Things To Do
in Assen
Assen is a charming city in the northeastern Netherlands, known for its historic buildings and green spaces. It is perhaps most famous for hosting the annual TT Assen, a legendary motorcycle race that attracts visitors from around the world. The city's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot or by bike, enjoying its picturesque streets and lively atmosphere.
Assen also offers cultural attractions such as museums, galleries, and local markets for visitors to experience.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank je wel" - Thank you
- "Alsjeblieft" - Please
- "Hoe gaat het?" - How are you?
- "Tot ziens" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $3 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Drents Museum, where you can explore local history and art. Don’t forget to stroll around the surrounding gardens for a refreshing start.
Head to the Assen city center for lunch at one of the cozy cafes. Afterward, enjoy some shopping at the unique boutique stores.
Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. If time permits, catch a live music performance or a theater show.
Begin your day with a bike ride through the beautiful Drentsche Aa National Park. The scenic views and fresh air will energize you.
Stop for a picnic by one of the tranquil water bodies in the park. Afterward, you could do some bird-watching or nature photography.
Return to Assen and relax with a casual dinner at a local pizzeria. Take a leisurely walk through the park to enjoy the sunset.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history.
- Beautiful natural surroundings with parks and water bodies.
- Vibrant community with various local events and festivals.
- Well-connected through public transport and cycling paths.
- Strong educational institutions and opportunities for learning.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Higher cost of living compared to some other Dutch cities.
- Weather can be damp and gloomy for extended periods.
- Smaller city may lack some amenities and entertainment options found in larger cities.
- Bicycle traffic can be heavy, posing challenges for those unfamiliar with cycling in urban settings.
Best Activities in Assen
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful natural landscapes and picturesque villages of Drentsche Aa National Park through various hiking trails.
Enjoy cycling through the scenic countryside of Drenthe, with its well-maintained cycle paths and peaceful rural surroundings.
Experience the serene beauty of Assen by renting a boat and navigating the tranquil waters of the Smalle Ee canal.
For motorsport enthusiasts, a visit to the famous Assen TT Circuit offers the chance to witness thrilling races and events.
Tours
Uncover the best of Assen with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Assen
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a beautiful view and great photo opportunities, both inside and outside the museum.
A scenic area that provides excellent spots for capturing the natural beauty of Assen.
A historic forest with picturesque landscapes and charming pathways, ideal for photography.
Food in Assen
Assen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sweet, cake-like pastry made from layers of rye and syrup. It's a popular snack in local bakeries and cafes.
Must-Try!
A spiced gingerbread-like cake, often served with a layer of butter. You can find authentic peperkoek at traditional Dutch bakeries in Assen.
A traditional Drenthe dessert made from dried fruits and berries. It's commonly available in local restaurants and eateries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Assen better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can sample fresh produce, local cheeses, and traditional street snacks like stroopwafels and herring.
An annual event featuring a wide range of street food vendors offering diverse culinary delights from gourmet burgers to international cuisines.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Assen, it is important to be punctual for meetings and appointments as it is seen as a sign of respect for other people's time.
Dutch people value their personal space, so it's important to maintain an appropriate distance when interacting with others.
Greetings are important in Assen, so it's polite to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact when meeting someone for the first time.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Assen with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Assen
Ensure a smooth experience
In Assen, Netherlands, tipping is not obligatory, as a service charge is usually included in the bill. However, it is common to round up the bill or leave a small tip of 5-10% for good service at restaurants, cafes, and bars.
In Assen, Netherlands, cash is widely accepted, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used for payments. Contactless payments are widely available, and most businesses and restaurants accept major credit cards. ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Assen.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Assen, Netherlands, as the city is in bloom with colorful flowers and the weather is mild and pleasant. It's a good time to explore the outdoor attractions and enjoy the picturesque landscapes.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Assen, Netherlands, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time for enjoying outdoor activities, festivals, and events in the city and surrounding areas.
Autumn brings beautiful foliage and the crisp, cool weather to Assen, Netherlands. It's a wonderful time to experience the changing colors of the landscapes and enjoy cultural events and local harvest festivals.
Winter in Assen, Netherlands, is cold with occasional snowfall. It's a quieter time in terms of tourism, but the city still has a charm with festive decorations and holiday markets. It's also a great time for indoor cultural activities and to experience the local winter traditions.
Assen at Night
Hiking in Assen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful natural area featuring heathlands, forests, and flowing streams, ideal for hiking with marked trails.
The largest wet heathland area in Western Europe, offering various hiking routes through picturesque landscapes.
Visit the prehistoric burial mounds while enjoying a scenic hiking path around the area.
A forested area near Assen perfect for a leisurely hike, with a mix of paths and woodlands.
A lake surrounded by walking paths where you can hike and enjoy the serene water views.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Assen through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Assen by plane.
The largest international airport in the Netherlands, located approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Assen.
A regional airport located about 15 kilometers south of Assen, offering limited international flights.
Located about 190 kilometers southwest of Assen, this airport serves the Rotterdam and The Hague areas.
Located about 200 kilometers southeast of Assen, it is one of the major airports in Belgium, with numerous international connections.
Located approximately 220 kilometers southeast of Assen, it is one of Germany's largest airports and serves many international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population identifies as Dutch, representing a significant portion of the demographic landscape.
Turkish communities have established in Assen, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the city.
The Moroccan demographic group has a notable presence in Assen, adding to its diversity.
The Indonesian community, though smaller, plays a role in the cultural landscape of Assen.
Various Eastern European demographics, including Polish and Romanian, have settled in Assen for work and study.
Assen is also home to various other immigrant groups, contributing to its multicultural environment.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Assen, with many local clubs and a strong community presence.
Ice hockey has a dedicated following in Assen, with local teams and facilities promoting the sport.
Cycling is a popular activity in Assen, known for its bike-friendly infrastructure and beautiful surroundings.
Athletics is widely practiced in Assen, with several clubs supporting various track and field events.
Handball has a strong presence in Assen, with clubs that compete at both amateur and youth levels.
Tennis is enjoyed by many in Assen, with multiple tennis clubs offering facilities and competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Assen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Assen offer diverse vegetarian and vegan dishes, including plant-based burgers, salads, and soups.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can find a range of gluten-free options at restaurants and cafes in Assen, from dedicated menus to gluten-free bread and pastries.