Downtown Dordrecht is bursting with atmospheric stores selling vintage, bric-a-brac and much more. This autumn is the perfect time to enjoy an afternoon strolling along all kinds of special finds that give your interior that little bit extra.
Toro y León: Colorful ceramics
On Vleeshouwers Street you will find the new ceramics shop Toro y León, where color and ceramics take center stage. The name of the store, 'Colores Céramica', says it all: here everything revolves around colorful ceramics. The products, all 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, and kitchen items such as bowls, oil pots and cups. Since opening in June, the store has already attracted many visitors. Owners Henriëtte Lindeman and Jimmy Saija explain, "People often come for gifts, but secretly also take something for themselves. We buy in small quantities, sometimes directly from the makers, so you always have something unique in your hands. Visitors feast their eyes here!"
Pandorus: 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: goodies 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!"
Every 1st Sunday of the month:
Kunstrondje Dordt
Fancy a hefty dose of art and vintage? Then take the Kunstrondje Dordt! Every first Sunday of the month, all year round, you can walk into 52 art galleries to have a look around. Extra fun: you can also make the tour (for free!) with a city guide, always 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.
