Visit Tilburg in 2 days

Where to Stay in Tilburg

For a two-day visit to Tilburg, location matters more than bells and whistles: you want to spend your time exploring, not commuting. The city centre is compact, so choosing a base within easy walking or cycling distance of the main squares means evenings on the terrace at the Oude Markt or a quick visit to the shops around Heuvelplein are completely relaxed affairs. A central spot turns your stay into a true short-break rhythm of wandering, coffee stops and spontaneous detours.

Tilburg is easy to read on foot: a lively historic core around the market, a slightly more modern retail and events focus at Heuvel, and transport and creative zones clustered near the station and former railway yards. If you like water-side strolls and a slightly quieter evening, the canal area around Piushaven offers pleasant promenades without losing connection to the centre. The city’s layout means most cultural points and cafés are a 10–20 minute walk from each other, so think neighbourhood feel rather than long transfers.

For two days I’d recommend basing yourself either right in the city centre between Oude Markt and Heuvelplein so everything is on foot, or close to the station in the Spoorzone if you value easy train connections for day trips. Staying by the station is equally convenient if you’re arriving late or want fast links to other Dutch cities; it also gives you quick access to bus routes and taxi stands without sacrificing centrality.

Transport in Tilburg is straightforward: most people walk or rent a bike for short hops, buses fill in the gaps and trains connect you regionally from Tilburg Centraal. If you plan a night out, pick accommodation within a short walk of your evening plans to avoid juggling late buses; if you’ll be exploring further afield, proximity to the station will save time. Bicycle hire and clear signposting mean you can switch modes effortlessly.

Finally, don’t overthink the choice: for two days prioritize location, a comfortable bed and a friendly host. Whether you choose the buzz near Oude Markt, the shopping and events around Heuvelplein, the creative energy of Spoorzone, or the calmer feel of Piushaven, you’ll be well placed to enjoy Tilburg’s compact charm with minimal stress.

Getting Around Tilburg

Tilburg is one of those Dutch cities where public transport feels effortless even if it's your first visit. The city center is compact and well served by regional trains and buses, so you rarely need a complicated connection to get where you want. Trains run through NS at Tilburg Centraal and local buses (often operated by Arriva) knit the neighborhoods together; signage is clear, timetables are reliable, and many stops are within a short stroll of museums, cafés, and squares 🚇.

A practical tip: invest in an OV-chipkaart if you plan several trips, or just use your contactless bank card or Apple/Google Pay for single journeys where accepted. You tap in and tap out on buses and at train gates, which keeps things fast. Paper tickets still exist at machines, but the reusable card or contactless payment is simpler and avoids queues. Keep some change or a payment method handy for vending machines and smaller stops 🎫.

For navigation, I rely on Google Maps—it shows live departure times, platforms at Tilburg Centraal, and walking vs. transit options so you can pick the fastest route. Google Maps also integrates well with train and bus schedules here, so you’ll see whether a 7–10 minute walk is quicker than waiting for the next bus. If you prefer a Dutch app, 9292 gives the same data, but Google’s interface is often enough for a tourist.

You can save money by choosing wisely: walk when places are close (Tilburg’s center is delightfully walkable), buy a day pass if you have multiple journeys, or stick to reusable cards instead of single paper tickets which tend to be more expensive. If you’re staying a few days and plan regional trips, check for any local day tickets or group offers—these pop up seasonally and can be a bargain. A little planning on arrival usually cuts travel costs significantly and keeps things stress-free 💡.

On my first evening in Tilburg we arrived at Tilburg Centraal and debated between the tram (there isn't one!) and walking. We chose to stroll to the Oude Markt — it’s only a short, charming walk — enjoyed a beer at a terrace, then hopped back on a short bus ride to Heuvel when the rain started. I tapped my card, checked Google Maps for the next stop, and in ten minutes we were under the covered shopping center without fuss. That easy mix of walking and one-tap transit is exactly why I keep coming back — you’ll feel confident in no time 🗺️.

What to Pack for Tilburg

Tilburg is relaxed but you’ll be on your feet and out and about—cafés, small streets, markets, and the occasional event. I write this from the perspective of several short trips there: I’ve walked long loops, stood in line at food stalls, and been out for 10+ hours exploring. Below are the essentials that saved me headaches, with the why behind each pick and a little personal story so you know when each item matters.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (required): I always bring a reliable pair—think New Balance 574 or ECCO Soft 7—because Tilburg’s streets are a mix of cobbles and pavement. On one trip I walked about 12 miles over two days and my feet thanked me for supportive sneakers rather than fashion shoes. Why: you’ll cover more ground than you expect; sore feet make even a lovely town feel long.

2. Cross-body bag: I use a small, zippered cross-body (anti-theft style) and keep passport, phone, and wallet in the inner pocket. Once I was out for 11 hours at a summer fair and the cross-body meant I could sit, eat, and dance without worrying about a loose strap. Why: Tilburg is safe but busy spots and festivals happen—a snug cross-body keeps essentials accessible and hands-free.

3. Weather-appropriate clothing (light waterproof + layers): Weather in the Netherlands can flip fast. I learned this when a sunny morning turned to showers and I didn’t have a rain layer—I hopped under a café awning for half an hour wishing for my packable jacket. Bring a light waterproof jacket and a couple of layers (tee + thin sweater). Why: you’ll stay comfortable during sudden rain or a breezy evening without overpacking.

4. Power adapter (Type C/E/F) and phone charger: The Netherlands uses 230V with Type C/E/F plugs—pack an adapter so you can plug in at your accommodation. On one trip my camera battery died after I forgot an adapter and missed golden-hour shots. Why: no adapter = missed photos and delayed plans.

5. Power bank (10,000 mAh): I bring an Anker 10,000 mAh power bank and it’s gotten me through entire days of navigation, photos, and tickets—usually 1–2 full charges of my phone. I once used it to guide my group back to the hotel after a late dinner when everyone’s batteries were low. Why: phone-dead = no maps, no tickets, no photos.

6. Optional but handy: OV-chipkaart top-up & reusable water bottle: If you plan to use buses/trains, an OV-chipkaart saved time (I topped up €10 and it covered a round trip to nearby towns). A reusable bottle kept me hydrated while walking; public refill taps are common. Why: saves small costs and reduces single-use plastic—practical for short trips.