Hidden away along the beautiful Waal River, Nijmegen is one of the oldest cities in The Netherlands, offering calm and breathtaking views, charming restaurants and historical sites. As it has so much to offer it is the well worth the trip and is the ideal getaway! From Breda, it is an easy train connection of only one hour, and as you get off, you're in the heart of Nijmegen, where your day trip begins! This is the first article of the series: ‘Days trips that are not Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Utrecht. A perfect day trip to Nijmegen wouldn't be complete without visiting the following places:
- Waal Beach
- Koningsplein
- Pop Venue ‘Doornroosje’
- Pannenkoekenboot
- Museum ‘MuZIEum’
- Beertasting ‘De Hemel’
- Stevenschurch
- Shopping in Nijmegen
1. Waal Beach
Nijmegen is situated next to the Waal River. On sultry days with a clear blue sky, you can unwind on one of the many Waal beaches, where you can enjoy a stunning view of the Waal Bridge. If you sit on the opposite side of the river, you can also see the Nijmegen skyline. After a long day, a lot of students and residents come here to decompress.
2. Koningsplein
A charming spot in the center of Nijmegen is Koningsplein. The variety of shops interlaced with the terraces makes shopping even more fun. Enjoy the evenings for as long as you can on the terraces before heading out to the numerous cafes on Koningsplein till the wee hours of the morning.
Whether you're in the mood for a drink, a meal, or a visit to a cozy cafe, you should check out the restaurants. Café Opera is one I suggest. At Koningsplein, you may find everything you need for a fun shopping day!
3. Pop Venue Doornroosje
Do you want to spend the evening listening to quality music? Then you should definitely visit Doornroosje! It is a pop venue where you can experience everything from pop and rock to techno, metal, jazz, and hip-hop. Doornroosje is the ideal location for live performances. It caters to all tastes. The pop venue's motto is: "Making life more beautiful with live music, that's what we aim for, We Do Music!” Once you visit you will completely understand!
4. Pannenkoekenboot
The pancake boat is what I'm most excited about! If you are in Nijmegen you MUST eat lunch or dinner here! While traveling on the Waal and enjoying a stunning view of the city skyline and the Nijmegen bridges, you can eat as many pancakes as you want on the pannenkoekenboot. Savour traditional Dutch pancakes while you explore the city from the sea. The new side channel at Lent is also visible from the river! For just €24,50 you enjoy unlimited pancakes on this 75-minute cruise. Can you break the record of (allegedly)18 pancakes? Book your tickets now and prepare for an unforgettable pancake adventure on the water! Tickets are available here.
5. Museum 'MuZIEum'
Have you ever wondered what it's like to see absolutely nothing? How do you search the closet for your favorite shoes? Or how do you navigate the road to the supermarket? Visitors can experience what it's like to be blind or partially sighted at the impactful museum known as the muZIEum. Personal interactions are always at the heart of muZIEum: one person's experience is another's work. Here you will learn what is possible when nothing is visible and
by putting your trust in the experienced hands of an official ‘guide in the dark’. You can choose from a variety of trips, and they all cost €19.75. Do you want to try something entirely new that has an impact and teaches you something? Then MuZIEum is where you have to be! Get your tickets.
6. Bierproeverij 'de Hemel'
Would you like to spend some time with your friends enjoying a delicious beer tasting? 'de Hemel' beer brewery is the best place to visit. ‘De Hemel’ beers are brewed by the City Brewery in the Brouwzaal (restaurant area) and in the cellars of the Commanderie van Sint Jan. On Monday and Tuesday afternoons you can even see brewer Henk live at work during lunch or a high tea. Additionally, the brewery offers guided tours that cover the history of the establishment and the brewing process in great detail. The brewery makes eight varieties of beer in addition to seasonal ones. Naturally, the type of beer you prefer to taste and the amount of beer you want to drink will determine the beer-tasting package you choose. Usually, there is no need to make a reservation; you can just walk in. However, you can make a reservation here if you'd like.
7. Stevenskerk
A visit to Nijmegen is not complete without a visit to the Stevenskerk, literally and figuratively the heart of the city. With its thin columns, the colossal König organ, the exquisite chandeliers, the sunshine streaming in through the Gothic windows, the gorgeous wooden roof, and its extensive serene space, the building's interior is even more remarkable than its exterior. You can climb the tower, which offers a stunning view of the entire city, and take one of the many guided tours that cover a lot of the history of the church and Nijmegen.
8. Shopping in Nijmegen
Lastly, Nijmegen offers a lot of shopping opportunities. As one of the best shopping destinations in the east of the Netherlands, Nijmegen offers a wide variety of boutiques, delicatessens, home furnishings, gift shops, and more. For those looking for major retail chains, these are located primarily on the Broerstraat, Ziekerstraat, Marikenstraat and Plein 1944. Or shop along the Netherlands' oldest retail avenue! In the Lange Hezelstraat's lovely ancient houses, there are shops with 2000 years of experience where you will find quality and fun items, from vintage to beauty. Nijmegen has something for everyone. Need clothes for the festive season or a festival? Then I recommend you to go to ‘new cvltr’, this store is only located in a few places in the Netherlands but has fashionable clothes.
In conclusion, even if Nijmegen isn't as well-known as Rotterdam or Amsterdam, it nonetheless offers much to make a trip there unforgettable. This dynamic city offers a wealth of unique experiences with its thriving cultural scene, rich history, and picturesque riverbank beaches. There is something for everyone, whether it's lounging at Waal Beach, taking in live music at Doornroosje, or sampling regional brews at 'de Hemel'. Regardless of your interests—history, cuisine, or simply a laid-back day out—Nijmegen is sure to make an impression. So, board the train and begin your journey through this undiscovered Dutch treasure!
Credits
Image 1 by photography Jurjen Drenth
Image 2 & 3 by freepick
