Arnhem is a city in the Netherlands, nestled alongside the scenic Rhine River. Most people will remember World War II when they hear about this city, due to the famous Battle of Arnhem, back in September 1944. Today, Arnhem is well known for its historical charm combined with modernity. Plus, it has a great nature too.
The city is surrounded by the Hoge Veluwe National Park. When you stay in Arnhem, you will enjoy being engaged with its natural serenity. There’s a hidden gem in the park, the Kröller-Müller Museum, where you can admire the art made from famous artists, including Van Gogh and Mondrian. From this part itself, you’ll know already that Arnhem is a sophisticated place, suitable for art and nature lovers.
Cultural events and festivals are often held in Arnhem. If you enter one, you can experience the city’s diverse community. The people in Arnhem are very warm, especially to tourists. The hospitality ambiance that you’ll feel here will make you feel welcome.
Riding a trolleybus in Arnhem is a thing to do in Arnhem that should never be skipped. Trolleybus will make your life easier by taking you to every different part of the city. Learn the schedule of the trolleybus and buy your tickets in the form of a chip card. It is very affordable to ride a trolleybus, that’s why it is highly recommended aside from all options to get around in Arnhem.
History is one of the main reasons that makes Arnhem famous the most. The Battle of Arnhem is indeed bringing the city to global recognition. Some people would visit Arnhem for its historical story, and they will want to see the well-known John Frost Bridge, which today stands as a tangible reminder of the war tragedy that happened years ago. For Arnhem residents, the bridge is the symbol of courage and resilience.
Arnhem will be a great place to learn about history. Several museums support you to do so. But there are still more things in Arnhem that make the city famous, including the festivals. In Arnhem, you can fully celebrate music, art, and more cultural scenes.
Let's explore the variety of popular activities in Arnhem. If you're a nature enthusiast, consider visiting Middachten Castle, Burger's Zoo, and parks such as Hoge Veluwe National Park, Deelerwoud, and Park Sonsbeek.
Another thing to do in Arnhem that you must do is explore its history. For the history side, you should see the John Frost Bridge, the Netherlands Open Air Museum, Foundation Eusebius Arnhem, Castle Doorwerth, and more.
You can consider exploring the arts in Arnhem. Visit the Kröller-Müller Museum or The Museum of Modern Art in Arnhem.
Anyway, when you’re in Arnhem, add riding the trolleybus as one of your mandatory things to do in Arnhem. Today, trolleybus, or an electric bus, is only available in Arnhem. Learn more about trolleybus and everything about it at the Trolleybus Museum in Arnhem.
The museum is a thing that attracts tourists to come to Arnhem. Also, visiting the museums will be a family-friendly thing to do in Arnhem. The Kröller-Müller Museum stands out as a must-visit, nestled within the Hoge Veluwe National Park. The museum offers a unique blend of artistic splendor and natural beauty. You can explore the diverse exhibits, stroll through the sculpture garden, and soak in the tranquil surroundings.
Another gem is the Nederlands Openluchtmuseum, or Open-Air Museum, providing a captivating journey through Dutch history. Drown yourself in the past with historic buildings, windmills, and engaging exhibits. The museum’s interactive approach offers a hands-on experience, making it an educational and enjoyable stop for history enthusiasts. Add these museums to your things to do in Arnhem itinerary for an enriching exploration of art, culture, and history.
Arnhem is a recommended city for shopping. It is home for numerous large shopping streets, local boutiques, and unique shops. It is highly recommended to shop for fashion here, since various local fashion brands here have plenty of great collections to be explored.
Ketelstraat is one of the most famous streets in the city center with a diverse range of stores. If you’re about to buy some new clothes, browse fashion in Modekwartier, which means “Fashion Quarter”. Kerkstraat and Arnhem Central are the recommended places to go shopping in Arnhem too.
On Thursday night, the shops usually are open until 9 PM, so you’ll have a longer time to browse every Thursday. Some stores would be open on Sunday too.
Arnhem is only 1 hour away from Amsterdam, with a distance of around 81 km between the cities. It applies approximately the same when you travel by train, bus, or car. The most convenient way to get to Arnhem from Amsterdam is by train. Up to 40 trains will go to Arnhem every day, so you don’t need to be worried about failing to get a ticket.
It will take longer by bus, and it can take up to 2 hours depending on the traffic. The bus from Amsterdam starts from Amsterdam Sloterdijk, operated by FlixBus.
Travel Tips for Arnhem