Visit Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, where Roman ruins and medieval buildings meet a modern, lively vibe. Walk through the old town to see the Stevenskerk, climb the Kronenburger Tower, or relax in the green Kronenburgerpark. Don’t miss the Valkhof ruins, once part of a Roman fortress, now looking over the River Waal.
Once a Roman stronghold, it’s now a lively university town with leafy parks, vibrant squares, and riverside charm. The old town sits beside the River Waal, with historic buildings, cosy cafés, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Here’s why Nijmegen should be at the top of your travel list:
Our advice: Comfortable full day
Travel time from Amsterdam: about 1 hour 20 minutes each way.
Nijmegen makes a long but rewarding day, and it fits well with Arnhem or the Kröller-Müller Museum in the same part of the country.
Start your visit in the old town, where you’ll find cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and elegant squares like the Grote Markt. This lively square is a great place to stop for a drink or just enjoy the view of the historic façades. The city centre is full of shops, cafés, and history – perfect for a relaxed wander with plenty to see along the way.
Set on a hill above the river, Valkhof Park is home to Roman ruins and the remains of a medieval chapel built by Charlemagne. Next door, the Valkhof Museum displays Roman artefacts, medieval finds, and modern art – all under one roof.
The St. Steven’s Church is Nijmegen’s best-known landmark, and it’s easy to see why. Step inside to admire its soaring Gothic arches, then climb the tower for stunning views across the city and the River Waal. Built in the 13th century, it’s a calm spot jam-packed with centuries of history.
The river is the lifeblood of Nijmegen, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than with a walk or cycle along its banks. Cross the iconic Waalbrug bridge for some of the city’s most Instagrammable views, or follow the riverside paths to find peaceful green spots, picnic areas, and even little beaches in summer.
De Hemel is a micro-brewery in a medieval building just off Nijmegen’s historic market square, producing ales since 1983 – one of the oldest craft breweries in the Netherlands. The brewery restaurant serves beers alongside hearty Dutch dishes. Given that Nijmegen is the oldest city in the country, eating somewhere with that depth of history feels exactly right.
Nijmegen has serious Roman roots: it was once the Roman settlement of Noviomagus. At Kelfkensbos, you can dive into this ancient past with models, ruins, and fascinating displays that show what Roman life was really like here. It’s a great mix of history and storytelling.
Head to Kronenburgerpark, a green oasis right by the city centre. It’s got everything: medieval towers, shady trees, ponds full of ducks, and quiet corners perfect for a break. Locals come here to stroll, snack, or just unwind from city life.
Nijmegen is packed with cosy cafés, sunny terraces, and buzzing student energy. Whether you’re people-watching on Koningsplein, browsing in a bookshop café, or sipping a local beer at Plein 1944, the city’s café culture makes it easy to slow down and soak up the atmosphere.
7 museums in Nijmegen
Photo: Stichting De Bastei, CC BY-SA 4.0Museum exploring the nature and cultural history of the Waal River and Nijmegen.
Daily 10:00–17:00
Photo: A. J. van der Wal, CC BY-SA 4.0Museum of archaeology, Roman history and modern art overlooking the Waal.
Tue–Sun 11:00–17:00
Photo: Otter, CC BY-SA 4.0The Netherlands' national bicycle museum with an extensive historic collection.
Daily 12:00–17:00
Photo: Havang(nl), CC0Small museum and heritage centre dedicated to Nijmegen's rich history.
Tue 14:00–17:00, Wed–Sat 11:00–17:00, Sun 13:00–17:00huisvandenijmeegsegeschiedenis.nlMuseum and information centre about Nijmegen during the Second World War.
Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 12:00–17:00infocentrumwo2.nl
Photo: Roger Veringmeier, CC BY-SA 4.0Historic church with exhibitions about the city's religious and architectural history.
Daily 10:00–17:00 (some exceptions)stevenskerk.nl
Photo: Elske Nissen, CC BY 4.0Interactive museum where visitors experience life with visual impairment.
Tue–Sun 09:30–17:00; Mon 12:00–17:00muZIEum.nlNijmegen is widely recognised as the oldest city in the Netherlands, founded in Roman times, yet it combines deep history with a lively student culture, contemporary art and riverside recreation.
Spring through early autumn offers the best weather for riverside walks, park visits and outdoor dining. Summers are lively with outdoor events and festivals. Winter can be quieter but is ideal for museum visits and indoor cultural experiences.
The city is compact and walkable, with frequent local buses and excellent cycling infrastructure. Most major sights are within walking distance of each other.
The International Four Days Marches (Vierdaagse) in mid-July is one of the world’s largest walking events and draws tens of thousands of participants and spectators.
The city offers family-oriented parks, relaxed outdoor spaces along the river and a range of museums with interactive exhibits, making it suitable for families.
Nijmegen is easy to reach from Amsterdam. By train, the journey usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes with direct connections or a single transfer, depending on the service. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
By car, the distance is roughly 120 kilometres and the drive typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, traffic permitting.
