Middelburg lies on Walcheren and is the capital of Zeeland, reached via the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier. It is a lovely spot for a city trip: a compact old town with a large market square, the imposing town hall and a 12th-century abbey.

What to do

• Admire the town hall (1452–1520) with 25 statues of Zeeland rulers on its façade.
• Climb the Lange Jan (90.5 m, 207 steps) in the Abbey for the view over the city.
• Walk through the Kuiperspoort, a narrow street with old VOC warehouses.
• Visit the Zeeuws Museum, the Vleeshal with contemporary art or the octagonal Oostkerk.
• Photograph the Reigerstraat with the Lange Jan in the background and stroll past the marina.

Practical

• Market days are Thursday and Saturday until 4 pm.
• Middelburg has a railway station; by car you drive via the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier (N57).
• Check the opening hours and prices of the tower and museums beforehand.