Zutphen is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, and you can see it everywhere. You stroll through charming streets with historic facades, discover ancient city gates, and find unique spots that recall its rich Hanseatic past. At the same time, Zutphen feels surprisingly lively, with cozy terraces, local shops, and beautiful spots along the IJssel River.
Whether you’re planning a day trip to Zutphen or making it a whole weekend, there’s plenty to discover. Moreover, everything is relatively close together, allowing you to explore the city easily on foot or by bike. From medieval monuments and unique museums to green spaces and inviting eateries, Zutphen has something for everyone.
That’s why in this blog, we’ve listed the best Zutphen attractions for you. Additionally, we provide handy tips for eating and drinking, the best time to visit, and of course, the most enjoyable ways to explore the city.
At a glance: what to do in Zutphen?
There’s plenty to discover in Zutphen. One moment you’re diving into the rich history of the Hanseatic city, and the next you’re cycling along the IJssel or relaxing on a cozy terrace. Here are a few fun tips:
- Visit the Librije, a unique historical chained library at the Walburgiskerk.
- Stroll along the Berkelkade and admire the old city walls and the Berkelpoort.
- Climb the tower of the Walburgiskerk and enjoy the view over Zutphen and the surroundings.
- Hop on a bike and follow the IJssel towards the green countryside.
- Taste local products at the weekly market and explore the cozy cafes and restaurants in the center.
- Walk through the historic city center and admire the warehouses, merchant houses, and other traces of the Hanseatic past.
In short, whether you love history, nature, or good food, Zutphen has plenty to offer for a successful day out.
Why Zutphen is worth a visit
Zutphen is located in a unique spot in Gelderland, on the IJssel River and near the Berkel. This location played an important role in the city’s history. In the Middle Ages, Zutphen grew into a significant trading city and joined the Hanseatic League. Today, you can still see that rich past everywhere, for example, in historic facades, old warehouses, churches, and city gates.
At the same time, Zutphen feels surprisingly cozy. The historic city center is compact, allowing you to easily explore many attractions on foot or by bike. Moreover, amidst all the monuments, you’ll find plenty of charming shops, cafes, and terraces. This makes the city lively without being overly touristy.
What makes Zutphen particularly special is the combination of history and everyday city life. Centuries-old buildings stand next to local specialty shops, and you can enjoy coffee on a terrace with a view of monumental facades. In short, in Zutphen, you don’t have to look far for history; you’ll encounter it naturally during a walk or bike ride.
Zutphen attractions you don’t want to miss
Zutphen is brimming with historical sites. Moreover, many attractions are close to each other, allowing you to easily combine them in one walk or bike ride. Here are a few places you definitely don’t want to miss:
| Attraction | Why visit? | Fun fact |
|---|---|---|
| 📚 De Librije | Discover a unique historical chained library | The library dates back to the 16th century, and the books are still chained |
| ⛪ Sint-Walburgiskerk | Admire the monumental church and its rich history | The church, together with the Librije, is one of the most famous historical sites in Zutphen |
| 🏰 Drogenapstoren | View one of the most recognizable medieval towers in the city | The tower was once part of Zutphen’s defensive works |
| 🌊 Berkelkade | Stroll along the water, historic buildings, and old bridges | Especially on nice days, this is a wonderfully peaceful part of the city center |
| 🖼️ Stedelijk Museum Zutphen | Learn more about the history of Zutphen and the region | A great tip for a rainy day |
Tip: combine these spots with a walk through the historic streets and along the IJssel. This way, you’ll get a great impression of both medieval and modern Zutphen in a short time.
Discover Zutphen by bike with Baja Bikes
If I had to choose one way to explore Zutphen, it would be by bike. Not because the city center is so large, quite the opposite, but because it’s so easy to combine the historic center with the IJssel and its surroundings. Plus, you can stop along the way whenever you come across a beautiful courtyard, unique facade, or view.
During a bike tour of about 2.5 hours, you cover around 10 kilometers. Along the way, you’ll pass the Old Museum Harbor, Walburgiskerk, Noorderhaven, and Broederenkerk. You’ll also cycle past historic courtyards, Art Nouveau facades, and the Berkelruïne. A stretch along the dike by the IJssel is also included. This way, you get a very diverse impression of Zutphen in a relatively short time.
What I particularly enjoy about such a bike tour is that a local guide knows those stories you wouldn’t easily discover on your own. Afterward, you’ll look at a building or street differently than you might have just cycled past. Want to discover Zutphen this way yourself? You can join the Highlights Bike Tour from Baja Bikes. A regular bike is included, and you can also reserve an e-bike if you prefer some extra assistance.
My tip: don’t plan anything else immediately after the bike tour. Find a terrace in the city center or by the water and take a moment to enjoy everything you’ve seen along the way.
Food, drinks, and local tips in Zutphen
After a morning of walking or cycling, it’s time for the equally important part of a city trip: food and drinks. Zutphen has a surprisingly cozy dining scene. Moreover, in the historic city center, you’ll find plenty of terraces, coffee shops, and restaurants within walking distance of each other.
| In the mood for… | Then this is a good idea |
|---|---|
| 🥐 Something local | Try krentenwegge or grab a treat from a local bakery |
| 🧀 Regional products | Wander the market and taste products from Zutphen and the Achterhoek |
| ☕ Coffee & cake | Find a coffee shop among the historic streets of the center |
| 🍻 A drink | Settle on a terrace around the Groenmarkt or Houtmarkt |
| 🍽️ Dining out | In and around the center, you’ll find both cozy eateries and more extensive restaurants |
The market is especially fun to visit during your trip. Here, you’ll find fresh products and local delicacies while getting a glimpse of daily life in the city.
Want to try something typical from the region? See if you can find Achterhoekse krentenwegge. This richly filled currant bread is inextricably linked to the east of the Netherlands and tastes even better with a generous layer of butter.
Finally, a tip: don’t fill your entire day. In Zutphen, it’s especially nice to spontaneously choose a terrace after sightseeing and just sit for a while. This way, you might experience the city at its best.
When is Zutphen at its best?
Each season gives Zutphen a different face. The floodplains are beautifully green in spring, while the terraces add extra charm in summer. In autumn, the historic city center takes on a warm appearance, and in winter, the old streets might be at their most atmospheric.
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Why visit? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌷 Spring | Cool, 8–16°C | Quiet | Green along the IJssel and perfect cycling weather |
| ☀️ Summer | Pleasant to warm, 18–25°C | Busier | Terraces, long days, and plenty of outdoor activities |
| 🍂 Autumn | Cooler, 8–15°C | Quiet | Beautiful autumn colors and atmospheric streets |
| ❄️ Winter | Cold, sometimes frosty | Very quiet | Historic city center and cozy cafés |
Personally, I would choose September. The peak summer crowds have passed, yet the weather is often still great for cycling or walking. Additionally, the lower late summer light along the IJssel creates a beautiful scene. Then head to a terrace or café in the city center, and your day is complete.
Plan your visit to Zutphen
Zutphen might not be the first city that comes to mind, but once you visit, it will pleasantly surprise you. The unique combination of medieval streets, historical facades, cozy terraces, and its location on the IJssel River makes the city special.
Moreover, there’s no need to rush from one highlight to the next. Take your time to wander through the old town, relax on a terrace, and be sure to peek down the side streets. It’s often there that you’ll discover the most charming spots.
In short, whether you’re visiting for a day or making a weekend of it, Zutphen is small enough to explore at a leisurely pace and intriguing enough to keep you entertained.
Frequently asked questions about Zutphen attractions
What are the main attractions in Zutphen?
The most famous attractions include the Librije, the Sint-Walburgiskerk, the Drogenapstoren, the Berkelpoort, and the Stedelijk Museum Zutphen. Additionally, the historic city center is definitely worth a visit, with its old facades, courtyards, and charming streets.
How much time do you need for Zutphen?
One day is enough to see the main attractions. If you also want to visit the museums at a leisurely pace, enjoy a nice meal, and explore the surrounding area, then a weekend in Zutphen is a better choice.
Is Zutphen fun to cycle around?
Absolutely! Zutphen is compact, but by bike, you can easily combine the city center with the IJssel River and the green surroundings. Moreover, the landscape around the city is mostly flat, making cycling suitable for almost any level.
When is the weekly market in Zutphen?
The weekly market in Zutphen is held in the historic city center. Since market days and locations can change, it’s wise to check the current information from the municipality before your visit. This way, you can be sure you won’t arrive at an empty market square.
What makes Zutphen special as a Hanseatic city?
In the Middle Ages, Zutphen was an important trading city within the Hanseatic League. As a result, the city grew into a prosperous trading center on the IJssel River. Today, you can still see that past reflected in the old warehouses, merchant houses, churches, and historic streets. Additionally, Zutphen is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands.