889). The house offers a glimpse into the daily life of a wealthy family around 1900. The Hof van Nederland offers a different historical perspective: it explores the history of Dutch independence through important events, most of which took place in Dordrecht. The First Free States Assembly was held in 1572 at the museum’s present-day location.
The tower of the Grote Kerk also provides a clear itinerary for your visit: the climb involves 275 steps and is possible from April through October. From the top, you can look out over the city and the surrounding area. Check the current opening conditions before your visit.
The Biesbosch and paths along the water
The Biesboschcentrum Dordrecht is a starting point for visiting the Hollandse Biesbosch. Its exhibition covers the water, plants, beavers and birds, as well as the history of the natural area. The centre enables you to explore on foot or on the water and offers seven walks ranging from 1.5 to 5 kilometres. You can hire whisper boats and canoes there for trips on the water.
The Nieuwe Dordtse Biesbosch is a varied natural and recreational area close to the city. It forms a buffer zone between De Biesbosch National Park and Dordrecht, where you can enjoy long walks and bike rides. From the boardwalk, you can see open water, reed beds and wet grasslands. The path offers a close-up view of the area’s different landscape features.
The Griendmuseumpad combines nature with cultural history. You can choose a 5-kilometre walk or a shorter 1.5-kilometre route. Along the way, the path passes the Stenen Keet and the Schrankkeet, where griend workers used to spend the night. The Griendmuseumpad is accessible only by Zonnepont 7. Check the ferry’s seasonal schedule and operating details before travelling.
City walks, local flavours and getting around
If you want to explore Dordrecht on foot, Rondje Dordt is a 5-kilometre city walk that takes you along the harbours and numerous monuments. While the Griendmuseumpad combines nature with the history of griend workers, Rondje Dordt leads through the city’s harbours and historic landmarks.
Local products are another way to enjoy a visit: Distilleerderij Rutte has been making artisanal gin, genever and liqueurs in Dordrecht since 1872. A tasting combines a tour past the stills and barrels with samples of various products. At Stadsbrouwerij Dordrecht, tours explain the brewing process and end with a beer tasting; tour arrangements may change.
Food Design Playground in the city centre hosts pop-up dinners, exhibitions, workshops, talks and tastings. Its programme also includes a small bean festival held four times a year, featuring workshops, talks, tastings, a celebration and experiments. Festival tickets include lunch. The programme and dates may change. At Boerenstreekmarkt Dordrecht, farmers and producers from Dordrecht and the region offer vegetables, wine, honey, cheese, tea and jam, among other products; the selection may vary at each market.
Water connections are another option for day trips: from Dordrecht, the Waterbus offers unlimited journeys to Zwijndrecht, Papendrecht, Sliedrecht, H.I. Ambacht, Rotterdam, Krimpen aan den IJssel, Ridderkerk and Alblasserdam. Bikes can be taken on board free of charge. Check routes, fares and rules for taking bikes on board before your journey. Weizigt features a city farm, gardens, a climate greenhouse and a bee house; check opening times before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Dordrecht, Bovenpolder, Dordtse Biesbosch, Dordrecht, Molenwaard, Rozenburg, Schoonhoven, Bodegraven-Reeuwijk
For the main travel overview: South Holland.
