Things To Do
in Tilburg
Tilburg is a vibrant city located in the southern part of the Netherlands. It has a rich industrial history, known for its once-thriving textile industry. Today, Tilburg is a hub of creativity and innovation, with a bustling cultural scene and universities attracting students from around the world.
The city is also surrounded by beautiful nature, making it a great destination for outdoor activities.
- "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: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $3 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the Tilburg Museum to explore contemporary art exhibits. Take a stroll through the nearby city park for some fresh air.
Enjoy lunch at a local café and then head to the TextielMuseum to learn about the textile industry. Don't forget to check out the museum's unique textile showcases.
Dine at a cozy restaurant in the city center. After dinner, catch a live music show at a local venue.
Start your day with a bike ride in the Spoorzone, enjoying the natural beauty around you. Stop by a local bakery for a delicious breakfast.
Explore the Leijpark and take a leisurely walk or have a picnic. You can also rent a canoe to paddle around the park's waterways.
Grab a bite at a restaurant with a view of the park. Enjoy a peaceful evening, perhaps reading a book or conversing with friends.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant student city with a youthful atmosphere due to the presence of Tilburg University.
- Rich cultural scene with numerous festivals, museums, and theaters.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht.
- Good connectivity to other cities in the Netherlands through public transportation.
- Green spaces and parks available for outdoor activities.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
- Some areas may feel less lively outside of the university academic year.
- Public transportation options may not be as extensive as those in larger cities.
- Fewer international amenities and services compared to major urban centers.
- Economic opportunities may be more limited, particularly in specialized fields.
Best Activities in Tilburg
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a day of fun at one of Europe's most famous theme parks, featuring thrilling rides, enchanting attractions, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Embark on a safari adventure to see a variety of wild animals in their natural habitats, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and more.
Explore the stunning sand dunes, woodlands, and heathland of this national park through walking, cycling, or horse riding.
Tours
Uncover the best of Tilburg with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Tilburg
Visit one of these nice places.
Located in the heart of Tilburg with beautiful views of the water, boats, and surrounding architecture, making it a popular spot for photos.
This historic church offers a picturesque backdrop for photos, especially when captured from the surrounding streets and squares.
The university campus provides modern architecture and green spaces, offering great photo opportunities, especially around the iconic Aula building.
Food in Tilburg
Tilburg Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local pastry filled with rich cream, coated in glossy chocolate, available at various bakeries including Banketbakkerij Jan de Groot.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked beef stew with a flavorful sauce, often served with fries, best enjoyed at local pubs like Café Langeboom.
Eel in a green herb sauce, a local delicacy served at traditional Dutch restaurants such as Auberge du Bonheur.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Tilburg better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This weekly market offers a variety of street food including Dutch treats, snacks, and international flavors, located in the city center near the Pieter Vreedeplein.
During the largest funfair in the Benelux, visitors can indulge in a wide range of traditional and modern street foods, taking place in July in the city center.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Tilburg, it is important to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, depending on the level of familiarity. It is also common to address people using their title and last name, especially in formal settings.
Dutch people value their personal space, so it's important to maintain a respectful distance when engaging in conversation. Avoid standing too close or making prolonged eye contact, as it can be perceived as intrusive.
Being punctual is highly regarded in Dutch culture, so it's important to arrive on time for appointments and social gatherings. Tardiness is generally considered disrespectful.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Tilburg with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Tilburg
Ensure a smooth experience
In Tilburg, tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated for good service. It is common to round up the bill or leave a small tip of 5-10% at restaurants, cafes, and for taxi services.
Payment in Tilburg is predominantly cashless, with credit and debit cards widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and other establishments. Contactless payment methods are also commonly used, and mobile payment apps are increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Tilburg.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Tilburg, as the city comes alive with blooming flowers and pleasant weather. You can expect outdoor festivals, such as the Tilburgse Kermis, and the beautiful scenery of the city's parks and gardens.
Summer in Tilburg is vibrant and lively, with plenty of outdoor activities and events. Visitors can enjoy the warm weather, outdoor concerts, and the festive atmosphere of the city. It's an ideal time for exploring the nearby nature reserves and taking part in watersports on the nearby lakes.
Autumn brings a colorful transformation to Tilburg, as the leaves change and the city's parks and forests become picturesque. Visitors can experience the harvest festivals, enjoy the mild temperatures, and take part in cultural events and exhibitions.
Winter in Tilburg is cozy and festive, with charming Christmas markets, ice-skating rinks, and seasonal events. The city's museums and indoor attractions provide a warm refuge from the chilly weather, and visitors can experience the Dutch tradition of gezelligheid, or coziness, in the city's cafes and restaurants.
Tilburg at Night
Hiking in Tilburg
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast sandy area with beautiful dunes and forests, offering numerous hiking trails through its unique landscape.
A scenic area known for its wooded paths and picturesque ponds, ideal for hiking and enjoying nature.
A popular local hiking spot featuring a mix of wooded paths and open fields, perfect for a leisurely hike.
A nature reserve with various walking routes, showcasing the region's flora and fauna.
An expansive heath area with trails that offer stunning views, great for hiking and walking.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Tilburg through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Tilburg by plane.
Located approximately 111 kilometers northwest of Tilburg, it is the largest and busiest airport in the Netherlands, offering a wide range of international flights.
Located about 130 kilometers southwest of Tilburg, it serves as a major airport in Belgium, providing numerous international connections.
Approximately 26 kilometers northeast of Tilburg, this airport primarily serves low-cost carriers and provides various European routes.
Located around 20 kilometers west of Tilburg, it is a smaller airport that mainly serves general aviation and some regional flights.
Situated about 65 kilometers northwest of Tilburg, it connects to several international destinations and is known for its accessibility.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population, consisting of individuals born in the Netherlands and their descendants.
A significant demographic group comprising immigrants and their descendants from Morocco.
A prominent group consisting of Turkish immigrants and their offspring.
Individuals from Germany, including both recent immigrants and those with German heritage.
Residents from various other European countries, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the city.
A community of individuals with roots in Suriname.
People from the Caribbean Netherlands, specifically the former Netherlands Antilles.
A diverse group including individuals from various Asian countries, such as China and India.
The Soul of Tilburg
Discover the essence of Tilburg through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is one of the most popular sports in Tilburg, with local clubs such as Willem II competing in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Field hockey is also widely played in Tilburg, with several clubs and a strong community of players and supporters.
Volleyball has a strong presence in Tilburg, with clubs offering opportunities for players of all ages.
Tennis is a popular recreational sport in Tilburg, with numerous facilities and clubs available for enthusiasts.
Athletics is a well-supported sport in Tilburg, with local clubs providing training and competition opportunities for runners, jumpers, and throwers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tilburg.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Tilburg's food scene is accommodating for vegetarians, with many restaurants and cafes offering dedicated vegetarian menus and options.
Visitors following a vegan diet can find suitable options at several eateries in Tilburg, such as RAW Tacos and Villa Pastorie.
For gluten-free dining, many restaurants in Tilburg are attentive to dietary needs and provide gluten-free dishes or modifications upon request.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Tilburg with these cultural adventures.
