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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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Places of interest Hidden gem
De Witte Molen
De Witte Molen is a historic tower windmill located on Looimolenweg in Nijmegen, Netherlands. Constructed to replace an...
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Temples Hidden gem
Maria Geboortekerk in Nijmegen
The Maria Geboortekerk, located in the Hunnerberg district of Nijmegen, is a prominent Roman Catholic church built in a...
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63
Historical places Hidden gem
Heumense Schans
Heumense Schans is a restored historical fortification located near Mook and Nijmegen in the Netherlands. Originally con...
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64
Parks Hidden gem
Sfeer van Willems
Sfeer van Willems is a thematic outdoor space located in Wijchen, near Nijmegen, characterized by its collection of vint...
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65
Parks Hidden gem
Heuvepark
Heuvepark is a neighborhood park located in the Krommehoek residential area of Beuningen, serving as a local green space...
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66
Temples Hidden gem
Stichting Het Kerkje van Persingen
Stichting Het Kerkje van Persingen is widely recognized as the smallest village church in the Netherlands, located in th...
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67
Places of interest Hidden gem
Wijchense Molen
The Wijchense Molen is a restored flour mill situated in Wijchen, near Nijmegen, serving as a landmark for regional mill...
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68
Temples Hidden gem
Shree Raam Mandir
Shree Raam Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Wijchen, near Nijmegen, serving the local spiritual community. It acts as...
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69
Zoos Hidden gem
Natuurreservaat Heumense Schans
Natuurreservaat Heumense Schans is a historic fortification and natural reserve located in Molenhoek near Nijmegen, Neth...
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70
Museums Hidden gem
Galerie 1400
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Venues Hidden gem
Theater de Molen
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72
Places of interest Hidden gem
Besiendershuis
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73
Venues Hidden gem
Stadhuis Nijmegen
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74
Parks Hidden gem
Imkerij Immenhof
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75
Temples Hidden gem
Titus Brandsma Gedachteniskerk⛪
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76
Temples Hidden gem
St. Jacobskapel
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77
Parks Hidden gem
Planetenpark
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78
Museums Hidden gem
Bemmel, Dijkmagazijn
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79
Temples Hidden gem
Stichting Anour Madrasati Nijmegen
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80
Temples Hidden gem
Stichting Islamitisch Centrum Nijmegen🕌
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81
Museums Hidden gem
Jac Maris Studio Museum
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82
Parks Hidden gem
'Nieuw Begin' wilde planten, stenen beelden, open podium
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83
Places of interest Hidden gem
Wandelbrug Ooypoort
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84
Parks Hidden gem
Spiegelwaal
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85
Parks Hidden gem
Grand Canal
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86
Temples Hidden gem
Stichting Islamitische Moskee🕌
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87
Temples Hidden gem
Ontmoetingskerk Nijmegen⛪
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88
Temples Hidden gem
Cosmas en Damianuskerk⛪
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89
Parks Hidden gem
Park Mariëndaal
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90
Museums Hidden gem
Galerie Marzee
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.
