Every time I visit Nijmegen, the city continues to surprise me! Nijmegen, as the oldest city in the Netherlands, has a beautiful historic city center. But it’s the industrial character of the old factory grounds, transformed into creative hubs, that really gives the city its unique charm. Not to mention its location along the Waal River, which offered a stunning view from our hotel during my last visit. I visited in December, nearly a year ago, to create an amazing guide for you. The lockdowns threw a wrench in the works, but now it’s time to share all these winter tips with you! How cozy Nijmegen is for a winter city trip? Read all about it in this new hotspot guide. We spent one day exploring with our son Manuel, and the next day, his grandma picked him up, so we could enjoy a wellness night. That’s why you’ll find both family-friendly tips and ideas perfect for a weekend getaway for two. Enjoy!
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Staying in Nijmegen
Van der Valk Hotel Nijmegen-Lent
If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Nijmegen, you don’t need to look any further. Officially, this hotel is located just outside the city in Lent. Be sure to book a room on the higher floors for a fantastic view of the city! Manuel loved discovering new things in the skyline with us. Van der Valk Hotel offers comfortable family rooms and modern suites. It’s definitely kid-friendly, so during dinner at the restaurant, the kids will be well taken care of. The area surrounding the hotel is perfect for a beautiful walk, or you can rent a bike at the hotel and take a scenic ride along the Waal River. Prefer an E-chopper? Completely electric, whisper-quiet, super comfortable, and, of course, much faster than biking. After a day in the city or nature, you can unwind in the hotel’s wellness area, complete with a sauna, Turkish steam bath, and foot baths—all freely accessible to hotel guests. During our stay in December, the entire hotel was festively decorated with Christmas trees and lights. A perfect base for a festive season getaway with the kids!
Hertog Eduardplein 4, 6663 AN Nijmegen
| TIP: Check out more great hotels in Nijmegen >>

PJ party at Van der Valk Nijmegen-Lent
Sanadome Hotel & Spa
During our second night in Nijmegen, Manuel stayed with his grandma, and we were able to completely recharge at Sanadome Hotel & Spa. After a lovely dinner at the restaurant and a day in the thermal baths, we fell straight into our cozy box spring bed with crisp white linens. The next morning, you can walk from your hotel room straight to the thermal baths in your slippers. The Thermen offers an indoor thermal bath, an outdoor thermal bath (my favorite, especially in winter!), a hot water pool, a saltwater pool, whirlpools with herbs, a mint room, a steam room, foot baths, a thermal garden, and even aqua gym. What makes Sanadome special is that the water in the Thermen comes from its own source. The temperature is at least 33°C, so your body relaxes immediately as soon as you enter the water. Want to indulge even more in your me-time? You can also book additional treatments, such as massages, Hamam, and facials.
Weg door Jonkerbos 90, 6532 SZ Nijmegen

Sanadome hotel & spa
THINGS TO SEE & DO in Nijmegen
Honigcomplex
Have you heard of the Honigcomplex in Nijmegen? It’s one of my favorite spots in the city, with an amazing story. For years, this old factory complex was rented out to startups. Initially, it was meant to be a temporary solution for these vacant buildings, but Honig quickly became a creative hub known throughout Nijmegen and beyond. Luckily, the decision was made to save the oldest part of the complex from demolition! Now it’s home to numerous great cafes and cultural hotspots. For example, coffee bar First Things First, restaurant De Meesterproef, the tasting room of Oersoep Brewery, and Nevel, where they sell sustainably brewed beer with unique flavors. The complex also hosts various artisan makers, regular exhibitions, and other art projects. A theater and music venue are also in the works. In short: don’t skip the Honigcomplex when you visit Nijmegen! honigcomplex.nl

Honigcomplex
De Bastei
De Bastei is a must-visit with kids, if you ask me. Nijmegen is arguably the best place to discover the flora and fauna of the Gelderland river region. It’s located right on the Waal River and is also the oldest city in the Netherlands. In this museum, you dive into the past to discover how the river connects the city and nature, and what we can learn from it for the future. Manuel loved learning about Nijmegen’s exciting history. The family-friendly museum features changing exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see. Want to head straight into nature after your visit? From De Bastei, you can walk or bike directly into the Gelderse Poort nature reserve.
Lange Baan 4, 6511 XJ Nijmegen

De Bastei
Kronenburgpark
Another spot not to miss when visiting Nijmegen with kids is Kronenburgpark. This park is located in the center of Nijmegen and provides a nice green break where kids can burn off some energy. Around the park, you’ll find remnants of the medieval walls, including the famous Kruittoren, which gives you a sense of the city’s history as you walk through it. The pond with a bridge crossing it creates a picturesque scene, which reminded me of Central Park for a moment. But what makes the park even more fun is the small playground and petting zoo where deer, goats, peacocks, and chickens live. TIP: You can download a walking route on the Kronenburgerpark website, which includes short descriptions and history of everything you’ll encounter along the way.
Kronenburgerplaats 6511, 6511 AW Nijmegen

Kronenburgpark
Walking around the Stevenskerk
For me, the Stevenskerk symbolizes eight centuries of Nijmegen’s history. Did you know that from March to November, you can also climb the tower? I’ll definitely do that next time because the view from the Stevenstoren over the city is beautiful. However, you don’t need to go high to be amazed. Wander through the narrow historic streets around the Stevenskerk. So pretty! A fun spot to eat and drink is Philipse, a brocante shop and lunch place where time seems to have stood still. stevenskerk.nl

Walking around the Stevenskerk
Valkhof Park
This small park is located on a hill, so the view alone is worth it. We visited in the winter when there was a mysterious fog, but under normal circumstances, you can see very far. In the park, you’ll also find the Barbarossa ruins, a remnant of the Valkhof palace that was rebuilt by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in 1155. Good to know: the chapel is run by volunteers and has limited opening hours. Check the website for opening times before you go.
Kelfkensbos 59, 6511 TB Nijmegen

Het Valkhofpark
Walking along the Waalkade
In the summer, the various beaches along the Waal are perfect for swimming, picnicking, drinks, and barbecues. But in winter, this area is ideal for a wintry walk. In the urban part, you’ll find several nice restaurants with views of the water, or you can walk a little further out of the city and be in nature in no time. Wander along the river, spot wild horses, or, in the spring, see if you can spot storks between the old farmhouses in the Ooijpolder. The Waalkade

The Waalkade
Hubert Creative Hub
While the Honigcomplex is more well-known, locals know how to find their way to this cultural hub on an old industrial site in the Hazenkamp district. It’s great if you want to discover something new and visually engaging during a city trip. The goal of Hubert? To make art and culture accessible to everyone. In this cultural hub, you’ll meet artists, designers, and scientists at the café, the film club, during game nights, or at one of the many cultural events. Check the website to see what’s on the agenda. I’ll definitely visit next time! hubertnijmegen.nl
Walking in the Ooijpolder
Looking for a walk in the Ooijpolder? Between the hills and the Waal River, you’ll find hotel-restaurant Oortjeshekken. It’s a convenient spot to park, as you can cross the dike and be in nature. The walks take you through expansive landscapes with small villages, farms, and lots of greenery. Also great for kids, as you’ll find free-roaming cows. And why is it such a good tip to park at Oortjeshekken? You can grab a nice takeaway coffee for the walk and warm up afterward with something to eat and drink.
Erlecomsedam 4, Ooij – oortjeshekken.nl // wandelenindeooijpolder.nl

The beautiful Ooijpolder
FOOD & DRINKS in Nijmegen
De Meesterproef
In the Honigcomplex, where processed food was once made, you can now enjoy a meal at restaurant De Meesterproef, prepared using traditional artisanal techniques. Pickling, canning, smoking, and preserving—you’ll see it all in the dishes! And whenever possible, the ingredients come from local suppliers. I’ve been here several times, and it’s a delightful spot in a cool industrial setting that I love returning to.
Waalbandijk 14, 6541 AJ Nijmegen, demeesterproefnijmegen.nl
Bistrobar Berlin
Do you feel at home in Berlin? Then you’ll definitely like this restaurant. Just like the city, which is perhaps the ultimate hotspot for startups, artists, and creatives within Europe, Bistrobar Berlin embodies an open mind, graffiti, cult, and connecting amazing people. They do everything with a bit more daring, and sometimes a little bit of boldness. The result? An evening of dining with pure dishes, far from boring!
Daalseweg 15-17, 6521 GE Nijmegen, bistrobarberlin.nl
Fika
Fika is Swedish for coffee break, but you’re also welcome here for breakfast, lunch, drinks, and on weekends for dinner. But in fact, a true Fika is more about creating space in your mind. A great hotspot in Nijmegen to stop during a shopping spree. TIP: next to the café, you’ll find Fika Kiøsk for coffee, soda, cake, and smørrebrød to-go, as well as Fika bags and products from local creatives. It’s fun to browse!
Van Broeckhuysenstraat 5, 6511 PE Nijmegen, fika-nijmegen.nl
De Nieuwe Winkel
Dining at De Nieuwe Winkel is high on my food bucket list. This restaurant, which focuses on plant-based cooking, is one to watch. At De Nieuwe Winkel, they even have a term for it: botanical gastronomy. The team believes that you can feed your guests at a high level while choosing ingredients in a way that doesn’t exhaust the planet. Chef Emile van der Staak prefers to come up with new dishes while sitting on a log in the food forest, where your dinner ingredients grow. I’ve been following De Nieuwe Winkel on Instagram for a while now, and the dishes look incredible. I’ll have to return soon to taste them myself!
Gebroeders van Limburgplein 7, 6511 BW Nijmegen, denieuwewinkel.com

© Restaurant De Nieuwe Winkel
Bistro Flore
Bistro Flore has become a staple in Nijmegen. In the summer, you can enjoy sitting on the patio, but did you know it’s also open in the winter? It’s fully covered! Or would you rather sit in the dining room or at the kitchen bar with the chef? When Flore had to close due to the pandemic in 2020, they converted the garage into a wine room. Now the wine bottles are stored at exactly the right temperature in the climate-controlled spaces. From the patio, you can look through a large window into the wine room! And on the menu? Pure dishes that are all works of art on your plate.
Kelfkensbos 43, 6511 TB Nijmegen, bistroflores.nl
Bairro Alto
If you follow the scent of freshly baked cakes and coffee from the Grote Markt, you’ll end up at this lovely coffee bar. It’s a place to escape the hustle and bustle, serving artisanal bread topped with the best homemade products. Prefer a salad? That’s possible too! The only thing impossible here is resisting the homemade sweets. Just a warning!
Kannenmarkt 6, 6511 KC Nijmegen, bairroalto.nl
Cafe HOLT Craft & Comfort
Holt is fairly new in Nijmegen and a bit of everything, as they describe it themselves. It’s a coffee shop, lunchroom, ice cream parlor, and brown café, but also not all of these at once. Typical Holt? The pursuit of the perfect balance between craft and comfort. Maybe that’s what you get when you put two brothers with Portuguese blood, a chef with a love for France, and a charismatic person from the Achterhoek together to run a café: a little bit of everything for the best result!
Houtstraat 75, 6511 JM Nijmegen, holt-nijmegen.nl
Eetbar MikMak
Here, you’ll find flavors from around the world combined in one place to taste. MikMak’s motto? Celebrate the differences and feel at home. The menu features flavors evenly divided between meat, fish, and vegetarian options.
Kelfkensbos 45, 6511 TB Nijmegen, eetbarmikmak.nl
Down Town
Here, you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, or lunch in peace. This is a hotspot you need to know about because it’s tucked away in a side street. It’s the perfect spot to start a day in Nijmegen with a croissant or a delicious cake and coffee. The menu changes with the seasons, the music is always good, and the service is quick.
Kannenmarkt 16, 6511 KC Nijmegen, downtownnmgn.nl
Cafe Wunderkammer
This café is decorated with an eclectic collection of curiosities. When we visited Nijmegen, we got some delicious take-away from here, but to be honest, sitting inside is much cozier! The unique selection of animals, prints, and objects comes from all corners of the world, just like the carefully chosen drinks on the menu. Cafe Wunderkammer is perfect for lunch or drinks.
Houtstraat 47, 6511 JL Nijmegen, cafewunderkammer.nl

Take-away at Cafe Wunderkammer
SHOPPING in Nijmegen
Fier Concept Store
Don’t skip this new concept store in Nijmegen. Chances are, you’ll walk out with something beautiful for your home! They offer a cozy mix of different home styles and home accessories. But you’ll also find great fashion items, like jewelry.
Lange Hezelstraat 4, 6511 CJ Nijmegen, fierconceptstore.nl
Mood Concept Store
This is the place to be inspired by lifestyle, fashion, and creative design. All items at Mood Concept Store are carefully curated and come from young designers and labels. Sustainability is also a key focus when selecting the collection. In short: this is where you go for everything new and upcoming.
Houtstraat 59, 6511 JM Nijmegen, mood-conceptstore.nl
Wonder For Baby & Kids
This shop has three cool locations, all conveniently located on the same street. At Wonder for Kids, you’ll find the best gifts for children of all ages. At Wonder for Baby, you can spend hours browsing for something cute or special, whether for a baby shower or your own little one. Looking for a great gift for someone who’s outgrown childhood? You’re sure to find something perfect at Wonder Kindness!
Houtstraat 46, 6511 JP Nijmegen, wonderforkids.nl

Wonder for Baby
Het Duurzame Warenhuis
This department store is unique. You can shop guilt-free here, and that’s exactly what I did during my last visit to Nijmegen. I bought almost everything for under the Christmas tree. They offer a great selection of slow and fair fashion, as well as lifestyle items for women, men, and kids. Also fun: the department store organizes workshops and other activities centered around the theme of ‘sustainable living’. Think growing oyster mushrooms, a clothing repair café, plant cutting swaps, natural maternity care, and clothing and color advice to ensure every piece becomes your favorite.
Burchtstraat 126, 6511 RK Nijmegen, duurzamewarenhuis.nl
Make My Day
Spread across three locations, you’ll almost always find something nice at Make My Day. I’ve certainly never left empty-handed. I’m also especially proud whenever I spot my own books on their shelves! You’ll find fun and affordable clothing, cool items for your home, and basically everything you didn’t know you wanted. It’s truly a store where you’re constantly surprised by new items!
Women: Stikke Hezelstraat 65, Atelier: Stikke Hezelstraat 30, Men: Stikke Hezelstraat 32, Nijmegen, makemydaynijmegen.nl

Make My Day

Enjoy Nijmegen!