Top 10 Things To Do In Arnhem…
We know that most British and American tourists who visit Arnhem almost always come to learn more and/or visit the sites related to the Battle of Arnhem. But… Arnhem has much more to offer!
Here are our Top 10 Things To Do In Arnhem, if you want to get to know the city a little bit better.
#10
Park Meinerswijk
Stadsblokken-Meinerswijk is a floodplain area located on the southern bank of the Rhine opposite the centre of the city of Arnhem. The earliest traces of habitation of the area date back to the time of the Roman Empire. In the area, there are a number of cultural-historical objects and a neighbourhood called De Praets.
Not only will you have a stunning view of Arnhem City, you may also encounter Konik horses and Galloway cows. They are friendly but keep in mind that they are still ‘wild’ animals so make sure you keep a safe distance!
Meinerswijk is beautiful during any season, especially during sunrise and sunset. Bring your camera and start exploring.
#9
Fashion district
The Fashion district/Modekwartier is located in the centre of the Klarendal area in Arnhem and is a creative district devoted entirely to fashion, design, art and food, with a concentration of shops, workshops, studios, galleries, cafés, restaurants and the unique design Hotel Modez.
In the Modekwartier, the designers each tell their own story. That makes shopping in the Modekwartier so personal and attractive. Most stores are open from Thursday to Sunday, but some have more opening hours. The exact opening times can be found on the website of the Modekwartier or of the designers themselves.
#8
Windmill ‘De Kroon’
De Kroon/The Crown or the ‘Klarendalse Molen’ is a tower mill in which was built in 1870 and is in working order.
Many people are surprised this windmill is located in the middle of a neighbourhood. It is a sight that tourists would love, but not always know exists. That is why we put it on our ‘Top 10 Things To Do in Arnhem’ list!
#7
ArnhemLife Guided City Tour
Who better to show you in the city than a local guide? We offer a whole range of walking, cycling and bus tours in Arnhem: what would it be like to see Arnhem’s murals during a city walk or bike tour? Or combine culture and food during a ‘Bites and Walks’.
You can also set off with one of our downloadable, self guided routes in Arnhem. You then set out on your own without a guide and set your own time. There are various routes available such as Street Art, Battle of Arnhem or Highlights in Arnhem. Which one do you choose?
We would like to plan a day in Arnhem for you! Small groups or large business events, that doesn’t matter to us, we will make your stay in Arnhem one you will not soon forget. Contact us at info@Arnhemlife.nl for more information.
#6
Arnhem Central Station
In 2015, after almost 20 years of building, the new Arnhem Central Station finally was finished. It was well worth the wait! This futuristic transport hub has left many travellers in awe. The modern railway station, designed by Ben van Berkel/UNStudio, won several awards including the international Architizer A+ award in the category ‘bus- en railway stations’.
Locals sometimes use the nickname ‘money pit’ for the railway station. With a building budget that started with 220 million euro the project ended up costing 625 million euro, you might know why.
#5
Markt/Duivelshuis/Sabelspoort
Visit the local food, flower and fish market at the Markt in Arnhem and try Dutch treats as ‘herring’, ‘kibbeling’ and all kinds of cheeses.
At the Markt you’ll also find a few beautiful historical building! The ‘Duivelshuis’ for example. The ‘Devil’s House’ is a 16th-century city castle. The house is now called the Maarten van Rossem House and is part of the town hall. It now functions as the mayor’s office.
The ‘Sabelspoort’ is another historical gem. The gate was first mentioned in 1357. The ‘Sabers Gate’ was part of a castle surrounded by a high wall with loopholes. Later on, the gate was also used to confine prisoners and insane people.
In 1642, the gate was restored and he was given a Renaissance facade on the city side. In later years the gate was enclosed by houses, but during the Second World War and especially during the Battle of Arnhem these houses were so badly damaged that they were demolished after the liberation and the gate was released. The gate itself was also badly damaged. In 1952 the gate was rebuilt. Since then he is part of the adjacent Province House of Gelderland.
#4
Park Sonsbeek
Park Sonsbeek as an estate exists more than 250 years. Before that it was a stream valley in the forest. Along the Sint Jansbeek, 750 years ago, the first watermill stood next to the Grote Waterval and the area consisted of several small estates. Baron Van Heeckeren merged those estates into Park Sonsbeek. A hundred years ago, in 1899, the core of the estate came into the hands of the municipality and became a public park.
Many events take place at Park Sonsbeek like, Sonsbeek Avenue, Sonsbeek Market, Park Open and Social Mile. It’s also a perfect picnic location during a hot summers day.
At the park, there are several locations where you can get a cup of coffee, lunch or dinner.
#3
John Frost Bridge/Information centre
With its phenomenal view of the world-famous John Frost Bridge, Airborne at the Bridge tells its visitors the personal stories of the British lieutenant John Grayburn, the German Hauptsturmführer Viktor Eberhard Gräbner and the Dutch captain Jacob Groenewoud who fought and died here during the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944.
Airborne at the Bridge is free for all visitors. You can also buy a discount ticket here to the Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’ in Oosterbeek.
#2
Rozet
Rozet is definitely worth a visit during your stay in Arnhem. The building is freely accessible and a social hub for many Arnhem residents. On level -1 you will find the free to visit heritage center. It may not look open, but try the entrance and you will see that it is open. The heritage center tells the story of Arnhem. The small free museum is full of information about Arnhem’s rich history up to the present.
Make sure you also go to the top of the Rosette Building. When the weather is nice, the large balcony is open and you have a beautiful view over Arnhem.
#1
Eusebius Church/Glass Balcony
The No. 1 spot is for the Eusebius Church. This Top sightseeing in Arnhem activity is something special. The church has been under construction for the last 10 years but slowly the scaffolding gets taken down and a beautiful building appears!
During the Battle of Arnhem, the Eusebius church got hit pretty hard. You can see lots of photos at the church from before and after the war.
Learn more about the most iconic building in Arnhem during your visit to the church. Buy a ticket for the panorama lift that takes you up the 73m high tower.
The lift makes a stopover at 63 metres so visitors can stand on the glass balconies to view the exterior of the restored tower. The famous Disney gargoyles, added after the Second World War, can be seen from the balconies, along with characters more familiar to a Dutch public like Ollie B. Bommel and Tom Poes (a Tom-Thumb figure). The gargoyles include G.C. Foeken, a clergyman fiercely opposed to these playful sculptures. During their stopover, visitors can also admire the imposing carillon, one of the largest in Europe.
SPEND A WEEKEND IN ARNHEM? SUCH A GOOD IDEA!
Do you want to do all the activities mentioned above? It will take you multiple days. So why not book a long weekend away in Arnhem?
Are you looking for a hotel? Take a quick look here if you want to book a hotel in Arnhem.
