Hotspots in Nijmegen
Discover them all
Nijmegen
DISCOVER THE HOTSPOTS
You have a few days to discover Berg en Dal and the Nijmegen region, and you would love to combine the nicest restaurants, cafes, shops and activities into one trip. Could you use a little help from the locals?
Fortunately, we know the loveliest, tastiest and most stylish addresses in the oldest city in the Netherlands, so here are a few tips for an unforgettable stay at De Wolfsberg:
1.
De Lange Hezelstraat
Start your acquaintance with Nijmegen the right way by walking into the city centre along the Lange Hezelstraat. It is the oldest shopping street in the Netherlands! Narrow, characterful streets with local shops and small lunchrooms give this part of town its charm. Antique furniture, vintage clothing, tattoos, countless kinds of whisky, cowboy boots, jewellery; if you are looking for something special, you have come to the right place. You will also find inviting terraces, little lunch cafes and the best bakery in the city here.
2.
Grote Markt and the St Stevenskerk
Right on the Grote Markt of Nijmegen stands the 17th-century Boterwaag. A striking building that was once used for weighing and trading butter. These days the old weigh house is home to a restaurant and you can sit out on the terrace. Behind the weigh house, little streets wind down towards the Waal. Most tourists overlook this part of town, but this quarter is certainly worth a stroll. The St Stevenskerk stands in the same area. Because it was built on a hill, it looks even taller than its actual 71 metres.
3.
MuZieum
In this museum there is little to see, but a great deal to experience! The guides who show you around are visually impaired and take you into a darkened space where you can discover what it is like to find things by touch or to play a game. Would you rather experience this in the middle of the city? That is possible too. MuZieum provides you with a cane and special glasses that simulate impaired vision, and together with a guide you set off to explore the centre of Nijmegen.
4.
Ooijpoort footbridge and the Waal beach
In search of a little peace and quiet? Within walking distance of the centre you are straight out in nature. Walk underneath the Waal bridge and across the curved pedestrian bridge. On the other side you come face to face with konik horses. From here you can walk on into the Ooijpolder or simply sit by the banks of the Waal. This is where the people of Nijmegen escape to on warm days.
5.
De Hemel Brewery
It is best to type this address into Google Maps if you do not know your way around Nijmegen. Because even though this place sits in the very heart of the centre, the Commanderie van St Jan is rather hard to find. On the ground floor of this historic building you will find city brewery De Hemel. You can join a guided tour or simply order a small tasting. Especially worth a visit when the sun is shining and you can sit outside. In the courtyard you leave the bustle of the city behind you and enjoy your beer on the terrace.
6.
Piccolino chip shop
Do you also love a cone of chips as a reward after a day of shopping? Piccolino, in the historic corner building on the Lange Hezelstraat, is the place to be. Wonderfully fresh chips with a dollop of mayonnaise, to be enjoyed in one of the charming side streets.
7.
Heldro Ice Cream
Attention, sweet tooths! Heldro Ice Cream is world famous in this region and not so long ago they opened an ice cream shop on the Burchstraat. It sits somewhere between Italian gelato and soft serve, and the recipe has been a secret for years. The white ice cream is always beautifully fresh.
8.
Looijenga Patisserie
Have you earned yourself a slice of cake? This establishment has been an institution in Nijmegen since 1830. Under various family names, this patisserie has been making the most delicious cakes and chocolates for almost 300 years. Too far off your route? You can also order a selection of Looijenga cakes at De Wolfsberg.