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Germany
Things to do in Nijmegen
165 attractions · Germany
Gelderland, Germany · 51.833, 5.850
About Nijmegen
Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands, tracing its history back to Roman times when it served as a vital military settlement. Situated on the Waal River, the city preserves its heritage through sites like the Saint Stephen's Church and the historical collections at the Valkhof Museum. Modern Nijmegen serves as a major university hub with a distinctive riverside atmosphere. Nature enthusiasts utilize the city as a gateway to landscapes like the Hatertse en Overasseltse Vennen. The city's landscape is defined by its strategic position on the riverbank, which houses the educational De Bastei.
Good to know
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Nijmegen was the first Dutch city to have a Roman name, Ulpia Noviomagus Batavorum.
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The city was mistakenly bombed by American forces in February 1944 during World War II, causing significant destruction to the medieval center.
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Nijmegen hosts the 'Vierdaagse,' the world's largest multiple-day walking event, which attracts tens of thousands of participants annually.
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The city maintains a unique 'Student City' status, with a significant percentage of the population enrolled at Radboud University.
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Archaeological digs frequently uncover Roman artifacts, including a silver cup discovered in the 20th century.
Plan your visit to Nijmegen
Best time to visit
July, specifically for the International Four Days Marches which brings a massive festival atmosphere to the city streets.
How many days
2-3 days, allowing enough time to explore the city center and nearby natural parks.
Getting around
The city center is highly walkable, and the region is exceptionally well-connected by an extensive network of cycling paths and local bus services.
Where to stay
The city center (Stadscentrum) is ideal for proximity to historical sites, while the areas near the university offer a quieter, greener environment.
Budget
Mid-range; accommodation and dining prices are standard for Dutch regional cities, though demand peaks significantly during the Four Days Marches.
Highlights of Nijmegen
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Saint Stephen's Church
This historic church serves as the city's most prominent landmark, featuring a tower that offers panoramic views of the Waal river.
Valkhof Museum
This museum houses a vast collection of Roman antiquities that chronicle the city's origins as a military stronghold.
Kronenburgerpark
This centrally located park is built around the ruins of a 14th-century defensive tower and offers a quiet green space in the city.
De Bastei
This riverside center focuses on the ecology and geological history of the Waal river and its floodplain.
Hatertse en Overasseltse Vennen
These protected marshlands and fens provide an extensive network of trails for hikers and birdwatchers.
Vrijheidsmuseum
This museum focuses on the liberation of the Netherlands and the major military operations that took place in the region during 1944.
Recreatiegebied Berendonck
A recreational area featuring specialized wellness facilities and natural swimming waters just outside the urban core.
Slot Doddendael
This estate showcases a historic castle building surrounded by formal gardens and a moat.
Top things to do in Nijmegen
The 165 most popular places in Nijmegen.
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1
Venues Popular
Pathé Nijmegen
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2
Parks Popular
Kronenburgerpark
Kronenburgerpark is a historic English-style landscape park situated within the former defensive fortifications of Nijme...
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3
Parks Popular
Recreatiegebied Berendonck
Recreatiegebied Berendonck is a sprawling outdoor recreation area located between Wijchen and Nijmegen, centered around...
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4
Parks Popular
Hatertse en Overasseltse Vennen
Hatertse en Overasseltse Vennen is a 500-hectare nature reserve featuring more than 20 small fens created by wind-blown...
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5
Museums Popular
Vrijheidsmuseum
The Vrijheidsmuseum is a contemporary museum located in Groesbeek, near the German border, focusing on the liberation of...
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6
Parks Popular
Goffertpark Nijmegen
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7
Temples Popular
Saint Stephen's Church
Saint Stephen's Church (Stevenskerk) is the oldest and largest church in Nijmegen, dating back to its consecration in 12...
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8
Museums Popular
muZIEum
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9
Amusement parks Popular
Amusementspark Tivoli
Amusementspark Tivoli is a family-oriented theme park located in the hilly woodlands of Berg en Dal near Nijmegen. The p...
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10
Parks Popular
Valkhof Park
Valkhof Park sits on a natural hill overlooking the Waal river, serving as the historical site of a Carolingian fortress...
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11
Museums Popular
De Bastei
De Bastei serves as a combined nature and history museum situated inside a 16th-century fortification on the Waal riverb...
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12
Venues Popular
Municipal Theater Nijmegen
Stadsschouwburg Nijmegen serves as the city's primary performing arts venue, operating under the same management as Conc...
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13
Museums Known locally
Valkhof Museum
The Valkhof Museum sits on the edge of the Valkhof park, occupying a distinctive post-modern building designed by Dutch...
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14
Parks Known locally
Ooijpolder
The Ooijpolder is a vast river landscape located in the floodplains of the Waal river, serving as part of the Gelderse P...
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15
Parks Known locally
Hunnerpark
Hunnerpark is a historic urban park situated on the edge of the Nijmegen city center, bordering the Waal river terrace....
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16
Playgrounds Known locally
Playground The Leemkuil
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17
Parks Known locally
Goffertpark
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18
Museums Known locally
Museum park Heilig Landstichting Orientalis
Museumpark Orientalis, formerly known as Heilig Landstichting, is a 30-hectare open-air museum park located near Nijmege...
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19
Historical places Known locally
Slot Doddendael
Slot Doddendael is a 14th-century moated castle located in the village of Ewijk, near Nijmegen. The structure currently...
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20
Parks Known locally
Staddijk
Staddijk is a multifunctional recreational area located in the southwestern outskirts of Nijmegen, serving as a primary...
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21
Zoos Known locally
Kinderboerderij de Goffert 🪿
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22
Places of interest Known locally
Waalbrug
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23
Parks Known locally
Hortus Nijmegen
Foundation Hortus Nijmegen is a specialized botanical garden and educational park located on the edge of the Brakkenstei...
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24
Natural attractions Known locally
Heumensoord
Heumensoord is a sprawling forested area located on the outskirts of Nijmegen, serving as a primary training ground for...
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25
Parks Known locally
HARM's Hoeve
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26
Playgrounds Known locally
Playground Joyful Dries
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27
Museums Known locally
Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama
Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama is the only museum in the Netherlands dedicated exclusively to the history of the bicycle...
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28
Places of interest Known locally
The Labyrinth, artwork
The Labyrinth is a permanent public art installation located in the Valkhof Park (Valkhofpark) in Nijmegen. It was desig...
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29
Parks Known locally
Wylerbergmeer
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30
Venues Known locally
't Mozaïek
't Mozaïek is a multipurpose cultural center located in Wijchen, serving as the primary regional hub for performing arts...
Around Nijmegen
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Nijmegen on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Nijmegen?
Aventuro lists 165 curated attractions in and around Nijmegen, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Nijmegen?
Pathé Nijmegen is the most popular place to visit in Nijmegen right now.
What kind of attractions does Nijmegen have?
The largest category is parks, with 41 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Berlin, Munich, Hamburg.
