Discover Middelburg, the Charming Capital of Zeeland
Middelburg, the proud and compact capital of Zeeland, effortlessly combines historic charm with modern amenities. As the smallest provincial capital with over 42,000 inhabitants, Middelburg offers a unique opportunity to see and experience a lot in a short time. The city is rich in more than 1,150 national monuments, making it the seventh municipality in the Netherlands in terms of the number of monuments. This rich history is visible in every corner, from beautiful old buildings to well-preserved monuments.
As you stroll through the atmospheric streets, you not only experience the historic ambiance but also the vibrancy of modern shops, diverse activities, cosy terraces, and excellent restaurants. This combination of old and new ensures your holiday is both relaxing and enriching.
Versatile and Atmospheric Shopping Streets
Middelburg has a cosy shopping centre. There are intimate squares, lovely streets, and cosy cafes. In addition to the major retail chains, you will also find unique boutiques, galleries, and art shops.
The weekly shopping evening in Middelburg is on Thursday evening until 9 pm.
Every first Sunday of the month is a shopping Sunday; many shops are open from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Every Thursday, one of the largest weekly markets in Zeeland is held on the Market in Middelburg. You can visit many stalls selling meat, vegetables, fruit, and clothing.
Events and Activities
Middelburg is a vibrant city with a rich calendar. Each year, the city hosts a series of popular events that reflect the unique character of Zeeland:
Mussel Festivals and Food Truck Festivals: Celebrate the local cuisine with delicious seafood and a wide variety of culinary delights from food trucks.
Ring Riding, Folklore Days, and Fun Fair: Traditional events that highlight the rich culture and history of the region, with equestrian sports, colourful clothing, and exciting fairground rides.
Markets and Fairs: Evening and Night Markets, book markets, flea markets, and antique markets offer an abundance of local produce, vintage finds, and unique treasures.
Four Freedoms Awards: A prestigious award ceremony in honour of world leaders who promote the four freedoms (freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear).
Winter Ice Rink on the Market: During the Christmas holidays, the Market is transformed into a winter wonderland with an atmospheric ice rink for the whole family.
The historic and compact layout of Middelburg makes it an ideal destination for a day trip or a longer stay. Thanks to the small size of the city, you can easily discover the icons and hidden gems on foot, making every walk an exploration. The most beautiful historical sights in Middelburg include:
The Abbey: This historic complex is the heart of the city.
The Long John: Climb this tower for a breathtaking view over the city.
The Old Town Hall: An architectural masterpiece that reflects the rich history of Middelburg.
Behind the Abbey, you will discover historic streets such as the Spanish Street and Dam Square, each rich in national monuments.
This route below lists our 16 favourite and most photogenic spots (in no particular order) in the historic centre of Middelburg.
1 Abbey (Abdij)
The Abbey is located in the city centre and consists of a circular building with multiple towers, various gates and in the middle, the Abbey Square. Here, numerous events are held in the summer. Additionally, you can visit the Zeeuws Museum or take a break on the café terrace.
Onder den Toren 1
1.1Abbey Tower De Lange Jan
In the stunning historic center of Middelburg rises the imposing Abbey Tower De Lange Jan, a proud symbol above the many monuments that the city boasts. This historic tower not only offers a ...
Experience the cultural richness and history of the province of Zeeland at the Zeeuws Museum(Zeeland Museum), located in the heart of Middelburg. An engaging journey through time, from the ...
Discover the serene Cloister Walks of the Abbey. The floors are covered with coarse tiles and both the walls and ceilings are expertly masoned, contributing to the authentic medieval atmosphere. The part of the corridor that connects the New Church, the Choir Church and the Abbey Square is freely accessible to visitors during the day.
The cloister also provides access to an idyllic herb garden. A particular object in this garden is a bronze statue of Hans Lipperhey (ca. 1570-1619), the famous spectacle-maker and lens grinder of the late 16th century. The statue shows Lipperhey peering into the sky through the telescope he invented.
Onder den Toren 1
1.4 Choir Church (Koorkerk)
One of the highlights of the Abbey is the ancient Choir Church. Inside, you will find the tombstone of Count William II of Holland, a significant figure in the medieval history of the Netherlands. The Choir Church is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and exudes an aura of spirituality and refinement.
Onder den Toren 1
1.5 Walking Church (Wandelkerk)
Near the Choir Church is the Walking Church, another magnificent space that should not be missed. Here, you will find the imposing tomb of the Evertsen brothers, local heroes known for their brave deeds in defence of the fatherland. The tomb is a tribute to their remarkable achievements and is a masterpiece of sculpture.
Onder den Toren 1
1.6 New Church (Nieuwe Kerk)
Finally, as you continue your journey through the Abbey, you will arrive at the majestic New Church. This impressive church, an example of Flemish Gothic architecture, is renowned for its elegant spire that rises high above the city. Inside, you will find a rich collection of religious art and historical artefacts, offering a fascinating insight into Middelburg's past.
Onder den Toren 1
2Old Town Hall of Middelburg
Visit the historic Town Hall of Middelburg, located at the Market in the heart of the city. Voted the second most beautiful building in the Netherlands. A gem in the capital of Zeeland. What ...
This historical building was used as a shooting range and inn from the 17th century. Nowadays, it houses a grand café and cinema! Extra tip: Climb the tower. At the top, you have a beautiful view over the historic centre.
Achter de Houttuinen 30 (17e eeuw)
4Middelburg Boat Tour
Experience the historic city of Middelburg from a unique perspective with Middelburg Cruise. This relaxing boat trip takes you along picturesque canals and under old arch bridges while you enjoy ...
Discover this former shooting hall in Middelburg, originally built in 1582 and rebuilt in 1970 after being completely destroyed in the city fire of 1940. The carefully reconstructed façade reflects the historical design. After years of serving as an office building, this striking property has welcomed guests as a charming hotel since 2023.
Balans 25
6Molen de Hoop
This picturesque grain and hulling mill from 1735 is a striking landmark on the waters of the Vlissings Bolwerk. The impressive wings are almost 25 metres long and are equipped with traditional Old Dutch lattice work and sails. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, the mill still operates regularly. Although the interior of Molen de Hoop is not open to the public, the outside of the mill still offers a wonderful photo opportunity.
Vlissings Bolwerk 2
7 Fish Market (Vismarkt)
A small picturesque square in one of the nice side streets of Middelburg. Here you'll find vintage design, antiques, flowers, and a delightfully quiet sunny terrace with fresh yogurt ice cream.
8Kuiperspoort
One of the most beautiful and oldest streets in Middelburg. The narrow street is paved with cobblestones and has an exit to the Dam and on the other side a gate that leads to the Rouaansekaai. The gatehouse dates from 1586 and was purchased by the coopers' guild in 1642. Most buildings, including the warehouses, date from the VOC era.
Kuiperspoort
9 Inner Harbour (Binnenhaven)
The inner harbour is a small, quiet harbour area in the centre of Middelburg. This harbour is relatively sheltered, and you can view old warehouses on the Kinderdijk. This harbour, which once played a significant role in the city's maritime trade, is now a serene place to pause and enjoy the view of moored boats and surrounding historic buildings.
Kinderdijk / Rouaansekaai
10 East Church (Oostkerk)
The East Church, built in 1648, is a beautiful example of Protestant Baroque architecture. The church has a distinctive octagonal shape and a beautiful domed tower. The interior is equally impressive, with a magnificent organ and beautiful stained glass windows. Nowadays, the church is used for concerts, lectures, exhibitions, and similar events.
Oostkerkplein 1 (1648)
11Spanjaardstraat (Spaniard Street)
The street with the most national monuments in Middelburg (50 pieces), after Dam (52 pieces). Spanjaardstraat is one of the most historic and picturesque streets in Middelburg. It is named after the many traders from Spain who settled in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, you will find a range of charming shops and beautiful old houses. The street is also home to the historic Saint George's Doelen, once the meeting place of the shooting guild and now a popular venue for events and parties.
12Reigerstraat
The cosiest street in Middelburg, with a beautiful view of Abbey Tower the Long John. In winter, it has atmospheric lights hanging, but in summer it is decorated with colourful umbrellas.
Reigerstraat
13Damplein
The Damplein is surrounded by impressive mansions and boasts no less than 52 historical monuments, including striking buildings such as the Great and Small Christoffel (no. 21), the Roeybaerse and the Posthoorn (no. 8).
Damplein
13.1Graanbeurs
Centrally located on the square stands the striking Graanbeurs, a reconstruction built in 1971 after the demolition of the original, larger building in 1969. The authentic 19th-century columns have been reused, but the rest of the design does not resemble the original. This building, once a bustling trading spot, now serves as the ‘Podio del Mondo per l’Arte’, with works by various conceptual artists displayed on the floor.
Damplein
13.2Gistpoort
On the western side of the Damplein stands the Gistpoort, a Gothic building from 1512, which is also known as the Blauwepoort due to the striking blue stones in the façade. It served as the eastern gateway to the Abbey. Above the gate, there is a statue of Count William II of Holland, who significantly expanded the Abbey in 1255-1256.
Damplein
13.3Emma Monument
On the other side of the square, a limestone statue of Queen Emma (1858–1934), unveiled on 6 September 1937, stands guard. At the base of the monument, it reads: ‘Nederland zij groot is alles waarin ook een klein volk groot kan zijn’. Visitors are invited to sit next to her on the bench for a photo.
Damplein
14Molenwaterpark
Just a short 500-metre walk from the city centre lies the picturesque city park Molenwater. This lush park, nestled on the edge of the old fortress, offers expansive lawns surrounded by a diversity of trees, flowers, and plants. At the centre stands a reflective pond with an elegant fountain. With winding paths, numerous seating areas, and various play areas for children, this is the ideal place for relaxation and entertainment.
Molenwater
15Koepoort
Discover the Koepoort, the only fully preserved monument of the original eight city gates. This elegant gate from 1739, built in the late Louis XIV style, is located on the edge of the historic centre, near the theatre and overlooking the Molenwaterpark and the Bolwerk. Originally a defensive work, the gate now houses two charming B&B apartments, perfect for a unique stay in the city.
Molenwater
16Sjakie's Chocolate Museum
Located in one of Middelburg's most beautiful monuments, Sjakie's Chocolate Museum on the Vlasmarkt offers a unique and sweet experience. Learn all about the development of chocolate, including ...
When visiting the centre of Middelburg, it's useful to know where you can park your car. Here are our recommended parking locations:
Kousteensedijk Car Park - Located on the edge of the centre and ideal for visiting the city centre, this car park offers around 530 parking spaces. Address: Kousteensedijk 3, Middelburg.
Geere Car Park - This car park is close to shops and historical attractions and has around 350 parking spaces. Address: Achter de Houttuinen 30, Middelburg.
Achter de Houttuinen Car Park - A convenient option for visitors to the centre with around 400 parking spaces. Address: Achter de Houttuinen 39, Middelburg.
Het Groene Woud Car Park - Close to the shopping area and the train station, this car park offers around 450 parking spaces. Address: Het Groene Woud 1, Middelburg.
Oude Veerseweg Car Park - This car park offers a more spacious option with around 300 parking spaces and is within walking distance of the centre. Address: Oude Veerseweg 2, Middelburg.
It is advisable to use the car parks as they offer safe and affordable options. From most car parks, you can reach the heart of the historic centre of Middelburg within minutes.
» Whenever you are in Middeburg, you must pay a visit to Veere as well.
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