Theme walks
Almost sixty shops full of antiques, second-hand books, art and curios reinforce the historic character of the inner city. The Voorstraat-noord is particularly full of atmosphere. The number and type of shops here is so striking that it attracts customers from all over the Netherlands. More of these sorts of exclusive shops are located in the Wijnstraat [Wine Street], Steegoversloot and the Vleeshouwersstraat [Butchers' Street].
Little shops with curios, design articles or antiques contribute to the special character of these streets, as do the craftsmen located there, such as the violin maker and the clockmaker. A group of shop-owners in these streets have decided to work together in the form of 'Kunstrondje Dordt' [Art Walk Dordt]. In addition to the daily opening hours they are also open for business on the first Sunday of each month. Dordrecht has several of these theme walks. A new one, the Archaeological Walk, leads interested parties to the locations of finds and to the Archaeological Information Centre. Especially for children, two exciting city walks have been laid out. They can be followed with the aid of the little book 'Help, de toren valt om!' [Help, the tower is falling down!']. The VVV will be pleased to inform you about the numerous possibilities for a theme walk.
After your walk or shopping, relax on one of the many pavement cafes or have something to eat or drink in a trendy or old-Dutch pub. The speciality restaurants serve excellent meals, but you can also go for a delicious hotpot or to one of the foreign diners.
In recent years there has been an increase in both the quality and the numbers of these. The location of these establishments is often awe-inspiring: on the waterside, in a historic house or in a city gate. Dordrecht cannot be compared to other great metropolises, but with its own atmosphere and 140 pubs and restaurants it comes out very well.
