Dordrecht is known for its historic city center, and nestled among those old buildings, you’ll find a surprising number of unique vintage and antique shops. Especially around Voorstraat and Vleeshouwersstraat, you’ll discover shops full of character, where you can leisurely browse for special furniture, tableware, decorations, and curiosities. That makes an afternoon of shopping in downtown Dordrecht not only fun, but also a real journey of discovery for lovers of vintage and bric-a-brac.
Toro y León: Colorful ceramics
On Vleeshouwersstraat, you'll find the ceramics shop Toro y León, where color and ceramics take center stage. The shop’s name, “Colores Céramica,” says it all: here, everything revolves around colorful ceramics. The products—each one handmade and hand-painted—come from countries such as Portugal, Spain, Morocco, England, Italy, and Indonesia. In addition to ceramics, Toro y León also offers home accessories such as pillows and baskets, as well as kitchen items like bowls, oil cruets, and cups. Since opening in June, the shop has already attracted many visitors. Owners Henriëtte Lindeman and Jimmy Saija explain: “People often come for gifts, but they secretly pick up something for themselves, too. We source our items in small quantities, sometimes directly from the artisans, so you’re always guaranteed something unique. Visitors can’t take their eyes off everything here!”
Pandorus: a sense of nostalgia
At Pandorus a true voyage of discovery through three floors full of surprises awaits you. The store offers a mix of curios, vintage clothing, design, art, antiques, furniture and utility items. Owner Roeland van Beest, who grew up in his family's antiques business, started Pandorus as an addition to the family store Pandora.
"KLM houses are always in demand, especially with tourists," says Roeland. "Vintage items from the 1970s, such as mirrors and lamps, are also doing well." Interest in vintage continues to grow, he notes, especially among people who harbor nostalgic feelings for their youth. "But young people also know how to find us more and more, partly because of the durability of vintage."
Buku & Kopi: Knick-knacks from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s
Especially for lovers of the '50s, '60s and '70s and a bit of the '80s, there is Buku & Kopi, a store that exudes a lot of atmosphere. Not surprising: you will find items from the past that are nicely recognizable. From household items to vases and from home decorations to books from those years, also about the Dutch East Indies and Indonesia. LPs are also part of Buku & Kopi's assortment. In fact, these sell the best!
There is a lot of interest in vintage, owner Henry Monteiro notices, especially among tourists. "I often get compliments on my store. People like to browse around the tables, lamps, newspaper boxes, coat racks and you name it. As long as it's from the '50s, '60s and '70s!"
First Sunday of the month: Dordrecht Art Tour
In the mood for a healthy dose of art and vintage finds? Then check out the Kunstrondje Dordt! Every first Sunday of the month, all year round, you can pop right in to take a look at no fewer than 52 participating venues. An extra bonus: you can also take the tour (for free!) with a city guide, each time with a different theme.
The Kunstrondje Dordt is inseparable from the city and offers the largest selection of any art round in the Netherlands. Whether you are looking for an old postcard or an antique cabinet, there is something for everyone.
Want to find more vintage items?
