Sluis is a small town in Zeelandic Flandersin, in the west of the Southern Netherlands. Although it was largely destroyed by Allied bombs in WWII, the city walls, belfry and windmill in the centre of town give this nicely rebuilt place a historic touch. It's just a few kilometres from the coast and sits right on the Dutch-Belgian border, which makes it a popular day-trip destination for Dutch and Belgian visitors alike.

Get in

The typical way to get here is by car, and the N53 is the only main way into town. It connects to the E34 to the south/west. The connection to the Dutch highway network is north via Terneuzen, via the N62 causeway over the water of the Westerschelde, and then on to the A58/E312. To get here by public transport, head to Vlissingen and then take the ferry boat to Breskens. Once in Breskens, take bus 42 to get to Sluis. A single journey will take about 1.5 hours.

Get around

To town is small and everyone gets around on foot.

See

• Stroll along the remains of the historic city walls
• See the belfry, the only one of its kind in the Netherlands
• Visit the windmill in the centre of town. It's called De Brak and was constructed in 1739. In season, you can get inside for a small fee, but you can also buy traditionally made flower here of have lunch in the small café.

Eat

Until a few years ago, this tiny town was home to probably the best restaurant in the country, attracting visitors from all over the world. The decision of celebrity chef Sergio Herman to close his 3 star restaurant Oud Sluis and move to a larger location in Antwerp was the end of high level fine dining in Sluis. Yet, it has not left visitors out of options. No, there are no Michelin star restaurants left, but there are plenty of places that serve descent meals. The best places get overcrowded in high season, so if you've set your mind on one, it's best to make a reservation.

• Grill Restaurant Passie, Nieuwstraat 83, ☏ +31 117 71 26 30. This place out of the busy town centre serves great steaks and other grilled dishes in a nicely decorated restaurant. You can see how the food is prepared on the grill. Good value for money too. 
• Tearoom Petrus en Paulus, Oude Kerkstraat 11. Service can be a bit hasty in season, and the place gets crowded in town. That's because this tearoom is the go-to place for waffles and pancakes. 
• Romagna, Kaai 7, ☏ +31 117 462 438. Head to Romagna for Italian food. The sabayon for dessert also comes recommended. 

Go next

• Vlissingen is a nice Dutch harbour town not far away.
• Middelburg is another historic Dutch town, and the capital of the Dutch province Zeeland.
• Bruges, one of the most beautiful cities of Belgium, is about a 40 minute drive from here.
• Zeebrugge is a popular Belgian sea-side resort. From here, ferries also leave for the United Kingdom.