Nijmegen, Netherlands
Nijmegen is a beautiful city in the Netherlands, surrounded by hills and forests with a rich history that dates back to Roman times. It's a vibrant university town filled with culture and scenic views, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Trip to Nijmegen, Netherlands
Day 1: Arrive in Nijmegen, Explore the City
Welcome to Nijmegen! Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to freshen up. Then, head out to explore the city center. Nijmegen is a beautiful, historic city with plenty of interesting sites. Begin your wanderings by taking a stroll to the Grote Markt square where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, admire the architecture, or take in some shopping. From there you may want to visit the St. Stevenskerk, one of the oldest surviving churches in the Netherlands. In the evening, try some Dutch beer and perhaps a traditional Dutch meal before heading back to your hotel.
Day 2: MuZIEum and De Bastei
Today head to MuZIEum, a unique museum where you can experience what it is like to be visually impaired. You will rely on your other senses as you explore a restaurant, street scene, supermarket and a city park. After lunch at one of the cafes onsite, head over to De Bastei. This is a fantastic museum for those interested in learning about the history of Nijmegen and the surrounding area. Interactive exhibits offer a bird’s eye view of the city from the Roman period all the way to modern times. Don’t forget to take a guided tour of the crypt underneath the building.
Day 3: Valkhof and Het Houten Huis
Begin the day at the famous Valkhof Museum. This museum showcases a wide range of artifacts from the early history of the Netherlands including Roman and Merovingian artifacts, while also featuring a fantastic art collection. Grab lunch at the museum’s café which offers a picturesque view of the Valkhof Park. Afterwards, head over to Het Houten Huis. This splendid museum is dedicated to everything related to wooden toys. Enjoy watching the children’s eyes light up with glee when they spot their favorite toys from years gone by.
Day 4: Stadsschouwburg and Botanic Gardens
Today starts with a visit to the Stadsschouwburg, one of the Netherlands’ oldest and most beautiful theatre buildings. If you are lucky, you may be able to catch a performance or at least go on a guided tour. After lunch head to the Botanic Gardens, a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. Take a tour of the gardens to discover the vast array of exotic plants and flowers from around the world.
Day 5: Kronenburgerpark and Molenhoek
Begin today at the Kronenburgerpark, one of the most beautiful parks in Nijmegen. Located in the city center, this park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. Later take a train to Molenhoek, a nearby village known for its picturesque scenery and several hiking trails. Be sure to stop at one of the local cafes or restaurants for a hot cup of coffee or perhaps a Dutch treat.
Day 6: Museum Het Valkhof and De Refter
Explore Museum Het Valkhof, which offers art and cultural history from antiquity to the present day. Don’t forget to check out the collection of modern art as well. Afterwards, discover one of Nijmegen’s hidden gems, De Refter, a charming restaurant set in a medieval building that serves delicious, organic food with a focus on local ingredients. This is a true culinary experience and definitely worth booking for dinner in advance.
Day 7: Final day, Goffertpark and Shopping
Wrap up your trip with a visit to the Goffertpark, a huge park with a pond, playground, and many walking paths. In the afternoon, indulge in some retail therapy. Nijmegen has a variety of unique shops and boutiques where you can find everything from art and clothing to vintage furniture and books. Make sure to stop for a drink and some people watching at a local cafe before catching your flight home.
