Last Updated on March 8, 2026
Planning a trip to the Netherlands and have a little extra time? Head east and put Arnhem on your must-visit list! This charming city is full of surprises. Think daring viewpoints, underground secrets, riverside terraces, and even tasting Arnhemse Meisjes! There are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Arnhem. Here’s my ultimate list to help you plan your visit!
Table of contents
- 1. Stroll through Sonsbeek Park
- 2. Step onto the Sky at Eusebius Church’s Glass-Floor Lookout
- 3. Explore the centuries-old cellars
- 4. Sip a drink by the Rhine
- 5. Admire the John Frost Bridge at Sunset
- 6. The city features a zoo and outdoor museum which are worth a visit
- 7. Taste Arnhemse Meisjes
- 8. Bike the Veluwe National Park
- 9. Shop till you drop
- 10. Party at the Korenmarkt
- Other fun things to do in Arnhem:
- Bonus: celebrate King’s Day like a local or party at the Korenmarkt
- Conclusion
- Save for later
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
1. Stroll through Sonsbeek Park
Right behind Arnhem’s central station lies the city’s green gem: Sonsbeek Park (location). This huge park is perfect for a peaceful walk or a lazy picnic on the grass by the water. Throughout the year you’ll also find open-air concerts and cultural festivals, so there’s always something happening!
2. Step onto the Sky at Eusebius Church’s Glass-Floor Lookout
One of Arnhem’s most thrilling (and slightly nerve-wracking!) experiences is found at the Eusebius Church (location), the city’s towering late-Gothic landmark. After taking the glass elevator to the top, you can step onto a glass floor suspended high above the city and yes, you can see all the way down! It’s the view that makes you hold your breath for a second before breaking into a huge grin. Also inside the church are interesting things to see, for example a bone cellar.
Tip: visit the official website of the church to buy tickets or book a 2-3 tour in Arnhem with a local to explore the church and to hear stories of Arnhem’s roots, WWII battles, and today’s vibrant life.
3. Explore the centuries-old cellars
Hidden beneath Arnhem’s bustling city center lies a secret worth uncovering: the Arnhem Cellars (Arnhemse Kelders). These centuries-old underground passageways once served as storage for merchants and are now beautifully restored, creating a maze of brick vaults right beneath the shopping streets (location). Wandering through the cool, dimly lit tunnels feels like stepping back in time. Guided tours are available!
4. Sip a drink by the Rhine
When the sun’s out, de Rijnkade (location) is the place to be. Grab a seat at one of the many cafés or restaurants and soak up the view of the river with a cool drink in hand. It’s just outside the city center, so you can relax without the hustle and bustle.
Tip: want something livelier? Head to Korenmarkt (location) or Jansplein (location) in the city center for even more buzzing terraces.
5. Admire the John Frost Bridge at Sunset
In Arnhem you can find the John Frost Bridge (location), named after the British commander who held it during the famous WWII Battle of Arnhem. At sunset, the bridge glows beautifully against the river backdrop. To me it’s a perfect spot for evening photos and a quiet moment to reflect on the city’s wartime past.
6. The city features a zoo and outdoor museum which are worth a visit
Arnhem is home to a very nice zoo and outdoor museum:
– Burgers’ Zoo
The zoo is called Burgers’ Zoo (location). Here, you can wander through lush habitats and see animals from around the world. It’s open every day, even on national holidays.
– Het Openluchtmuseum
Just as exciting is Het Openluchtmuseum (the Dutch Open Air Museum). Here you’ll walk through centuries of Dutch history with authentic buildings, artifacts, and stories (fun for kids and adults). Read our article about Het Openluchtmuseum and find out why I think it’s worth visiting.
7. Taste Arnhemse Meisjes
No visit to Arnhem is finished without trying its signature treat: Arnhemse Meisjes. These thin, crispy, sugar-coated cookies are a local specialty with a delicate crunch and a hint of caramelized sweetness. Pop into a local bakery or café to sample a fresh batch, perfect with a cup of coffee and a sweet souvenir to take home!
8. Bike the Veluwe National Park
Just a short ride from Arnhem lies the Veluwe National Park, one of the Netherlands’ most stunning natural areas. Take one of the park’s free white bicycles and cycle through forests, sand dunes, and heathlands. It’s defenitely an unforgettable day trip and a true breath of fresh air! 😀
Tip: in this article I’ll provide a guide to the Hoge Veluwe National Park.
9. Shop till you drop
Arnhem is a shopper’s dream. You’ll find big international brands along the main street Vijzelstraat (location), but don’t skip the side streets, there are plenty of unique boutiques waiting to be discovered.
Feeling artsy? Check out the Modekwartier (location) in the Klarendal district (location). This creative neighborhood is home to local designers who sell one-of-a-kind fashion and design pieces and each has their own story to tell.
(Tip: arrive at Arnhem Central Station (location) and you’re just a five-minute stroll from the city center!)
10. Party at the Korenmarkt
If you’re in the mood for a night out, Korenmarkt is the hotspot (location). This lively square is surrounded by bars and cafés playing everything from pop to dance. Thursday and Saturday nights are the busiest. Expect crowds, music, and dancing until the early morning hours (yes, 5 a.m.!).
Other fun things to do in Arnhem:
Bonus: celebrate King’s Day like a local or party at the Korenmarkt
Arnhem truly comes alive on King’s Day (27 April). The whole city turns orange as street parties, live music, and festivities pop up everywhere. Some events are free, others need a ticket, but either way, it’s a celebration you shouldn’t miss!
Tip: have a look at our free guide on how to celebrate King’s Day in The Netherlands!
Conclusion
So if you’re exploring the Netherlands and want a break from the usual Amsterdam hustle, pop Arnhem on your list. Trust me, it’s the place that’ll give you memories (and photos!) you’ll be talking about long after your trip.
From daring glass floors and hidden cellars to cycling through the Veluwe and nibbling on crunchy Arnhemse Meisjes, there are so many memorable things to do in Arnhem. I’m sure you’ll like it!
Have you ever been to Arnhem before? What did you think about the city? If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, please let me know in the comment section below. I’m happy to help you. Safe travels!
Save for later
This article is part of the GPSmyCity iOS app. You can download it, read this article offline and obtain travel directions (by foot, car or bicycle) to the places mentioned in this article. Click here to download it.
Pin this post for later!
Responses
There is so much more of The Netherlands that I would love the chance to visit! And Arnhem looks like a great place to spend some time. I would definitely like to relax with a drink while overlooking the Rhine. And I can be a bit of a party girl so Korenmarkt would be the place for me!
Arnhem looks like a great place for you! 🙂 The Netherlands has so many beautiful places, you should definitely visit more than just Amsterdam!
Wow i have never seen the red Hoegaarden beer before. What flavour is it? They certainly dont sell it here in Australia. We went to the Netherlands 10 years ago must be due to go again
It’s a fruity flavour! Beer, but then a little sweeter. 🙂
Only earlier today, I was talking to my husband about going to the Netherlands. This looks like a nice place to check out. I like outdoor museums.
I had never heard of this city so it was great to learn so much! You convinced me to visit!
I love exploring less popular cities, but it’s only now that I’m learning to love sleepy little towns like this. My friends were horrified that I was moving to the “tiny” city of Toronto, with only 3 million people. Rotterdam seemed pretty sleepy, so I can only imagine what Arnhem is like!
Toronto? Tiny? Haha, wow! Yeah, Arnhem is even smaller than Rotterdam, but it’s still called a city. I guess you would love it! The East and West of the Netherlands differs in some ways, so it’s nice to explore more of the country than just Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the ‘big’ cities.