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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
324 reviews
Excellent
157
Very good
149
Average
17
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands3,415 contributions
Nov 2021
Very pleasant square with a large variety of historic buildings dating from the 1500s to art-nouveau early 20th century. Of course the Waag (weighing house) from 1528 stands out.
Unlike Rotterdam or Arnhem the city escaped major destruction during WOII. With a population of just over 100,000 inhabitants, Deventer has kept its laid back Dutch style ambiance and does not feel as 'cosmopolitanized' as the major cities in the west of the Netherlands.
Biggest improvement: the square is car free since 1993. So lots of terraces and space except for market days.
Unlike Rotterdam or Arnhem the city escaped major destruction during WOII. With a population of just over 100,000 inhabitants, Deventer has kept its laid back Dutch style ambiance and does not feel as 'cosmopolitanized' as the major cities in the west of the Netherlands.
Biggest improvement: the square is car free since 1993. So lots of terraces and space except for market days.
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mireille B
Ramnicu Valcea, Romania680 contributions
Aug 2019
I visited the old hanseatic town ,on a sunny day ,being surprised by the huge public market ,a kind of living room of the city ,where visitors are welcomed ,with a smile in the Tourist Office building ...and what a building , I looked happily at a a monumental Renaissance facade with the sculpture of a rich merchant ,Herman Penninck ,who ordered its construction in 1568.
The statue of Albert Schweizer must be mentioned here.At number 84 I entered in a Gingerbread shop ,bearing in mind that ever since the 15 th century Deventer was famous for its cake .
On the edge of the marquet stands the splendid building of the Weighing house ,from 1528 ,it played an important role in the trade of the city ,It is now the history museum of Deventer ...Behind the Waag I took a nice picture of one of the most beautiful buildings from the 16 th century ,the house The Three golden herrings built in the Flemish Renaissance Style .
The Wilhelmina fountain watches the fortunes of the town .The atmosphere of the marquet is full of life and happy tourists have a drink at a terrace .Deventer is charming and calls me back.
The statue of Albert Schweizer must be mentioned here.At number 84 I entered in a Gingerbread shop ,bearing in mind that ever since the 15 th century Deventer was famous for its cake .
On the edge of the marquet stands the splendid building of the Weighing house ,from 1528 ,it played an important role in the trade of the city ,It is now the history museum of Deventer ...Behind the Waag I took a nice picture of one of the most beautiful buildings from the 16 th century ,the house The Three golden herrings built in the Flemish Renaissance Style .
The Wilhelmina fountain watches the fortunes of the town .The atmosphere of the marquet is full of life and happy tourists have a drink at a terrace .Deventer is charming and calls me back.
Written September 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kentishtownboy
Nijmegen, The Netherlands131 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
Deventer a city on the river Issel that flows into the old Zuider Zee was founded in 768 by an English evangelist named Lebuinus. On the site of his wooden church stands a brick and stone cathedral of medieval splendor whose massive brick built tower dominates the tightly wedged streets where every house is a delight for any visitors eye. On the southern side of the city lays De Brink, the largest open air market in Europe. When empty its like a parade ground, except that the manoeuvre's are for trade. This is the secret of the city. Where for hundreds of years it helped to unify a medley of European states, large and small. Pay a visit to the old Weigh-House, whose brick built towers and turrets slope at all angles and look as if they will fall onto the artistically laid out flower market. Here you will find the History Museum and learn of how this city became a centre of social democracy 600 years ago. For me guided tours means standing around too long. Take a map. Seek your own path. The citizens are very helpful. Its in their genes. Many small shops with old world objects. Good pubs and places to eat. Albert Schweitzer made the city his home. Today in the narrow Wal Street 25,000 people visit an annual Charles Dickens Festival. Now that's a surprise and I thought he was a fellow Londoner, a cockney who was a good newspaper reporter and story teller but who, as the film, ''The Invisible Woman" would have us believe that he was a very naughty boy where his wife and ladies of pleasure was concerned. But then some would say that this can also be seen as a delight of living. A city not to be missed.
Written April 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sjurontour
Amsterdam, The Netherlands272 contributions
Jun 2020
We enjoyed having drinks in the afternoon on this lovely square and visiting the farmers' market on Saturday. Even in Corona Times this was very enjoyable.
Written June 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ms. H
Deventer, The Netherlands66 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
Okay before going out check what's happening around the square. From couples taking a walk after their wedding at the council to a full movie night for free. It full of different amazing events. Even the weekly market for all the amazing fresh vegetables and fruits. You might even catch an exhibition on #cans or bottle caps 🤓
Written November 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rene Kreeftenberg
Deventer, The Netherlands185 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
At least once a week there is a market on the square. In spring and summer there are lots of events like art and open air cinema. Just a great place to sit drink beer and watch the scenery
Written September 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
roboskar
London, UK29 contributions
Aug 2014
The Brink is the central plaza of Deventer, where the market is held (Friday mornings and all day Saturday), and where many other activities take place throughout the year, most notably for key events of the Deventer op Stelten (Deventer on stilts), and for the August book fair. All around the periphery are restaurants and bars, which also have outside seating areas and gives the Brink a cordial, café culture atmosphere year round, but especially during the summer season.
It amused me the first time I was here because I could say, “I am standing on the Brink!” (On The Brink was also the title of my first exhibition in London).
At the southern end of the Brink sits the Waag building, topped by a clock tower, and three corner towers. It leans over slightly, as if it is slowly sinking into the sandy soil beneath the cobble bricks. Up until a couple of years ago it was used as a historical museum, but now it’s future is uncertain. Only the front part of it is used as a tourist information office.
Seems to me it would be an excellent venue for an Art Gallery, and would help secure the town’s cultural aspirations.
It amused me the first time I was here because I could say, “I am standing on the Brink!” (On The Brink was also the title of my first exhibition in London).
At the southern end of the Brink sits the Waag building, topped by a clock tower, and three corner towers. It leans over slightly, as if it is slowly sinking into the sandy soil beneath the cobble bricks. Up until a couple of years ago it was used as a historical museum, but now it’s future is uncertain. Only the front part of it is used as a tourist information office.
Seems to me it would be an excellent venue for an Art Gallery, and would help secure the town’s cultural aspirations.
Written July 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
monsoonshowers
Deventer, The Netherlands8 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
The center of action in Deventer - Especially during deventer op stelten, or koningsdaag. Its the town square, whats not to enjoy!
Written April 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Monique S
Deventer, Overijssel, Netherlands110 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
Heart of the city of Deventer is De Brink, a large square, surrounded by old trees and old buildings. In the evening the trees are lightened by thousend small bulbs. Very pretty! The restaurants and cafes and their terraces give you a nice view, also at the people passing by.
In the summer at Wednesdays and Sundays in the afternoon, all kind of old child plays are at the square. For free. Children love to play and their parents sit down in an easy chair at the terraces. Everybody happy.
At Saturdays a big open market is at the square, a part with flowers and plants, and a part with organic grown food.
The Event of the Year is 'Deventer op Stelten', a festival of performers on stilts. Especially in the evening with light, fire and music it is quite a performence!
In the summer at Wednesdays and Sundays in the afternoon, all kind of old child plays are at the square. For free. Children love to play and their parents sit down in an easy chair at the terraces. Everybody happy.
At Saturdays a big open market is at the square, a part with flowers and plants, and a part with organic grown food.
The Event of the Year is 'Deventer op Stelten', a festival of performers on stilts. Especially in the evening with light, fire and music it is quite a performence!
Written February 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cas d
Curitiba, PR104 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
This market square must be one of my favorite ones. The great amount of bars give the square a very open and friendly atmosphere. On warm days the bars and cafes are full of people that are enjoying a drink. I suggest going there in the weekend, as there will be an open market during the morning until the afternoon. This is where the locals buy their produce for good prices and in a nice atmosphere.
At night it's also worth a visit, as the big building (de Weigh) will be illuminated and during the weekend people will be enjoying a drink in the bars.
At night it's also worth a visit, as the big building (de Weigh) will be illuminated and during the weekend people will be enjoying a drink in the bars.
Written October 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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De Brink (Deventer) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about De Brink
- We recommend booking De Brink tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 De Brink tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near De Brink:
- (0.09 mi) Hotel Royal
- (0.21 mi) FINCH - boutique hotel
- (0.20 mi) Grand Boutique Hotel Huis Vermeer
- (0.10 mi) Bed & Breakfast Zandpoort
- (0.19 mi) Hotel In Het Huis Van Deventer
- Restaurants near De Brink:
- (0.02 mi) Stichting Volkshuis
- (0.02 mi) Sirtaki
- (0.02 mi) De Heeren
- (0.02 mi) Hans en Grietje
- (0.02 mi) Café De Waagschaal