Arnhem City Guide: 30 tips from hotspots to restaurants, hotels and fun things to do

Looking for the best of both worlds during a city trip? Then the fashion capital of Arnhem, on the edge of the Veluwe, is highly recommended. Hip yet close to nature! What more could you ask for? With the creative Modekwartier buzzing with boutiques and studios of local designers, a charming old city center, and the 'Zeven Straatjes' (Seven Streets) with countless cafes and shops. Round off your staycation with an extensive walk in beautiful Sonsbeek Park. In this Arnhem City Guide, we have listed everything for you.

HOTELS // ARNHEM CITY GUIDE

Bar Hotel Karel: In the up-and-coming Spijkerkwartier district, there's only one hotel you'll want to stay at: boutique hotel Karel. With just four uniquely decorated rooms, it's a wonderful base for exploring Arnhem. I'm a fan of "suite 2" with the clawfoot bathtub! Breakfast is served from 8 a.m. in the coffee bar. Tip: if you're not staying at the hotel, it's also a great spot for lunch.
Hertogstraat 40, Arnhem

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FashionHotel Modez is located in Arnhem's other trendy neighborhood, the Fashion District. The 33 rooms come in various sizes and are each uniquely decorated by fashion designers, almost all of whom studied at Arnhem's ArtEZ Academy of Fine Arts. From Bas Kosters to Piet Paris and Spijkers & Spijkers, choosing your perfect room on the website is a journey in itself! Café Caspar is located on the ground floor.
Elly Lamakerplantsoen 4, Arnhem

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Loft Hotel: Prefer a little more space for a weekend getaway? Then you'll want to stay at Loft in Arnhem. It's an apartment-hotel with two beautiful, bright apartments in a former dance academy in the heart of the city. It sleeps two to five people, and it's so beautifully decorated you'll want to stay. That beautiful interior is no coincidence, by the way, as the hotel is part of the eponymous concept store on the ground floor. Good news, then, because almost everything is for sale!
Weverstraat 39, Arnhem

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@Lofthotel

RESTAURANTS // ARNHEM

Caspar: This charming restaurant is located on the ground floor of Hotel Modez in the Fashion District. It's an all-day hotspot where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or lunch during the day and a delicious meal in the evening. The menu changes weekly, and you can always choose from fish, meat, or vegetarian main courses.
Elly Lamakerplantsoen 2, Arnhem, caspararnhem.nl

Stan & Co: Whether you're there for dinner or drinks, Stan & Co is always bustling. In the summer, they have a lovely terrace where you can enjoy people-watching. Tip: This hotspot also has a location in Utrecht.
Willemsplein 46, Arnhem, arnhem.stan-co.nl

velvet: Every city should have a gastrobar like Velvet, where you can enjoy a five-course dinner of this caliber for €25. At the end of the day, settle in at this restaurant for creative dishes and a touch of rock 'n' roll. For the current menu, check out the website. Fun fact: owner Jin owns the Gin Neo Bistro in Amsterdam!
Velperbuitensingel 17, Arnhem, bistrovelvet.nl

First Eet Cafe: Right in the city center, this is undoubtedly one of Arnhem's best hotspots. Sink into one of the benches in the Botanic Room (yes, full of plants!) and order a delicious breakfast or a cappuccino. But First Eet Café is more than just a cafe; it's also a great place to shop!
Market 27, Arnhem, first-eet.nl

© First Eet Cafe, Arnhem

Iveau Burgers & Wine Bar: Sometimes you just crave a juicy burger, and for the very best burgers in Arnhem, the answer is simple. Iveau Burgers & Wijnbar is the place to be. Ask the team for a wine pairing with your burger—that's what sets this burger joint apart. Tip: Not a burger fan? During lunch, from Friday to Sunday, you can also order the burgers as a special toasted sandwich.
Small Oord 78, Arnhem, burgersenwijn.nl

Brasserie Thialf: An industrial interior, hanging plants, wooden tables, and vintage school chairs, and in good weather, a large balcony with a terrace where you can sit. At Brasserie Thialf, you'll quickly feel at home! Open from lunch to dinner with a weekly changing menu, but you're also welcome just for a drink.
Dullertstraat 33-1, Arnhem, thialf.nu

Arneym: There are several restaurants on the charming Jansplaats in Arnhem, but Arneym is the place to go. For lunch, you can order hot or cold mini sandwiches, and for dinner, tapas-style dishes from fish to vegetarian. All dishes are designed to be shared, and be sure to save room for dessert because the cheesecake is a must-try.
Jansplaats 8, Arnhem, arneym.com

Sugar Hill: If you're still hesitant about the route through the Fashion District, don't. At the top of Klarendalseweg, Sugar Hill awaits you as a reward! A cozy atmosphere, lots of tasty beers, great burgers (and more), but above all, delicious homemade sweets.
Klarendalseweg 192, Arnhem, sugarhill.nl

SHOPS // ARNHEM CITY GUIDE

Bos & HeijLocated in Arnhem's charming "Zeven Straatjes" (Seven Streets), Bos & Heij, run by two sisters, is a must-see. They offer unique cards and prints, beautiful jewelry, porcelain and ceramics, lovely children's gifts, and original home accessories.
Church Street 36, Arnhem, bosenheij.nl

HELLO.Concept store HELLO. is an urban jungle in the heart of Arnhem. Here you've come to the right place for greenery for your home, the cutest stationery, a fine selection of books, statement earrings from Mr. Snorr, clothing, vintage items, and more.
Klarestraat 1A, Arnhem, hello-store.nl

© Hello, Arnhem

MippiesAt Mippies Interior and Styling, you've come to the right place for vintage furniture from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, mid-century Dutch design, antiques, art, and other unique vintage finds. From 50s vintage side tables to retro dressers, if you browse here, there's a good chance you'll want to take something home with you.
Klarendalseweg 382, Arnhem, mippies.com

LoftIf you're looking for something nice for your home, Loft is the place to be. Spotted something on Pinterest or Instagram? Chances are you can find it here! Besides home and lifestyle items, they also sell a beautiful collection of clothing. Tip: you can also find Loft in Nijmegen and Apeldoorn.
Korenmarkt 29, Arnhem, loftloft.nl

Lost in Wanderland: This lifestyle and concept store is a firm favorite in Arnhem. Lost in Wanderland is packed with unique products with a story. Home decor, gifts, clothing and accessories, jewelry, plants, and more. Mostly from small labels and Dutch designers!
Hommelstraat 60, Arnhem, lostinwanderland.nl

© Lost in Wanderland, Arnhem

Lenneke Wispelwey: For the most beautiful porcelain, visit Lenneke Wispelwey's studio on Klarendalseweg. In sweet pastel colors and geometric patterns, she creates everything from vases and cups to tableware, all with the exciting combination of matte and glossy porcelain.
Klarendalseweg 442, Arnhem, lennekewispelwey.nl

HOTSPOTS IN KLARENDAL // ARNHEM CITY GUIDE

Artwallcollection: Do you love botanical prints? Then Hanekke van de Pol's design studio and shop is a must-see. These Giclees are produced in small editions of 50 to 100 pieces and printed with real pigment ink. So beautifully made!
Klarendalseweg 363, Arnhem, artwallcollection.com

© Art Wall Collection, Arnhem

The Walloon Arrow: Have you always dreamed of owning a vintage racing bike? Then you should definitely visit De Waalse Pijl in Arnhem. The beauty of it is that each vintage bike is unique and fully restored by owner Hans for everyday use. You can also rent vintage bikes and/or tandems with a picnic basket—great fun for exploring Arnhem with your sweetheart on the back.
Hommelstraat Hommelstraat 73, Arnhem, dewaalsepijl.nl

Baking bar: The bakery shop in the heart of the Fashion District is the place for home bakers. In this small, cozy shop, Jet offers advice on how to bake the most delicious cakes and cookies. To make baking even easier, you can buy DIY baking kits with recipe cards and measured ingredients. You're also in the right place for baking books and all the other supplies you need to get started at home.
Klarendalseweg 434, Arnhem, bakbar.nl

Mirte Engelhard: Fashion designer Mirte Engelhard's boutique sells a wide range of unique items. Engelhard's work is distinguished by its casual, comfortable fit, geometric shapes, and refined combinations of fabrics and patterns. In addition to her own collection, she also showcases emerging talent.
Klarendalseweg 134-A, Arnhem, mirte-engelhard.nl

June Interiors: When Berinda was pregnant with her son, she knew exactly how she wanted the nursery to look, but couldn't find it. That's how June Interiors was born... she took on the styling and design herself! Her (online) store is a beautiful Scandinavian collection of custom-designed furniture and interior accessories, complemented by the best labels for kids' rooms.
Sonsbeeksingel 106, Arnhem, juneinteriors.com

© June, Arnhem

Have fun during your staycation in Arnhem!

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• Feed Your Wanderlust – Travel Guide for a bohemian lifestyle
• staycation – 22 guides and shortlists for a holiday close to home
• Wanderlust – Urban Travel Style Guide
• The Amsterdam City Guide (Dutch) & The Amsterdam City Guide (English)

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With love,
Anne