Dordrecht, often called the oldest city in Holland, offers a surprising variety of tour options that bring its streets, waterways, and hidden stories to life. Whether you’re into history, scenic boat rides, or exploring local art, Dordrecht has a lot to offer. We’re particularly fond of the Dordrecht Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour because it combines both iconic landmarks like the Great Church and lesser-known treasures that reveal the city’s authentic character. For a different perspective, the City Canal Cruise is a fantastic way to see the city from the water, giving you a relaxing and scenic experience. We also recommend the Dark History Tour if you’re interested in uncovering Dordrecht’s shadowy past. These experiences and more are detailed below, giving you options tailored to your pace, interests, and curiosity.
In our list, you’ll find a mix of walking tours, boat cruises, self-guided adventures, and even active options like kayaking and paddleboarding. Each offers a different way to connect with Dordrecht’s unique character, from its medieval architecture to its lively modern streets. For those who love history, the private Historical Dordrecht tour offers a deep dive, while the e-Scavenger hunt makes exploring fun for families and friends. If street art appeals, the Street Art Tour showcases Dordrecht’s creative side. Let’s explore each tour in detail.
1. Dordrecht: Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour
This guided walking tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want a broad yet intimate look at Dordrecht. For only $14 per person, you get 1.5 hours of exploring iconic landmarks like the City Hall and Church of Our Lady, alongside some lesser-known areas. Your guide offers a lively narration, sharing fascinating tidbits about Dordrecht’s history and architecture. The tour begins at Voorstraat 276 and includes a stroll through the harbor’s relaxed atmosphere, showcasing both the city’s medieval flair and its modern vibrancy. Reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides—“Krystal was very professional and fun,” says one traveler—and the value for money here is clear.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance between famous sights and hidden corners, perfect for those who want to get their bearings while uncovering Dordrecht’s authentic personality. It’s ideal for travelers wanting an affordable, flexible introduction without sacrificing depth. Expect to leave with a better understanding of the city’s elegant architecture and lively harbor area.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a friendly, rundown of Dordrecht’s highlights and secret spots in a short time.
2. Dordrecht: City Canal Cruise
For around $20 per person, the Dordrecht: City Canal Cruise offers a charming 75-minute trip through the historic waterways of Holland’s oldest city. The enthusiastic skippers double as guides, sharing stories about Dordrecht’s trading past while you relax on the open boats—covered during rain, so weather isn’t a concern. Starting at Grote Appelsteiger, the cruise takes you past key sights like the Binnenstad and the Haven area, providing a fresh perspective that’s both scenic and educational.
The reviews speak highly of the experience, with one noting it’s a “really beautiful and enjoyable boat tour.” This trip is perfect for travelers who prefer a laid-back, scenic experience that showcases Dordrecht’s waterways and architecture without strenuous walking. It’s a great way to see the city’s medieval and modern sections from a different angle, especially if you’re short on time or want a relaxing afternoon.
Bottom Line: A delightful, value-packed cruise best suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with a leisurely boat ride.
3. Biesbosch: National Park Cruise
This 75-minute boat tour takes you into the Biesbosch National Park, a lush freshwater area known for its wetlands, waterfowl, and beavers. For only $18 per person, your friendly skipper provides insights into this fascinating landscape that contrasts beautifully with Dordrecht’s urban scenery. Departing from Baanhoekweg 25, the tour immerses you in nature with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography.
What makes this experience unique is the chance to explore one of the most famous Dutch national parks from the water with a knowledgeable guide who shares stories about its history and ecology. Chilled drinks are available on board, making it a relaxed escape into nature. Reviewers mention how peaceful and beautiful the park is, with one calling it “a perfect way to enjoy Holland’s natural beauty.”
Bottom Line: Ideal for nature lovers wanting an accessible, scenic trip through one of the Netherlands’ top parks, with opportunities for wildlife encounters.
4. e-Scavenger hunt Dordrecht: Explore the city at your own pace
Looking for a fun, interactive way to discover Dordrecht? For $36.76 per group, this self-guided smartphone game lets you explore at your own pace over about three hours. Ideal for families and friends, it involves solving puzzles, completing challenges, and uncovering less obvious sights like squares, streets, and statues. You can start whenever suits you and explore in multiple languages, including English, French, and German.
This gamified tour suits adventurous travelers who enjoy solving clues and exploring without the constraints of a scheduled tour. The use of GPS ensures you won’t get lost, and the puzzles bring out the storyteller in everyone. It’s perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with a bit of friendly competition and keep the kids engaged.
Bottom Line: A playful, flexible way to see Dordrecht at your own pace, ideal for tech-savvy families or groups seeking an engaging experience.
5. Dordrecht: City Walking Tour with Boat Ride
This dual experience combines a 2-hour walking tour with a panoramic boat cruise, priced at $40 per person. Starting at Voorstraat 276, the tour takes you through the Grote Kerk, the historic harbor, and Three River Point, offering a comprehensive look at Dordrecht’s architectural and maritime history. After walking, you’ll hop aboard a boat to see the city from its famous waterways, enhancing your perspective with scenic views.
Reviews note that the waterboat significantly improves the overall experience—“Vanop het water krijg je een nog betere kijk op de stad,” one reviewer says. This tour suits travelers who want a blend of walking and cruising, providing both close-up exploration and scenic vistas. It’s a bit more expensive but offers a well-rounded overview suitable for those interested in both history and relaxed sightseeing.
Bottom Line: A balanced tour for those who want to combine walking with a tranquil boat ride and see both the streets and waterways.
6. Dordrecht: Dark History Tour
Step into the shadowy side of Dordrecht with the Dark History Tour. For $19 per person, this 1.5-hour guided walk explores tales of murders, piracy, witches, and crime that once haunted the city. Starting at Voorstraat 276, the tour is led by an engaging guide who brings the darker chapters of Dordrecht’s past to life through storytelling. It’s a thrilling way to uncover less-known stories that shaped the city.
Reviewers mention how the stories make the city’s history more vivid and surprising—“Very nice as a family outing,” one reviewer states. This tour is perfect for history fans who prefer a mysterious and dramatic approach, or anyone interested in the less-polished side of Dutch history.
Bottom Line: An entertaining, slightly spooky experience that offers a different take on Dordrecht’s past, great for curious travelers and families.
7. Biesbosch: Kayak Rental with Route Map and Life Jacket
For the more active, this self-guided kayak rental at Biesbosch allows you to explore the quiet creeks at your own pace. Renting from Baanhoekweg 25, you can choose between 2 and 4 hours, paddling past beavers, ospreys, and kingfishers. The rental includes a route map, life jackets, and a waterproof barrel for valuables, making it a safe and flexible way to experience the park’s wildlife and serenity.
What makes this option stand out is the freedom it offers—no guides, just you, your paddles, and the natural surroundings. It’s ideal for those comfortable with paddling and seeking a personal adventure. Reviewers love the quiet, unspoiled beauty, calling it “a fun and peaceful experience.” It’s best suited for moderately fit travelers who want to explore off the beaten path.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers seeking independence and a chance to get close to nature with minimal fuss.
8. Historical Dordrecht: Private Tour with Local Guide
For a tailored, in-depth experience, this private 1.5-hour tour costs $348.70 and can accommodate up to 12 people. It covers key spots like the Grote Kerk, the City Hall, and the harbor area, with a focus on the stories behind the landmarks and the city’s development since 1220. The guide customizes the experience based on your interests, ensuring you don’t miss anything important.
Reviewers praise the personalized approach and thorough knowledge—“The guide was very professional and made everything interesting.” It’s ideal for small groups or families wanting to dive deep into Dordrecht’s history without rushing. The private format makes it a more expensive but immersive option.
Bottom Line: Best suited for history enthusiasts or groups seeking a custom, detailed exploration of Dordrecht’s past.
9. Escape the City – Interactive city walk in Dordrecht
This interactive city walk is designed for fun and exploration, costing about $80 for a team of up to six. Over approximately three hours, you’ll solve puzzles, discover hidden corners, and explore Dordrecht in a game-like setting. The start time is flexible, giving you freedom to plan your day.
It’s perfect for adventurous groups who love challenges and want a lively, engaging experience. The challenges are designed to reveal unique spots in the city that you might otherwise miss. The review is glowing: “Loads of fun and very affordable,” says one user. It works well for families, friends, or colleagues looking for an active way to see the city differently.
Bottom Line: A lively, flexible way to explore Dordrecht interactively, suitable for those who enjoy solving puzzles and working as a team.
10. Private Guided Walking & Boat Tour Through Historical Dordrecht
This combination tour offers a personalized experience for about $45 per person, covering both on-foot exploration and a boat cruise. Starting at Grote Kerk, you visit landmarks like the Wolwevershaven and the Ary Scheffer statue, with your guide sharing stories about Dordrecht’s urban and maritime history. The boat ride offers a different view of the city’s architecture and waterways.
Reviewers highlight the comprehensive coverage and intimacy of the private tour, making it a great choice for couples or small groups. It’s especially fitting if you want an all-in-one experience that balances walking and cruising.
Bottom Line: A flexible, personalized option that combines the best of Dordrecht’s streets and waterways.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Dordrecht
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, budget, and time. If you’re into history and landmarks, the Private Tour or the Highlights Walking Tour offer deep dives. For scenic water views, the Canal Cruise or the Boat & Walking Combo work well. Active travelers should consider the kayak or SUP rental—both give you a personal connection to nature. Families and those who love puzzles will enjoy the e-Scavenger Hunt or Escape the City tour, which make sightseeing fun and interactive.
Booking early is advisable, especially for private or guided tours, to secure your preferred time and group size. Consider the weather—many water-based tours are more enjoyable in good weather, but covered options are available.
Final Thoughts
Dordrecht offers a range of experiences that can suit almost any traveler. From the affordable Highlights Tour to the luxury private guides, the options ensure you can learn about the city’s sights and stories comfortably. For history lovers, the Dark History Tour or private experiences are perfect, while outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of adventure in kayaking or paddleboarding. Families and friends will appreciate the interactive scavenger hunt or combined walking and boat tours.
Whether you’re here for a quick visit or a deeper dive, booking early will help you make the most of Dordrecht’s many delights. With this guide, we hope you’ll find the perfect tour to match your interests and enjoy a memorable stay in this charming Dutch city.
