Visit Nijmegen in 2 days

Where to Stay in Nijmegen

For a short two-day visit to Nijmegen, location matters more than frills: you want to spend your time exploring, not commuting. A base close to the compact old town lets you walk to the main sights, evening cafés and riverside views, while a spot near public transport makes quick side-trips or airport/train connections painless. Think in terms of being within easy walking or cycling distance of the places on your list so you can use your limited time for the city itself.

The city is organized around the historic center on the southern bank of the Waal and the residential areas that fan out from it. The heart of activity sits around the Grote Markt and Stevenskerk; the green Valkhof park and its viewpoints sit just north of the center, and the village-like district of Lent lies across the river. Beyond the center you’ll find quieter, lived-in neighborhoods — handy if you prefer calm evenings — while the train station anchors reliable connections to the rest of the Netherlands.

If your priority is the historic school buildings such as the Latin School, aim for the Centrum so you can be close to old streets, museums and the best café terraces. For attractions near the river or something like the Labyrinth experience, neighborhoods by the Valkhof or on the north bank in Lent put you a short walk or a pleasant ferry ride away. If your visit involves the Karel de Grote College or other institutions slightly east of the center, consider a stay in Nijmegen-Oost or Bottendaal — residential, well connected and quieter in the evenings.

Transport in Nijmegen is forgiving: the city is eminently walkable and superb for cycling, with short distances between neighborhoods. Staying near Nijmegen Centraal means easy arrivals and departures, plus straightforward bus links (Breng) to suburbs. There’s also a regular pedestrian/cycle ferry across the Waal, which can save you time and make a scenic part of your commute. For two days, a simple OV-chipkaart or a day ticket is usually all you need.

Choose accommodation with location and flexibility in mind: a small guesthouse or apartment in a quiet street close to the center will feel spacious and save travel time. Prioritize a nearby station or ferry if you value convenience, or a riverside spot if you want atmosphere. With a sensible location, two days in Nijmegen will feel relaxed and effortless — you’ll have time to wander, to find favorite cafés, and to enjoy the city’s compact charm.

Getting Around Nijmegen

Public transport in Nijmegen is refreshingly straightforward, even if it’s your first time in the Netherlands. The city is served by regional trains at Nijmegen Centraal and a dense network of local buses usually branded as Breng, with long-distance connections by NS. Services are frequent, stops are clearly marked, and announcements are usually in both Dutch and English, so you don’t need to be a local to feel confident. The compact city center means many places are also pleasantly walkable, so public transport often shortens a trip that would otherwise be a long walk with luggage.

A practical tip: use an OV-chipkaart if you plan to ride more than once, or grab a disposable one for a short stay. You can also often tap with a contactless bank card or phone on trains and many buses, but I like having an OV-chipkaart tucked away for peace of mind. If you only take a single bus, you can usually buy a ticket from the driver or from machines at the station. Single rides in the city are inexpensive (around a few euros), and there are day tickets and regional passes if you plan heavy travel—check the local operator before you buy. 🎫

When it comes to planning, Google Maps is a reliable companion and often gives live departure times and platform info; for the most granular local options use 9292 or the Breng/NS apps. Enter your current location and your destination (for example, “Karel de Grote College” or “Latin School Nijmegen”) and you’ll get step-by-step directions with walking time to the stop, the bus number, and the stop to get off at. Stops around the center show digital timetables, and drivers are friendly if you ask for confirmation of the stop name—people here tend to help tourists gladly. 🗺️

You’ll save money by combining walking or cycling with occasional bus rides—Nijmegen is one of the Netherlands’ most cycle-friendly cities, so renting a bike for part of your stay is cost-effective. If you expect multiple journeys in one day, look into a day pass or a regional ticket; otherwise the pay-as-you-go OV-chipkaart or contactless payment keeps things simple. Small choices like avoiding peak commuter times can also shave off a bit from longer regional trips.

I remember the first time we went from the Karel de Grote College to the Labyrinth: I checked Google Maps, walked three minutes to the nearest Breng stop, tapped my OV-chipkaart as the bus pulled up, and enjoyed a five-minute ride before hopping off and strolling a short block to the Labyrinth. Later that day we walked between the Labyrinth and the Latin School because it was quicker than waiting for the next bus—easy, flexible, and a little adventure every time. You’ll find getting around Nijmegen feels the same—friendly, efficient, and low-stress. 💡🚇

What to Pack for Nijmegen

I love Nijmegen for its compact historic centre, riverside walks along the Waal and surprising sculptures tucked into side streets. On a two-day trip you’ll be on your feet a lot—I once walked about 15 miles (24 km) over 2 days, out for 10+ hours each day—so I pack light but smart. Below are the essentials I always bring and why each one saved me more than once.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (Ecco Soft 7 or similar): I learned the hard way that pretty shoes don’t cut it—cobblestones around the Valkhof and long riverside promenades demand supportive soles. My Ecco Soft 7 sneakers gave me stable arches and soft midsoles for a full day; if you expect rain, swap to Gore‑Tex trainers like Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX. Why it matters: prevents blisters, keeps you exploring for 10+ hours without hobbling.

2. Weather‑appropriate layering + waterproof jacket: Nijmegen weather can flip from sun to drizzle in an afternoon. I always pack a thin merino base layer, a light fleece, and a compact waterproof shell. Once I was sightseeing for 8 hours when a sudden shower hit—my packable jacket kept me warm and the rest of my clothes dry. Why it matters: comfort and flexibility for outdoor architecture walks and sculpture hunts.

3. Cross‑body bag (anti‑theft, ~5–7L): I use a small cross‑body with a hidden zip and bottle pocket. It fits my phone, wallet, city map, and a compact camera. On busy streets near the market I felt safer than with a backpack; I once kept a small camera snug and accessible for spur‑of‑the‑moment photos. Why it matters: secure, hands‑free and quick access while you’re moving between monuments and installations.

4. Euro power adapter (Type C/E/F) + knowledge of 230V: Charge your phone, camera, and headphones overnight. I found a single adapter that took 2 devices and avoided hunting for sockets after a long day of wandering (I was charging for 30–60 minutes between outings). Why it matters: essential to keep devices alive for maps, tickets and photos.

5. Power bank (10,000 mAh): For long days away from your hotel I carry a 10,000 mAh bank—enough for ~2 full phone charges. Once my phone dropped to 5% in the middle of a long self‑guided architecture walk; the power bank got me back to 60% so I could finish navigation and take evening photos. Why it matters: peace of mind when you’re out 8–12 hours and relying on maps and photos.

6. Optional — compact umbrella or refillable water bottle: If you expect showers, a small umbrella saved me from soggy notes. Alternatively, a 500 ml refillable bottle kept me hydrated during long sculpture-watching sessions without buying plastic. Why it matters: small comforts that make wandering more pleasant and sustainable.