Breda is the largest city in western Brabant, with parks, churches, castles and a regal past. Just 10 kilometres above the Belgian border, Breda has always played an important role in the history of Netherlands. This is noticeable as you wander around the charming medieval centre, where monuments recall the Eighty Years' War, World War II and the Orange Dynasty.
Breda is known as the 'City of Nassau', courtesy of German count Engelbrecht van Nassau. He married Breda's Johanna van Polanen here in 1403, sowing the seeds of our royal family. The Van Nassau descendants settled in Breda and formed the power base for the expansion of their empire here. Even William of Orange had Breda as his residence while working for his homeland.
A day in Breda is ideal if you want to do something to refresh your knowledge about the monarchy. But also admire the view from the Grote Kerk, stop to admire contemporary street art and find peace among the almshouses where the last beguine of the Netherlands lived. Of course, you can visit Breda for the typical Brabant conviviality. Grab a terrace, visit a museum with only beer advertisements and immerse yourself in the festivities called carnival. Want a weekend trip or a day out to 'Kielegat'? Here you will find 20 best tips what to do in Breda!
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Grab a terrace on the Grote Markt
The Grote Markt is the bustling market square in Breda's historic city centre and the perfect place to start your exploration of the city. This narrow rectangular square was laid out back in the late 13th century and has always been the main place for market vendors to sell their wares ever since. Monumental buildings surround the square, including Breda 's Great Church and City Hall. The current façade dates from 1766 and therefore looks a bit 'newer'.
A fresh market still takes place on the square on Tuesdays and Fridays, but you should also be here for the fair, events, flea markets and festivities (such as carnival). With many cafés and restaurants, there is plenty of choice to grab a terrace to people-watch and think about what else to do in Breda.
Het Voske(www.hetvoske.nl) is the oldest café on the Grote Markt and has been open since 1931. In the middle of the square, also take a look at the white natural stone statue of the Jewish woman Judith, holding a human head in one hand and a sword in the other. This was unveiled in 1952 for Breda victims of the Second World War.
Climb the Great Church of Breda
For stunning views over Breda, climb the tower of the Grote Kerk, the city's most famous monument. Since its construction in the 15th and 16th centuries, the church tower has defined Breda's skyline. The church towers over everything and can be seen from many places. With its Gothic architecture, the Grote Kerk also ranks among the four most beautiful monuments in Brabant.
A special feature is the Prinsenkapel, where the ancestors of the Dutch royal family are buried. Here is the mausoleum of Count Engelbrecht II, the first of the Nassau's to be interred in the Grote Kerk. Actually, William of Orange was also to be buried here, but the assassination in Delft put a stop to that. The Father of the Fatherland was then given his final resting place in Delft's Nieuwe Kerk.
You can climb the 97-metre tower via a narrow spiral staircase. After conquering 287 steps, you reach the viewing platform at 60 metres. A climb is only possible with a guide who will tell you stories about sights inside the medieval tower along the way. Halfway up, at 40 metres, for instance, you can take a rest at the 3750-kilo Nassau bell, which is only rung on special occasions.
At the top, you can see Breda's entire city centre below you, but on clear days you can also see the skyscrapers of Rotterdam in the distance. If you look in the other direction, you can see the Doel nuclear power plant near Antwerp. Book your tickets in advance through the website if you want to admire Breda from above. Address: Kerkplein 2, 4811 XT Breda. Website: www.grotekerkbreda.nl
Municipal Museum Breda
A visit to Stedelijk Museum Breda is a must if you want to learn more about the city's rich history. With numerous paintings, sculptures and other art objects, the museum tells the stories that have marked Breda over the centuries. Exhibits include the siege of Breda by the Spanish, the role of the Nassau family and the dramatic evacuation during World War II.
Sometimes there are bizarre objects among them, such as a window with a skull of an Egyptian soldier from 285, when the Romans deployed an army from Egypt to persecute Christians, and one of them apparently ended up all the way in Breda. The city's industry is also featured in the museum. After the opening of a railway line in 1855, Breda turned into an industrial city. Factories of well-known companies like Hero Conserven and Etna - of stoves and cookers - came up.
Also on display is art by contemporary artists who have been important to Breda over the past 50 years. In the basement of the museum you can visit temporary exhibitions by Breda artists. The museum has a shop and a corner where you can have coffee. Address: Boschstraat 22, 4811 GH Breda. Website: www.stedelijkmuseumbreda.nl
► TIP! The Stedelijk Museum Breda has toilets at the entrance that you can use for free, even without buying a ticket. And on hot summer days, the museum is nice and cool through air conditioning.
Beguinage Breda
In the city centre, you imagine yourself centuries back in time at Begijnhof Breda, which has existed since the 13th century. The current court was built in the 16th century and consists of 29 houses where 'beguines' lived for centuries. These were Catholic single women or widows who led a pious existence. Around the courtyard are therefore two small churches.
In the middle is a lawn where the women could bleach linen. This enabled them to earn a little money. The last beguine in this hofje was Cornelia Frijters, who died on 13 April 1990 (Good Friday). She was also the last beguine in the Netherlands. Still today, only single women live in the Beguinage of Breda.
You can stroll through the serene garden with 300 kinds of herbs or visit the Beguinage Museum in house number 29. This small museum shows the life of the beguines from the court, with an original kitchen and living room. Just past the entrance is the statue 'Beguines in conversation', recalling the original residents. Address: Catharinastraat 45, 4811 XE Breda. Website: www.begijnhofbreda.nl
Breda castle
In few Dutch city centres can you still find a castle, but in Breda you can! To the north of the city centre flaunts Breda Castle, built in the 12th century as a fortress to protect the city from invaders. In 1350, it became a real castle, with a moat and four corner towers. Until the mid-16th century, it was the main castle of the Nassau family, which laid the breeding ground for the Dutch royal house here.
In 1826, King William I decided to establish the Royal Military Academy in the castle. Since then, it has been the training institute for officers of the Dutch army. Officially, it is military grounds, so an ordinary visit is not possible. Sometimes you can take part in guided tours, for example during Open Monuments Days and during special events.
On Tuesdays between 11 am and 4 pm, however, you can enter the Queen Wilhelmina Pavilion on the Castle Square free of charge. Through paintings, prints, photos, historical documents, old uniforms and weapons, you can learn more about the history of Breda Castle. Address: Kasteelplein 10, 4811 XC Breda. Website: www.kasteelvanbreda.nl
Blind Walls Gallery
Sooner or later, while walking around the city, you will discover that Breda is home to impressive street art. In and around the city centre, you will find more than 100 murals created by street artists, artists and designers from all over the world. This collection of outdoor art is known as the Blind Walls Gallery.
The murals were once created to brighten up blind walls and now this 'street museum' is known as far afield as abroad. Each mural has a link to Breda's past, present or future. Altogether, the murals thus form a painted history of the city. A bicycle tour is the best way to discover the stories behind the murals. There are several routes along the most beautiful street art. Or go out with a guide who will explain the murals to you.
Close to the city centre at 16 Akkerstraat, you will find a painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Church, which once stood on this spot and was demolished in the 1960s (despite protests from local residents). Now the church is 'back' again, created by Ukrainian street artist Isakov. One of our favourites is the lion with cowboy hat on Piceni Street. This work by Dutch illustrator Zenk One is an ode to the heroic behaviour of a Breda mayor during the Eighty Years' War.
Not all murals look pretty. Sometimes local residents have put rubbish bins, bikes and junk in front of them - but that is art in itself. For a list of cycle routes and all murals, check out the website: www.blindwalls.gallery
Stadspark Valkenberg
You walk through it anyway when you arrive at Breda's train station: Stadspark Valkenberg. It is a beautiful green oasis that used to belong to Breda Castle. Back then, only castle residents were allowed to enjoy this piece of nature, but since the 19th century the park has been open to everyone. You can picnic on the grass, seek shade under century-old trees or stroll past ponds, fountains and flowerbeds. Dozens of chickens roam freely in the park.
At the main entrance is the Barony Monument, designed in 1905 by the famous architect Pierre Cuypers. He is known for the Rijksmuseum and Central Station in Amsterdam. The monument was placed to mark Breda's 500-year connection with the House of Orange-Nassau. It is shaped like a castle and on top is a crowned lion - the symbol of the Oranges and the Netherlands.
Reptile House The Earth
Want to do something with the kids in Breda? Take them to Reptile House De Aarde, which it says is "the most beautiful reptile house in the Netherlands". You'll come face to face with crocodiles, turtles, lizards, brightly coloured chameleons and snakes, which sometimes look quite terrifying. To curb your fear of snakes a little, you can also hold one when you visit.
The reptile house works with three programmes a day where animal keepers tell all about the reptiles. There are animal shows and you can watch the snakes and lizards being fed. You can also walk around yourself to see a tiger python or rhino iguana up close. Reptile House The Earth once started as a hobby of a Breda reptile collector, but is now an official zoo. Address: Aardenhoek 26a, 4817 NE Breda. Website: www.deaardebreda.nl
Admire the Spanjaardsgat
A remarkable landmark in Breda city centre is the Spanjaardsgat, a large water gate flanked by two seven-sided towers (the Granaattoren and the Duiventoren). Originally, the gate was built to supply the city by canals. According to a popular legend, the gate mainly got its fame from the recapture of Breda from the Spanish in 1590. A peat ship sailed to the castle where the Spanish soldiers were stationed. So-called to deliver peat, but secretly 75 men had entrenched themselves in the hold.
This is how the monumental gate got its name as 'Spanjaardsgat', but it is, however, a tall tale. The passage between the towers was built only in 1610. In reality, the peat ship sailed into the moat on the north side. The gate is now mainly the setting for the Spanjaardsgat Festival(www.hetspanjaardsgat.nl) in spring. For three days, a pontoon in the Singel hosts music and dance performances. Sometimes you can take a tour of the towers as part of a tour of Breda Castle.
Explore Breda by bike
Want to see as much of Breda as possible in the shortest time possible? Take a bicycle tour! At Baja Bikes, you can sign up for a bike tour where a local guide takes you around all the city's highlights in about 3 hours. You will get to know Breda in a fun and spontaneous way and you will also get to see the outlying areas.
Along the way, the guide tells fascinating stories about Breda. Find out all about the Spanish occupation, Elvis' controversial manager and the lost seal Moby Dick, who suddenly turned up in a river in 1981. You can also discover Brabant's cosiest city with a private guide. Or just rent a bike and go out on your own if you want to do something active in Breda.
Take a canal cruise
You might not notice it when you walk through Breda's city centre, but it is a city rich in water. Breda was once founded where the rivers Mark and Aa meet, so canals(singels) were built around the entire city centre. There are also some branches to canals. So the perfect place for a canal cruise! You get a whole different view of Breda from the water, and it's relaxing too ????
From 1 April to 1 November, you can embark on a canal boat in the Harbour, where a skipper will take you along just about all the canals. A canal cruise takes 45 to 60 minutes. You sit in an electric boat so you can see the sights of Breda glide by in complete silence. You can book tickets via the website of the municipality of Breda(www.breda.nl). Want to discover Breda with friends or family? Bootje Varen Breda(www.bootjevarenbreda.nl) offers luxury sloops, with skipper and special arrangements.
Beer Advertising Museum
The Beer Advertising Museum houses the largest collection of old beer advertisements in Europe. The often very beautifully designed advertisements cover the period from around 1900 to 1960. You can therefore admire enamel signs and posters of different styles, such as Art Deco and Jugendstil.
Most of the advertisements come from the Netherlands and Belgium, of course, but also from England, Ireland, northern France and Germany. You can also taste beer there, by the way. The museum is only open on Sundays, but admission is free. Address: Haagweg 375, 4813 XC Breda. Website: www.bierreclamemuseum.nl
Maczek Memorial Breda
Courageous Polish forces played a heroic role in the liberation of Breda in autumn 1944 (the southern Netherlands were liberated before the rest of the Netherlands). Led by General Stanisław Maczek, they entered the city in October 1944 and liberated the city of Breda and other parts of our country from German occupation. The general did so humanely, avoiding major damage and causing hardly any civilian casualties.
The Maczek Memorial is dedicated to the Polish fighters during World War II. You will hear the personal stories of the Polish men who joined the Allies and there is an exhibition of uniforms, weapons, equipment, documents, drawings, paintings, books and photographs. The highlight is the uniform of Maczek himself. Near the memorial is the Polish Military Field of Honour. Here, 160 Polish fallen soldiers are buried. This makes it the largest Polish cemetery in the Netherlands. The general also lies here. He only died in 1994 at the age of 102, but wanted to be buried with his men. Address: Ettensebaan 17A, 4812 XA Breda. Website: www.maczekmemorialbreda.nl
Walk through the Mastbos
To the south of the city lies the beautiful Mastbos, also known as 'Breda's backyard'. The forest was laid out in 1514 by order of Count Hendrik III of Nassau, making it one of the oldest forests in the Netherlands. At the time, there was an urgent need for ship masts for the Dutch and Spanish fleets. The long straight trunks of pines and pines could supply those masts just fine. Hence the name: Mastbos.
Of course, the Oranges also saw it as an ideal area for hunting. A hunting ground it has long since ceased to be, now you can encounter roe deer, pine marten, foxes, hedgehogs and squirrels among the age-old trees. It is a lovely area to walk on trails set out by the Forestry Commission. You walk through dark coniferous forests and past deciduous trees, as well as through moorlands. Popular is a plank path through nature. Website: www.staatsbosbeheer.nl
Shopping in Breda
To expand your wardrobe or search for nice gifts, Breda is the place to be. The city offers endless shopping opportunities with a wide range of shops. Shopping is possible every day of the week. In the city centre of Breda, most shops are open on Sundays from 12.00 to 18.00 hrs. Shopping night is on Thursdays, when many shops are open until 9pm.
The best-known shopping street is Ginnekenstraat, with well-known chains such as Zara, H&M, Blokker, Kruidvat and C&A. This pedestrian street starts at the Grote Kerk and runs through to Van Coothplein, where you can grab a cosy terrace after shopping. It is actually four streets in a row: Torenstraat, Karrestraat, Eindstraat and Ginnekenstraat.
For smaller and more unfamiliar shops, dive into one of the side streets. Just south of Van Coothplein, you'll find Wilhelminastraat, with boutiques, specialised shops and lunchrooms. Stop in at LILA The Store(www.lilastore.nl), a concept store for fashion, accessories and lifestyle. The owner has lived in Milan lived in Milan and incorporated her Italian sense of style into the furnishings.
In the city centre, you can shop luxury on Veemarktstraat, from clothes and jewellery to books and home accessories. Sint Annastraat is a picturesque street in the city centre with some quirky shops. Find a special outfit from the seventies, eighties or nineties at J'adore Vintage(www.jadorevintage.nl).
Bouvigne Castle
Breda has yet another castle, but on the south side of the city. Bouvigne Castle looks fairytale-like, with its surrounding moat and lush gardens. The little castle was built in the 15th century and has had several owners over time, including the princes of Orange. However, they showed little interest and let their stewards live there. Since 1973, it has been owned by the Brabantse Delta water board. You cannot visit the castle, but you can walk for free in the gardens, which are laid out in English, French and German styles. Address: Bouvignelaan 5, 4836 AA Breda. Website: www.landgoedbouvigne.nl
Relax on Breda's beach
Is it actually too hot to do anything active in Breda? Relax an afternoon on the beach! Breda is not by the sea, but it does have a real city beach. On Haveneiland, you'll find Belcrum Beach where you can soak up the sun or sip a drink with your feet in the sand. Children can play in the sand and you can hire a sloop to sail along the canals and the small river de Mark.
Swimming in the Mark is not allowed, but you can cool off under a little fountain. This beach almost has a festival atmosphere, with music and DJs spinning every Friday and Saturday. Belcrum Beach is free to enter and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Address: Veilingkade 12a, 4815 HC Breda. Website: www.belcrumbeach.nl
NAC Museum
Delve into the history of Breda's football club, which has played more than 3,000 matches since its foundation in 1912. This museum displays the precious treasures of Breda's football pride, such as a gold watch from the 1921 national championship. There are not many prizes and trophies - at the NAC Museum, anecdotes and relics are more important than the silverware. Address: Stadionstraat 5, 4815 NC Breda. Website: www.nacmuseum.nl
Vincent van Gogh house
Are you an art lover? From Breda, you can easily take a trip to the southern town of Zundert to visit the Vincent van Gogh house. This is the birthplace of Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), the world's most famous Dutch artist. This used to be a rectory house where he lived for the first 11 years of his life, until he was sent to a boarding school in Zevenbergen.
The Vincent van Gogh House is not a museum of paintings, but an 'experience centre' where you can learn all about the painter's life and work. The permanent exhibition 'The roots of a master' takes you back to everyday life in Zundert and the special bond Vincent had with his brother Theo. There are also temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists who were inspired by Van Gogh. From Breda Central Station, you can reach Zundert in half an hour by bus 115. By your own car, it's a 20-minute drive. Address: Markt 26-27, 4881 CN Zundert. Website: www.vangoghhuis.com
Miniature and Doll's House Museum Breda
Right next to the entrance of the Begijnhof you will find Miniature and Doll's House Museum Breda - fun if you used to play with dolls. Here you will find dolls' houses and interiors decorated down to the smallest detail. They are familiar places from Breda itself, such as an authentic brown Breda café, the casino and the beguinage church. The dollhouses are decorated with tiny furniture and there is even a shop selling miniature products. Special features include a Jewish dollhouse and 20 houses in the style of Anton Pieck. Address: Catharinastraat 23, 4811 XC Breda. Website: www.cultuurbehoudbreda.nl
What to do in Breda: practical tips
Staying over in Breda
There are several hotels and bed & breakfasts in Breda city centre where you can stay overnight. The city is quite compact, so regardless of the location, the best sights are always within walking distance. You can also walk to cafés, restaurants and shops from your accommodation. On a tighter budget, you can stay in a hostel or a campsite. There are holiday homes for rent in the Brabant countryside around Breda.
Hotel Nassau Breda is one of the best places to stay and has a special history. The 4-star hotel is located in three medieval court houses on Nieuwstraat, one of Breda's oldest streets. First the rich nobility lived here, but from 1806 the houses were used as a Catholic orphanage and convent. The nuns broke through all the properties and turned them into a labyrinth. In 2016, it was converted into a hotel with luxury rooms, restaurant and bar. ► Book an overnight stay at Hotel Nassau Breda from €140
Just outside the city centre, you can get an excellent night's sleep at Boutique Hotel Het Scheepshuys in a stately villa from 1927. A wealthy fruit trader in Breda had the villa built for his son, who was married off to a Swiss woman. Actually, he was in love with a Dutch girl from a shipping family. Rumour has it that he therefore had a weather vane in the shape of a ship put on the roof as a reminder of the 'forbidden love'. Besides the story about the weather vane, it is a cosy homely hotel with bicycle rental, a delicious breakfast and the best coffee in Breda. ► Book an overnight stay at Boutique Hotel Het Scheepshuys from € 98
Eating and drinking in Breda
Breda has some delicacies of its own, although they do not have ancient origins. Most of them have only been invented in recent years to put Breda on the culinary map. For example, you can go to Bakkerij De Jong for the Nassaubol, created in 2017. This is a sultana bun filled with Swiss cream and finished with caramel. A separate deep-frying snack is the krokodel: a croquette with frikadelragout. With a bit of luck, you can get it at a snack bar or supermarket in Breda.
For the tastiest chocolate, chocolates and sprinkles, you need to go to La Bohème(www.la-boheme.nl). For more than 50 years, the patisserie has been making everything in its own kitchen, selling the treats in pink boxes. Local beer brewers from Breda are Brouwerij Bliksem and Ramses Bier. In their tasting room Brack Breda(www.brackbreda.nl), you can sample craft brewed beers and seasonal beers. The decor and furniture are made from trees that once grew in the Breda soil.
Breda has plenty of restaurants to indulge yourself gastronomically. A top address is Restaurant Wolfslaar(www.wolfslaar.com), which has been awarded one Michelin star every year since 2005. Chef Maarten Camps and his brigade cook with local, seasonal and home-grown produce. The sommelier pours excellent wines to go with it. The atmospheric restaurant is located in a former coach house on a country estate in the south-east of Breda, a bit out of the city centre though.
Travelling to Breda
Breda is located in the west of the province of North Brabant, about 10 kilometres above the Belgian border. The city is easy to reach by train, bus and car. From Amsterdam CS, you can travel directly to Breda by Intercity Direct (via Rotterdam) in 1 hour and 7 minutes. You will then pay a supplement of €2.70.
Breda can further be reached by train from Nijmegen, Zwolle, Eindhoven, Den Bosch and Brussels, among others. You arrive at a modern station building built in 2014. From here, it's a 10-minute walk to Breda city centre.
If you come by your own car, it will take you 1 hour and 15 minutes from Amsterdam. From Rotterdam and Den Bosch it is a 40-minute drive. Motorways A16 and A27 run along the edges of the city. In and around the city centre, paid parking is available on the streets, in car parks and in five car parks. There is an overview on the municipality of Breda 's website(www.breda.nl). Free parking is only available in the suburbs.