Day out in Nijmegen

Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands and is therefore full of history! But you can also enjoy shopping and eating out. In short: Nijmegen is perfect for a day out or weekend away!

Typical Nijmegen

Before we go out, let’s have a look at what is typical for Nijmegen. Den Bosch has the famous Bossche Bol, but you really should not leave Nijmegen without first tasting a Nijmegen Marikenbrood. A Marikenbrood is a raisin bread filled with pastry cream, tangerines and cinnamon sugar. The bread is named after Mariken van Nimwegen, She is the protagonist in a 16th century miracle play, where a simple girl comes into contact with Moenen: the devil.

If you prefer a smaller, typical Nijmegen delicacy, then the Nijmegenaartje is just what you’re looking for. This pastry consists of chewy hazelnut foam with light mocha cream. Delicious with coffee or tea, and perfect to start your adventure in Nijmegen. If you are more of the savory bite, go for the discodel. The discodel was invented by four Nijmegen students during a night out. Actually, a disco model is nothing less than a frikandel with lots of mayonnaise topped with disco dip. Does it seem tasty to you? You can get the disco-dip at the Nijmegen cafeteria on Keizer Karelplein.

Shopping in Nijmegen

For a day of shopping Nijmegen is the place to be. The main shopping streets are: the Lange Hezelstraat, the Marikenstraat, the Molenpoort Passage, the Grote Markt and the Burchtstraat. In addition to the well-known large chain stores, you will also find many small boutiques and specialty stores. On the Van Welderenstraat, for example, you will find the Museum Shop. Here you will find very special items! They sell stuffed animals, skulls, fossils, butterflies, insects, shells and feathers. Actually, it’s more of a museum than a store. At the Bierbrigadier you will find all kinds of special beer and at Chocola Belga the most delicious chocolate. For the nicest gifts and plenty of inspiration, Bij Dré is highly recommended. You’ll find this fun gift store on Houtstraat.

Eating out in Nijmegen

Nijmegen is bursting with cozy restaurants, so those who want to eat out do not have to search long. For those who want to keep it simple, you can eat delicious pancakes at ‘t Hoogstraatje. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy the terrace. Café de Plak has been world famous for its delicious…. minced cheese. This Nijmegen delicacy (yet another one) is served with freshly cut fries. By the way, this café is also known for its good parties. But, in Nijmegen there is something for everyone. There are several sushi bars, tapas restaurants and bistros. For everyone and for every budget. Nijmegen also has many cozy terraces, such as at Restaurant De Hemel, at Café Maxim and Casa Valencia.

Culture in Nijmegen

That Nijmegen is the oldest city of the Netherlands, you will notice everything when you are in the city. The history of Nijmegen goes all the way back to the time of the Romans. The Romans called the area Ulpia Noviomagus Batavorum and this city was the first in all of the Netherlands to receive city rights. In shopping street Burchtstraat, you will find a plaque in the pavement with a skeleton depicted on it. This is the site of the Loden Lady: the tomb of a Roman woman who was buried in a lead coffin, along with utensils and jewelry.

Saint Steven’s Church

Also be sure to visit St. Steven’s Church when you are in town. If you look closely, you will see that the church has new parts in addition to very old parts. This is because the church was heavily damaged during the Second World War. Nijmegen, by the way, suffered a lot from that. The start of the construction of the church begins in 1254. When you leave the church through the back, you come to the Grote Markt.

This is the heart of the center. This is where the city bustles the most during nice days. The terraces at the Waagh are full and the market square is so beautiful that you have to take pictures of it. When you turn into the street left of the Waagh, you automatically end up at the water of the Waal. Here you can catch your breath and enjoy the view and tranquility.

To the museum in Nijmegen

There are a number of museums in Nijmegen that are well worth a visit. Below we highlight three museums that we think you really should see when you are in town.

The Brothers of Lymborch House

One of the most impressive museums in Nijmegen is the Gebroeders van Lymborch House. They were the Rembrandts of the Middle Ages. Besides some of their beautiful works, you can also take a look in the medieval cellar under the house: their 14th century studio. The brothers Herman, Paul and Johan van Lymborch are considered the founding fathers of Dutch art. Unfortunately, they all died far too young of the Black Death: the terrible disease that did not leave Nijmegen unscathed either.

Museum de Bastei

Museum de Bastei tells the story of the Waal and life along the river. Discover past and present life in an interesting and interactive way. Which animals lived here in the past and now? How did people live here? Discover Roman wall remains, bones of prehistoric animals and parts of Castle Valkhof. In addition, the Bastei itself is a 16th century fortification. From the terrace of the museum café you have a fantastic view of the Waal Bridge.

MuZIEum

At MuZIEum you experience what it is like to be blind. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be unable to see anything at all? Then join one of the expeditions. For example, there is an expedition in the dark and a ribbing route. The museum literally opens your eyes when it comes to the obstacles blind and visually impaired people face every day.

To the park

Take a breather in one of Nijmegen’s many parks. Visit the Kronenburgerpark, for example! Yes, you heard correctly: that is the (almost) eponymous name of the famous song by Frank Boeijen. In the song, the park is called “Kronenburgpark,” but it is the same park. You’ll find part of the old city wall and the Kronenburg Tower, also known as the Kruittoren. Another fine park is the Valkhofpark. This is one of the oldest landscape parks in our country. You will find the ruins of the Valkhof Castle and the Valkhof bunker. A fierce battle was fought there during Operation Market Garden. You can visit the bunker and it is well worth it.

Fun activities to do in Nijmegen

Do you still have time left and want to do even more fun things in Nijmegen? Then we have some tips! On the quay of the river Waal you will find the Escape Boat: an escape room with no less than 4 different rooms. Or rent a Waalscooter and explore the boulevard along the Waal on an environmentally friendly, silent scooter. Also fun: play Levend Cluedo by Nijmegen Outdoor or discover the city with an e-step or an e-chopper. Various fun, short walking routes are available at Nijmegen’ s VVV tourist office. In short: boredom does not stand a chance in Nijmegen!

Pictures: facebook page Gebroeders van Limborch Huis, OpstapmetLisa