Things To Do
in Hilversum
Hilversum is a charming city located in the Netherlands, known for its beautiful green spaces and gardens. It is also famous for being a media city, housing many broadcasting companies and studios. The city features a mix of modern architecture alongside historic buildings, creating a unique and picturesque atmosphere.
Hilversum offers various cultural attractions, such as museums, art galleries, and theaters for visitors to explore and enjoy.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank je wel" - Thank you
- "Alsjeblieft" - Please
- "Hoe gaat het?" - How are you?
- "Tot ziens" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $60 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Landscape of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. The fresh air and natural beauty will invigorate you for the day ahead.
Visit the beautiful Naardermeer Nature Reserve for bird watching and scenic views. Don’t forget to take a picnic to enjoy by the water.
Wrap up your day with a cozy dinner at a local Dutch eatery. Savor traditional dishes while enjoying the laid-back ambiance.
Visit the iconic Rietveld Schröder House, an example of modern architecture. Learn about its unique structure and historical significance.
Explore the town’s other architectural gems like Villa Goudestein and the famous Hilversum Town Hall. Capture these stunning buildings with some photos.
Enjoy an early evening stroll through Hilversum’s Historic Center. Stop by a café for a drink before dinner.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich in media history and known as the 'Media City' of the Netherlands.
- Beautiful green spaces and parks for outdoor activities.
- Well-connected to Amsterdam and other major cities via public transportation.
- A vibrant cultural scene with museums, theaters, and music venues.
- Family-friendly environment with good schools and amenities.
- Higher cost of living compared to some other cities in the Netherlands.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities like Amsterdam.
- Housing availability can be competitive, especially for families.
- Traffic congestion can occur during peak hours.
- Fewer international dining and shopping options compared to larger urban areas.
Best Activities in Hilversum
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic hike through the beautiful Corversbos forest in Hilversum, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Explore the picturesque Loosdrechtse Plassen lakes by bike, taking in the stunning water views and surrounding nature.
Relax and enjoy a picnic in the serene De Hoorneboegse Heide heathland, surrounded by expansive natural landscapes.
Tours
Uncover the best of Hilversum with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Hilversum
Visit one of these nice places.
A former sand quarry turned into a beautiful natural area with picturesque views and photo opportunities.
A heathland area offering stunning scenic vistas and great photographic spots.
A charming area with a windmill and scenic landscapes, perfect for capturing beautiful photos.
Food in Hilversum
Hilversum Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
These deep-fried savory balls filled with a creamy ragout are a Dutch favorite. Enjoy them at De Egelantier or Café 't Tolhuis.
Must-Try!
A flavorful Indonesian fried rice dish, commonly found at Warung Adinda or Tjoe's.
A Surinamese dish featuring flatbread served with curried chicken, potatoes, and vegetables. Visit Toko Sang Lee for an authentic experience.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Hilversum better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore this lively market for a variety of local produce, cheeses, and street food. Don't miss the freshly-made stroopwafels and herring stands.
For beer enthusiasts, this festival showcases craft brews from the region, alongside delicious street food stalls offering diverse culinary delights.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Tipping in Hilversum is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. A tip of 5-10% in restaurants and for other services is common.
In Hilversum, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others. Dutch people value their personal space and prefer a respectful distance when interacting.
Punctuality is highly valued in Dutch culture, including in Hilversum. Arriving on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings demonstrates respect for others' time and is considered polite.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Hilversum with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Hilversum
Ensure a smooth experience
In Hilversum, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. It is common to leave a tip of 5-10% in restaurants, cafes, and for other services such as taxi rides.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Hilversum, especially in larger establishments. However, it is always good to carry some cash for smaller vendors and local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Hilversum.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Hilversum when the city comes alive with beautiful blooms and pleasant weather. The famous Keukenhof Gardens nearby also open during this season, showcasing stunning displays of tulips and other flowers.
Summer in Hilversum brings warm temperatures and longer days, making it a perfect time to explore the city's outdoor attractions such as the Goois Nature Reserve and the city's many parks and gardens.
Autumn offers a colorful and picturesque landscape as the trees change their colors. It's an ideal time for leisurely walks in the forests and enjoying the autumnal scenery.
Winter in Hilversum can be cold, but it offers a unique charm with the possibility of snowfall creating a picturesque setting. The city's Christmas markets and festive events also make it a special time to visit.
Hilversum at Night
Hiking in Hilversum
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful heathland area offering various walking trails and scenic views, perfect for a peaceful hike.
A forested area on the outskirts of Hilversum, filled with trails that wind through lush greenery.
A picturesque village nearby with access to expansive forests and hiking paths, ideal for a day out in nature.
A nature reserve with walking routes around the lake, offering unique wildlife sighting opportunities and beautiful landscapes.
A nearby village with scenic trails through countryside and wooded areas, providing a variety of hiking options.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Hilversum through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Hilversum by plane.
The largest international airport in the Netherlands, located approximately 30 kilometers from Hilversum.
An important international airport in the southern Netherlands, about 100 kilometers from Hilversum.
An international airport serving the Rotterdam and The Hague areas, located approximately 70 kilometers from Hilversum.
The main international airport in Belgium, located about 160 kilometers from Hilversum.
An international airport located in Germany, approximately 130 kilometers from Hilversum.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, primarily comprising native Dutch individuals.
A significant ethnic minority originating from Turkey, contributing to the cultural diversity.
Another notable group, consisting predominantly of individuals with Moroccan heritage.
A smaller demographic group with ancestral ties to Indonesia, reflecting historical connections.
This group includes individuals with roots in Suriname, often part of the multicultural landscape.
A variety of other ethnic groups and nationalities that contribute to the overall demographic diversity.
The Soul of Hilversum
Discover the essence of Hilversum through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Hilversum, with several local clubs and a strong community following.
Field hockey enjoys significant popularity in Hilversum, with local teams competing in various leagues.
Tennis is widely played in Hilversum, with numerous clubs offering facilities and coaching for all ages.
Volleyball has a solid presence in Hilversum, with both indoor and beach volleyball gaining participants.
Running is a popular recreational activity in Hilversum, with local events and running clubs encouraging participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hilversum.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Hilversum offer excellent vegetarian and vegan options, such as Luno Kitchen and Mout.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can find suitable dishes at Brasserie de Steeg and the Gastrobar.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Hilversum with these cultural adventures.