Things To Do
in Enschede
Enschede is a vibrant city in the eastern part of the Netherlands known for its rich history and culture. It is home to the University of Twente, making it a lively student city with a dynamic atmosphere. Enschede boasts a beautiful city center with charming shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
The city is also surrounded by picturesque countryside, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank je wel" - Thank you
- "Alsjeblieft" - Please
- "Hoe gaat het?" - How are you?
- "Tot ziens" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $120
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk in the beautiful Volkspark, where you can enjoy the greenery and fresh air. Don't forget to bring your camera for some stunning nature shots.
Visit Roombeek, a vibrant district known for its art and culture. Explore the various galleries and enjoy lunch at one of the local cafés.
Wind down with a stroll through the historic city center. Grab dinner at a traditional Dutch restaurant and enjoy the evening ambiance.
Visit the Rijksmuseum Twenthe to explore its impressive collection of Dutch artworks. Take your time appreciating the exhibitions and learning about art history.
Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art for a contrast in styles. Enjoy a light lunch at the museum café followed by exploring the modern art displays.
Conclude your cultural day by catching a performance at the Wilminktheater. Check their schedule ahead to book your tickets.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant student city with a youthful atmosphere due to the presence of the University of Twente.
- Rich cultural scene, including theaters, music festivals, and art galleries.
- Green spaces and parks, providing opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Good public transportation connections to other cities in the Netherlands and Germany.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht.
- Innovative tech and start-up hub, fostering entrepreneurship and job opportunities.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger urban areas.
- Weather can be gloomy and rainy, especially in winter months.
- Some may find the city small and lacking in diverse attractions.
- Language barrier for non-Dutch speakers, although many locals speak English.
- Job market can be competitive, particularly in specialized fields.
Best Activities in Enschede
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Volkspark is a beautiful park in Enschede, perfect for walking, cycling, or having a picnic.
Ledeboerpark is a peaceful and scenic park ideal for leisurely walks and birdwatching.
Take a leisurely hike or bike ride to explore the picturesque countryside and charming villages of the Twente region.
Places to Visit in Enschede
Visit one of these nice places.
An elevated area with panoramic views of Enschede and the surrounding landscape, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
An urban area with a mix of modern architecture and historical buildings, offering diverse photo opportunities.
A beautiful park with a large pond and open spaces, perfect for capturing natural scenery and outdoor portraits.
Food in Enschede
Enschede Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
These crispy, deep-fried beef and flour-based snacks are a must-try Dutch delight. They are often served with mustard for dipping. You can find delicious bitterballen at Cafe Rocks (Address: Oude Markt 21, 7511 GA Enschede).
Must-Try!
Originating from the Netherlands, Stroopwafels are thin waffle cookies filled with caramel syrup. For authentic and fresh stroopwafels, visit the Stroopwafel stall at Enschede Market Square (Address: H.J. van Heekplein, 7511 HN Enschede).
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Enschede Saturday Market is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide variety of local and international food stalls. From freshly baked pastries to exotic street food, the market is a great place to explore diverse culinary delights (Address: H.J. van Heekplein, 7511 HN Enschede).
This charming passage is lined with food stalls and vendors selling a range of street food options, from Dutch specialties to international flavors. It's a perfect spot for a casual food tour and trying out different cuisines (Address: Haverstraatpassage, 7511 ET Enschede).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Enschede, it's important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when engaging in conversations.
Being punctual is highly valued in Enschede, so it's important to arrive on time for social events, meetings, and appointments.
Enschede locals appreciate polite and courteous behavior, so remember to greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'good day' and use 'please' and 'thank you' when interacting with others.
Safety
Tipping in Enschede
Ensure a smooth experience
In Enschede, Netherlands, it is common to leave a tip of around 5-10% at restaurants, cafes, and for other services such as taxis, hairdressers, and tour guides. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated as a token of good service.
In Enschede, Netherlands, electronic payments are widely accepted and preferred. Credit and debit cards are commonly used for transactions, and contactless payments are also popular. Cash is still accepted at most places, but it is becoming less common, especially for larger purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring, from March to May, is a great time to visit Enschede as the city blossoms with beautiful flowers and pleasant temperatures. You can experience the famous Keukenhof Gardens nearby and enjoy outdoor activities in the city.
Summer, from June to August, brings warm weather and longer days, making it ideal for outdoor events and festivals. You can explore the city's parks, enjoy outdoor dining, and experience the vibrant summer atmosphere.
Autumn, from September to November, offers a picturesque landscape with colorful foliage. The city's cultural scene comes alive with art festivals and exhibitions, and it's a great time to savor seasonal culinary delights.
Winter, from December to February, transforms Enschede into a winter wonderland with the possibility of snow. The city's holiday markets, ice skating, and cozy cafes create a festive ambiance, perfect for enjoying the seasonal charm.
Enschede at Night
Hiking in Enschede
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful natural area with well-marked hiking trails, located just outside Enschede. It features diverse landscapes including forests and meadows.
A scenic nature reserve offering various hiking paths through woods and along streams, perfect for a leisurely hike.
Located near the University of Twente, this area offers trails that wind through forests, making it ideal for hiking and enjoying nature.
A picturesque valley with pathways that follow the creek, featuring lush greenery and wildlife, great for a peaceful hike.
Just across the border in Germany, this nature reserve features wetlands and is known for its hiking trails, beautiful scenery, and birdwatching opportunities.
Aiports
How to reach Enschede by plane.
The largest and busiest international airport in the Netherlands, located approximately 170 kilometers northwest of Enschede.
An international airport in Germany, located approximately 120 kilometers southeast of Enschede, serving as a major hub for international flights.
An international airport located around 145 kilometers south of Enschede, serving both domestic and international flights.
An international airport in Hamburg, Germany, situated about 250 kilometers north of Enschede.
The main international airport of Belgium, located approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Enschede.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Enschede, comprising a significant portion of the population.
One of the largest minority groups in Enschede, reflecting a historical migration pattern.
A significant community contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
Includes migrants from countries such as Poland and Romania, drawn by job opportunities.
Another notable minority with historical ties to the Netherlands due to colonial history.
A growing demographic group in recent years, particularly with the refugee crisis.
A smaller but present community, also influenced by recent geopolitical events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football, or soccer, is one of the most popular sports in Enschede, with the local club FC Twente having a strong following.
Field hockey is widely played in Enschede, with several clubs and an active community of players at various levels.
Tennis is a popular sport in Enschede, with many tennis clubs offering facilities for individuals and families.
Volleyball enjoys popularity in Enschede, with local leagues and schools promoting the sport among youth.
Running is a favored recreational activity, with various parks and trails in Enschede providing great routes for runners.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Enschede.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Enschede embraces vegetarian and vegan diets, and many restaurants offer dedicated menus or options for those with dietary preferences. Look out for places like Eetcafé CP, Het Paradijs, and Punto Pasta, which have excellent vegetarian and vegan choices.
For gluten-free dining, several eateries in Enschede are accommodating, providing gluten-free alternatives or modifying dishes to cater to gluten intolerance. Places like Stoet, Broodbode, and Stoet To Go offer gluten-free bread and menu items.