Things To Do
in Best
Best is a quiet Brabant town set in a green, wheel-friendly landscape near Eindhoven. Its cozy Markt square and historic church give the center a timeless feel, while easy cycling paths weave through the surrounding countryside. The town serves as a calm base for day trips to Den Bosch and other Brabant highlights.
Expect friendly locals, relaxed pace, and convenient access to modern amenities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by wandering through the quaint streets of Best, where you'll discover charming old buildings and local shops. Visit the historic St. Paulus Church, a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture, and take a moment to appreciate its intricate details. Grab a traditional Dutch breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh bread with cheese and jam while soaking in the morning atmosphere.
After lunch, spend your afternoon visiting the Bestse Heide, a beautiful heathland perfect for a leisurely hike or bike ride. Enjoy the serene views and vibrant wildflowers, capturing the essence of the Dutch landscape. Stop for a picnic amidst nature, relishing local delicacies as you watch the clouds drift by.
As the sun begins to set, head to one of the local restaurants for a taste of traditional Dutch cuisine, perhaps trying a hearty stamppot or fresh herring. Post-dinner, take a leisurely stroll around the village, enjoying the peaceful ambiance under the starry sky. Conclude your evening at a cozy café with a warm drink, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Kick off your day with a visit to the nearby Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen, a stunning natural park filled with forests and ponds. Enjoy a morning hike along the marked trails, where you may encounter various wildlife and beautiful plant life. Capture the tranquility of the morning as you walk along the serene water bodies, breathing in the fresh air.
Post-hike, indulge in a hearty lunch at a local eatery, sampling regional specialties that highlight the flavors of the area. Afterward, explore the picturesque village of Oisterwijk, known for its trendy boutiques and artisanal shops. Spend some time relaxing by the pond, soaking up the sun and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Return to Best and unwind at a local brewery, where you can taste a variety of craft beers brewed with local ingredients. Enjoy a light dinner paired with your drinks, experiencing the vibrant local culture. As the evening settles in, take a leisurely walk back through the village, enjoying the soft glow of the street lamps.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $3-6 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚆Public transport day pass | $6-10 |
| 🛏️Lodging per night (mid-range hotel) | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent cycling and walkability
- Close to larger Brabant cities for day trips
- Relaxed, welcoming small-town atmosphere
- Good value for money compared to bigger cities
- Limited nightlife within Best itself
- Some services concentrated in nearby towns require short trips
- Weather can be unpredictable; pack for all seasons
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Waar is het toilet?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Best
Visit one of these nice places.
The historic Market Square framed by gabled houses and the church spire makes for classic Brabantian street photography, day or night.
Open heathland and tranquil ponds provide expansive horizon shots, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Winding canals and medieval architecture create atmospheric waterway photography just a short trip away.
A traditional windmill setting offers rustic, nostalgic shots of Brabant’s rural heritage.
Food in Best
Best Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Savoury sausages wrapped in pastry, a Brabant classic often enjoyed as a snack or light meal.
Must-Try!
A large chocolate-covered cream puff from nearby Den Bosch, perfect as a dessert or treat after a day of exploring.
Seasonal mashed potato with carrots and onion (hutspot) or traditional stamppot served with smoked sausage, a comforting Dutch staple especially in cooler months.
Fluffy mini pancakes (poffertjes) or caramel-topped waffles (stroopwafels), widely available at bakeries and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly Saturday market offering fresh produce, cheeses, bread, flowers, and local treats in the town center.
Seasonal stalls around the Markt and along pedestrian streets showcase local snacks and street food during festivals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm hello and eye contact are appreciated; the Dutch value direct communication and punctuality.
Queue patiently and yield to cyclists on dedicated bike paths; pedestrians should stay to the right on sidewalks.
Small talk is common; modest gifts are appreciated when visiting homes, but always respect personal space and privacy.
Safety
Tipping in Best
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in the Netherlands; rounding up the bill or adding 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants.
Cards (contactless) are widely accepted; cash is still usable, but digital payments are increasingly standard in shops and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; ideal for bike rides along country lanes and market visits.
Warm days with long daylight hours; enjoy outdoor cafes, lakes, and nature reserves, though expect occasional showers.
Colorful foliage and harvest markets; great for scenic walks and photography in golden light.
Cool to cold with a chance of frost; festive markets and hearty meals are common in town centers.
Best at Night
Hiking in Best
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive heathland and forest trails just outside Best, offering varied routes for all levels.
A larger nature reserve to the east with bogs, heath, and diverse wildlife, great for longer hikes.
Dune landscape with rolling trails linking forests and sandy expanses; excellent for day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Best by plane.
Main regional airport, about 20-25 km from Best; convenient for European flights and domestic connections.
Major international hub roughly 1.5-2 hours by train or car; many long-haul and European flight options.
Smaller regional airport with European routes; good for quick getaways and short trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, professionals commuting to nearby cities, and long-time Brabant locals.
Residents who work in Eindhoven or Den Bosch and appreciate the calm of a smaller town with easy access to larger urban centers.
Brabant’s universities and colleges in the region bring a steady student presence, contributing to a youthful vibe in surrounding areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in town clubs and local leagues; matches are common on weekend afternoons.
A staple activity given Brabant’s flat terrain and scenic routes; many residents bike year-round.
A common sport with local teams and seasonal leagues in Brabant.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Best.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Brabant brasseries offer vegetarian mains and side dishes; ask for meat-free versions of local dishes and look for dairy-free options on daily specials.