Zwolle on a Budget: 5 Days of Adventure!

Discovering the charm of Zwolle without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Zwolle, Netherlands offers a budget-friendly destination for travelers. Visitors can explore the charming city center with its historic architecture and quaint streets lined with cafes and shops. For outdoor activities, the nearby nature reserves and parks provide an opportunity for hiking, biking and picnics without breaking the bank.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Discovering Zwolle

  • Check into the Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Ter Borch, a luxurious hotel in the heart of Zwolle.
  • Take a walking tour of the city's historic center, admiring the stately townhouses and picturesque canals.
  • Stroll through the Sassenpoort, one of the city's medieval gatehouses.
  • Visit the Museum de Fundatie, housed in a striking neoclassical building, to explore the many works of Dutch and international art.
  • Sample local delicacies at the city's best bakeries and cafes.
Day 2

A Day in the Outdoors

  • Rent a bike from Velotrend, and cycle along the scenic Zwarte Water river.
  • Explore the lush forests of the Hoge Veluwe National Park.
  • Take a dip in the nearby Dutch beaches or go windsurfing on the IJsselmeer, one of Holland's largest lakes.
  • Visit the quaint medieval town of Hattem, known for its delightful cobbled streets and stunning architecture.
  • Head back to Zwolle and indulge in a hearty meal at one of the city's many restaurants.
Day 3

A Relaxing Day by the Canal

  • Spend the morning at the Zwolle Market Square, browsing the boutiques and artisanal shops.
  • Take a boat tour of the city's waterways, passing by charming old houses and greenery.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch and sip on some local wine by the canal.
  • Go to the wellness center Thermen Bussloo for a peaceful and rejuvenating massage.
  • End the day with some mind-blowing patisseries and desserts at the Schuurman Chocolaterie & Patisserie.
Day 4

Culture Crawl of Zwolle

  • Start the day with the Zwolle Cycle Tour of the numerous historic landmarks of Zwolle.
  • Visit the Grote Kerk, a landmark medieval church that doubles as a concert venue.
  • Head to the Overijssels Museum, which showcases a wide range of exhibits from local history to contemporary art.
  • Stroll around the lush Botanical Gardens, taking in the exotic flora.
  • Try something new, perhaps a vegetarian or vegan meal, at the Buurman & Buurman restaurant.
Day 5

Fun-filled Adventure Day

  • Take the bus to Walibi Holland, one of the best amusement parks in the country.
  • Get your adrenaline pumping with thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and scary mazes.
  • Once exhausted, head back to Zwolle and relax in the hotel's luxurious spa.
  • Visit the Poppodium Hedon, a lively music venue featuring local and national acts.
  • Satisfy those hunger pangs with a tasty pizza at the cozy La Galleria restaurant.

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.

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