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5 Days in Apeldoorn: Adventure on a Budget!

Discover Dutch charm without breaking the bank in Apeldoorn.

21 June 2023

Apeldoorn, a charming city located in the Netherlands, is a great destination for budget travelers looking to explore. On a limited budget, travelers can visit top attractions like the Het Loo Palace and the Apenheul Primate Park, while dining on affordable Dutch cuisine at local markets and restaurants. Affordable accommodations are available in hostels and budget hotels, making a visit to Apeldoorn accessible for all.

Travel plan

• Check into Hotel et le Café de Paris, a charming budget hotel with cozy rooms and a lovely art deco café in the heart of the city.
• Visit the Veluwe National Park, a stunning natural reserve with endless forests, wild heathlands, and scenic walking and cycling routes.
• Wander around the charming city center, where you can admire the quaint brick and timber houses, taste local Gouda cheese and stroopwafels, and browse through funky vintage and second-hand shops.
• Savor a traditional Dutch meal at Het Proeflokaal, a rustic tavern specializing in hearty stews, steaks, and artisanal beers.
• Catch a theatre show or musical performance at the Schouwburg Orpheus, a cultural hub featuring a diverse array of music, dance, comedy, and drama events.

• Take a stroll through the pristine gardens of the Het Loo Palace, a grandiose former residence of the Dutch royal family featuring multiple museums, galleries, and ornate interiors.
• Learn about Dutch history and culture at the CODA Museum, a modern multimedia venue showcasing contemporary art, design, literature, and archives.
• Hop on a vintage steam train or tram at the Veluwsche Stoomtrein Maatschappij, a nostalgic rail provider that takes you on a scenic journey across lovely rural landscapes and historic stations.
• Satisfy your sweet tooth at Chocolate Company Apeldoorn, a delightful chocolate shop with an array of handmade truffles, pralines, and bars, all made with premium Belgian chocolate.
• Grab a drink and mingle with locals at the Gigant, a lively café and music venue offering live bands, DJ sets, and comedy nights in a funky industrial setting.

• Go on an epic outdoor adventure at the Apenheul Primate Park, a unique nature sanctuary where you can see over 300 species of monkeys and apes roaming freely in a forested area.
• Take a ride on the Koningin Juliana Toren, a classic amusement park with thrilling roller coasters, carousels, and family-friendly attractions.
• Test your skills at the Escape Room Apeldoorn, a thrilling game where you have to solve puzzles and riddles to escape from a locked room, with themes ranging from thrilling mysteries to eerie horror scenarios.
• Indulge in a delicious Indonesian rijsttafel at Rumah Makan Sari, a charming restaurant serving authentic and flavorful Indonesian dishes such as spicy satay skewers, fragrant rice dishes, and crispy tofu and tempeh snacks.
• Have a nightcap at the Belvedere Loungebar, a stylish rooftop bar overlooking the Apeldoorn skyline, with signature cocktails, chillout music, and stunning views.

• Rent a bike at Cycle Hub Apeldoorn, a bike rental service that lets you explore the scenic bike routes and nature reserves around the city at your own pace.
• Visit the Paleis het Loo National Museum, a stunning palace-turned-museum showcasing the lives and works of Dutch royals over the centuries, with a vast collection of artwork, jewelry, silverware, and clothing.
• Have a picnic lunch at Park Berg en Bos, a lovely park featuring a wildlife enclosures, themed gardens, and a panoramic tower with stunning views of the surrounding area.
• Take a refreshing dip at the Omnisport Apeldoorn, a modern sports complex with a large indoor pool, fitness center, and sauna facilities.
• Enjoy a vegan feast at Raw Food and More, a trendy restaurant offering organic and gluten-free options, with colorful salads, juices, smoothies, and raw desserts.

• Visit the Apeldoorn Market, a lively open-air market taking place on Saturdays, with a variety of fresh produce, flowers, clothing, and crafts.
• Stop by the Veluwe Cider Mill, a family-owned cider producer that makes delicious and natural artisanal ciders from locally grown apples and pears, with tasting sessions and guided tours available.
• Browse the quirky and original souvenirs at Dille and Kamille, a charming shop selling a wide range of homewares, kitchen tools, and organic ingredients, all with a rustic and stylish flair.
• Have a farewell lunch at the Proeflokaal Bregje, a friendly restaurant offering affordable and tasty set menus with a good selection of vegetarian and meat options.
• Depart with fond memories of Apeldoorn and its many charms, promising to return someday and experience new adventures and discoveries.