Things To Do
in Doetinchem
Doetinchem is a compact Dutch city in Gelderland, perched along the Oude IJssel river. It combines a walkable historic center with modern shops, parks, and a lively market scene. The town serves as a gateway to countryside cycling routes, riverfront trails, and nearby cultural spots such as Museum MORE in Gorssel.
With a friendly local vibe and easy rail links to larger cities, Doetinchem makes for a relaxed and authentic Dutch town experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Doetinchem, soaking in the architecture as you pass by the enchanting Sint-Cornelis-kerk. Stop by a local café to enjoy a traditional Dutch breakfast of bread, cheese, and coffee while mingling with the locals. Don’t forget to visit the weekly market for fresh produce and handmade goods.
After lunch, head to the Museum of Doetinchem to delve into the area's rich history and culture through engaging exhibits. As you explore, take in the vibrant street art that adorns many of the buildings in the city. Spend the late afternoon relaxing in the nearby parks, perhaps enjoying a picnic or reading a book under the shade of a tree.
As the sun sets, choose from a variety of local restaurants for dinner, where you can savor Dutch cuisine with a modern twist. For a more relaxed evening, visit one of the cozy pubs to sample local beers while listening to live music. Wrap up your day with a scenic walk along the river, enjoying the tranquil sounds of nature.
Set off early for a day trip to the picturesque Achterhoek region, famous for its rolling hills and charming villages. Enjoy breakfast at a quaint café in one of the villages, experiencing the rural Dutch culture firsthand. After your meal, take a bike ride through the idyllic countryside, surrounded by fields and meadows.
Visit the medieval castle in Vorden and take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history. Afterwards, stop by a local farm where you can taste fresh local produce and perhaps purchase some artisanal goods to take home. Enjoy lunch at a farmhouse restaurant, sampling traditional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Return to Doetinchem in the evening to relax after your adventure. Head to a local theater or performance venue to catch a show or concert. End the night with dessert from a nearby pastry shop, savoring classic Dutch treats like stroopwafels or poffetjes.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee or cappuccino | $3-5 |
| 🧋Soft drink or tea | $2-4 |
| 🚗Taxi ride (short trip) | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable city center with easy access to nature
- Gorgeous river scenery and nearby Achterhoek countryside
- Good value for money and friendly locals
- Strong biking culture and efficient transport links to larger cities
- Nightlife options are mellow compared with larger cities
- Weather can be changeable; rain is common year-round
- Some attractions require short trips to neighboring towns
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het toilet?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ik ben vegetariër" - I am a vegetarian
- "Kunt u het herhalen?" - Could you repeat that?
Places to Visit in Doetinchem
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful, traditional Dutch facades around the central market square provide a classic town-scape, especially with morning light.
Scenic waterside paths and bridges ideal for golden hour photography and reflections.
Green spaces along the river offer portrait shots and candid street photography opportunities.
Functional architecture and busy transit scenes offer urban photography opportunities.
Contemporary sculpture and architecture provide striking exterior shots during day trips.
Food in Doetinchem
Doetinchem Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty mashed-potato and vegetable dish served with smoked sausage, perfect for cooler days.
Must-Try!
Sauerkraut with pork or bacon, a tangy and filling Dutch staple.
Traditional Dutch apple tart with a dollop of whipped cream for dessert.
A selection of regional cheeses paired with dark bread and chutneys.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and ready-to-eat snacks every Saturday in the city center.
Kroket, fries, haring, and other Dutch bite-sized snacks near the market area.
Casual bites like pastries, sandwiches, and warm drinks found in riverside cafés.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be on time for appointments and reservations; punctuality is appreciated.
Stay to the right on bike lanes and announce when passing pedestrians; don’t block sidewalks or crosswalks.
Dutch communication tends to be straightforward; polite, direct asks are common and appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Doetinchem
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is optional and typically around 5-10% for good service in restaurants; rounding up is common for casual spots.
PIN/encrypted debit and credit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and iDEAL are common in the Netherlands. Cash use is declining but still available in smaller venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming parks and countryside; great for walks and outdoor markets; bring a light jacket for midday shifts.
Long days and pleasant evenings; perfect for riverside strolls, bike rides, and al fresco dining; expect occasional showers.
Warm-toned foliage and harvest markets; layer clothing and enjoy scenic rural routes and tranquil town evenings.
Cool to cold with possible frost or snow; indoor cafés, museums, and cozy pubs are ideal for evenings; daylight is shorter.
Doetinchem at Night
Hiking in Doetinchem
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails with varied terrain and scenic viewpoints just a short drive from Doetinchem.
Flat, easy-to-mold paths along the river suitable for casual walks and family hikes.
Rolling hills and rural lanes ideal for longer day hikes or multi-hour rambles.
Airports
How to reach Doetinchem by plane.
Major international hub about 1.5-2 hours by train or car; frequent connections to European cities.
Regional airport with numerous European flights; convenient for short trips within Europe.
German airport near the Netherlands border; accessible for cross-border travel.
Small regional airport in Germany; affordable options for nearby travel, about 60-90 minutes drive.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Families, professionals, and students make up the core community.
Nearby towns and universities bring a youthful presence and cultural activities.
Visitors seeking a relaxed Dutch town experience and easy access to nature.
A growing number of international residents due to regional business and programs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played at community and school levels; local teams and views shared in pubs.
A central part of life here; many residents cycle daily and use scenic routes for recreation.
Common team sports with local clubs and community involvement.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Doetinchem.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Dutch eateries offer meat-free options; look for vegetarian mains or request veggie substitutes. Many cafés have cheese and egg-based dishes suitable for vegetarians.
Ask about vegan options or ingredients; many places can adapt dishes or offer salads, roasted vegetables, and plant-based breads.
Many bakeries and restaurants can accommodate gluten-free needs with careful prep; ask for gluten-free bread or pasta alternatives.