10 Best Things To Do In Zwolle, The Netherlands

1. Rondvaart

There’s no better way to experience the fascinating city center than via a canal boat tour. Rondvaart is the perfect company to provide the best boat tours. You can find their pier on Harm Smeengekade at the western corners of the star canal. For an affordable price, you can tour its waterways on a lovely riverboat, indulge in a glass or two of tasty drinks, and breathe in all the breathtaking sights of the city from the water. As you waddle through the water, your guide will give you insights into the history of Zwolle.

Rondvaart

Address: Harm Smeengekade 15, 8011 AK Zwolle, Netherlands

Website: Rondvaart

Opening hours: Sun, Mon - Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 10am - 10pm

2. Dino Land Zwolle

Looking for the perfect destination to experience going back in time? Dino Land Zwolle is the place to go. When in Dino Land, you can experience what it’s like being in a time where dinosaurs exist. Get acquainted with more than a hundred species from the Jurassic to Cretaceous periods only at Dino Land Zwolle. You’ll surely learn a lot about our dino friends here. Not only that, but you can also indulge in its indoor arcade, a treasure hunt, a climbing wall, and an expansive outdoor playground that comes with a climbing course and a dinosaur show. It’s the best destination to bring your kids.

Dino Land Zwolle

Address: Willemsvaart 19, 8019 AB Zwolle, Netherlands

Website: Dino Land Zwolle

Price: from 10 USD

3. Peperbus Tower

Famously known as the pepper pot of Zwolle thanks to its design and unique shape, Peperbus Tower is a part of Basilica of Our Lady. It has undergone a lot of changes over the years since its establishment in the 1400s. If you want to see the city in its entirety, climbing this tower to the public viewing platform is the best thing to do. This tower is one of the tallest buildings in Zwolle, making it an excellent place to witness breathtaking city views from different angles.

Peperbus Tower

Address: Ossenmarkt 40, 8011 MS Zwolle, Netherlands

Website: Peperbus Tower

Opening hours: Mon: 1:30pm - 4:30pm; Tue - Sat: 11am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun)

4. Het Engelse Werk Park

Het Engelse Werk Park is a quaint and serene place that promises visitors a relaxing visit. It is one of the top public parks in the city, constructed in 1828 put together as a sort of English garden. Most of the parts of the park are covered with woodland, making it ideal for walks and picnics. There are also several charming lakes and waterways you can explore while you are here. There is so much to do and witness in this breathtaking place.

Het Engelse Werk Park

Address: Het Engelse Werk, 8019 BM Zwolle The Netherlands

5. Grote Kerk

Another perfect example of a Gothic church, Grota Kerk is every bit of charm and class. Its location in the heart of the old town makes it an excellent destination for a quick stop. Its status of being one of the famous churches in Zwolle makes it more interesting to witness. Although most locals say that what the church looked like before is much grander, the present Grota Kerk has its uniqueness. There are three outer buildings added to the church that make it look unusual to most eyes. Inside the church, large windows will welcome you, where most light slips through.

Grote Kerk

Address: Grote Markt 18, 8011 LW Zwolle, Netherlands

Website: Grote Kerk

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

6. Sassenpoort gatehouse

Established in 1409 in the southernmost area of Sassenstraat, Sassenpoort gatehouse is a historic building in the city that plays a significant role in their culture and heritage. It’s one of the few remaining town gates that feature a twinset of fortified towers topped with witch-hat turrets. If you happen to be around town, don’t miss out on the opportunity of seeing this in person. Step inside the gatehouse and appreciate the surroundings as you enter a different world. There are four floors inside, and on the top floor, you’ll get the chance to see the clock.

Sassenpoort gatehouse

Address: Sassenstraat 53, 8011 PB Zwolle, Netherlands

Website: Sassenpoort gatehouse

Opening hours: Sun, Wed, Fri: 1pm - 5pm; Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon - Tue & Thu)

Price: 6 USD

7. Basilica of Our Lady

Basilica of Our Lady is a stunning church and attraction in the city of Zwolle. While the pillar is the main focus, the actual basilica attached to it is also equally fascinating and worthy of your visit. It boasts a Gothic-like style, and it retained its old-world charm that most churches in town were not able to do. Inside this lovely building, pink stone pillars, white-washed walls, and expansive stained glass windows will welcome you. One of the things that will captivate you is its high altar filled with religious iconography and detailed decoration.

Basilica of Our Lady

Address: Ossenmarkt 10, 8011 MS Zwolle, Netherlands

Website: Basilica of Our Lady

8. Museum de Fundatie

Welcoming all artists and art lovers to this prime museum in Zwolle, Museum de Fundatie, is one of the famous hot spots in the city for travelers and locals alike. Tourists always make this place a priority to visit whenever they are in town for it features the best of visual arts. Works of famous artists are all in the museum including Mondrian, Chagall, and of course, the most-loved Van Gogh. There are approximately seven thousand items here that include sculptures, prints, and paintings for you to appreciate.

Museum de Fundatie

Address: Blijmarkt 20, 8011 NE Zwolle, Netherlands

Website: Museum de Fundatie

Opening hours: Tue- Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 11 USD

9. Dominicanenklooster Monastery

Near the heart of the city, Dominicanenklooster Monastery is a beautiful place to visit, from its exquisite outdoor appearance to its detailed indoor look. Everything about this monastery will make you gaze at it with wonder with its beautiful stained glass pictures and its opulent decorations. It is a sight to behold and a place you should visit once in your life, especially with its high-vaulted ceilings and intricate brickwork. If ever you find yourself needing a place where you can come to inner peace with yourself, Dominicanenklooster Monastery is always a great choice. For fresh air, its courtyard is the place to be.

Dominicanenklooster Monastery

Address: Assendorperstraat 29, 8012 DE Zwolle, Netherlands

Website: Dominicanenklooster Monastery

Opening hours:Mon - Tue, Thu: 8:30am - 5pm; Wed, Fri: 8:30am - 5pm, 7pm - 10pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

10. Bonami SpelComputer Museum

Nestled in the outskirts of Zwolle near the train station, Bonami SpelComputer Museum is one of the attractions in the city you should experience for yourself. It’s an expansive and large warehouse where you can see almost any consoles and video games that exist. It’s a paradise for gamers, computer lovers, youngsters, and of course, those kids at heart. Inside the museum, you’ll be able to see a plethora of historical computers, consoles, video games memorabilia, and pinball machines we used to rave on. The best part? There are consoles and arcade machines you can play with on the second floor.

Bonami SpelComputer Museum

Address: Ossenkamp 4, 8024 AE Zwolle, Netherlands

Website: Bonami SpelComputer Museum

Opening hours: Sun, Tue - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 5pm, 6pm - 10pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 18 USD

A magical place in the Netherlands

When you do visit, you will understand why this city is truly a magical place in the Netherlands. Although you might not be able to experience everything listed above, you can at least check out those you really want to see. Have fun and make sure to take as many pictures as you can for the best keepsakes.