Things To Do
in Cuijk

Cuijk sits along the Meuse in North Brabant, a compact town framed by water and green spaces. It combines a calm, village-like atmosphere with easy access to Nijmegen and other Brabant towns, making it ideal for cycling and short day trips. The market square, riverside promenade, and local cafes foster a welcoming, relaxed vibe that invites strolls and idle afternoons.

As a convenient base for exploring rural Brabant and nearby nature reserves, Cuijk offers a friendly gateway to Dutch countryside life year round.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in Cuijk, where you can enjoy freshly baked pastries and strong Dutch coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, admiring the traditional Dutch architecture and vibrant flower displays. Don't forget to visit the impressive St. Martinus Church, which dates back to the 14th century.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, indulge in some shopping at local boutiques and artisan shops, where you can find unique souvenirs and handmade crafts. Visit the Cuijk Museum to learn about the town's rich history, including its role during World War II. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring traditional Dutch cuisine, such as bitterballen and herring.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the riverfront for a picturesque evening walk along the Maas River. Choose a cozy restaurant for dinner that offers views of the water, where you can savor local dishes paired with Dutch beers. End your evening with a relaxing drink at a bar, soaking in the ambiance of Cuijk while mingling with locals.

day 2
Cycling Through Nature Reserves
morning
:

After an early breakfast, rent a bicycle and prepare for an adventure through the stunning nature reserves surrounding Cuijk. Pedal along scenic routes that take you through lush greenery and past tranquil waterways, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the region. Stop at various lookout points to capture breathtaking photographs of the landscape.

afternoon
:

Continue your cycling journey towards the Ravenvenne Nature Reserve, where you can explore well-marked trails teeming with wildlife. Settle down for a picnic lunch amidst the serene surroundings, enjoying the sounds of nature and perhaps spotting some local birds. After lunch, visit the nearby De Maasduinen National Park for more cycling paths and picturesque views.

evening
:

Return to Cuijk in the evening, where you can unwind with a light meal at a local bistro. Enjoy seasonal dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, and perhaps sample some artisanal cheeses. Conclude your day with a gentle stroll through the park, reflecting on the beautiful sights you've experienced.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🏠One-bedroom apartment (city center)$900-1,200 per month
🚆Monthly public transport pass$60-80
🧺Groceries (weekly)$60-90

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable town with river views
  • Great base for cycling and nature trips
  • Close to Nijmegen and other Brabant towns
  • Relaxed, friendly atmosphere
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Less variety in high-end dining options
  • Weather can be changeable; plan for rain
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Dank je wel" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft" - Please/Here you go
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Waar is het toilet?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Cuijk

Visit one of these nice places.

Markt Square and Town Hall

Historic market square framed by the Town Hall and churches, great for golden-hour photography.

Cuijk Riverfront and Maas promenade

Scenic river views, boats, and reflections along the Meuse at sunrise or sunset.

St. Martinus Church and cobbled streets

Classic Dutch church architecture with charming lanes and gabled houses.

Maashorst Nature Reserve viewpoints

Heathland, woodlands, and wildlife provide dramatic landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Cuijk

Cuijk's cuisine blends classic Dutch fare with Brabant hospitality, featuring comforting dishes and seasonal produce. Expect hearty meals, fresh bread, and cheese with simple, satisfying flavors.

Cuijk Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Stamppot with rookworst

A hearty mashed potato dish with vegetables and smoked sausage.

Must-Try!

Erwtensoep (snert)

A thick pea soup popular in winter, typically served with rye bread.

Limburgse Vlaai

A fruity pastry common in the wider region, often found in local bakeries.

Pannenkoeken variations

Dutch pancakes available in sweet or savory styles at local cafes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Cuijk Market (Market Square)

Weekly market with fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and snacks; a good spot to taste local street foods.

Local street food options

Casual stalls and cafés around the market for quick bites and drinks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Cuijk has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cold, wet winters. Rain can occur year-round, so layers and a light waterproof jacket are advisable. Spring and autumn are ideal for outdoor activities; summer brings long days, and winter brings chilly, windy weather.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality and queues

Be on time for appointments; queues are generally orderly and respected.

Greetings and language

A friendly greeting in Dutch helps; many locals speak English; simple Dutch phrases are appreciated.

Biking etiquette

Ride on the right, signal turns, and give way to pedestrians; use bike lanes where available.

Safety Guide

Safety

Cuijk is generally safe with typical urban precautions. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas, use well-lit streets at night, and call 112 in emergencies. Cyclists should follow traffic rules and wear helmets where appropriate.

Tipping in Cuijk

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common in restaurants; many places include service charges.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; cash is still okay in many venues.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; great for cycling and outdoor markets.

Summer

Long days, warm temperatures, and outdoor activities; occasional rain showers.

Autumn

Colorful foliage; ideal for nature walks and harvest events.

Winter

Cool weather; cozy cafes and possible frost or light snow; markets stay active.

Nightlife Guide

Cuijk at Night

Cuijk offers a relaxed nightlife with cozy bars, riverside cafés, and small music venues rather than large clubs. Expect friendly, low-key evenings and opportunities to meet locals.

Hiking in Cuijk

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Maashorst Nature Reserve Trails

Extensive hiking trails through heathland and woodlands near Schaijk and Uden, suitable for all levels.

Grave–Nijmegen River Path

Scenic route along the Meuse with historic towns and viewpoints.

Airports

How to reach Cuijk by plane.

Eindhoven Airport (EIN)

Main regional airport; about 50-60 minutes by car from Cuijk; frequent domestic and European flights.

Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)

Major international hub; about 1.0-1.5 hours by train or car.

Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST)

Smaller regional airport; around 1-1.5 hours by car.

Düsseldorf International (DUS)

Nearby international hub in Germany; about 1-1.5 hours by car.

Getting Around

Walkability

Cuijk’s town center is compact and very walkable. Most main sights, eateries, and the market are within easy reach on foot or by short bike ride. A bike is often the fastest way to move around.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families and commuters

A mix of local families, retirees, and workers traveling to nearby cities.

Students and young professionals

Presence of educational and cultural opportunities in nearby cities.

Tourists

Visiting Cuijk for nature, markets, and riverfront experiences.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cycling

Widely practiced across the region; flat terrain and scenic routes.

Football (Soccer)

Popular local clubs and casual play for all ages.

Hiking and Running

Trail running and nature walks in nearby reserves.

Transportation

Traffic

Cuijk has light-to-moderate traffic with good cycling infrastructure. Public transport connects to Nijmegen and Den Bosch via regional buses and trains; cycling is often faster for short trips within the town.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Cuijk.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most places offer vegetarian options; look for salads, veggie sandwiches, or vegetable mains; ask for substitutions if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible via local GP clinics in Cuijk; for hospital-level care, nearby Nijmegen and Den Bosch offer larger medical centers such as Radboud University Medical Center (Nijmegen) and Jeroen Bosch Hospital (Den Bosch). Emergency services via 112. Pharmacies are common in town and in neighborhoods.

Discover Netherlands

Read more in our Netherlands 2025 Travel Guide.

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