Things To Do
in Venlo
Venlo is a city in the southeastern Netherlands known for its historic architecture and picturesque riverfront. The city is home to a vibrant market square where locals and tourists can shop for fresh produce, flowers, and local goods. Venlo is also known for its music and cultural festivals, drawing visitors from all over the region.
With its charming old town and scenic surroundings, Venlo offers a perfect blend of Dutch charm and modern amenities.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank je wel" - Thank you
- "Alsjeblieft" - Please
- "Hoe gaat het?" - How are you?
- "Tot ziens" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $120
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll in the beautiful Hof van Liemers park, admiring the lush gardens and vibrant flora. Enjoy a coffee at a nearby café while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Visit the Limburgs Museum to discover the rich history and culture of the region. Don't forget to explore the interactive exhibits that make learning fun for all ages.
End your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Dutch cuisine. Take a peaceful walk along the Maas River to watch the sunset.
Begin with a visit to the historic Venlo city center, where you can admire the well-preserved medieval buildings. Stop by the St. Martinus Church to appreciate its stunning architecture.
Explore the town's fascinating history at the Stadsmuseum Venlo, featuring exhibits on local heritage. Take some time to shop at the charming boutiques that line the cobbled streets.
Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a bistro in the city center, sampling local beers. Take a leisurely evening walk, enjoying the illuminated streets of Venlo.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strategic location near the German border, facilitating easy cross-border trade.
- Rich cultural heritage with various museums and historical sites.
- A vibrant market scene, particularly known for its weekly market in the city center.
- Beautiful parks and green spaces promoting outdoor activities and relaxation.
- Excellent cycling infrastructure, making it easy to navigate the city sustainably.
- Limited job market compared to larger cities in the Netherlands.
- Higher dependency on neighboring cities for certain amenities and services.
- Potential language barrier for non-Dutch speakers, especially in local services.
- Smaller range of entertainment and nightlife options compared to major cities.
- Economic fluctuations due to its close ties with the German economy.
Best Activities in Venlo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the diverse landscape of sand dunes, forests, and heathlands with various hiking trails.
Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the river, passing through picturesque villages and beautiful countryside.
Experience the scenic beauty of Venlo from the water on a boat tour along the Maas River, offering unique views of the city and its surroundings.
Enjoy a peaceful and adventurous experience on the water while exploring the natural surroundings of Venlo.
Tours
Uncover the best of Venlo with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Venlo
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers picturesque views of the river and surrounding areas.
The church provides stunning architectural and historical photography opportunities.
The city hall, an impressive building with a mix of modern and traditional Dutch architecture, is great for capturing unique photos.
The park offers beautiful flower displays and landscapes, perfect for nature photography.
Food in Venlo
Venlo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional sweet and sour meat stew, typically made with horse or beef, served with fries or bread. A must-try dish in Venlo is available at De Klep or In de Witte Dame.
Must-Try!
White asparagus, often served with ham, boiled egg, and a rich buttery sauce. Head to Eetcafé De Brasserie or Ruijschenbergh for a delectable serving.
A beloved regional pie, available in various fruit flavors such as cherries or apricots. Sample the best at the local bakeries like Goossens or Brood & Banket Leon Biemans.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Venlo better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a wide array of fresh produce, local cheeses, and street food snacks like herring and stroopwafels.
Visitors can indulge in an assortment of street food delights during the annual Street Food Festival held in Venlo. From gourmet burgers to exotic international cuisines, there's something for everyone.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Venlo, it is polite to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Men may also give a kiss on the cheek to women and vice versa.
Being punctual is highly valued in Venlo. It is important to arrive on time for social gatherings, meetings, and appointments.
People in Venlo appreciate their personal space, so it's important to maintain an appropriate distance when communicating and refrain from standing too close.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Venlo with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Venlo
Ensure a smooth experience
In Venlo, it is common to round up the bill or leave a 5-10% tip at restaurants, cafes, and for taxi services. Tipping at hotels is also appreciated for good service.
Cash is widely accepted in Venlo, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used for transactions. Contactless payment methods are increasingly popular, and most businesses accept electronic payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and outdoor activities such as cycling and exploring the Keukenhof Gardens.
Ideal for warm weather, festivals, and outdoor events. Visitors can enjoy the outdoor terraces, parks, and the beautiful Maas River.
Great time to experience the changing colors of the trees in the surrounding nature reserves and enjoy cultural events and local cuisine festivals.
Perfect for experiencing the charming Christmas markets, ice skating, and enjoying cozy indoor activities in the city's cafes and restaurants.
Venlo at Night
Hiking in Venlo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful national park located just south of Venlo, offering a variety of trails through diverse landscapes including forests, heathlands, and sandy soils.
Located to the north of Venlo, this park features unique sandy hills and woodlands, providing numerous hiking trails with scenic views along the Maas River.
A short yet picturesque trail that allows hikers to explore the local flora and fauna in the surrounding woodlands, ideal for a casual hike.
This trail leads around the Vossenmeer lake, providing a perfect mix of water views and wooded areas, making it a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers.
A tranquil route that winds through the natural landscapes near the Aldeneik area, offering opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the serene environment.
Aiports
How to reach Venlo by plane.
The largest international airport in the Netherlands, located about 140 km northwest of Venlo.
A major international airport in Germany, situated approximately 60 km southeast of Venlo.
An international airport located about 90 km southeast of Venlo in Germany.
A secondary airport in the Netherlands, located about 60 km southwest of Venlo.
An international airport located about 25 km northwest of Venlo, serving budget airlines primarily.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in the Netherlands, comprising the largest demographic in Venlo.
A significant demographic due to Venlo's proximity to the German border and historical connections.
A notable minority group in Venlo, often involved in local businesses and cultural exchange.
Another prominent minority group, contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
A smaller demographic, often engaged in community activities and cultural heritage.
Includes individuals from various European Union countries, adding to the multicultural environment.
Representing a diverse group seeking refuge and integration within the community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Venlo, with local clubs such as VVV-Venlo competing in the Dutch professional leagues.
Field hockey is also popular in Venlo, with several clubs offering programs for all ages and skill levels.
Tennis enjoys popularity in Venlo, supported by numerous tennis clubs and facilities across the city.
Athletics, encompassing various track and field events, is widely participated in Venlo, with a strong local sports community.
Cycling is a favored sport due to the region's extensive bike paths and scenic countryside, attracting both recreational and competitive cyclists.
Basketball has a growing interest in Venlo, with local teams and youth programs contributing to its popularity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Venlo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants and cafes in Venlo offer extensive vegetarian and vegan menus, ensuring that non-meat eaters are well-catered for. Notable places include Staldjik and De Werf.
Visitors with gluten intolerance will find that many dining establishments in Venlo provide gluten-free alternatives. It's advisable to inquire with the staff for specific dietary requirements.