Nijmegen
Nijmegen is a charming city in the east of the Netherlands that boasts a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a lively cultural scene. Known as the oldest city in the country, Nijmegen is steeped in history, with Roman ruins, medieval buildings, and a network of underground tunnels waiting to be explored. But it’s not just about the past – Nijmegen is also a dynamic, forward-looking city with a thriving student population, great food and drink, and plenty of green spaces to relax in. With its mix of old and new, Nijmegen is a must-visit destination that won’t disappoint.
Which places to visit?
Valkhof Museum – This museum houses a collection of Roman artefacts, medieval art, and contemporary art.
Stevenskerk – A beautiful Gothic church with a rich history, dating back to the 13th century.
Kronenburgerpark – A picturesque park located in the heart of the city. The park was once a private garden for the wealthy. It’s now open to the public and features beautiful gardens and sculptures and fountains.
Hunnerpark – Another lovely park in Nijmegen, perfect for picnics, sports, or just relaxing in the sun.
Waalbrug – A famous bridge over the Waal river that offers spectacular views of the city and the surrounding area.
Grote Markt – A bustling square in the city center with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
De Bastei – A modern museum dedicated to the history and ecology of the Waal river and its surroundings.
MuZIEum – A unique museum that lets visitors experience what it’s like to be blind or visually impaired.
Where to eat?
Bistro Flores – A cozy bistro with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Main courses range from €16 to €26.
De Firma – A trendy spot with a modern, international menu. Main courses range from €16 to €25.
De Meesterproef – A stylish restaurant that showcases local, seasonal ingredients. Main courses range from €20 to €30.
Eetcafé Buur – A friendly neighborhood cafe that serves simple but tasty meals. Main courses range from €10 to €15.
Pasta E Fagioli – A cozy Italian restaurant with a range of pasta dishes and other Italian specialties. Main courses range from €12 to €18.
Lokaal de Ruyter – A gastropub with a creative menu and a great selection of beers. Main courses range from €14 to €20.
De Hemel – A historic brewery that also serves excellent food, including regional specialities like stews and sausages. Main courses range from €15 to €25
Bistro de Bok – A charming bistro that offers a seasonal menu with a French twist. Main courses range from €15 to €27.
Bistrobar Berlin – A trendy spot with a menu that combines German and Dutch cuisine. Main courses range from €15 to €25.
Ultimo – An elegant restaurant that serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a modern twist. Main courses range from €20 to €30.
Popocatepetl – A popular Mexican restaurant that serves flavorful dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos. Main courses range from €15 to €25.
De Portier – A chic restaurant with a seasonal menu that features classic French dishes. Main courses range from €18 to €35.
In a mood for a coffee?
Bairro Alto – A stylish café that serves a range of breakfast and lunch dishes as well as great coffee. Prices range from €3 to €12.
Puck Specialty Coffee – A trendy café that serves high-quality coffee, tea, and light meals. Prices range from €3 to €8.
Café Wasserij De Wit – A unique café located in a converted laundry building that offers a range of breakfast and lunch dishes as well as great coffee. Prices range from €3 to €12.
Kushiin – A vegetarian café that offers a variety of healthy and tasty dishes as well as great coffee. Prices range from €3 to €10.
Fika – A cozy coffeehouse that serves delicious sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. Prices range from €5 to €10.
Café Apart – A quaint café that serves breakfast, lunch, and great coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. Prices range from €3 to €10.
Doppio Espresso – A chain of coffee shops that serve high-quality coffee, tea, and snacks. Prices range from €3 to €7.
Fresca – A vegetarian restaurant that offers a variety of healthy and tasty dishes, as well as great coffee. Prices range from €3 to €10.
Bairro da Tapada – A cosy café that serves delicious coffee, tea, and pastries in a warm atmosphere. Prices range from €2 to €5.
Banketbakkerij Hanssen – A traditional Dutch bakery that serves a range of sweet treats and coffee. Prices range from €2 to €5.
Fancy a drink?
Pauw – A cosy bar with a wide range of beers, cocktails and spirits. Prices range from €2.50 to €6.
De Blauwe Hand – The oldest cafe in Nijmegen, serving beer and snacks in a historic setting. Prices range from €2.50 to €5.
Cafe Van Buren – A stylish bar that hosts live music and DJs, with a range of cocktails and beers. Prices range from €4 to €8.
Cafe Samson – A cosy cafe that serves beer, wine, and spirits, with a great selection of board games. Prices range from €2.50 to €6.
De Hemel – A brewery and cafe that serves a range of beer and Dutch cuisine, in a beautiful historic building. Prices range from €4 to €20.
Paak Vinyl Bar – A trendy bar that serves craft beer and cocktails, with a great selection of vinyl records. Prices range from €5 to €10.
Cafe Trianon – A popular bar that serves beer, wine, and spirits in a lively atmosphere. Prices range from €2.50 to €6.
Cafe Daen – A stylish cafe that serves coffee, wine, and cocktails, with a range of delicious snacks. Prices range from €3 to €12.
Hidden Gems
Cenakelkerk – A beautiful and historic church that is a hidden gem in Nijmegen (on the picture). It features stunning stained glass windows and a peaceful atmosphere.
The Honig Complex – A former industrial site that has been transformed into a hub for creative businesses, restaurants, and bars. It’s a unique and eclectic spot that’s worth exploring.
Valkhof Park – A beautiful park with stunning views of the Waal river and the city. It’s a great place for a peaceful stroll or a picnic.
Marienburg Chapel – A beautiful and historic chapel that is tucked away in the city center. It’s a peaceful and serene spot that’s worth a visit.
De Refter – A historic building that was once a monastery, now transformed into a student restaurant. It has a beautiful courtyard and a unique atmosphere.
Stadsschouwburg – A beautiful theater that hosts a range of performances, from plays to musicals. It’s a hidden gem for culture lovers.
Ooijpolder – A stunning nature reserve just outside of the city, featuring beautiful hiking trails, birdwatching, and stunning views of the landscape.
Het Labyrint – A hidden gem for puzzle enthusiasts, this escape room offers a unique and challenging experience for those who love puzzles and riddles.
Where to go for a walk
The Nijmegen city walls
Nijmegen has a long history of fortifications, and remnants of the old city walls can still be seen in places around the city. The best-preserved section of the wall is near the Valkhof Park.
The “Two Bridges” route
This is a popular walking and cycling route that takes you along the Waal river and across the two bridges that connect Nijmegen with the neighbouring town of Lent. The route offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline. This route is described in more detail below.
The Oversteek
The Oversteek is a modern pedestrian and cycling bridge that spans the Waal river and connects Nijmegen with the town of Lent. It’s a beautiful and iconic landmark in the city, with a unique design that features a series of tall, illuminated arches.
The "Two Bridges" route
The Two Bridges route is a popular walking and cycling route that takes you along the Waal river and across the two bridges that connect Nijmegen with the neighbouring town of Lent. The route is about 7 kilometres long and offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline.
The first bridge you cross is the Waalbrug, a beautiful and iconic bridge that dates back to the 1930s. It’s a suspension bridge that features two large towers and a beautiful view of the city. The Waalbrug played an important role in the Second World War, as it was a strategic target for the Allied forces during Operation Market Garden.
After crossing the Waalbrug, you’ll arrive on the island between the two bridges, where you’ll see the impressive Nijmegen Helmet statue, a large and impressive sculpture that is a tribute to the Roman history of the area.
From the island, you’ll cross the second bridge, the Snelbinder, which is a modern cycling and pedestrian bridge that offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape. As you make your way back to Nijmegen, you’ll pass through the Waalfront, a new and modern district that is currently under development.
The Two Bridges route is a great way to explore the area around Nijmegen and to get some exercise while enjoying beautiful views of the river and the city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s definitely worth checking out.