Things To Do
in Hilversum
Hilversum is a welcoming town in North Holland known for its striking mid-century architecture and its role as a Dutch media hub. Set in the green Gooi region, it offers easy access to forests, lakes, and scenic walks just a short ride from Amsterdam. The town blends cultural institutions, design heritage, and a lively market scene, making it ideal for a compact city break with outdoor options.
Whether you’re into architecture, nature, or cinema heritage, Hilversum serves as a well-rounded base for exploring the Gooi area.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Hilversum, soaking in the charming architecture of the local buildings. Stop by the iconic town hall and enjoy a fresh pastry from a nearby bakery as you take in the sights. The peaceful atmosphere in the morning makes it a perfect time to explore the quaint streets and hidden corners.
After lunch at a local café, visit the Museum Hilversum, which features contemporary art and local history exhibits. Spend some time wandering through the museum's galleries and learning about the rich cultural heritage of the area. Afterwards, take a walk through the nearby park and enjoy the serene environment.
As the sun begins to set, head to a local restaurant to indulge in traditional Dutch cuisine, savoring dishes like stamppot or poffertjes. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the canals, illuminated by soft lights reflecting off the water. End your day with a drink at a cozy bar, enjoying the relaxed vibe of the town.
Begin your day with a refreshing breakfast at your accommodation, followed by a trip to the nearby Hilversumse Heide, a stunning nature reserve. Spend your morning walking the trails, surrounded by vast heathlands and picturesque landscapes that are perfect for birdwatching. Take a moment to appreciate the tranquility of nature as you breathe in the fresh air.
After a picnic lunch in the forest, continue your exploration by visiting the nearby nature reserve, where you can spot deer and various bird species. The afternoon is ideal for a guided nature tour, where an expert can provide insights about the flora and fauna of the region. As you walk, capture the beauty of the surroundings with photos and relish the peacefulness.
Return to Hilversum and enjoy a leisurely dinner at a restaurant that specializes in local dishes. As the evening settles in, consider catching a live performance at the local theater, immersing yourself in the cultural scene. End your night with a nightcap at a bar with a view of the forest, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or latte | $3-5 |
| 🥗Lunch for two | $20-40 |
| 🚇Public transit ticket (one-way) | $3-5 |
| 🧀Local souvenir or snack | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong architecture and design heritage (Dudok)
- Beautiful green Gooi setting with forests and lakes
- Compact, walkable town center
- Excellent transit links to Amsterdam and Utrecht
- Cultural institutions like Beeld en Geluid
- Can feel quiet on weeknights in some neighborhoods
- Prices can be higher than neighboring towns
- Some attractions are outside the town center (e.g., Soestdijk Palace)
- nightlife is more limited than in bigger cities
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is... ?" - Where is... ?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Hilversum
Visit one of these nice places.
A hallmark of Dudok’s architecture with a brick, cubic silhouette; dramatic in early morning or golden hour light.
A sleek modern facility with glass and sculptural lines, offering striking angles for architectural photography.
Open heathland and pine forests with tranquil paths and ponds—great for landscape and nature shots across seasons.
Historic center square with mid-century and traditional façades—perfect for street photography and city life.
Impressive palace exterior and expansive gardens; ideal for exterior shots and seasonal garden photography.
Food in Hilversum
Hilversum Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty mashed-potato dish with kale, carrots, or sauerkraut, typically served with sausage or vegetarian alternatives.
Must-Try!
A traditional Dutch snack, often eaten with onions and pickles, available at markets and fish stalls.
Mini fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar; popular at markets and fairs.
Gooey caramel syrup sandwiched between two thin wafers; best fresh from bakeries or market stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market in the center offering fresh produce, cheese, fish, baked goods, and occasional street snacks; great for sampling local treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is valued; if running late, a brief apology is courteous.
A handshake on first meeting is common; use polite forms of address and say please (alstublieft) and thank you (dank u wel).
Dutch communication tends to be direct and honest; clear language is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Hilversum
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in the Netherlands; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common but not required.
Credit cards are widely accepted; cash is still used but less common. Contactless payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely supported; iDEAL is common for online payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with pleasant evenings; expect some showers. Market life and outdoor dining flourish, and forests and lakes are prime for day trips.
Mild to cool with vibrant fall colors in the Gooise Heide and forests; great for leaf-peeping and moody landscape photography.
Cool and damp with shorter daylight hours; museums, cafés, and architecture offer cozy indoor experiences; light dustings can create a wintery vibe.
Blooming trees and fresh greenery; longer days and outdoor festivals bring activity to parks and markets.
Hilversum at Night
Hiking in Hilversum
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A forested heathland loop around Hilversum with ponds and open spaces; suitable for most hikers.
Waterfront and forest trails around the Loosdrecht lakes; ideal for a scenic day hike.
Dune-like landscapes with pine forests; longer hikes in a varied natural setting a short drive away.
Airports
How to reach Hilversum by plane.
Major international hub; roughly 25-35 minutes by train from Hilversum with frequent connections worldwide.
Smaller international airport; about 1-1.5 hours by car or train to Hilversum.
Mid-sized airport; about 1.5-2 hours by train or car; useful for low-cost carriers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, media professionals, students, and international residents tied to the Gooi region’s creative economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A national passion with local clubs and facilities throughout the Gooi region.
A fundamental mode of transport and recreation; extensive routes through forests and lakes around Hilversum.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hilversum.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and restaurants; look for vegetarian labels, ask for plant-based substitutions, and many menus note vegetarian dishes as such.