Nijmegen on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun!

Discover Nijmegen's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Nijmegen offers plenty of budget-friendly options for a trip, such as staying in hostels or affordable hotels, visiting free attractions like the Waal river and Valkhof Museum, and exploring the city by foot or bicycle. Food and drinks can also be budget-friendly, with many local cafes and restaurants offering affordable prices for traditional Dutch dishes. Overall, Nijmegen is a charming and affordable city to explore for budget-conscious travelers.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Explore the Historic City

  • Check in at the affordable Hotel Lent, located close to the city center.
  • Begin your tour at the 13th-century Gothic St. Steven's Church, with stunning views of the city.
  • Visit the Roman Museum to learn about Nijmegen's Roman past.
  • Stroll through the historical Kronenburgerpark, surrounded by charming architecture.
  • End your day with a delicious traditional Dutch meal at De Grut in downtown Nijmegen.
Day 2

Discover the Art Scene

  • Visit the renowned Museum Het Valkhof, showcasing modern art, Roman artifacts and medieval objects.
  • Explore the street art scene in the Honig Complex, a former noodle factory turned art space.
  • Have lunch at De Meesterproef, an industrial-style restaurant with a farm-to-table menu.
  • Take a walk along the Waal river, and enjoy the city's skyline from the Waalbrug bridge.
  • Experience live music and local beers at Merleyn, a beloved music venue near the river.
Day 3

Day Trip to Groesbeek

  • Take a short bus or bike ride to the scenic village of Groesbeek, known for its vineyards and stunning nature.
  • Visit the National Liberation Museum 1944-1945, to learn about the region's history during World War II.
  • Treat yourself to a wine tasting at De Colonjes, a local vineyard with spectacular views.
  • Hike the scenic Tivoli nature reserve, and picnic amongst the rolling hills and vineyards.
  • End your day with dinner at De Wolfsberg, a charming restaurant with a cozy fireplace and terrace.
Day 4

Experience the Outdoors

  • Rent a bike and cycle through the Ooijpolder nature reserve, a beautiful wetlands area with picturesque windmills.
  • Have lunch at the Roman rampart ruins in Cafe de Plak, a bohemian cafe popular with locals.
  • Go kayaking on the Waal river, and admire the city's skyline from a different perspective.
  • Visit the Africa Museum, showcasing traditional African cultures and art.
  • Enjoy a vegetarian dinner at de Firma, a cozy and trendy eatery with a creative menu.
Day 5

Nijmegen's Nightlife

  • Visit the famous Kinky Star gay bar, known for its kitschy decor and lively atmosphere.
  • Have a bite to eat at Eetcafe Van Buren, a traditional Dutch pub with a welcoming ambiance and large beer selection.
  • Check out the underground music scene at De Onderbroek, a non-profit venue hosting punk, metal and experimental shows.
  • End your night at Cafe Samson, a popular spot for beers and dancing, located in a former church.
  • Return to Hotel Lent, with memories of Nijmegen's colorful and eclectic nightlife.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Nijmegen by plane is to fly to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and take the direct train from the airport to Nijmegen Station. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Car

The best way to get to Nijmegen by car is via the A50 or A73 highways, depending on your starting location. There are several parking garages in the city center that offer hourly or daily rates.

Train

Nijmegen has its own train station, Nijmegen Station, which can be reached by direct trains from major cities in the Netherlands.

Boat

While there are no direct boat routes to Nijmegen, visitors can take a scenic boat tour along the Waal river that passes by the city. Tours depart from nearby cities such as Arnhem and Tiel.

Bus

There are several bus companies that operate buses from major cities in the Netherlands to Nijmegen, including Flixbus and Arriva. The bus station in Nijmegen is located next to the train station.

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Nijmegen, Netherlands offers a delightful family-friendly trip with its numerous attractions and activities. Explore the charming historic city center, home to ancient architecture, bustling shops, and cozy cafes. Engage in outdoor recreation at the beautiful Ooijpolder nature reserve or visit the interactive museum, MuZIEum, where you can experience the world as a blind person.

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Nijmegen boasts of stunning parks, interesting museums and lively nightlife. Visitors on a limited budget can explore the city on foot, rent a bike or make use of the affordable public transportation systems. The city offers a variety of inexpensive accommodation options and affordable dining experiences, making it a great destination for budget travelers.

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