Breda

Introduction

Located in the southern part of the Netherlands within the province of North Brabant, Breda sits at a historic geographical point where the Mark and Aa rivers meet. The city's name originates from these waterways, reflecting its position at their confluence.

You will find this city situated as part of the Brabantse Stedenrij. Positioned equidistantly between Rotterdam and Antwerp, Breda offers a central location within the region.

Before you go

You can find local assistance at two different tourist information offices within the city. The primary office is located across from the train station, while a smaller location with more limited hours sits on the Grote Markt.

While you can feel safe walking alone through the streets at night, remain vigilant regarding your surroundings. If an unknown person approaches you to ask if you would like to transport packages to France or Belgium, ignore them entirely. Additionally, be aware that local coffeeshops will only sell cannabis to residents of the Netherlands and will require proof of residency before making a sale.

Getting there

You can reach Breda through an extensive public transportation network that connects the city to various hubs across the Netherlands and Belgium. If you arrive by plane at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, you can take a high-speed Intercity Direct train from the station located directly beneath the terminal. Travelers arriving at Rotterdam The Hague Airport or Eindhoven Airport can catch a bus to their respective railway stations before transferring to an Intercity train toward Breda. For those flying into Brussels Airport, you can choose between direct trains or shuttle bus connections from both Brussels and Charleroi airports.

Breda serves as a major railway hub where several lines meet, providing easy access to cities like Utrecht, Arnhem, and Tilburg. You can reach almost any part of the Netherlands from Breda with just one train change. If you prefer to travel by car, the city is accessible via the A27 from Amsterdam, the A16 from Rotterdam, or the E19 from Antwerp. Additionally, an overnight ferry service connects Hull in England to the nearby port of Rotterdam.

Getting around

You can easily explore the city centre and most of its sights on foot. If you prefer to travel by bike, bicycles are available for rent at the train station bike parking.

The city bus provides another way to navigate, circling through town. You can use 9292 to plan your trip and pay for your fare using a contactless debit card.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred atmosphere and level of comfort. For a mid-range stay, you might opt for spacious rooms with friendly staff located just outside the city center, or choose a spot in the heart of town within a lively bar district where simple but good rooms are available.

If you prefer a more luxurious experience, you can stay in a boutique hotel set within a complex of converted historic residential and religious buildings. For those seeking an outdoor experience, camping options provide both chalets and space for tents outside the city center.

Food & drink

You can find a wide choice of restaurants throughout the city centre, particularly around the historic market squares such as Grote Markt, Havermarkt, and Veemarktstraat. Depending on your preference for atmosphere, you might choose to dine in an old Brabant setting featuring traditional Dutch cuisine, enjoy sophisticated potato-based dishes with many vegetarian options, or opt for contemporary French fine dining. For a more casual experience, visit a food hall featuring multiple kitchens serving global cuisines, a bakery and pastry shop offering lunch and coffee, or a local snack shop specializing in fries with various sauces.

Explore the local beverage scene by sampling real Belgian and Brabants beer at the Grote Markt or Havermarkt, where you can also experience the nightlife on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. You can visit a museum decorated with antique posters and enamel signs to sample a wide variety of local and foreign beers, or head to a brewery-operated bar for a selection of hipster beers. Other options include an Irish pub popular with the expat crowd that serves Guinness, or a bar near the city museum where you can enjoy local beers alongside traditional Dutch snacks.

What to see and do

Explore the historic heart of the city by visiting the Grote Kerk, a Brabantine Gothic structure featuring a massive organ and the Prinsenkapel. Nearby, you can find the understated 18th-century architecture of the Old City Hall or admire the Renaissance-style Castle of Breda from the outside. For a more tranquil experience, visit the Begijnhof to see its charming courtyard and herb garden, or visit the Sint-Antoniuskathedraal, which stands out for its rare neoclassical style. If you prefer nature, head south to the Mastbos forest for a hike among red pines and ponds, or visit Bouvigne Castle, which is surrounded by water and three gardens.

You can immerse yourself in local culture through various activities:

• Rent a canoe to navigate the city's canals.
• Enjoy a picnic in the spacious Valkenberg park.
• Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Carnaval in the city center during February, where the area becomes known as Kielegat.
• Attend the Breda Jazz Festival in May to enjoy large outdoor concerts.

Three days in Breda

Day one, you can explore the historic atmosphere of the Brabantse Stedenrij. You might wander through the Grote Markt or visit the nearby Havermarkt and Veemarktstraat to experience the local character of the area.

Day two, you can take in more of the Dutch scenery. Depending on your interests, you can explore different parts of Brabant while enjoying the surroundings of the Mark and Aa.

Day three, you can spend your final day taking in the sights of Breda before preparing for your onward journey through the region.