You don't always have to travel abroad for a nice city trip. The Netherlands has many super beautiful cities where there is plenty to do. You will find a fairly unique combination of sun, sea and city Vlissingen in the Zeeland province. This is therefore the perfect place to combine a city trip with a holiday in the sun.
Vlissingen is a real port city and is located on the Westerschelde. Due to its location, the city became increasingly important in the 17th century. Meanwhile, the city has a long maritime history. Walking on the longest boulevard in the Netherlands, you are still amazed by the large ships passing by. The city center has an interesting mix of young and old and is full of restaurants, cafes, terraces, shops and cultural attractions. Seen the city center? Then walk or cycle towards the beach, the dunes or the forest.
Zeeland is my favorite place in the Netherlands. You can often find me in Vlissingen, so I'd love to share my favorite tips with you!
Also read: City trip Netherlands – The nicest places in our own country
What to do in Flushing
1. Sun, sea and sand
One of the best things to do in Vlissingen is of course visit the beach. Vlissingen has two bathing beaches. It Nolle beach (Location here) is a little further from the city center, but can be easily reached on foot. The beach is located in a bay and is surrounded by dunes. In the summer months you will find colorful wooden holiday homes on the beach, which are also highly recommended to rent.
The bathing beach from Vlissingen (Location here) is closer to the city and is surrounded by a boulevard where you can walk or take a seat on a terrace. For the ultimate holiday feeling, visit the sand pavilion Pier 7 (Location here). Surrounded by palm trees and with your feet in the sand, you can enjoy a tasty snack and a drink here.
Another nice beach pavilion is Phanta Rhei (Location here), located between the two beaches and again with a beautiful view. In the colder months, the beach is a wonderful place to get a breath of fresh air and many restaurants are open for a hot chocolate. By the way, if you have the opportunity to watch a sunset from the beach on a clear day, this is definitely a must!
2. Explore the area on foot
Vlissingen is not too big and is therefore easy to discover on foot. When you go for a walk, you can of course not skip a walk on the longest boulevard in the Netherlands. From the boulevard you have a beautiful view of the sea and you can feast your eyes on the large passing freighters. You can also in clear weather Dutch Flanders see lying.
On the boulevard you will find several restaurants and cafes. Fish lovers can get a bowl of fresh kibbeling at Fredsons (Location here) for the complete Zeeland experience. Be sure to walk to the tip of the boulevard and listen to the wind organ (location here). At Nollestrand, the boulevard turns into a walking and cycling path through the dunes, after which you reach the beach Nollebos (Location here) can dive into.
3. Go on an adventure by bike
What better way to discover the Dutch coast than by bike? At Vlissingen Bike Rental (location here) in the center of the city you can rent all kinds of (electric) bicycles. By bike you will discover the most beautiful places in the city, on the coast and in the polder.
For example, cycle from Vlissingen on the boulevard towards het Nolle beach and take the cycle paths that run through the dunes. Via this route you will automatically reach the beautiful Saltland right and you can continue cycling towards Westkapelle en Domburg. Another beautiful place to cycle to in Vlissingen is the Oranjedijk, also known as the green boulevard. The Oranjemolen (location here), the dike and the view over the sea provide a wonderful Dutch picture.
4. Look for the hidden streets and historic buildings
Let's be honest, not all places in the center of Vlissingen deserve the beauty prize. Many newer buildings in the main street of the city take away from the charms of the historic buildings, squares and neighborhoods. The main street consists of a combination of old and new, but on the other hand there are many shops and you can spend an afternoon here.
In addition to many well-known shops, you will also find a number of nice boutiques and concept stores. That's how you find it Great store (Location here), House of Grace (Location here) On 't Pothuys (Location here) original clothing, home accessories, jewelry and other gadgets. In a side street of the Walstraat, in the nice street called the Kleine Markt, you can reach Ray's Boutique (Location here) for men's clothing and accessories and at skids (Location here) just down the street for women's and children's clothing.
When you go on an adventure in the side streets, you will come across beautiful colorful buildings and national monuments dating back to the 16th century. Some of my favorite spots are Square Vierwinden (Location here), It Cornelia Quackshofje (Location here), the buildings around Bellamy Park (Location here) and the Old market (Location here) at the Saint Jacob's Church, where you can also find a number of very nice terraces. So don't let the appearance of the main street of the center stop you, but wander around and look for the hidden historical spots.
5. Taste the local specialty
A holiday in Zeeland is not complete without tasting the one and only Zeeland Bolus. A sweet treat made from white bread dough rolled in brown sugar, cinnamon and a little lemon. Take a walk in Vlissingen Blick Bakery (Location here) on the Walstraat for a coffee to-go and a Zeeland bolus. In my opinion you will find the best in town here. And yes, I have tasted many. If you're in a luxurious mood, order the Zeeland bolus filled with pudding, because this one is also delicious.
6. Discover the emerging Scheldt quarter
The Scheldt quarter offers a great contrast to the historic city center. Industrial heritage is being renovated here into hip and modern sights. It is an emerging area where a lot is currently still being built and renovated, but there is already a lot to experience.
For example, take a look at Hotel de Timmerfabriek (Location here). The former Rijks Monumentale Timmerfabriek from 1944 has been converted into a 4-star hotel with Gastrobar. The hotel is beautiful both inside and out. Have a look in the lobby and take a seat at the bar or on the terrace for a drink.
Tip: If you want to spend the night in Vlissingen, Hotel de Timmerfabriek is highly recommended! It has beautiful modern furnished suites, lodges and penthouses, where they have had a great eye for detail. Click here for prices and availability.
Then stroll along the quay and take a look at the most beautiful and largest yachts and ships. Also De Welding shed (Location here) is a great place in the Scheldekwartier. Fun events are regularly organized in this former workshop.
7. Eat a cake at Tilly Rose
A still relatively undiscovered gem in the city center Tilly Rose (Location here) on the Old Market. Not because the cute turquoise-colored building doesn't stand out, but because there are many other eateries around it and perhaps not many people have tasted the delicious baked goods.
Tilly Rose is a paradise for the sweet tooth among us with cakes, pastries, cupcakes and much more. Once inside you are welcomed by a lot of cosiness, the smell of fresh baking and especially lots of pink. A big recommendation here is the high tea, which you can make as elaborate as you want, but don't miss the homemade scones with lemon curd because they are fantastic! Not such a fan of all sweets? Then take a look at the lunch menu for a wide choice of sandwiches.
8. Dive into Vlissingen's maritime past
Vlissingen has a long maritime history. You have probably already seen this in various places in the city center. Today, more than 50.000 large ships still pass through the city each year.
If you want to learn more about Vlissingen's maritime past and the Delta Works, a visit to the muZEEum (Location here) in the center is a must. The muZeeum is fun and interesting for young and old with unique exhibitions, collections and educational programs. Don't forget to visit the turret of the former city palace. From here you have a beautiful view over the city, the fishing harbor and the Western Scheldt.
9. Dine in a unique location
Vlissingen is packed with restaurants, both in the city center and on the boulevard. Perhaps the most unique restaurant can be found on the boulevard, namely The Prison Tower (Location here). This national monument dates from 1491 and is still one of the original towers of the Westerpoort.
Today, this historic building houses a restaurant, where you can enjoy good dishes in a unique location with a beautiful view of the sea. On the menu you will find a varied selection of fish and meat dishes. I chose the chef's surprise menu and everything was delicious! The restaurant fills up quickly so reservations are recommended.
Did you know you can also stay in De Gevangentoren? They have an attractive luxury suite with a balcony, bath and sea view. Click here for prices and availability.
10. Take the ferry to Breskens
When you have seen all the nice places in the city, there is still plenty to discover in the area. So is a day trip to Middelburg, Saltland of Veere a good idea. Or, even more fun, take the ferry and visit the neighbors across the street Dutch Flanders.
You can of course leave for Zeeuws-Vlaanderen by car, but a trip with the is much faster and more fun Western Scheldt Ferry (Location here). In addition, this is the perfect way to see the area from the water. A ferry departs several times a day from the port of Vlissingen Breskens. It is possible to bring a bicycle for a fee to explore the area.
Also read: 5 original ways to discover the Netherlands
