Arnhem Adventures: A Budget-Friendly 5-Day Guide
Explore Arnhem's charm without breaking the bank.
21 June 2023
Arnhem is a charming city in the Netherlands, known for its rich history, beautiful gardens, and excellent shopping experiences. Despite being an expensive destination, visitors can enjoy affordable accommodations and food options by opting for budget-friendly hotels and local food joints. With its picturesque streets, stunning architecture, and exciting cultural experiences, Arnhem is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the Netherlands on a limited budget.
Travel plan
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- Check-in at Stayokay Arnhem, a charming budget hostel with a central location.
- Explore the city's rich history at the Arnhem War Museum, dedicated to the World War II battle of Arnhem.
- Take a stroll through Sonsbeek Park, a lush oasis of green in the heart of the city.
- Enjoy a traditional Dutch dinner at Restaurant Goed.Proeven, with delicious meat and vegetarian options.
- Catch a film at the intimate Filmhuis Arnhem, one of the oldest arthouse cinemas in the Netherlands.
- Start the day with a coffee and pastry from Bakkerij Hilvers, a local bakery with a mouth-watering selection.
- Visit the weekly market held at Jansplein, with fresh produce, flowers, and a variety of local products.
- Take a tour of the historic KEMA building, now home to the Energy Knowledge Centre, and learn about sustainable energy initiatives.
- Head to Eet-Lokaal, a cozy restaurant with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, for a farm-to-table lunch.
- Take a walk along the Rhine river and enjoy the city from a different perspective.
- Venture out to the Hoge Veluwe National Park, a vast nature reserve with stunning scenery and diverse flora and fauna.
- Stop by the Kröller-Müller Museum, housing one of the largest collections of Van Gogh's artwork in the world.
- Rent a bike and cycle through the park, taking in the fresh air and peaceful surroundings.
- Have lunch at the charming De Houtplaats, a restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace and delicious seasonal dishes.
- End the day with a drink at Café Maxwell, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Visit Museum Arnhem, showcasing modern and contemporary art with a focus on female artists.
- Take a guided tour through the historic John Frost Bridge, a symbol of the Battle of Arnhem.
- Try some local specialties like bitterballen and stroopwafels at Café Brasserie Dudok.
- Explore the hip fashion and design district of Klarendal, with trendy shops and galleries.
- Treat yourself to a dinner at Restaurant Caspar, with an inventive, ever-changing menu featuring local and organic ingredients.
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hostel's café before checking out.
- Take one last walk through the charming streets of downtown Arnhem, and pick up some souvenirs at local boutiques.
- Visit the Gothic-style Eusebius Church, offering panoramic views of the city from its tower.
- Savor some Dutch pancakes for lunch at Pannenkoekhuis Den Strooper.
- Wave goodbye to Arnhem and head onwards to your next adventure.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Arnhem by plane is to fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and then take a direct train to Arnhem from the airport train station. The train ride takes approximately 1 hour.
Car
Arnhem is easily accessible by car, with the A12 and A50 highways connecting it to major cities in the Netherlands and Germany. The city has several parking garages and on-street parking is also available, although it can be difficult to find a spot in the city center.
Train
If you are coming from within the Netherlands or neighboring countries, the best way to get to Arnhem is by train. There are direct train connections to major cities in the Netherlands and Germany. Arnhem Centraal is the main train station in Arnhem.
Boat
While there are no direct boat services to Arnhem, you can take a boat along the Rhine river and get off at a nearby city, such as Nijmegen or Rotterdam. From there, you can take a train or bus to Arnhem.
Bus
There are several bus companies that operate services to Arnhem from different parts of the Netherlands and neighboring countries. Flixbus and Eurolines are popular choices. The bus will drop you off at the Arnhem bus station, which is located next to the Arnhem Centraal train station.