For a relaxing weekend in Schiedam, a place to stay right in the city center is secretly really nice. And better than City Villa Mout As far as we are concerned, that’s not going to happen. The city villa is situated on the Lange Haven, between the old warehouses, harbors, and windmills. You can walk straight into the city for coffee, a drink, or dinner, and then roll back to bed feeling completely stuffed.

The building dates from 1750 and once belonged to the patrician family Van Pelt, who (surprise, surprise) was active in the gin industry. Malt is, after all, the basic ingredient of gin. In 2018, it reopened as a hotel after a thorough restoration, during which many historical details were preserved. There are various rooms, some with views of the harbor, plus a family room and a bridal suite.

We will definitely come back here.

We can really only say: What's in a name?. Blissful It is located right in the historic center of Schiedam, on the oh-so-cozy Grote Markt. You can drop in all day, seven days a week, for everything from breakfast to dinner. When the weather is nice, you naturally do so on the sunny terrace in the middle of the square. There are even blankets ready for you in case it gets chilly (nice!). If you stop by for lunch, the generously filled focaccia with Dutch goat cheese is highly recommended.

Oh, and while you're at it… We forgot to bring some of that delicious (and famous) butter cake from Záálig to the office. Don't make the same mistake we did. Wink.

A weekend in Schiedam without visiting a windmill is actually not done. Of the six historic distiller's mills, is The Whale The place where you learn everything about the history of these windmills. You not only get a glimpse inside the mill, but also immediately hear the story behind the Schiedam gin industry. Via various attics, you climb higher and higher, past old gears and the mill machinery, until you finally reach the viewing platform. There, a beautiful view of the city and that delightful Schiedam skyline awaits.

And there is more: downstairs you will find the mill shop, where you can stop by for coffee and a treat. And go ahead, a bag of mill flour from the shop naturally goes straight home with you afterwards.

Tapas for dinner? Always a good idea. Not only can you eat your fill with far too many dishes that all sound just a little too delicious not to order… but before you know it, you’ll be sitting at the table enjoying a cozy evening. At Oneiria you do that with Spanish tapas, paella, and cocktails Schiedam style.

Oniria is owned by father Genaro and son Blas. Genaro is in the kitchen, adding a little extra love and creativity to the Spanish classics here and there. By all means, try as much as possible, push everything into the middle, and see how far you get. You can't go wrong that way. We will definitely be back for the extensive charcuterie board and solomillo iberico and salsa de pimienta verde (pork tenderloin with peppercorn sauce). Yum.

A café with a name that immediately sets the tone. Yuva In Turkish, it literally means 'nest'. And that is exactly how it feels: like a warm nest. Café Yûva is a garden café en boutique bakery at Broersveld. You can go there for breakfast, lunch, fresh sourdough toasts, salads, and of course coffee with a treat from their own bakery. The toasts are generously topped, and the drinks are excellent too. Very Instagrammable and very tasty. And then there’s that display case full of homemade sweets… Let’s take a look. But the chance that you’ll walk away without something delicious is small. You have been warned.

Moreover, behind the shop there is a lovely terrace overlooking the Kloosterplaats playground. Ideal for the kids, who you really won't be able to get to go home afterwards. In the meantime, you can take a nice moment to completely unwind. Have a chat with the friendly owner, and you can continue with the rest of your trip fully recharged.

As if Schiedam didn't have enough tasty treats already, there is also The Spotted CowDe Bonte Koe has been a household name in the city since 1992 and makes the most delicious chocolate from the old gin distilleries on Hoogstraat. Handmade bonbons, bars, and bouchées in all scents, colors, and flavors. Think gin, pistachio, and rose. So delicious!

However, the fun doesn't stop at chocolate shopping. You can also take a look at the chocolate production in the store. Or even better: book a tour and dive a little deeper into the world of De Bonte Koe. You'll get a look behind the scenes, learn how the chocolate is made, and of course, there's a tasting. Looking at chocolate is fun, but looking at and eating chocolate is naturally better.

And should you happen to have a huge craving for chocolate just outside opening hours, there is always the chocolate vending machine. Yes, a vending machine full of Bonte Koe treats that you can access 24/7. Need chocolate when late night snackThey don't make a fuss about that in Schiedam.

Looking for even more fun or useful tips for Schiedam?
Then be sure to take a look at the website of The Dam.