Arnhem travel guide

Arnhem, The Netherlands

By the Travel Wiki editorial team

Arnhem

Introduction

Located in the eastern part of the Netherlands near the German border, Arnhem serves as the capital of the province of Gelderland. You can explore a city whose historical development was shaped by its position on both banks of the rivers Nederrijn and Sint-Jansbeek.

Before you go

Before you arrive, consider the layered history that defines this city. You will find its origins rooted in a location where roads split and streams provided water, long before the Rhine's flow was altered to bring it closer to the riverbank. As you explore, you can trace the legacy of its time as a genteel resort town known for its beauty and its connection to former sugar barons from the Indies. While much of the old center was destroyed during World War II, the modern city that rose in its place stands as a testament to its survival through various occupations and conflicts.

To ensure your safety while exploring the city, be mindful of certain areas during late-night hours:

Getting there

You can reach Arnhem by car via several highways: the A12 connects you to The Hague and the German border, the A50 runs between Eindhoven and Zwolle, and the A325 links Arnhem to Nijmegen. If you prefer rail or bus travel, the city features four stations. Arnhem Centraal serves as the main hub with two exits; the Sonsbeekzijde exit provides access to Park Sonsbeek and a bus halt for international services, while the city side exit offers convenient shops and proximity to the city centre. From this station, you can catch a trolley bus or take various trains connecting to destinations such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Schiphol, as well as regional lines toward Doetinchem, Winterswijk, and Tiel.

The other three stations—Arnhem Zuid on the south bank of the Rhine, Arnhem Presikhaaf near a shopping centre, and Arnhem Velperpoort near the Klarendal Fashion Quarter—connect you to different urban areas. If you are arriving by plane, several airports serve the region. Amsterdam-Schiphol is located to the northwest, while Weeze Airport sits just across the German border to the southeast. You can also fly into Eindhoven Airport to the southwest or Flughafen Düsseldorf, which offers international connections and direct rail links from Arnhem's main station via the RE19 line. For cyclists, the city is situated along EuroVelo 15 and LF-3 routes.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using a fast and frequent trolleybus network, as Arnhem is the only city in the Netherlands to utilize these vehicles for public transportation. The bus station is located next to the train station in the city centre, where you can also catch local buses to nearby cities like Apeldoorn and Nijmegen.

For other ways to travel, you can find several car rental locations throughout the city or choose to use a taxi service, which can be booked by phone for pickups from both local areas and major airports. If you prefer to cycle, a bike rental is available at the Stationsplein near the station exit.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred atmosphere and proximity to the city center. For those seeking convenience near the main transport links, you can stay at a hotel directly opposite the central station or another located nearby in the heart of the city that features a Greek buffet restaurant. If you prefer a location along the water, a hotel on the River Rhine offers views and easy access to local attractions.

For a different experience, you might choose a hostel in the northern part of the city situated near a main bus route, or head toward the outskirts for an elegant country-park hotel nestled within extensive woodland. If you prefer the outdoors, a nearby campsite offers dedicated space for hikers and cyclists, complete with a recreation room.

Food & drink

Savor local flavors in the city center or at the Kronenburg shopping center, where you can find a wide variety of restaurants. For a taste of local tradition, try an Arnhemse meisjes cookie or other classic Dutch treats like stroopwafels available at various vendors and stores throughout the heart of the city.

The culinary scene offers diverse options ranging from Japanese-themed ramen and sushi to Italian pasta and Cuban tapas. If you prefer plant-based dining, several establishments offer vegetarian and vegan menus featuring seasonal vegetables or specialized meat alternatives. For a unique experience, visit a bar where you can draft your own drinks from an extensive selection of beers and wines.

What to see and do

Explore a rich tapestry of history and architecture as you wander through the city. You can admire the Art-Nouveau style of De Gruyterpassage, a long covered pedestrian walkway, or visit the 15th-century Duivelshuis, which features satyrs on its facade. The historic skyline is punctuated by various landmarks, including the neo-classical Koepelkerk, the medieval Sint-Eusebiuskerk with its panoramic viewing platform, and the oldest church in the city, Walburgis. For a taste of local atmosphere, relax at the sidewalk cafés of Korenmarkt or visit the Stadswaag building, which now houses a restaurant. If you prefer to explore the area's heritage through interactive experiences, you can tour the 39 interconnected historic cellars beneath the shopping streets or visit the Water Museum to learn about dikes and sewers.

History enthusiasts can delve into the legacy of the Battle of Arnhem at the Airborne Museum Hartenstein or visit the information center at the John Frost Bridge. The city also offers a variety of specialized museums, including the Trolley Bus Museum for transit fans, the Nederlands Wijnmuseum focused on winemaking, and the Museum voor Moderne Kunst for contemporary Dutch art. For those seeking nature and scenery, you can visit Burgers' Zoo to see animals in their original habitats or stroll along the Rijnkade promenade to see the Waterval Jansbeek and a displayed wharf-side crane. You might also enjoy the expansive grounds of the Nederlands Openluchtmuseum, where vintage trams circle a park filled with heritage buildings.

Three days in Arnhem

Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of the city. Explore the historic atmosphere near the Rhine and wander through the local streets to experience the character of the area.

Day two, travel toward the Sonsbeekzijde and enjoy a stroll through Park Sonsbeek. You can also explore the nearby surroundings to see more of the local landscape.

Day three, visit the Klarendal Fashion Quarter for some shopping before heading toward the outskirts to see the sights near Arnhem Presikhaaf or Arnhem Velperpoort.

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