Arnhem

Curved architecture and signs inside Arnhem Centraal station

Arnhem suits travelers who want a city stay with parks and the Veluwe within reach. Allow a day for Arnhem itself, then keep additional days for museums or countryside outings. The city and the surrounding region should not be treated as one short stop.

The John Frost Bridge across the Rhine in Arnhem
The John Frost Bridge across the Rhine in Arnhem.

Start with the city and Sonsbeek

Arnhem’s center and Sonsbeek Park give a first day a useful mix of streets and green space. Keeping that outing close together leaves time to stop, instead of spending the day moving between different regional attractions.

The Eusebius tower rising above Arnhem
The Eusebius tower rising above Arnhem.
The white villa and grounds in Sonsbeek Park
The white villa and grounds in Sonsbeek Park.

Make room for the Modekwartier

The Modekwartier has independent designers and creative shops. It is a good choice if your interest is contemporary Dutch city life rather than a sequence of historic monuments. Give it a separate part of the day so you can browse.

Outdoor cafe tables on a tree-lined street in Arnhem
Outdoor cafe tables on a tree-lined street in Arnhem.
A rounded corner building and cafe terraces in Arnhem
A rounded corner building and cafe terraces in Arnhem.

City base or village stay?

Arnhem is a practical option when you want rail connections and city evenings. A village around the Veluwe makes more sense if most of your days will be spent walking or cycling. A park entrance on a map is not the same thing as a short walk from a central hotel.

The twin towers of the Walburgiskerk in Arnhem
The twin towers of the Walburgiskerk in Arnhem.
Glass walkways between modern buildings in Arnhem
Glass walkways between modern buildings in Arnhem.

Pair Arnhem with a different day nearby

Nijmegen adds a historic center and the Waal river. Visit it on another day if both cities appeal to you. On a short first trip, adding Arnhem usually means trading away a western city day; the destination guide helps make that choice.

Explore more places to visit in the Netherlands.

Find a place to stay in Arnhem.