The oldest city in the Netherlands is undergoing a whisper-quiet transformation in which two thousand years of history blend with a progressive culture. Long before the current capital was even on the map, Nijmegen already served as the beating heart of Roman Netherlands.
Today, the city is reemerging as a dynamic alternative to the overcrowded tourist hotspots, where underground imperial secrets form the basis for a surprisingly raw, contemporary vibe.
Why You Literally Stumble Upon Roman History Here
Forget the overcrowded museums—in Nijmegen, history is right there on the streets. While Amsterdam was still a swamp 2,000 years ago, Roman soldiers were already walking through the country’s very first official city.
Even Emperor Charlemagne was so impressed by the strategic location that he had the legendary Valkhof Castle built. Today, you can still visit the mysterious St. Nicholas Chapel and find yourself face to face with that centuries-old imperial grandeur.
The hidden treasures in the country’s oldest shopping street
You don’t have to look far to find the city’s most beautiful spots. From the historic Grote Markt, you can walk straight into Lange Hezelstraat, officially recognized as the oldest shopping street in the Netherlands.
Instead of the usual chain stores, you’ll find historic buildings filled with local specialty shops and vintage boutiques. For the ultimate view of the river, stroll over to the impressive Stevenskerk, where centuries-old crypts and secret city tales await you.
From an old soup factory to a summer city beach on the Waal
Nijmegen is much more than just an open-air museum. The real innovation can be found at the Honig Complex, where a massive former Art Deco soup factory has been transformed into the city’s creative hub, filled with outdoor cafes and breweries.
When the sun shines, everyone flocks to the Waal beaches. These are soft sandy beaches right in the middle of the city where you can watch the passing ships with a drink in hand and soak up the unique festival atmosphere that hangs in the air here all summer long.
