Interested in what the southwest of the Netherlands has to offer? Looking for a nice blend of city and countryside? Head for Dordrecht, a historic city full of sights and great day trips.
Dordrecht may be a small city today but it was once one of the Netherlands's most important trade centres. Strategically located between major rivers, the town grew into one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands in the Middle Ages. You'll still find a lot of traces of its past such as the 17th-century almshouses, the 14th-century town hall and the old patrician houses.
To find out how the wealthy patricians lived in the 18th century, visit the Dordts Patriciërshuis on the banks of the Old Meuse. The house was converted into a museum and is an absolute must for history buffs. Another cultural must is the Dordrechts Museum, where you can admire six centuries of Dutch painting!
For a panoramic view of the city, climb the tower of the Grote Kerk, a beautiful mediaeval church. If you like the look of the nature out in the distance hire a bicycle and cycle out to the renowned De Biesbosch nature reserve.
You can also easily combine your stay in Dordrecht with a daytrip to Rotterdam which is just 15 minutes away by train. The Koopgoot is a great place for shopping and the Erasmusbrug (Erasmus Bridge) is an absolute must-see, not to say cross.
The beautiful nature around Dordrecht is perfect for cycling. Follow the bike paths to De Biesbosch, visit nearby villages and towns and relax at a sidewalk café or take a boat ride and see the city from a different angle.
There are several trains a day to Dordrecht from most cities. If you're travelling by car, bear in mind that parts of the city centre have been pedestrianised so your best bet is to head straight for one of the parking garages or park and ride (P+R) parking lots.
Enjoy a great stay in historic Dordrecht.
