Nijmegen(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For first-time visitors, Hotel de Grote Kerk is a top choice—located just steps from the Sint-Laurenskerk and offering elegant rooms in a restored 18th-century building. Another excellent option is NH Collection Nijmegen, centrally situated near the Waal River and ideal for exploring historic sites like the Old Town (Oude Stad) and Stadswallen city walls. Both hotels provide authentic Dutch breakfasts and seamless access to local cafes, museums, and walking trails. For a unique stay, consider B&B De Vrije Huis, a charming farmhouse with a herb garden and live folk music evenings—perfect for immersing in regional culture and quiet countryside charm.

The most desirable areas for tourists are Oude Stad (Old Town) and Diestraat, both offering walkable access to major attractions. Oude Stad boasts cobbled streets lined with cozy cafés, independent bookshops like De Boekhandel, and proximity to the Sint-Laurenskerk and Waal River. Diestraat provides a quieter, residential vibe near the university, ideal for travelers who prefer a relaxed atmosphere. Both districts feature vibrant weekend markets, historical architecture, and easy access to public transport. The area’s romantic evening lighting, especially along the riverbanks, enhances the sense of discovery and authenticity.

Visitors must experience the Museum van de Nederlandse Verzetsheldendienst to explore WWII resistance history in the Dutch-Belgian border region. Join a Waal River night cruise to hear tales of medieval fortifications and trade routes beneath glowing arches. Attend the Nijmegen International Music Festival each September, featuring world-class classical and jazz performances at the City Hall Square. Don’t miss the Vrijmarkt flea market on Sundays at Blokstraat, where you can find vintage goods, handmade crafts, and local treats like stroopwafels and fresh herring—perfect for connecting with everyday life in this historic city.

Key landmarks include the Sint-Laurenskerk, a striking Gothic cathedral with 15th-century stained glass and panoramic views from its tower. The Waal River Promenade (Waalsche Wijk) offers scenic walks along ancient docks and old merchant warehouses. The Stadswallen City Walls preserve remnants of medieval defenses, with elevated paths providing sweeping vistas of the city and river junction. Also visit the Nederlands Nationaal Monument, honoring the 1944 liberation battle. Together, these sites reflect Nijmegen’s identity as one of the Netherlands’ oldest continuously inhabited cities, blending millennia of history into a living urban tapestry.

Try Egge, a traditional flat wheat-and-cream bread often served with honey or cheese. Sample Nijmeegse kroket, a spiced meat-filled croquette with a crispy exterior, popular at street vendors. At the Waal River Fish Market, enjoy freshly caught bass and carp, prepared as stewed fish soup or grilled fillets. Don’t miss stroopwafels made on-site using cast iron griddles—thick, caramel-filled waffles that pair perfectly with hot coffee. Local favorites also include rijsttafel (Indonesian-style rice platters) at specialty restaurants like De Vrije Huis, reflecting the city’s colonial heritage and culinary diversity.

Absolutely. Kindermuseum Nijmegen offers interactive science exhibits and role-play zones perfect for kids aged 3–12. Ecologisch Park Waal features nature trails, wooden observation decks, and a small animal enclosure ideal for young explorers. The annual Family Art Festival at City Hall Square includes painting workshops, pottery stations, and live storytelling. Plus, the Tram Museum Nijmegen lets children ride vintage trams and learn about transportation history. With safe, walkable streets and child-centered events, Nijmegen delivers a welcoming, enriching experience for families.

Head to Blokstraat for boutique shopping: visit De Boekhandel for rare books, Wit & Zwart for local designer fashion, and Hof van Drie for handcrafted ceramics and natural perfumes. Every Sunday, the Vrijmarkt at Blokstraat hosts a bustling flea market with vintage furniture, vinyl records, and artisanal crafts. For souvenirs, stop by Loods 16 at Grote Markt, where you’ll find Nijmegen embroidery handkerchiefs, Waal River-themed postcards, and bilingual children’s storybooks. All shops are housed in historic buildings, blending charm, creativity, and authenticity—ideal for meaningful keepsakes.

Public transit in Nijmegen is highly efficient. The tram network spans four lines covering the Old Town, university district, and key landmarks, with frequent departures and compatibility with the OV-chipkaart nationwide ticket system. From Nijmegen Centraal Station, direct Intercity trains connect to Amsterdam (1.5 hours), Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Bike rentals are widely available via services like Fietsen Nijmegen, offering electric bikes ideal for cycling along the Waal River Greenway. Most attractions are within a 30-minute walk, making car-free travel comfortable and eco-friendly throughout the city.

Nijmegen has a temperate maritime climate—pleasant and mild year-round. Best visiting times are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), when temperatures range from 10–20°C and skies are often clear. Summer (July–August) sees occasional showers but warm days up to 25°C, great for riverside picnics and outdoor festivals. Winter (December–February) is chilly (2–6°C), sometimes snowy, but festive lights and Lichterfestival transform the city into a magical winter wonderland. Pack a waterproof jacket and layers, especially during spring visits when weather changes rapidly. Overall, Nijmegen welcomes travelers in all seasons.

Top annual events include the Nijmegen International Music Festival in September, featuring symphony orchestras and jazz ensembles at City Hall Square. Celebrate Sint-Laurensfeest in June with parades, folk dances, and traditional costumes. Experience the Lichterfestival in December, when the entire city glows with light art installations and projection shows. The Universiteitsfeest hosted by Radboud University brings students together for creative markets, debates, and multicultural performances. These events highlight Nijmegen’s blend of deep-rooted tradition and modern innovation, creating unforgettable moments for every traveler.