Location: Arnhem
Top Things to do in Arnhem
Top 10 Things to do in Arnhem, The Netherlands
A sizable city in its own right, Arnhem is best known today as the site of one of the most famous battles of World War II. Given city rights in 1233, it has long been at the center of conflicts because of its strategic location on the banks of the Rhine River. The Battle of Arnhem, part of Operation Market Garden, was fought in September 1944. Advancing Allied forces, in large part due to a series of mistakes, failed to secure a key bridge and suffered defeat, delaying the Allied advance into Germany until the following spring. The 1977 movie "A Bridge Too Far" was based on the events here.
Restaurants in Arnhem
1. Park Sonsbeek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 513 reviews
Reviewed By MijnlieverdFH - Amsterdam
A refreshing place full of beautiful scenery. Clean meadows and can see the view of the neighborhood like the city itself. It is large that you can spend the day off from the hustle and be in tranquil feelings and relax.
I was near autumn but the days were just enough to wander around.
2. Airborne Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 327 reviews
Reviewed By Vespasian62 - Laren, The Netherlands
What can you say about a CWGC cemetery? Row upon row of heroes. On the day we visited a previously unknown soldier received his named headstone, thanks to the efforts of many but in particular a Dutch researcher. Private Loney, is now a named hero. Well done Ginger.
TripAdvisor policy prevents adding a link but search for yourself Private William Loney.
3. Netherlands Open-Air Museum and National Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The Netherlands Open Air Museum (Nederlands Openluchtmuseum) takes you back into the past of every day life of ordinairy Dutch people. The museum lies in a beautiful park on the outskirts of the vibrant city of Arnhem. There is so much to see. Meet the museum staff who appear to have stepped straight out of the past. Proud of their heritage they will inspire you with their stories. For young and old alike, a visit to the museum is an unforgettable experience. Feast your senses on stories, smells, flavours and images that will take you back to days gone by. Whatever your age, the living history will make a lasting impression, bringing back memories and astonishing you by turns. Immerse yourself in the past and get to know the Dutch people and their history.
Reviewed By ebeekman - Emst, The Netherlands
We went to the winter fair and it was very nice. Christmas scenes in the old cottages, demos, waffles, poffertjes and ice skating. Only downside not all houses where open.....
4. Airborne Museum Hartenstein
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 660 reviews
Reviewed By Hendrik_NL - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The museum is justly located in villa "Hartenstein", where the headquarters were of the paratroops who landed here in the autumn of 1944 for operation Market, the freeing of the route for the allied forces the the industrial Ruhr area. This museum presents a comprehensive and lucid overview of the operation and why it failed.(Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery kept insisting that the operation was 90 % successful, but of course due to that remaining 10 %, occupying the Rhine bridge in Arnhem, the complete operation Market Garden failed). It is a very interesting museum, telling the story clearly. In the third basement, you can experience live what it was to be in Arnhem in September 1944. An almost mandatory visit for everyone who wants to understand this part of history. Entrance for a fee, free entrance with the annual Dutch museum pass. Free parking on site. Restaurant Hartenstein close to the parking lot.
5. Burgers' Zoo and Safari Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
On March 31, 1913, Faisanterie Buitenlust, the forerunner of the current modern animal park Burgers' Zoo, opens its doors to the public for the first time. Since its foundation by Johan Burgers, the first owner and the one who named the animal park in Arnhem, the park has always remained a real family business. Already from its inception the zoo caused a sensation due to its daring new organisation, which naturally is in the way the animals' accommodations are shaped as well as in the way the experiences for the visitors are created. Burgers' Zoo has a rich history, which has shaped the zoo into the way it is today, and as you can still find it now in the wooded area just north of Arnhem.
Reviewed By Pannekoek77 - Breda, The Netherlands
Royal Burgers' Zoo (Koninklijke Burgers' Zoo), situated next to the Dutch Open Air Museum (het Nederlands Openluchtmuseum) in Arnhem was founded by Johan Burgers. The zoo first opened its doors to public in 1913. This is one of the biggest zoos in the Netherlands, approximately 45 hectares in area.
Near the entrance of the zoo, you will find the penguins' section of the park. Walk along the path and you'll find the gift shop on the left. On the way to the aviary, you'll see the elephants' area. Burgers' Zoo has different themes: Burgers' Park, Safari, Desert, Mangrove, Rimba, Bush and Ocean. Walking from a tropical rainforest ecosystem to a rock desert, delving into the ocean depths and exploring an Asian mangrove, it was an eye-opening experience. The spectacular living coral reef is breathtaking. In the aquarium tunnel, visitors can view aquatic life from a fascinating perspective. There is a spacious, modern playground - Burgers' Avonturenland (Adventureland), an indoor playground - the Kids Jungle, the Panter Plaza (Panthers' area) and the Park Restaurant in the zoo.
I had the opportunity to visit the annual Pasar Malam in the Bush for the first time. It was a colourful Indonesian Night Market with stalls selling street food, local favourite dishes, merchandise such as clothing, accessories, ornaments, decorations and more. Further, there were musical Performances by Indorock bands as well as art/cultural Performances. This was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells in the Bush and have a glimpse of Indonesian culture and tradition.
A trip to the zoo is more than a fun day out for families. It can provide learning opportunities. Zoos can be an educational tool and can play an important role in conservation efforts as well as creating an eco-friendly culture. The zoo provides opportunities for children of all ages to learn about different animal species, their habitats and behaviour as well as plants and different ecosystems.
I do not condone animal abuse or animal cruelty. With all due respect to mankind, I firmly believe that there are important life lessons we can learn from animals and nature. All in all, I hope that a visit to the zoo can bring attention to the importance of respect for wildlife, protection of endangered species and create awareness of the fact that animals live best in their natural habitats.
6. Arnhem War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By springlering - Marietta, Georgia
First of all, there are three WWII museums in the the Arnhem area, this one,one by the John Frost Bridge, and one in nearby Oosterbek.
This one is a private collection, and is housed in a former pre-WWII school building, which was requisitioned by the Germans during the battle. It is not overlooking the bridge, as other reviewers have stated.
This is a vast collection, much of it donated by locals, much of it found via metal detectors,and much found by research.
Our guide was a young university student, and to say he knew his stuff is an understatement. Frank knew the history of every single item in the building, in depth. He gave us a remarkable two and a half hour tour of the collection, and was just a delight. He also kept up tit for tat with my husband, who is well read on WWII,and who showered Frank with questions. Frank never missed a beat.
There are collections of weapons, uniforms, radios (including a unique and clever one hidden in a small candy tin), and more. LOTS more.
We went to the airborne museum in Oosterbek. It was good,and I’d recommend seeing it, but it did not have the personality of this museum. If you are a history buff, a WWII enthusiast, or if you are like me and like quirky collectors who are driven, you will find this a very interesting and appealing Museum.
7. The John Frost Bridge - John Frostbrug
Overall Ratings
4 based on 353 reviews
Reviewed By Roberts69 - Northampton, United Kingdom
Having a keen interest from a child in WW2 actions and history I had always been aware of 'The Bridge at Arnhem'. It got its current name in 1977 after Major-General John Dutton Frost (1912–1993), who commanded the British forces that reached and defended the bridge during the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944. The battle of this bridge was the subject of a book and star studded movie "A Bridge Too Far". The bridge was only completed in 1940 and so it was a piece of modern civil engineering when held as a strategic crossing point over the lower Rhine river during WW.2. It was great to visit the bridge and pay respects to those that lost their lives defending it at the memorial on the bridge itself. If you look carefully you can see battle scars on the Bridges structure still to this day. Do also visit the Airborne At The Bridge Museum, it's free to enter and it's a great place to get the story of this historic road bridge over the Rhine.
8. Arnhem Central Station
Overall Ratings
4 based on 328 reviews
Reviewed By JW_Dam - Nijmegen, The Netherlands
In Arnhem are the shops open this Sunday, so we decided to take the train after 25 minutes arriving in this surprising Arnhem central station. Light, easy and clear transfers from the platforms to the hall and entrance. In the hall some shops and food corners. Clean modern and cosy. 4/5
9. Museum Bronbeek
Overall Ratings
4 based on 109 reviews
10. Feestaardvarken
Overall Ratings
4 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By Solodam J - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This "feestaardvarken" (party ardvak) is an artwork. It's huge thing and was used as a climbing playground. That's why the warning sign "This ardvak is an artwork, climbing is absolutely your own risk". The location is on a corner of a busy shopping area. Beautiful?, No!, it's odd and fun for the children.
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