Nijmegen
Introduction
You will find history at every turn in Nijmegen, a city situated along the Waal River near the German border. As one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, its roots stretch back to Roman times, where it was among the first locations to receive recognition.
Experience a location with a deep sense of heritage as you explore this historic center within the province of Gelderland.
Before you go
Before you arrive in this southeastern Dutch city, prepare to explore a location with roots dating back to a Roman military settlement. You will find that while much of the historic heritage was damaged during 1944 and subsequent urban planning, the remaining monuments offer a glimpse into a long history involving Frankish lands and trade along the Waal river. The area is known for its calm atmosphere compared to larger Dutch hubs, though you should remain cautious near the river due to constant maritime traffic.
- Visit the tourist information office in the center of town to collect maps and brochures or receive assistance with your bookings.
- Be aware that while the city is generally safe, some individuals may be found near train stations on weekends.
Getting there
You can reach the city by train from various parts of the Netherlands via the Dutch Railways. Frequent connections serve major hubs like Utrecht, where you can transfer to destinations such as Rotterdam or The Hague, as well as toward Zutphen and 's-Hertogenbosch. Regional trains also connect you to nearby locations including Arnhem, Molenhoek, and Venray.
If you are arriving by air, several options exist depending on your starting point:
- Airport Weeze offers a short drive or bus ride into the city.
- Eindhoven Airport provides access via a combination of buses and trains through 's-Hertogenbosch.
- Amsterdam-Schiphol offers direct train connections to the area.
- Flughafen Düsseldorf is an option for those driving, though public transport links from this airport are less direct.
Getting around
You will find Nijmegen to be a very bike-friendly city where the compact downtown area allows you to reach any location within a short walk from the Central Station. For those traveling from the neighborhoods of Lent, Dukenburg, and Heyendaal, or from the nearby town of Wijchen, commuter trains provide convenient access. The local RRReis bus network connects every neighborhood in the city to the center, while also providing regional routes into the suburbs and surrounding towns.
You should avoid using a car unless you are confident in your driving skills, as the city can become congested during rush hour where several main roads meet at an infamous roundabout. Additionally, parking is relatively expensive throughout the area.
Where to stay
You will find a wide range of accommodations in Nijmegen, though budget options are limited while high-end lodging is more plentiful. If you are traveling during the summer festival or the four day's marches, booking your stay months in advance is essential as the city becomes extremely crowded. During these peak periods, you might consider staying outside the city and utilizing the trains and buses that run around the clock.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose from various styles of lodging:
- For a budget-friendly stay near the city centre's bars and restaurants, look for a hostel with friendly staff and clean rooms.
- Mid-range options include hotels in central locations featuring amenities like saunas, fitness areas, or views of the lively main square.
- If you prefer to splurge, you can find boutique hotels offering modern rooms, high-end suites with rain showers and air-conditioning, or well-decorated spaces on the edge of the town centre.
Food & drink
You can find a wide variety of dining options throughout the city center and surrounding neighborhoods. If you are looking for pizza, several establishments offer sit-down service alongside Italian dishes. For those seeking more casual fare, snackbars in the city center serve traditional Dutch snacks as well as Turkish dishes. You can also find specialized international cuisines, including Mexican, Greek, and various Asian options like wok dishes and falafel. In the local area, you can find affordable "eetcafés" on Van Welderenstraat and Kelfkensbos, while some spots offer organic or vegan-focused menus.
For a more refined experience, explore the historic buildings in the center where you can enjoy multi-course appetizers or traditional French cuisine. Some locations offer a selection of tapas or hearty Belgian and Dutch dishes like beef stew and fries. If you prefer to grab something on the go, several supermarkets provide fresh baked goods. For your evening drinks, the city is filled with pubs and cafés; some are known for their large beer selections in picturesque settings, while others serve as hubs for the local activist scene or offer a jazz atmosphere.
What to see and do
Explore the historic heart of this ancient city, where you can visit the Valkhof hill to see a Carolingian chapel and remnants of an imperial castle. From there, walk west through Burchtstraat to view a fifteenth-century town hall before reaching the Grote Markt. Here, you can find a sixteenth-century weighing hall that now serves as a restaurant and the Blauwe Hand, recognized as the oldest bar in a city with a high density of pubs. Continue your walk toward the St. Stevenskerk courtyard to see a fifteenth-century Latin school and the thirteenth-century St. Stevenskerk. Nearby, seventeenth-century houses house various trinket shops.
For a different atmosphere, wander through the neighborhoods east and south of the center. The Bottendaal area offers a pleasant vibe with local pubs and Thiemen Park. You can also explore cultural sites such as the Valkhof Museum, which houses archaeological finds from prehistoric, Roman, and Medieval times, or the Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama to see a collection of bicycles. If you prefer a more modern experience, visit the Africa Museum to view art and culture from across the continent, or browse the pop media franchises at the Aunt Hannie museum.
Three days in Nijmegen
Day one, you can begin your journey in Nijmegen to experience the history of this region. You can walk along the Waal River and cross the Waal Bridge to take in the surroundings.
Day two, you can explore the local area or travel via the Dutch Railways to nearby destinations such as Utrecht, Rotterdam, or The Hague. You can also visit regional locations like Zutphen, Hertogenbosch, Arnhem, Molenhoek, Venray, or Eindhoven Airport.
Day three, you can enjoy a walk along the RijnWaalpad or travel further to see Amsterdam or Schiphol. Alternatively, you can head toward the border area near Flughafen Düsseldorf.