Nijmegen

Nijmegen lays claims to the title of oldest city in the Netherlands, and has indeed a long history and still lots of interesting heritage to enjoy today. World-famous among hiking enthusiast, the city annually hosts the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen. It's the largest multi-day walking event in the world and comes with a range of festivities. Attracting over 42,000 participants and over a million visitors, including many international ones, the event celebrated the 100th edition in 2016. Nijmegen is the largest city in the province of Gelderland and well known for its left-wing politics and its large student population.

With about 160,000 inhabitants, Nijmegen is a relatively large city in the southeast of the Netherlands. It's the main town in the Arnhem-Nijmegen metropolitan area (pop. 725,000) and a major stronghold of the Dutch socialist and 'green' parties.

The town's written history goes back to the first century BC, when a Roman military settlement was established at this place. The local hill provide good views over the surrounding valleys and the rivers Rhine and Waal that pass by here. A village grew around the Roman stronghold. In the year 98 it gained Roman city rights. After the Roman Empire crumbled, the area became part of the Frankish lands. The town grew as its trade activities via the river Waal flourished.

In the 12th century, Henry VI, the later Holy Roman Emperor was born in Nijmegen but it was his son, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, who granted city rights in 1230. Some 17 years later, the city and the surrounding lands were used as collateral for a loan from the Guelders, that would never be repaid. As a result, Nijmegen is part of the province of Gelderland still today.

As modern warfare rendered traditional fortifications as good as useless, the city walls were finally demolished. The city had already expanded massively by that time, with far too many souls living packed inside the city walls. And it kept developing further. A university was established in 1927 and in 1936 the reportedly largest bridge in Europe of that time was constructed for car passage over the river.

In 1944, the city centre sustained massive damage when it was bombed by the Americans by mistake, as pilots thought they were attacking the German city of Kleve. Shortly after, it was the scene of severe battle during Operation Market Garden. When the city was finally liberated, most of its historic heritage was gone or damaged. Rebuilding efforts and city planning in the following decades included further destruction of some of the remaining structures. The fine collection of monuments today is therefore only a small glimpse of Nijmegen's rich history.

• VVV Rijk van Nijmegen, Keizer Karelplein 32h. Tu-F: 09:30-17:30, Sa: 10:00-16:00, closed Su & M. The tourist information office (VVV) works closely together with that of the city of Arnhem and all the smaller destinations around. The Nijmegen office is located in the centre of town and has a wide collection of maps and brochures, can assist in any bookings you want to make and is generally very helpful.

VVV Rijk van Nijmegen, Keizer Karelplein 32h. Tu-F: 09:30-17:30, Sa: 10:00-16:00, closed Su & M. The tourist information office (VVV) works closely together with that of the city of [[Arnhem]] and all the smaller destinations around. The Nijmegen office is located in the centre of town and has a wide collection of maps and brochures, can assist in any bookings you want to make and is generally very helpful.

Nijmegen is widely considered to be the oldest city in the Netherlands, celebrating her 2000th birthday in 2005. Unfortunately not a whole lot of very old buildings are left in town: first the Americans carpet bombed it in February 1944, later the Germans shelled it for about 5 months after the liberation in September 1944, and finally there were a lot of very rigorous city planners in the 1950s, 60s and 70s who finished what the Americans and Germans started.

There are still a few noteworthy sights, however. Valkhof hill downtown features a Carolingian chapel (eight, ninth century AD) and a small remainder of an imperial castle that was demolished in 1798. From Valkhof hill walk west through the Burchtstraat. Here you will see, on your left hand, the fifteenth century town hall. If you've finished admiring its exterior (there's nothing of note inside) continue walking west to the Grote Markt (Great Market) on the north side is a sixteenth-century weighing hall that now serves as a restaurant. To the left is the Blauwe Hand, the oldest bar in a town that boasts the most pubs per square feet than any other town in the Netherlands. On the west side you will see the entrance to the St. Stevenskerk courtyard. Enter it. On the left is a fifteenth-century Latin school. On the right stands the thirteenth century St. Stevenskerk, the interior of which was destroyed during the Dutch revolution of the sixteenth century. To the north of the church is a series of small seventeenth-century houses that now serve as trinket shops.

Although the city center was heavily bombed during the war, the old neighborhoods around the center were not, and are nice to stroll around. Most interesting are the neighborhoods east and south of the center. Bottendaal, a five minute walk from the train station, has a nice vibe, a few good pubs (try De Kluizenaar and Maxim, listed below) and a park (Thiemen Park).

• Valkhof Museum, Kelfkensbos 59 (On the edge of the Valkhof park, +31 24 360 88 05. The fine collection of archaeological finds, modern and some old art is well worth spending a few hours on. Artefacts go back to prehistoric times, but also include Roman and Medieval pieces. In addition to the permanent displays, there are temporary exhibitions focussing on specific artists or crafts. € 8/4 for adults/children.
• St. Stevenskerk, Sint Stevenskerkhof 62, Nijmegen, +31 24 3604710. The construction of the church began around the middle of the 13th century . In 1273 the church was consecrated by Albertus Magnus, the auxiliary bishop of Cologne. Of this Romanesque- Gothic church remain the base of the tower and the westernmost bays of the ship. Large-scale construction took place over the course of the 15th century, including the choir and chapels . In the 16th century, was built in the transept and a small part of the ship . After about 1560 halted construction, which the church remained unfinished . The tower was in the 15th century, a new floor clocks. In the bombing of February 22, 1944 the tower collapsed largely in . In addition, the south- western part of the church was heavily damaged . The church also was badly damaged during the period of Nijmegen front city . After World War II the church was thoroughly restored in 1969 and was re-opened in the presence of HRH Prince Claus. The inventory of the church - namely pulpit monument to Catherine of Bourbon, baptistery-screen, gentlemen banks, candelabra, organs and some frescoes - are from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Free.
• Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama, Waalkade 107 (Close to Walkhof Park, +31 24 322 58 51. 10.00 - 17.00 (11.00 - 17.00 on Sunday). The Velorama is a bicycle museum in the Netherlands 5€.

Valkhof Museum, Kelfkensbos 59 (On the edge of the Valkhof park, +31 24 360 88 05. The fine collection of archaeological finds, modern and some old art is well worth spending a few hours on. Artefacts go back to prehistoric times, but also include Roman and Medieval pieces. In addition to the permanent displays, there are temporary exhibitions focussing on specific artists or crafts. € 8/4 for adults/children.

St. Stevenskerk, Sint Stevenskerkhof 62, Nijmegen, +31 24 3604710. The construction of the church began around the middle of the 13th century . In 1273 the church was consecrated by Albertus Magnus, the auxiliary bishop of Cologne. Of this Romanesque- Gothic church remain the base of the tower and the westernmost bays of the ship. Large-scale construction took place over the course of the 15th century, including the choir and chapels . In the 16th century, was built in the transept and a small part of the ship . After about 1560 halted construction, which the church remained unfinished . The tower was in the 15th century, a new floor clocks. In the bombing of February 22, 1944 the tower collapsed largely in . In addition, the south- western part of the church was heavily damaged . The church also was badly damaged during the period of Nijmegen front city . After World War II the church was thoroughly restored in 1969 and was re-opened in the presence of HRH Prince Claus. The inventory of the church - namely pulpit monument to Catherine of Bourbon, baptistery-screen, gentlemen banks, candelabra, organs and some frescoes - are from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Free.

Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama, Waalkade 107 (Close to Walkhof Park, +31 24 322 58 51. 10.00 - 17.00 (11.00 - 17.00 on Sunday). The Velorama is a bicycle museum in the Netherlands 5€.

• The Nijmeegse Vierdaagse/Zomerfeesten (Four Day Marches and the Summer Festival) in July is the biggest event in the entire Netherlands and according to the organisers the largest walking event in the world. The Four Day Marches draw about 45,000 people alone, walking 30, 40 or 50 km (depending on age and sex) per day for four days in the Nijmegen area. The Summer Festival lasts for 10 days, starting the Friday before the marches start, continuing all the way to the Sunday after the Marches. For these 10 days, the entire downtown area is one big festival with concerts everywhere, even more beer stands and 1.5-1.7 million people partying or trying to get some sleep because they have to walk another 30 miles the next morning.

  Participating in the marches costs €50 and you'll need to register well in advance. In 2014, registration will open in February and anyone interested should follow the organisation's website closely around that time. In 2013, registration closed after only a few days because the maximum number of participants was surpassed. Note that you'll need proper preparation. You'll likely have to train in order to ensure you're physically fit for the challenge. Also make sure to check local weather predictions. Dutch summers are usually mild, with average temperatures in July around 20°C and monthly precipitation around 80mm. Dutch weather is however notoriously changeable. In 2006, a heat wave caused widespread dehydration and two people died from hyperthermia. The marches were cancelled after the first day.

• Guided city tour. Readers of the Guardian selected Nijmegen's city walks, organized by the tourist office, as one of the top 10 guided city tours in the world. The 90 minute tours indeed give a much deeper insight in the city's history and its heritage. Groups can make private reservations at a requested time (€100 for the guide, up to 25 people can join). Individual travellers should check availability with the tourist office. If there's no tour to join, they also have routes which you follow on your own.

• Carnaval Six weeks before Easter is Carnaval. People dress up in funny costumes and drink. There are parades in every town & village. To the south of Nijmegen Carnaval gets celebrated more, and if you like this kind of thing, go to Maastricht, Den Bosch or Kerkrade instead.
• Dag van het Levenslied Every year in May there's a traditional Dutch folk festival in the Valkhofpark. Don't expect Dylan though, The type of music is comparable to the German schlager music as the lyrics are usually about shitty stuff in your life. Again: Lots of drinking!
• Roze Meifeesten Also in May, this is the annual Gay and Lesbian festival in downtown.

Carnaval Six weeks before Easter is Carnaval. People dress up in funny costumes and drink. There are parades in every town & village. To the south of Nijmegen Carnaval gets celebrated more, and if you like this kind of thing, go to Maastricht, Den Bosch or Kerkrade instead.

Dag van het Levenslied Every year in May there's a traditional Dutch folk festival in the Valkhofpark. Don't expect Dylan though, The type of music is comparable to the German schlager music as the lyrics are usually about shitty stuff in your life. Again: Lots of drinking!

Roze Meifeesten Also in May, this is the annual Gay and Lesbian festival in downtown.

• Heavy Metal festival Traditionally, there's a one-day Heavy Metal festival in the Goffertpark, 2 miles SW of the Central Station. Usually it's called Fields of Rock, Dynamo Open Air or Ozzfest, but they all get organized by the same company anyway. Usually draws 15-25,000 people depending on city regulations.
• Other festivals In some years, a one-day festival, called Rockin' Park, is organized in the Goffertpark. The line-up usually consists of various national and international rock acts. Another festival is the Arrow Rock Festival, featuring several (older) national and international rock acts. Also, the Goffertpark is often used for large once only concerts of prominent bands (often with numerous support acts) such as the Rolling Stones, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead and Coldplay.

Heavy Metal festival Traditionally, there's a one-day Heavy Metal festival in the Goffertpark, 2 miles SW of the Central Station. Usually it's called Fields of Rock, Dynamo Open Air or Ozzfest, but they all get organized by the same company anyway. Usually draws 15-25,000 people depending on city regulations.

Other festivals In some years, a one-day festival, called Rockin' Park, is organized in the Goffertpark. The line-up usually consists of various national and international rock acts. Another festival is the Arrow Rock Festival, featuring several (older) national and international rock acts. Also, the Goffertpark is often used for large once only concerts of prominent bands (often with numerous support acts) such as the Rolling Stones, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead and Coldplay.

• Nijmeegse Kermis The oldest street carnival in the Netherlands, dates back to 1272. Usually lasts a week and a half, and there are a lot of attractions, traditional ones like the Ferris Wheel and the Merry go-'round, Bumpercars, but also modern stuff like a Bungy-Jump.
• Zevenheuvelenloop An annual 15 km (9 mi) run around Nijmegen and its surrounding hills. (Hence the name Zevenheuvelen - which means "Seven Hills" in Dutch.)

Nijmeegse Kermis The oldest street carnival in the Netherlands, dates back to 1272. Usually lasts a week and a half, and there are a lot of attractions, traditional ones like the Ferris Wheel and the Merry go-'round, Bumpercars, but also modern stuff like a Bungy-Jump.

Zevenheuvelenloop An annual 15 km (9 mi) run around Nijmegen and its surrounding hills. (Hence the name Zevenheuvelen - which means "Seven Hills" in Dutch.)

The Nijmeegse Vierdaagse/Zomerfeesten (Four Day Marches and the Summer Festival) in July is the biggest event in the entire Netherlands and according to the organisers the largest walking event in the world. The Four Day Marches draw about 45,000 people alone, walking 30, 40 or 50 km (depending on age and sex) per day for four days in the Nijmegen area. The Summer Festival lasts for 10 days, starting the Friday before the marches start, continuing all the way to the Sunday after the Marches. For these 10 days, the entire downtown area is one big festival with concerts everywhere, even more beer stands and 1.5-1.7 million people partying or trying to get some sleep because they have to walk another 30 miles the next morning.

Participating in the marches costs €50 and you'll need to register well in advance. In 2014, registration will open in February and anyone interested should follow the organisation's website closely around that time. In 2013, registration closed after only a few days because the maximum number of participants was surpassed. Note that you'll need proper preparation. You'll likely have to train in order to ensure you're physically fit for the challenge. Also make sure to check local weather predictions. Dutch summers are usually mild, with average temperatures in July around 20°C and monthly precipitation around 80mm. Dutch weather is however notoriously changeable. In 2006, a heat wave caused widespread dehydration and two people died from hyperthermia. The marches were cancelled after the first day.

Guided city tour. Readers of the Guardian selected Nijmegen's city walks, organized by the tourist office, as one of the top 10 guided city tours in the world. The 90 minute tours indeed give a much deeper insight in the city's history and its heritage. Groups can make private reservations at a requested time (€100 for the guide, up to 25 people can join). Individual travellers should check availability with the tourist office. If there's no tour to join, they also have routes which you follow on your own.

If you like a day of shopping, you'll surely enjoy this city. It's considered one the top shopping destinations in the country, for its cosy old centre, many cafés, car-free shopping zone and of course the wide range of stores and boutiques. Over 400 shops are available in the city centre alone. The recently modernized Marikenstraat and Moenenstraat are full of large chain stores, including the usual department and fashion stores.

The smaller streets leading to the car-free centre are called the Ringstraten, and are packed with smaller boutiques, giftstores, speciality stores and independent home decoration shops. Good examples include the Hezelstraat (said to be the oldest shopping street in the country), the Van Welderenstraat and the Tweede Walstraat. For design boutiques, try the Houstraat.

Stores are usually open between 9.00 and 17.30h, many also until 18.00h. Thursday is so-called shopping evening, with most shops open till 21.00h and as in the rest of the country, most places close at 17.00 on Saturdays. Every first Sunday of the month, the city centre opens between 12.00 ad 17.00h

There are general markets in the centre every Monday and Saturday.

• De Bierhoeder, Bloemerstraat 86, +31 24 3601620. A small but excellent beer specialty shop. The friendly owner knows his produce well, and has a preference for punk music.

De Bierhoeder, Bloemerstraat 86, +31 24 3601620. A small but excellent beer specialty shop. The friendly owner knows his produce well, and has a preference for punk music.

Being a student town (roughly 21,000 students in a population of 160,000) there are plenty of relatively cheap restaurants ("eetcafés") to be found. Look for them in the Van Welderenstraat and on Kelfkensbos. Fast Food is also widely available in the city center, with two McDonald's, a Burger King and numerous snackbars often offering traditional Dutch snacks, but also Turkish dishes.

• De Ontmoeting Tapas & Catering, Graafseweg 27, +31 24-3230466. Opens at 17.00h. On the corner of the Graafseweg and the Stijn Buijsstraat (at walking distance from the central station and the city center). De Ontmoeting is one of the most popular restaurants in Nijmegen, famous for the enthusiastic staff and delicious Aioli.
• Eetcafé De Plak, Bloemerstraat 90 (corner of Plein 1944, +31 24 3222 757. An absolute classic. Not only is it a mainstay of Nijmegen's sizeable alternative scene (don't be surprised to have your meal served by a pierced waitress with dreadlocks or a waiter with a mohawk) it's also famous throughout the Netherlands for its Kaasgehakt - a hearty dish made with cheese and breadcrumbs that's supposed to be a vegetarian version of "gehakt" (minced meat).
• Dromaai, Plein 1944. A dirt cheap student eatery.
• Restaurant de Hemel, Franseplaats 1, +31 243656394. 12-24u. Great dining experience in a fantastic historical building in centre. Guests are served 6-8 rounds of small appetizers and bites for dinner. De Hemel serves a great variety of food and on top of that an intimate setting. Also opened for lunch and highly popular High Tea. 28,50.
• Restaurant Ankara, on the corner of the Burghardt van den Berghstraat and the Graafseweg in the Bottendaal district, is at walking distance from the central station and the city center. It offers a wide range of affordable Turkish meals, as well as a wide range of pizzas. You are always offered a free soup, which is quite spicy and tasty.
• De Kluizenaar, of the Burghardt van den Berghstraat, offers tapas from various cooking styles, and more traditional meals, such as salads and spare ribs. In the summer, it is a nice place for a drink, just like cafe Maxim across the street.
• Van Buren, of the Molenstraat, offers traditional French cuisine for a good price, and also has plenty of lunch options. Furthermore, in the summer, you can enjoy your food outside.
• Funkenstein, on the Lange Hezelstraat. Small, cosy, and good value for money.
• Meneer Dijkstra on the corner Hobbemastraat/Daalseweg, opposite the Albert Heijn supermarket, is a typical student restaurant.
• Eten & Drinken on the Groesbeeksedwarsweg (corner Heyendaalseweg/Groesbeekseweg) is very cheap (almost all main courses are under € 8), but portion size and quality is good enough. Lunch is also possible.
• Vlaams Arsenaal, Arsenaalpoort 1-4, +31 24 324 48 33. Very good Belgium/Netherlands food, such as beef stew, liver and onions and of course fries. Odd concept of shared side salad. Little slow service.
• De Klinker, Van Broeckhuysenstraat 46, 6511 PK, +31 24 3605208. Political café and organic, vegan eatery. Soup café on Wednesday nights, vegan three-course meals on Saturdays and Sundays from 18:30 (reservation obligatory, by phone or dropping by).
• Tati, Koolemans Beijnenstraat 80, 6521 EW, +31 24 7370012. Mon-Fri 08:30-21:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-21:00. Many vegetarian and vegan options, pies, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. Soup of the day €6, breakfast around €8, hot lunch and dinner around €13..

If you love pizza, you'll find yourself well-catered for. Many pizza-restaurants are specialized in take-away/delivery, but there are several nice options if you'd like to sit down. Generally, all pizzas in the restaurants below are under € 10. Most of the establishments also offer other Italian dishes.

• Donatello's, Eerste Walstraat, on the edge of the city center. It's a bit hidden, don't let the alley-like street scare you away.
• Pinoccio, beginning of the Molenstraat, one minute walking from Donatello's
• Mr. Jacks, Kelfkensbos. Do not expect top quality service, but the food is cheap and tastes reasonable. You might have to wait long whilst you have already ordered - there is often a table available, but not enough capacity to serve it. Instead of a pizza, you may also choose to order a Greek dish here.
• De Meesterproef, +31 623366490. Tu-Su 12:00-24:00. Restaurant at an old factory now used by several local companies. The restaurant has a unique view over the river the Waal.

If your budget allows it, there's also plenty of opportunity for luxury dining. Hoo Wah on Plein 1944 serves excellent Asian food (not to be confused with the stuff sold in normal Dutch "Chinese" restaurants). Het Savarijn in the Hertogstraat offers classy French food and is known for its extensive wine list while Heertjes in the Ridderstraat is the place locals go to when they want to indulge themselves. Het Lemke in the Lange Hezelstraat offers high quality French cuisine, though it might be a little bit too experimental for some. More up market dining can be found along the Waal river. From the casino, walk west past the terraces and into the old downtown. For up market dining near the university, Chalet Brakkenstein is well worth a visit. Finally, for more classic French style cuisine in a historic ambiance, try either Belvedere (the tower) or Het Poortwachtershuis (the small building west of the museum) west of the Valkhof park. (Please note that for the moment, the Belvedere is only open to groups with a reservation, due to a lack of cooking staff.). If you're into that sort of thing, in 2008 the Michelin guide has awarded a Bib Gourmand to Het Savarijn, Liberty's (on Kelfkensbos) and Vesters (Groesbeeksedwarsweg 307a).

De Ontmoeting Tapas & Catering, Graafseweg 27, +31 24-3230466. Opens at 17.00h. On the corner of the Graafseweg and the Stijn Buijsstraat (at walking distance from the central station and the city center). De Ontmoeting is one of the most popular restaurants in Nijmegen, famous for the enthusiastic staff and delicious Aioli.

Eetcafé De Plak, Bloemerstraat 90 (corner of Plein 1944, +31 24 3222 757. An absolute classic. Not only is it a mainstay of Nijmegen's sizeable alternative scene (don't be surprised to have your meal served by a pierced waitress with dreadlocks or a waiter with a mohawk) it's also famous throughout the Netherlands for its Kaasgehakt - a hearty dish made with cheese and breadcrumbs that's supposed to be a vegetarian version of "gehakt" (minced meat).

Dromaai, Plein 1944. A dirt cheap student eatery.

Restaurant de Hemel, Franseplaats 1, +31 243656394. 12-24u. Great dining experience in a fantastic historical building in centre. Guests are served 6-8 rounds of small appetizers and bites for dinner. De Hemel serves a great variety of food and on top of that an intimate setting. Also opened for lunch and highly popular High Tea. 28,50.

Restaurant Ankara, on the corner of the Burghardt van den Berghstraat and the Graafseweg in the Bottendaal district, is at walking distance from the central station and the city center. It offers a wide range of affordable Turkish meals, as well as a wide range of pizzas. You are always offered a free soup, which is quite spicy and tasty.

De Kluizenaar, of the Burghardt van den Berghstraat, offers tapas from various cooking styles, and more traditional meals, such as salads and spare ribs. In the summer, it is a nice place for a drink, just like cafe Maxim across the street.

Van Buren, of the Molenstraat, offers traditional French cuisine for a good price, and also has plenty of lunch options. Furthermore, in the summer, you can enjoy your food outside.

Funkenstein, on the Lange Hezelstraat. Small, cosy, and good value for money.

Meneer Dijkstra on the corner Hobbemastraat/Daalseweg, opposite the Albert Heijn supermarket, is a typical student restaurant.

Eten & Drinken on the Groesbeeksedwarsweg (corner Heyendaalseweg/Groesbeekseweg) is very cheap (almost all main courses are under € 8), but portion size and quality is good enough. Lunch is also possible.

Vlaams Arsenaal, Arsenaalpoort 1-4, +31 24 324 48 33. Very good Belgium/Netherlands food, such as beef stew, liver and onions and of course fries. Odd concept of shared side salad. Little slow service.

De Klinker, Van Broeckhuysenstraat 46, 6511 PK, +31 24 3605208. Political café and organic, vegan eatery. Soup café on Wednesday nights, vegan three-course meals on Saturdays and Sundays from 18:30 (reservation obligatory, by phone or dropping by).

Tati, Koolemans Beijnenstraat 80, 6521 EW, +31 24 7370012. Mon-Fri 08:30-21:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-21:00. Many vegetarian and vegan options, pies, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. Soup of the day €6, breakfast around €8, hot lunch and dinner around €13..

Donatello's, Eerste Walstraat, on the edge of the city center. It's a bit hidden, don't let the alley-like street scare you away.

Pinoccio, beginning of the Molenstraat, one minute walking from Donatello's

Mr. Jacks, Kelfkensbos. Do not expect top quality service, but the food is cheap and tastes reasonable. You might have to wait long whilst you have already ordered - there is often a table available, but not enough capacity to serve it. Instead of a pizza, you may also choose to order a Greek dish here.

De Meesterproef, +31 623366490. Tu-Su 12:00-24:00. Restaurant at an old factory now used by several local companies. The restaurant has a unique view over the river the Waal.

Downtown Nijmegen and the neighborhoods just next to it are positively swarming with pubs and cafés. Some notable ones:

• In De Blaauwe Hand, Grote Markt. The oldest pub in Nijmegen. Very, very picturesque.
• Samson, Houtstraat 4, 6511 JN. Houtstraat. Old fashioned and classy with service of a high quality. They have a lot (>100) of different beers available.
• Brouwerscafé de Hemel, Franseplaats 1 (Located on walking distance from De Blaauwe Hand, right behind Grote Markt., +31 24 3656394. Local beers in an amazing setting: picturesque monument "De Commanderie van St. Jan".
• Universiteitscafe Piecken, Studentencomplex Hoogeveldt, university campus. This bar, owned by students, is the homeplace for all the local and the international students in Nijmegen. Visit the website to see if there is a party or other activities.
• St. Anneke, St. Annastraat. Of interest primarily if you're staying in Hotel Catharina as it's right across the street but even then you'd be wise to walk a little (50 meters) further to Frowijn on the corner of the Pontanusstraat as that has a much nicer terrace.
• Mets, Grotestraat. The premier gay / lesbian hangout.
• Kollektief kafee de Bijstand. Van Welderenstraat. This is where the local activist scene congregates. Wednesday night is cheap vodka night. All profit goes to charity.
• Odessa (Sint Anthoniusplaats) is a reasonable and fairly cheap restaurant, but on Mondays it functions as a Jazz bar that attracts lots of foreign students.
• Chaps (Gay Leather Bar) is a reasonable and fairly priced pub with interesting socks-only and jack-off parties. Only for men that are interested in the same sex.
• Billabong.
• Bascafe, Fuik, Tweekeerbellen, Drie gezusters, Heidi's Ski Hut <-- For Students
• Fuik, Irish Pub <--- For Football

• Doornroosje, Stationsplein 11 (Next to the central train station, behind the bus station, +31 243554243. Large music venue. Recently moved to its new location next to the central train station. Has a large variety of different parties, ranging from rock to electro and hip hop to techno, so check the schedule.
• Merleyn, Hertogstraat 13, +31 243224737. The smaller venue of the Doornroosje. Has a lot of different music as well. Check the schedule of Doornroosje, it includes the events of Merleyn.
• De Vasim, Winselingseweg 41 (Close to the new bridge (the Waalsprong), +31 243886246. Hosts regular music events, check the schedule on the website.
• Onderbroek, Tweede Walstraat 21. Has regular punk and hardcore gigs.
• NDRGRND, Molenstraat 99a, +31 243240320. Popular-alternative music.

Doornroosje, Stationsplein 11 (Next to the central train station, behind the bus station, +31 243554243. Large music venue. Recently moved to its new location next to the central train station. Has a large variety of different parties, ranging from rock to electro and hip hop to techno, so check the schedule.

Merleyn, Hertogstraat 13, +31 243224737. The smaller venue of the Doornroosje. Has a lot of different music as well. Check the schedule of Doornroosje, it includes the events of Merleyn.

De Vasim, Winselingseweg 41 (Close to the new bridge (the Waalsprong), +31 243886246. Hosts regular music events, check the schedule on the website.

Onderbroek, Tweede Walstraat 21. Has regular punk and hardcore gigs.

NDRGRND, Molenstraat 99a, +31 243240320. Popular-alternative music.

In De Blaauwe Hand, Grote Markt. The oldest pub in Nijmegen. Very, very picturesque.

Samson, Houtstraat 4, 6511 JN. Houtstraat. Old fashioned and classy with service of a high quality. They have a lot (>100) of different beers available.

Brouwerscafé de Hemel, Franseplaats 1 (Located on walking distance from De Blaauwe Hand, right behind Grote Markt., +31 24 3656394. Local beers in an amazing setting: picturesque monument "De Commanderie van St. Jan".

Universiteitscafe Piecken, Studentencomplex Hoogeveldt, university campus. This bar, owned by students, is the homeplace for all the local and the international students in Nijmegen. Visit the website to see if there is a party or other activities.

St. Anneke, St. Annastraat. Of interest primarily if you're staying in Hotel Catharina as it's right across the street but even then you'd be wise to walk a little (50 meters) further to Frowijn on the corner of the Pontanusstraat as that has a much nicer terrace.

Mets, Grotestraat. The premier gay / lesbian hangout.

Kollektief kafee de Bijstand. Van Welderenstraat. This is where the local activist scene congregates. Wednesday night is cheap vodka night. All profit goes to charity.

Odessa (Sint Anthoniusplaats) is a reasonable and fairly cheap restaurant, but on Mondays it functions as a Jazz bar that attracts lots of foreign students.

Chaps (Gay Leather Bar) is a reasonable and fairly priced pub with interesting socks-only and jack-off parties. Only for men that are interested in the same sex.

Billabong.

The surrounding area of Nijmegen is unique in that it has to offer almost every landscape type available in the Netherlands. Rent a bicycle and start exploring the river landscape of the Ooijpolder to the northeast, the forested hills around Groesbeek to the east, the drier heath landscape to the south or, if you insist, the typically Dutch flat lowlands to the west.

There are many ready-made cycle routes you can try:

• Nijmegen Cycle Route - Exploring the head of the Rhine Delta. Distance: 46 or 34 km.

If you're interested in cities, pay a visit to Hertogenbosch or Zutphen (both between 30 min / 45 min by train) which have city centres far better preserved than that of Nijmegen itself.

During World War Two, the 82nd Airborne Division landed near Groesbeek as part of Operation Market Garden. Groesbeek has one of Canada's war cemeteries, called Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery. The Cemetery is a short drive out of Groesbeek.

• The Africa Museum, in Berg en Dal, has an indoors and outdoors section and specializes in African cultures. On most summer days, they organize all kinds of workshops.
• Museumpark Orientalis, in the Heilig Landstichting, provides a contemporary view of the three religions that have played a decisive role in establishing the identity of present day Europe: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

The Africa Museum, in Berg en Dal, has an indoors and outdoors section and specializes in African cultures. On most summer days, they organize all kinds of workshops.

Museumpark Orientalis, in the Heilig Landstichting, provides a contemporary view of the three religions that have played a decisive role in establishing the identity of present day Europe: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.