Shopping in Zwolle

The Diezerstraat, Sassenstraat, Luttekestraat and Oude Vismarkt are well-known shopping streets in Zwolle. The Sassenstraat is actually in the top 10 of the best shopping streets in the Netherlands. In the centre of Zwolle is the Grote Markt, a charming spacious square with terraces, shops and restaurants. Take a look at our best shopping tips along several different routes through the centre!

Visiting by train? Start at the Sassenpoort

From the train station, follow the ‘art route’ from the station hall to the city centre. When you reach the star-shaped city canal, turn right, cross the bridge and you’ll arrive at the historical Sassenpoort. Your shopping spree begins right here, in the Sassenstraat, one of the 10 best shopping streets in the Netherlands. To your left, you will straight away see several nice shops like cook shop Op Tafel, record shop Diskid and Villa Mooi. On your right, is Spotted, a fashion shop with Scandinavian brands, known for their sustainable materials and fine details. A little further along, besides the many fashion shops and cosy little coffee bars, there is Blauwdruck, ’the store in Zwolle for art’. Looking for an original present? They sell, among other things, art from local artists including illustrations, photographs, books, cd’s, ceramics, clothes and paintings. You can also get a bit to eat and drink here.

Visiting by car? Walk from the Diezerstraat to the Grote Markt

When you visit Zwolle by car, simply use one of the many car parks such as the one at Dieserpoort, just north of the city centre. Walk to the city centre via the footbridge across the beautiful city canal, past contemporary theatre De Spiegel. The Diezerstraat is the large shopping street with major brand stores. The small surrounding streets offer all kinds of hip stores and vintage boutiques. In the Nieuwstraat, you’ll find the 101 concept store for fashion, living and gifts. Handmade and unique products from a number of businesses have been brought together under one roof, from postcards and accessories to yoga mats and ceramics. You can’t leave Zwolle until you have been to the extraordinary bookshop Van der Velde in de Broeren (Achter de Broeren). They offer a wide range of books, gifts and knick-knacks. But the location is the real star of this show. Take a load off in the reading café under the domes of this former church. There is also a brasserie and a tourist information point.

Located right in the middle of the historic city centre is the Grote Markt, surrounded by restaurants, shops and monuments. Fancy some lunch? Sit down at one of the terraces or take a look at our 5 tips for lunch in Zwolle. On a summer day, you might consider visiting the city beach at the Rodetorenplein near the water.

Don’t forget to bring a souvenir from Zwolle!

Surrounding the Grote Markt, there are several shops in Zwolle that really should not be missed. The Zwolse Balletjeshuis on the Grote Kerkplein is an authentic small shop where you can buy local candy and gifts. Coffeebar Foodboutique in the Roggenstraat is small but packs a punch! With a passion for organic, fair-trade and locally produced products, it offers an assortment of coffee, tea, chocolate, beer and wines. Last but not least, we would like to point out these fantastic shops with home furnishings: Home Stock (Spoelstraat), Loft (Koningsplein) and Moonloft (Oude Vismarkt). From cool prints and carpets, designer lamps and home accessories like pink poodles and golden flowers to gorgeous handbags and jewellery – you will definitely find something here to take home with you.

Shopping Sunday and parking in the second-best city centre of the Netherlands

Every Sunday offers Sunday shopping in Zwolle. Shops decide for themselves if they are open or not. The shops are open in the evening every Thursday. In the weeks before Sinterklaas and Christmas, there will be more opportunities for shopping in the evening. We do not recommend parking in the city centre. Follow the P-route and use one of the car parks surrounding the centre. Good to know: second only to Amsterdam, Zwolle has the best city centre in the Netherlands (Elsevier 2018).