Nijmegen is one of the oldest cities in The Netherlands. It has been around for over 2000 years and is located fairly close to the German border. Of course, The Netherlands is well known for its pubs and cheese but there is so much more to do in the quaint little towns located outside the capital. Each city varies with personality and has its own unique character. Here are ten things to do when visiting Nijmegen.
- FIND MARIKEN AND MOENEN
There is a famous legend in Nijmegen which tells the story of a young woman, named Mariken who was tempted by the devil, Moenen, to come away and live an exciting but sinful life. All around the city you will find little signs of Mariken and Moenen. There is a cafe called Moenen which serves a beer named Mariken and nearby a supermarket on the Daalseweg is a separate black and white pillared carving of Moenen and Mariken.
2. EAT FRESHLY MADE STROOPWAFELS
Every Saturday morning you will find a food and clothing market in the city square. Wander around here and you can be sure to find a stand or two selling freshly baking stroopwafels (thin caramel-sandwiched wafels). Try them.
3. VISIT CAFE VAN RIJN
Café van Rijn is one of the most popular pubs in Nijmegen. Go there if you’re looking to meet locals and taste some delicious specialty beer (image source).
4. SINT STEVENSKERK
Sint Stevenskerk, also known as The Great Church or Saint Stevens Church, is one of the oldest churches in Nijmegen and can be found on a small hill known as ‘de Hundisberg’.
5. MUSEUM HET VALKHOF
This museum houses a wonderful collection of the regions history, artworks and even some Roman-dated artifacts.
6. VALKHOF PARK
The Valkhof Park is a lovely park with a ruined castle. Come here on a sunny day to relax and take in some history while you sit back and relax.
7. STADHUIS
Also known as The Town Hall of Nijmegen, the ‘Stadhuis’ is located on Burchstraat and dates back to the 14th century. Here you will find more historical art pieces but you may also be lucky enough to see a newly wedded couple standing outside after their momentous occasion inside.
8. KRONENBURGER PARK
This is one of my favourite parks that still contain the old city walls, beautiful weeping willows and a pond with ducks and swans. Find a bench, pull out a novel and just read.
9. GROTE MARKT
The Grote Markt is a traditional cobble-stone square in the middle of town. Here you will find many beautifully restored buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. Walk along the streets here, do a bit of window shopping or even step into a side café for some coffee.
10. FIND SOME APPELTERT AND POFFERTJIES
Appeltert (apple pie) and poffertjies are characteristic desserts that can be found in every café and pub around The Netherlands. Why not spend a few hours trying out various appelterts and poffertjies around the city until you find a place that serves a variety you absolutely love. Be sure that your appeltert comes with a big dollop of cream and that your poffertjies are served hot, with lots of melted butter and icing sugar sprinkled over them. Yum.
Sounds good. 🙂
Stroopwafels are just so delicious! I’ve been looking for them everywhere but none tastes as good as the ones we had that day in the market. The city names are quite difficult to pronounce but listening to the announcements on the trains helped me eventually!
I still remember the taste of stroopwafels we had in Amsterdam. Nijmegen looks beautiful and the names of places are so difficult to pronounce.