aventuro
Netherlands
Things to do in Arnhem
155 attractions · Netherlands
Photo: Henk Monster, CC BY 3.0
Gelderland, Netherlands · 51.983, 5.917
About Arnhem
Arnhem is a Dutch city situated on the banks of the Rhine, distinguished by its unique topography and significant role in 20th-century history. Visitors frequently explore the extensive natural landscapes surrounding the area, including the sprawling trails at Wandelroute Veluwezoom-Posbank. The city serves as a gateway to cultural history, anchored by the poignant exhibits at the Airbornemuseum Hartenstein and the sprawling exhibits at the Netherlands Open Air Museum. Architecture enthusiasts often focus on the iconic structure of the John Frost Bridge, a site central to the city's wartime narrative. Beyond history, the city offers expansive green spaces like Park Sonsbeek, which remains central to the local urban lifestyle.
Good to know
- 1
Arnhem is the only city in the Netherlands to operate a trolleybus system, which has been in continuous service since 1949.
- 2
The city is home to a unique underground system of medieval cellars, many of which were renovated and connected for public exploration.
- 3
Arnhem serves as the capital of the Gelderland province and historically acted as an affluent residence for Dutch nobility due to its proximity to the Veluwe forest.
- 4
During the 1944 Battle of Arnhem, the city became a focal point of Operation Market Garden, significantly altering its architectural landscape.
- 5
The city is a major hub for creative fashion education in Europe, housing the ArtEZ University of the Arts which has produced many internationally recognized designers.
Plan your visit to Arnhem
Best time to visit
May through September, when the mild weather allows for full exploration of the expansive parks and the nearby Veluwe nature reserve.
How many days
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to balance historical site visits with the various outdoor parks and museums.
Getting around
The city is highly walkable, complemented by an extensive network of electric trolleybuses and regular train connections to the rest of the Netherlands.
Where to stay
The city center is ideal for immediate access to shopping and dining, while the area near Park Sonsbeek offers a quieter, residential atmosphere close to major green spaces.
Budget
Mid-range; while standard Dutch costs apply, local accommodation and dining options are generally more accessible than in the larger Randstad cities.
Highlights of Arnhem
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Burgers' Zoo
Features an elaborate indoor tropical rainforest environment that simulates diverse ecosystems.
Netherlands Open Air Museum
Displays historical Dutch structures and traditional crafts preserved in an expansive outdoor setting.
Park Sonsbeek
Offers a prominent landscape park featuring historic water features and large-scale botanical collections.
Airbornemuseum Hartenstein
Details the tactical reality of the 1944 Battle of Arnhem through original documents and personal accounts.
John Frost Bridge
Stands as a historic landmark that serves as the primary commemorative site for the 1944 airborne operations.
Museum Arnhem
Houses a substantial collection of modern and contemporary art with a focus on regional Dutch painters.
Wandelroute Veluwezoom-Posbank
Provides access to the Veluwezoom's highest points, offering panoramic views of the heathlands.
Nederlands Watermuseum
Explores the technical and historical relationship between the Netherlands and its water management systems.
Top things to do in Arnhem
The 155 most popular places in Arnhem.
-
1
Zoos Very popular
Burgers' Zoo
Burgers' Zoo is an eco-display-based zoological park in Arnhem designed around large-scale habitats rather than traditio...
-
2
Museums Very popular
Netherlands Open Air Museum
The Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem features over 100 historical buildings, farms, and workshops relocated from va...
-
3
Parks Popular
Park Sonsbeek
Park Sonsbeek is a historic 67-hectare English landscape-style estate located in the center of Arnhem. The park features...
-
4
Venues Popular
GelreDome
The GelreDome is a multi-purpose stadium in Arnhem, Netherlands, distinguished by its retractable pitch and sliding roof...
-
5
Museums Popular
Airbornemuseum Hartenstein
The Airborne Museum Hartenstein is located in the former 1944 headquarters of the British 1st Airborne Division during t...
-
6
Parks Popular
Burgers' Bush
Burgers' Bush is a 1.5-hectare indoor tropical rainforest ecosystem located within the Burgers' Zoo complex in Arnhem. I...
-
7
Venues Popular
Musis Arnhem
Musis Arnhem is a prominent music and arts center featuring a distinct combination of a historic 19th-century concert ha...
-
8
Places of interest Popular
John Frost Bridge
The John Frost Bridge is a vital landmark in Arnhem, serving as the primary site of the 1944 Battle of Arnhem during Ope...
-
9
Museums Popular
Foundation Eusebius Arnhem
-
10
Museums Popular
Kasteel en park Rosendael
Kasteel Rosendael is a medieval castle complex situated in the village of Rozendaal, just outside Arnhem. The estate is...
-
11
Museums Popular
Airborne Museum at the Bridge
The Airborne Museum at the Bridge is an information center dedicated to the 1944 Battle of Arnhem, situated in the forme...
-
12
Places of interest Popular
Rozet
Rozet is an award-winning cultural center in Arnhem serving as a multipurpose hub for literature, history, and the arts....
-
13
Parks Popular
Landerij de Park
Landerij de Park is a community-managed nature and education center located within the Park Lingezegen landscape corrido...
-
14
Museums Known locally
Museum Arnhem
Museum Arnhem is a prominent Dutch institution dedicated to modern and contemporary art, including a significant collect...
-
15
Museums Known locally
Arnhems Oorlogsmuseum 40-45
Arnhems Oorlogsmuseum 40-45 is a private museum dedicated to the history of the Second World War in the Arnhem region, s...
-
16
Parks Known locally
estate Heuven
Estate Heuven serves as a primary gateway to the Veluwezoom National Park, bordering the expansive Posbank moorlands. Th...
-
17
Playgrounds Known locally
Monkey Town Arnhem | Indoor Speeltuin
-
18
Zoos Known locally
Stadsboerderij de Korenmaat
-
19
Zoos Known locally
Burgers' Safari
-
20
Museums Known locally
Nederlands Watermuseum
The Nederlands Watermuseum is a highly interactive educational facility located within the historic Sonsbeek Park area o...
-
21
Natural attractions Known locally
Wandelroute Veluwezoom-Posbank
The Wandelroute Veluwezoom-Posbank is a prominent hiking trail located in the Veluwezoom National Park, the oldest natio...
-
22
Places of interest Known locally
Bezoekerscentrum Veluwezoom
Bezoekerscentrum Veluwezoom serves as the primary gateway to the Veluwezoom National Park, the oldest national park in t...
-
23
Parks Known locally
Park Presikhaaf
Park Presikhaaf is a major urban park in Arnhem featuring a dedicated skate park, a large central pond, and extensive bo...
-
24
Parks Known locally
Park Angerenstein
Park Angerenstein is an 18th-century country estate in Arnhem featuring a classic English landscape garden style with ro...
-
25
Parks Known locally
Immerloo Park
Immerloo Park serves as a significant recreational green space in the southern Arnhem district of Malburgen. The park is...
-
26
Museums Known locally
Iris Galerie Arnhem
-
27
Parks Known locally
Duno estate
Landgoed Duno is a historical estate situated on a steep lateral moraine overlooking the Lower Rhine river near Doorwert...
-
28
Parks Known locally
Park Klarenbeek
Park Klarenbeek is a historic park in Arnhem, Netherlands, known for its rolling rural valley landscape and mature arbor...
-
29
Parks Known locally
Park Hartenstein
Park Hartenstein is a historic estate and public park located in Oosterbeek, adjacent to the Airborne Museum Hartenstein...
-
30
Natural attractions Known locally
Estate Beekhuizen
Estate Beekhuizen is a historic woodland estate situated on the southern edge of the Veluwezoom National Park near Velp....
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Arnhem on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Arnhem?
Aventuro lists 155 curated attractions in and around Arnhem, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Arnhem?
Burgers' Zoo is the most popular place to visit in Arnhem right now.
What kind of attractions does Arnhem have?
The largest category is temples, with 38 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague.
