4 Days of Fun in Zwolle - Budget Edition

Discover the charm of Zwolle without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Zwolle, Netherlands on a limited budget can still be an enjoyable experience. Check out the quaint shops and cafes in the historic city center, visit the free exhibits at the Museum de Fundatie, and take a stroll through the picturesque Park de Wezenlanden. Stay in budget-friendly accommodations such as the Stayokay hostel or choose from affordable Airbnb listings.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the City

  • Check into Stayokay Zwolle Hostel, situated in an old prison, complete with original bars on the windows.
  • Take a stroll around the city center filled with gothic architecture, quaint shops and street performers.
  • Visit the Sassenpoort gate, one of the city's most iconic structures and a great photo opportunity.
  • Head to the Museum de Fundatie, housing an impressive art collection, including local Dutch artists.
  • Enjoy a dinner of traditional Dutch cuisine at De Jonge Java.
Day 2

Water Fun

  • Rent a boat and explore the canal systems that wind through the city.
  • Visit the nearby lake, the Wijde Aa, where you can go swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding.
  • Have a picnic in Park De Wezenlanden while enjoying the view or hop on a bike to tour the park.
  • Catch a movie in the evening at the charming movie theater, Filmtheater Fraterhuis.
  • Stop for a delicious vegan snack at Natuurlijk, a cafe that uses organic and local ingredients.
Day 3

History and Culture

  • Take a tour through the Museum of World Art, displaying a unique collection from cultures around the world.
  • Have lunch at Waanders In de Broeren, a former church turned into an enormous bookstore and cafe.
  • Walk to the Grote Kerk Zwolle, a cathedral with an interesting history and impressive architecture.
  • Learn about the city's history at the Stedelijk Museum Zwolle.
  • Dine at Hemmingway, a cozy cafe serving up French and Mediterranean cuisine.
Day 4

Shopping and Relaxation

  • Start the day with a traditional Dutch breakfast at Cafe Foye.
  • Shop for souvenirs along the Diezerstraat, a street with many boutique stores.
  • Relax in a spa and wellness center like Sauna Swoll or Beauty & Wellness Adiva.
  • Visit the Windesheim Castle, a stunning historical building with breathtaking gardens.
  • Finish the evening with dinner and drinks at the cozy Cafe de Singel.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Zwolle by plane is to fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and take a direct train from the airport station to Zwolle Central Station. The journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Car

Zwolle is easily accessible by car from all directions, thanks to its location at the intersection of several major highways. The A28 motorway runs directly through Zwolle and provides easy access from cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Groningen.

Train

Zwolle has excellent train connections from all over the Netherlands. The best option is to take an Intercity train from Amsterdam Central Station to Zwolle Central Station, which takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Boat

While there are no direct water connections to Zwolle, it is possible to arrive by boat via the Overijsselse Vecht. The best option is to moor your boat at one of the many small harbours along the river and take a local bus or taxi to Zwolle city centre, which is around a 10-15 minute drive away.

Bus

Zwolle is well-served by long-distance bus services, with connections to many destinations in the Netherlands and beyond. The best way to get there by bus is to take a Flixbus or Eurolines coach which departs from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station and arrives at Zwolle bus station. The journey time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

More travel plans

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