Things To Do
in Nijmegen
Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands, set on the Waal River near its historic confluence with the Rhine. The city blends a well-preserved medieval center with a vibrant student scene anchored by Radboud University. Its compact, bike-friendly streets make it easy to explore by foot or bike, from the Grote Markt to the riverfront.
With Roman roots and several museums, Nijmegen feels lively yet relaxed year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a cozy café in the historic center, where you can enjoy freshly baked Dutch pastries and strong coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming streets, admiring the beautiful architecture and visiting the iconic St. Stevenskerk, a stunning Gothic church. Don’t forget to snap photos of the famous Waalkade, with its picturesque views over the Waal river.
In the afternoon, delve into the rich history of Nijmegen by visiting the Valkhof Museum, which features impressive collections of Roman artifacts and contemporary art. Afterward, wander through the nearby Kronenburgerpark, where you can relax by the pond and enjoy the serene atmosphere. For lunch, try some local specialties at a nearby bistro, sampling the flavors of the region.
As the sun sets, find a delightful restaurant along the Waalkade for dinner, where you can savor fresh seafood while enjoying views of the shimmering river. After your meal, take an evening stroll along the riverbank, experiencing the vibrant nightlife and the lively atmosphere of Nijmegen. End your day with a nightcap at a local pub, enjoying the warm hospitality and perhaps catching some live music.
Begin your exploration with a visit to the Archaeological Park, where you can walk through reconstructed Roman buildings and learn about Nijmegen's ancient past. The guided tours provide fascinating insights into the daily lives of the Romans who once inhabited this area. Enjoy a light snack at the café within the park before continuing your adventure.
After lunch, head to the nearby Museum Het Valkhof, which houses an extensive collection of Roman relics and offers engaging exhibitions about the city's history. Explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum, where you can relax and take in the art installations. Don’t miss the chance to learn about the significance of Nijmegen as one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands.
For dinner, choose a local restaurant that specializes in traditional Dutch cuisine, where you can try dishes like stamppot or herring. Following your meal, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated city center, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere filled with shops and street performers. Wrap up your evening at a nearby café, sipping on a local beer or jenever while soaking in the friendly ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-65 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $3-6 |
| 🚆One-way local transport | $2-3 |
| 🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- High-quality cycling infrastructure and walkability
- Rich history and compact, easy-to-explore center
- Vibrant student culture and lively riverfront
- Excellent access to nature reserves and outdoor activities
- Can be busy during university terms and festival periods
- Weather can be changeable and rainy at any time
- Some venues close earlier outside peak tourist seasons
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please/Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is de badkamer?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ik begrijp het niet" - I don’t understand
- "Kunt u het herhalen?" - Could you repeat that?
Places to Visit in Nijmegen
Visit one of these nice places.
The bustling central square framed by the Gothic church, perfect for daytime and evening cityscape photography.
A pretty Renaissance-style gate and park with reflections on water features; ideal for portrait shots.
Riverside park with ancient ruins and panoramic views of the Waal; great for golden-hour shots.
Long riverside pathway with bridges and boats; best at sunrise or sunset.
Elevated residential areas offering views over the city and surrounding countryside.
Food in Nijmegen
Nijmegen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick pea soup with pork, traditionally served with rye bread; common in winter here and often found in cozy cafés.
Must-Try!
A hearty mash of potatoes with vegetables (such as kale or sauerkraut) and sausage; a staple comfort dish at many Dutch eateries.
Small plates influenced by Indonesian cuisine that you’ll see in Nijmegen’s fusion restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A historic market with fresh produce, cheese, baked goods, and street snacks on market days near the central square.
Seasonal food trucks and stalls along the river offering quick bites and drinks with a view.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch people value punctuality; be direct but polite in conversations.
Yield to pedestrians, signal turns, and stay to the right on bike paths.
Tipping in restaurants is modest unless service was exceptional.
Safety
Tipping in Nijmegen
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% in full-service places is common practice.
Cards are widely accepted (PIN/Contactless); cash is accepted but less common in some cafés; contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blossoming trees; ideal for walking tours and cycling along the river.
Warm days, often sunny with periodic rain; great for outdoor markets, riverfront strolls, and festivals.
Cooling days with colorful foliage; good for photography and café-hopping.
Cold to chilly with possible ice and rain; indoor attractions and cozy eateries are ideal.
Nijmegen at Night
Hiking in Nijmegen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Wetlands and farmland near Nijmegen with well-marked trails and birdwatching opportunities.
Hiking and cycling routes through historic hills surrounding Nijmegen with viewpoints over the city.
Airports
How to reach Nijmegen by plane.
Major international hub; frequent rail connections to Nijmegen via direct or transfer services; approximately 1.5–2 hours by train.
Low-cost and regional flights; can reach Nijmegen by train via Eindhoven and Utrecht; about 1.5 hours travel.
Smaller international airport; accessible by train to Nijmegen with transfers; around 2 hours.
Smaller European airport near the southern Netherlands; reachable by train with connections; about 2.5 hours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Radboud University attracts a large student population contributing to a dynamic, youthful vibe.
Longstanding residents with deep roots in the city’s history.
A growing community of expats and exchange students due to the university.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The city has a strong football culture with NEC Nijmegen; local matches draw crowds on weekends.
A staple activity and sport in the Netherlands; abundant bike paths and scenic routes around Nijmegen.
Popular in parks and on riverfront facilities; clubs host local leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nijmegen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Nijmegen restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for veggie-centered menus or ask for meat-free Dutch staples like stamppot with vegetarian sausages or quiche; most places can accommodate dairy-free requests.