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
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Arnhem is the only city in the Netherlands to operate a trolleybus system, which has been in continuous service since 1949.
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The city is home to a unique underground system of medieval cellars, many of which were renovated and connected for public exploration.
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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.
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During the 1944 Battle of Arnhem, the city became a focal point of Operation Market Garden, significantly altering its architectural landscape.
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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.
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61
Places of interest Hidden gem
De Kroon, Arnhem
De Kroon is a historic flour mill located on Klarendalseweg in Arnhem, Netherlands. Built originally in the 19th century...
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62
Parks Hidden gem
Landgoed Groot Holthuysen
Landgoed Groot Holthuysen is a private estate located between Arnhem and Huissen, characterized by its historical layout...
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63
Temples Hidden gem
Aya Sofya Moskee Arnhem
The Aya Sofya Moskee is an active Islamic house of worship located at Sonsbeeksingel 110 in Arnhem, Netherlands. Housed...
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64
Places of interest Hidden gem
TRAP Arnhem Escape Room
TRAP Arnhem Escape Room is situated in the city center and offers multiple immersive escape scenarios, including 'The Ar...
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65
Historical places Hidden gem
Sabelspoort
The Sabelspoort is the last remaining medieval city gate in Arnhem, Netherlands, constructed in the 14th century as a ke...
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66
Historical places Hidden gem
Groot Heidekamp
Groot Heidekamp is a forested and heathland area located on the northern outskirts of Arnhem, Netherlands, near the bord...
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67
Historical places Hidden gem
Romeins Castellum
The Romeins Castellum in Arnhem-Meinerswijk represents the site of a former Roman military fort located on the northern...
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68
Venues Hidden gem
openluchttheater De Pinkenberg
Openluchttheater De Pinkenberg is an open-air theatre nestled within a wooded hillside on the edge of the Veluwe Nationa...
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69
Temples Hidden gem
Stichting Islamitisch Centrum Arnhem-Zuid
Stichting Islamitisch Centrum Arnhem-Zuid (SICA Zuid) serves as a primary mosque and community center for the Muslim pop...
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70
Places of interest Hidden gem
Natuurobservatiepunt Herikhuizen
Natuurobservatiepunt Herikhuizen is a dedicated wildlife observation point located within the Veluwezoom National Park,...
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71
Temples Hidden gem
Saint Martin Church
Saint Martin Church in Arnhem, also known as the Sint-Martinuskerk, is a prominent Catholic place of worship located on...
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72
Temples Hidden gem
Kerk, ’s-Heerenhoek⛪
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73
Temples Hidden gem
Evangeliegemeente De Deur Arnhem
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74
Parks Hidden gem
Duurzaam Kennislandgoed Larenstein
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75
Parks Hidden gem
Park Elderveld
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76
Temples Hidden gem
Oude Jan
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77
Parks Hidden gem
Herikhuizerveld
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78
Temples Hidden gem
Onze lieve Vrouwe Visitatiekerk⛪
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79
Historical places Hidden gem
Oorlogsmonument Oversteek naar de bevrijding
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80
Venues Hidden gem
Theater aan de Rijn
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81
Historical places Hidden gem
De Duiker
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82
Temples Hidden gem
Baptistengemeente 'Ontmoeting' Arnhem
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83
Museums Hidden gem
Trolleybus Museum
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84
Museums Hidden gem
Mea Vota
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85
Temples Hidden gem
Syriac Catholic church of Arnhem
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86
Museums Hidden gem
Tempel|Kerk Museum Elst
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87
Temples Hidden gem
St. Luke's Church ⛪
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88
Temples Hidden gem
OLV Tenhemelopneming Huissen-stad
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89
Places of interest Hidden gem
Maqbara Rawdah Al Moslimin Arnhem
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90
Historical places Hidden gem
Havezathe Meinerswijk
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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.
