Dordrecht

What to see in Dordrecht, the oldest city in Holland

Dordrecht is one of the most beautiful historic cities in the Netherlands and is located just 26 kilometres from Rotterdam. Its historic harbour, canals and more than 800 historic monuments make it one of the most interesting day trips in the region.

Located at the confluence of several rivers, Dordrecht was an important trading centre for centuries. It is also a gateway to De Biesbosch National Park, one of the most important natural areas in the Netherlands.

ℹ️ Quick Information
📍 Distance from Rotterdam	Approximately 26 km
🚆 By train	Approximately 20 minutes
🚗 By car	Approximately 30 minutes
⏳ Recommended time	A full day
⭐ Must-see attractions	Grote Kerk, historic harbour, Groothoofdspoort and De Biesbosch
🌿 Famous for	Its historic centre, canals and De Biesbosch National Park

History of Dordrecht

Dordrecht was granted city rights in 1220 and for centuries was one of the most important trading centres in the Netherlands, thanks to its strategic location at the meeting point of several rivers.

In 1421, the St. Elizabeth’s Flood dramatically transformed the landscape surrounding Dordrecht. Large areas were flooded, helping to shape the network of waterways and wetlands that would eventually become part of today’s De Biesbosch National Park.

What to see in Dordrecht

Dordrecht combines a remarkably well-preserved historic centre with museums, churches, canals and one of the most important natural areas in the Netherlands. These are some of the places you should not miss during your visit.

📍 What to See in Dordrecht
⛪ Grote Kerk	Dordrecht’s most iconic church, built between the 11th and 15th centuries and known for its distinctive unfinished tower.
🏛️ Huis Van Gijn	The former home of collector Simon van Gijn, where you can discover how a wealthy family lived during the 19th century.
🚤 Canal boat tour	An enjoyable way to discover Dordrecht’s historic centre while cruising along its canals.
🎖️ Museum 1940-1945	A museum dedicated to the Second World War, with historic objects, and audiovisual material.
🌾 Kyck over den Dyck Windmill	A 17th-century windmill that is still in operation and continues to grind grain using traditional methods.
🍸 Rutte Distillery	A historic distillery specialising in jenever and traditional handcrafted spirits.
🎨 Dordrechts Museum	One of the country’s notable art museums, with a collection spanning more than four centuries.
🏰 Groothoofdspoort	A historic city gate and one of the most photographed landmarks in Dordrecht.
🏛️ Het Hof	A former Augustinian monastery where the First Assembly of the Free States was held in 1572.
🌿 De Biesbosch National Park	An extensive natural area of waterways, forests and wetlands, ideal for hiking, cycling, kayaking and birdwatching.

How to get to Dordrecht from Rotterdam

Getting to Dordrecht from Rotterdam is very easy. You can travel by train, car or even by Waterbus, which offers a different way to experience the Dutch delta from the water.

By train

Direct trains run throughout the day from Rotterdam Centraal to Dordrecht. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes, and Dordrecht railway station is only a short walk from the historic centre.

By car

Dordrecht is easily accessible by car via the A16 and A15 motorways. The journey usually takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Several car parks are located close to the historic centre.

By Waterbus

For a different way to reach Dordrecht, you can also take the Waterbus from Rotterdam. The journey takes approximately one hour and offers an enjoyable trip along the waterways of the Dutch delta.

Dordrecht Tourist Information

You can download a map of Dordrecht from our downloads section to help you explore the historic centre and locate its main monuments.

For museum opening hours, events and other up-to-date visitor information, you can visit the official Dordrecht tourism website.

Is Dordrecht worth visiting?

Yes. Dordrecht is one of the most interesting historic cities in the Netherlands and an excellent day trip from Rotterdam. Its old town, canals, monuments and historic harbour offer a very different atmosphere from other nearby destinations.

Its proximity to De Biesbosch National Park also makes Dordrecht a perfect destination for combining history and nature in a single day.

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