Who could have guessed that Arnhem, Netherlands, would be my next hot tip for the perfect European city break? When people plan a city break in the Netherlands, they usually head straight for Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht. But after spending a long weekend exploring Arnhem, I genuinely think this creative and highly underrated city might be one of the country’s best hidden gems.
It may be better known for the Battle of Arnhem and a favourite among the history buffs, but honestly? This city has so much more to offer and it's exactly the kind of destination I love to discover as a solo travel expert. This sustainable city break celebrates slow living, and how better to start than reaching the city by train? Once you arrive, the city is walkable, stylish and full of incredible food, fascinating history and genuinely relaxing experiences that make you slow down instead of rushing between tourist hotspots.
Arnhem is the kind of place where you spend your mornings wandering through world-class art exhibitions, your afternoons exploring parks and street art-filled neighbourhoods, and your evenings soaking in a rooftop jacuzzi before heading to Michelin-recommended restaurants.
But what really surprised me was how beautifully Arnhem balances a respect for city's history, while embracing a more modern take on creativity. One moment you’re learning about the devastating Battle of Arnhem, the next you’re sipping organic wine in a stylish restaurant powered by sustainable food principles or wandering through vast green parks shaped during the Ice Age.
It feels progressive and creative, while retaining those deep connections to its past. For travellers wanting more meaningful and sustainable European city breaks, Arnhem absolutely deserves a spot on your radar.
For those who are new here, I'm Lucy, a solo travel expert and adventure seeker who is passionate about giving women the tools (and the confidence) to try solo travel. I've visited countless cities around the globe in 60+ countries and I pride myself in giving real, raw, honest advice to help you plan your dream trip, try exploring lesser-known destinations and weave in unique and authentic experiences to every itinerary.
Arnhem is ideal for:
- A solo city break
- A romantic weekend away
- A girls’ weekend
- Slow travel lovers
- Art and culture enthusiasts
- Foodies
- Wellness-focused travellers
This blog post is a press trip partnership with Visit Netherlands and Visit Arnhem [AD] but I only ever share my honest reviews & travel experiences.
Planing the Perfect Weekend City Break in Arnhem Netherlands? Here's where you'll find:
- Is Arnhem, Netherlands Worth Visiting?
- Why Arnhem Makes the Perfect Sustainable City Break
- The History of Arnhem and the Battle of Arnhem
- Travelling to Arnhem from the UK
- Where to Stay in Arnhem: Hotel Haarhuis
- 11 best things to do in Arnhem
- Eat at Michelin-Recommended Restaurants
- Use the "Most Beautiful Toilet in the Netherlands"
- Brave the glass balconies at Eusebius Church
- Visit Museum Arnhem's world class exhibitions
- Explore Arnhem’s street art scene
- Relax and recharge at City Spa
- Learn about WW2 History and the Battle of Arnhem
- Walk behind a waterfall in Sonsbeek Park
- Wander the boutiques of 7straatjes (7 Streets)
- Explore the Modekwartier (Fashion District)
- Take a day trip from Arnhem
- 3-Day Arnhem Weekend Itinerary
Get your Arnhem Essentials!
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Is Arnhem, Netherlands worth visiting?
I hear you – you want to know what makes Arnhem so special? Arnhem, Netherlands, is absolutely worth a visit. I'd go as far as saying it's one of the Netherlands most underrated city break for those who love slow travel, sustainable city breaks, art and culture – and incredible, Michelin-quality food. There's something authentically charming about this hidden gem city that some of the larger European cities have lost over the years. Let's get into why Arnhem is worth a visit...
If you're interested in exploring Netherlands, you may also enjoy reading my Rotterdam guides: 19 Best Things To Do in Rotterdam, The Perfect 3 Day Rotterdam Itinerary For First-Timers and 31 Best Vintage Shops in Rotterdam or explore Amsterdam's Epic Boat Tours for Solo Travellers.
Why Arnhem makes the perfect sustainable city break
One of the things I loved most about Arnhem is that sustainability here is simply woven into the way the city operates. As someone who is constantly travelling, I notice the difference immediately and every time I visit the Netherlands, I am so impressed by the thoughtfulness around our personal and collective impact.
Arnhem feels like a city designed for slower, more intentional travel. The kind of place where you naturally spend more time supporting independent businesses, eating locally sourced food, walking instead of rushing between attractions, and genuinely connecting with the destination rather than just ticking off sights.
For travellers who care about making more conscious choices, both environmentally and economically, Arnhem is an incredibly rewarding city break.
Easy to reach without flying
One of Arnhem’s biggest sustainability advantages is how accessible it is from the UK by rail. Travelling via Eurostar to Rotterdam and then connecting onwards by train makes the entire journey dramatically lower impact than flying, while also being infinitely less stressful. No airport chaos, no restrictive luggage rules, no rushing through terminals. Instead, you arrive directly into the heart of the city at Arnhem Central Station, ready to explore on foot within minutes. For slow travellers, the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
A walkable, green city
Arnhem is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, which naturally encourages lower-impact travel. Most of the city’s highlights including museums, restaurants, shopping streets, parks and cultural attractions are within walking distance of each other. That means less reliance on taxis and public transport, and more opportunity to properly soak up the atmosphere of the city. Despite being urban, Arnhem feels like such a green city with places like Sonsbeek Park on your doorstep, you’re never far from trees, walking trails, waterfalls or open green spaces.
Supporting local & independent businesses
Arnhem has a really strong independent spirit, and that’s something you feel everywhere, especially in areas like the 7straatjes and the Modekwartier. Instead of endless chain stores, you’ll find independent boutiques, local designers and artisan makers, creative studios next to small cafés and concept stores. Spending money here feels more meaningful because you know you’re directly supporting local people, artists and businesses rather than huge international corporations.
Sustainable food culture
Arnhem’s food scene also reflects the city’s progressive mindset. Restaurants like The Green Rose focus on regenerative agriculture, sustainable Dutch fisheries and nose-to-tail cooking, while LOCALS champions hyper-local ingredients and even grows produce through its own Vertical Farm. These dining experiences feel thoughtful rather than wasteful, this is a destination where seasonality and sourcing genuinely matter.
Hotels with a more conscious approach
Even places like Hotel Haarhuis contribute to the city’s slower pace and sustainable ethos. Its location directly opposite the station encourages rail travel and walkability, while the hotel’s wellness spaces, cute café and fine dining restaurant encourage travellers to slow down and spend more time enjoying the destination rather than constantly moving. That balance of comfort and intentional travel feels very aligned with many more travellers are searching for now.
A city looking forward
What makes Arnhem particularly interesting is that sustainability isn’t just about tourism here, it’s part of the city’s identity. From sustainable fashion and creative innovation to energy transition initiatives and community-focused cultural spaces, Arnhem feels future-focused without losing its sense of history and character. It's so important to remember that travel is more than just a fun trip – where we choose to spend our money has impact and often more power than the votes we cast. So if you're looking for a great sustainable city break, Arnhem is a city worth investing your time, and your wallet, into.
The history of Arnhem & the Battle of Arnhem
While Arnhem feels modern and creative today, history runs deeply through the city – particularly its connection to the Battle of Arnhem during World War II. If you really want to get under the skin of Arnhem, take the time to learn about it's wartime past and the battle scars that still shape the streets you walk today. 2026 also marks the 80th anniversary of liberation in the Netherlands.
The Battle of Arnhem took place in September 1944 as part of Operation Market Garden, one of the most ambitious Allied operations of the war. British paratroopers attempted to capture the Rhine bridge in Arnhem, but fierce fighting ultimately led to devastating losses. Today, the story of the Battle of Arnhem remains central to the city’s identity and collective memory.
One of the best places to learn more is the Eusebius Church, where exhibitions explore the battle and Arnhem’s wartime history in powerful detail, with video and audio clips that really bring this recent piece of history to life. Standing high above the city on the church’s famous glass balconies, with panoramic views stretching across Arnhem, it’s hard not to reflect on the significance of what happened here.
While the church was heavily damaged by bombs and it's tower rebuilt over many years, it is easy to forget that actually most of the city was destroyed in the blasts. The square, Audrey Hepburnplein, was actually full of buildings according to old photographs I saw during my visit. But these crumbled in the face of war and were never rebuilt, changing the very landscape – and the design – of the city.
The contrast between Arnhem’s difficult past and its vibrant, forward-thinking present is part of what makes the city feel so engaging.
Travelling to Arnhem from the UK: The stress-free & sustainable route
One of the best things about visiting Arnhem, Netherlands is how easy it is to reach from the UK, without the stress of airports. I catch a lot of flights, but I love trying to incorporate overland transport whenever I can and have previously travelled across continents using nothing but buses and trains. After my previous sustainable city break in Rotterdam saw me travelling by overnight ferry, I was excited to try out travelling to Arnhem using the Eurostar. It was my first time on the Eurostar for more than a decade, and wow – I need to do it more often!
Instead of flying, I travelled by train via:
And honestly? I don’t think I want to do European city breaks any other way now. The journey felt calmer, easier and infinitely more enjoyable than flying. No airport security queues, no luggage restrictions, no rushing for boarding gates – just comfortable travel, beautiful scenery and the ability to actually relax and work en route.
I travelled with Eurostar Premier and Plus on my journey, which was great to see the contrast with a regular economy seat. If you have the budget, I highly recommend Eurostar Premier and Eurostar Plus, they definitely elevate your experience and make the journey more comfortable with better seats, food and drinks included and access to the lounge before you travel. I'll share a full review of my experiences very soon.
For travellers wanting more sustainable ways to explore Europe, train travel makes a huge difference too. Rail travel produces significantly lower emissions compared to short-haul flights, making Arnhem a brilliant option for an eco-conscious city break. Once you arrive, Arnhem is incredibly walkable. The city centre is compact, pedestrian-friendly and well-connected by public transport, making it easy to explore without needing taxis or rental cars.
Where to stay in Arnhem: Hotel Haarhuis
If you’re looking for the perfect base for a weekend in Arnhem, I genuinely couldn’t recommend Hotel Haarhuis more. While I was travelling solo, it's also the perfect hotel for a romantic weekend away or a fun girls' weekend, and you'll feel instantly at home no matter how far you've travelled from.
Directly opposite Arnhem Central Station, the location is unbeatable for those arriving by train and this makes it super safe for solo travellers arriving late in the evening. Within minutes of checking in, you can walk to the city’s best restaurants, museums, shopping streets and cultural attractions.
The hotel strikes a gorgeous balance between luxury and wellness, but still retains that welcoming, homely feel. The interiors feel stylish and contemporary without losing warmth, and after long days exploring the city, the wellness facilities were an absolute dream. Can we take a moment to talk about the giant bathtub in my room?
One of my favourite hidden gems at the hotel was the rooftop wellness area – I can't believe I only saw one other person using it during my entire stay! Hot tip: go early when the City Spa opens at 7-9am to enjoy the rooftop saunas, infrared sauna and outdoor jacuzzi with views across Arnhem’s skyline.
Trust me, it's the most relaxing way to start your day, soaking in the bubbles as the sun rises over Arnhem. It’s exactly the kind of slow travel experience I love, carving out time to genuinely relax while travelling instead of constantly being on the go. Then it's time to head to breakfast to fuel up before a day of exploring.
The breakfast at Hotel Haarhuis was excellent – and I don't say that lightly – I was obsessed with how fresh and healthy the options were alongside classic Dutch pastries and breads. Think fresh honeycomb, a wall of fresh juices, lots of healthy fruits and veggies, dairy-free and gluten-free options including homemade granola, blueberry pancakes, coconut yoghurt and a cooked breakfast.
11 best things to do in Arnhem
One of the reasons I think Arnhem is such an underrated city break is because it offers such a different experience to the classic Dutch destinations. This isn’t a city built around rushing between tourist attractions or ticking landmarks off a list. It’s the kind of place where you spend mornings exploring thought-provoking art exhibitions, afternoons wandering through leafy parks and independent boutiques, and evenings lingering over incredible food and wine in beautifully designed restaurants.
Unlike some European city breaks that can feel overcrowded or designed for mass tourism, Arnhem still feels like a place people genuinely live and connect in. You’re just as likely to stumble across local designers and hidden cafés as major cultural attractions. So, whether you’re planning a solo escape, a romantic weekend or a relaxed girls’ trip, here are the very best things to do in Arnhem – from iconic landmarks to hidden gems you won’t want to miss.
1. Eat at Michelin-Recommended Restaurants
Arnhem’s food scene completely exceeded my expectations. There's not many cities of this size where you can find multiple Michelin restaurants within just a few streets of each other – at the time of writing this blog there was no fewer than 5 restaurants recommended by the Michelin guide. I had the immense pleasure of visiting two of them during my stay and – wow! I think I will need to write a separate food guide to the city so watch this space...
The Green Rose is a beautiful restaurant focused on regenerative agriculture, sustainable fisheries and biodynamic wines. It is the creative atelier of chef Jin Hu, offering seasonal dishes made with artisanal ingredients and nose-to-tail meat. The cosy restaurant is brimming with authentic local charm and leaves all pretension at the door, instead priding itself on a warm, friendly service that makes you feel right at home. I loved the open kitchen and being able to see the food prepared while sipping a glass of wine and soaking up the ambiance. Some of my favourite dishes included the fresh shrimp wontons, the smokiness of the trout and their sirloin dish which blended hazelnuts with morel mushroom into a rich and flavoursome dish. They're also opening a new restaurant in the city very soon.
LOCALS celebrates hyper-local ingredients through seasonal dishes and a true taste experience of Dutch cuisine. The restaurant, which is located at Hotel Haarhuis in Arnhem, even has its own vertical farm in a greenhouse on the first floor of the hotel. When I dined at the restaurant, I tasted the freshest local flavours constructed from the very plants and vegetables growing just one floor above me (and just a few floors below where I slept!). The Netherlands' premier vegetable chef, Niven Kunz. Kunz has earned a Michelin star at two different restaurants and advises chef Rafael Surie so the team creates unique flavour combinations to truly show off the most local and sustainable produce.
Arnhem feels like a city genuinely invested in the future of sustainable dining.
2. Use the "Most Beautiful Toilet in the Netherlands"
Okay this might be the most unique thing to do in Arnhem (and random!). Don't miss visiting The Roofdrop toilet experience at Hotel Haarhuis' BLOU Rooftop Bar – an award-winning throne room that will put all other toilets to shame. The toilet was the winner of the "Gouden Kraan award" for the most beautiful toilet in the Netherlands by 123toilet.nl of 2020, and uses innovative design to bring the 18m high loo to life at a press of the "Ultimate Experience" button.
3. Brave the glass balconies at Eusebius Church
Part historic landmark, part viewpoint, part museum experience. Don't skip a visit to Eusebius Church – it has so many fascinating levels that really help you to build a picture of Arnhem throughout the ages and finishing with the adrenaline rush of the most modern addition to the church's tower.
Start on the ground floor with the Glorie van Gelre experience and learn about the oldest history of Gelderland. Step back 500 years into the Middle Ages and learn about the iconic figures of the past in a time of knights and castles. Walk in the footsteps of the Duke Charles of Gelre through the audio tour as it takes you down to the crypts of the Eusebius where skeletons lie waiting.
Take the lift up to the seventh floor and take in the panoramic views and the exhibition showing how the city has changed since WW2. Then, enjoy the exhibition on the Battle of Arnhem including a short film. Don't miss the sixth floor, which was my personal favourite. The glass balconies projecting from the tower are not for the faint-hearted, but the views are incredible. If you enjoy unique city viewpoints with a little adrenaline thrown in, don’t miss this.
4. Visit Museum Arnhem's world class exhibitions
If you love contemporary art, social history and thought-provoking exhibitions, this museum is a must. What stood out most was how deeply connected the Museum Arnhem feels to current social conversations – exploring themes like identity, sustainability, freedom and representation. I loved how the museum champions female artists and culturally diverse perspectives. Even the building itself reflects Arnhem’s sustainability values, with energy-efficient design and reusable exhibition materials. Here's three exhibitions you need to see in 2026:
Nude with Attitude (March 14 to September 20, 2026) is a fascinating exploration of how artists have used the nude body as a way to protest, to give political commentary and to challenge the viewer to reflect from 1920 to the present day. It was one of the most powerful exhibitions I've been lucky enough to visit. I oved the way the collection thrived through making the viewer uncomfortable and yet leaving them in awe of the beauty. It gave such a refreshing perspective, choosing to focus on depicting real people, real bodies with all of their "flaws and "imperfections" in a way that celebrated diversity across cultures, ages and all varieties of the physical form. I planned this trip purely to visit this exhibition – and it was 100% worth it!
Bakudengar (March 10 to September 20, 2026) shared a rich tapestry of personal stories, collective memories, and current themes from the Indonesian archipelago and diaspora. Bakudengar explores themes such as colonial legacies, struggles for freedom, nature, and migration through the voices of West Papua, Maluku, and the Chinese-Indonesian community. Communicating through installations, drawings, sculptures, and films, the exhibition challenges visitors and encourages reflection. It was particularly beautiful to see members of the Indonesian community visiting the exhibition with a guide who talked them through the various art pieces in relation to their own personal history.
Thread Power (March 28 to August 30, 2026) uses handicrafts as a powerful way to tell stories about emancipation, identity, and sustainability. While the handicrafts are extraordinary, it is the contemporary retelling of their historical craftsmanship that is truly fascinating. It's more than just ways of creating beautiful things – needle and thread has been a way of expressing ourselves for generations when words would not suffice. Take the time to explore the technique, beauty, and meaning of beadwork, embroidery, and repair, and discover how a thread can sometimes say more than a thousand words.
I also highly recommend popping into Café Pierre for lunch after for an organic, sustainable meal. They have a wonderful vegan and vegetarian menu with fresh juices which is perfect for refuelling in the sunny garden after exploring the exhibits. There's also a fabulous array of sculptures in the garden and an intriguing underground fountain!
5. Explore Arnhem’s street art scene
One of the most surprising things about Arnhem is how creative the city feels every time you turn a corner. The guided mural walk with ArnhemLife was one of my favourite experiences, taking us through hidden alleyways and lesser-known corners filled with huge murals and street art by artists including Arnhem Art, Dopie, Sivanski and De Strakke Hand. It’s a brilliant way to discover Arnhem beyond the main tourist streets, and to learn more about the city, it's history and even the iconic figures who have lived there.
Did you know that famous actress Audrey Hepburn grew up in the city and actually has a square named after her? Or that high on Eusebius Church, you can see the faces of the Seven Dwarves? Trust me when I say you'll need to take the tour to find out the stories behind them. They also offer tours focused on the Battle of Arnhem and military history.
6. Relax and recharge at City Spa
One of the best hidden gems in the city of Arnhem – City Spa is tucked away on the rooftop of Hotel Haarhuis and provides a relaxing escape from the city. Start your day calmly watching the sun rise over the rooftops of Arnhem, Netherlands, before a busy day of exploring. Or take time to wind down in the afternoon before heading out for dinner. I was blown away by the facilities – from the Infra-red sauna, the indoor sauna, the rooftop sauna, cold plunge and jacuzzi (plus a treatment room and lots of lovely massages available).
Best of all, I loved that the spa was always empty! It's not manned and you access using your hotel room key which means it's always peaceful and I always had the place to myself. The gym is also located downstairs and is well equipped for a workout if you need to work off all that Michelin dining. Honestly, don't skip the facilities at this hotel.
7. Learn about WW2 History and the Battle of Arnhem
There are so many immersive and engaging ways to incorporate Arnhem's military history into your itinerary to bring it to life. This year Arnhem celebrates 8o years of freedom since the liberation from German occupation in WW2, so it's the perfect time to learn about what actually happen in the Battle of Arnhem, why not:
- Explore the walking routes in the Airborne Region
- Visit the Airborne Museum in Villa Hartenstein
- Visit Airborne at the Bridge
- Discover the Dutch Open Air Museum
8. Walk behind a waterfall in Sonsbeek Park
One of the things that makes Arnhem so special is how green it feels. Everywhere I walked, including through some housing estates, I was so impressed with how green the city was. If, ike me, you crave green spaces in cities, don't miss Sonsbeek Park when you visit Arnhem. Sonsbeek Park is enormous, peaceful and full of hidden corners, with waterfalls, historic buildings, winding trails and panoramic viewpoints. The park is known for its striking elevation changes, formed during the Ice Age around 100,000 years ago, when glaciers shaped the Veluwe landscape.
It’s hard to believe somewhere this beautiful sits right beside the city centre, but it was just a 10 minute walk from my hotel and instantly I was immersed in birdsong. There's lots of trails and I easily wandered over 5km, but there's so much more to explore – some gems include Belvédère tower, the Steep Garden, the Great Waterfall, and the historic Ice Cellar. Hot tip: make sure you visit the waterfall – did you know you can actually walk behind it?
9. Wander the boutiques of 7straatjes (7 Streets)
This was probably the area that made me realise what a liveable city Arnhem is for the locals. 7straatjes feels like a beautiful little neighbourhood full of independent boutiques, coffee shops, local designers and creative spaces that give it a relaxed feel. It's a perfect area for a slow wander through the streets with a coffee on a Sunday morning.
This used to be the old city centre of Arnhem and dates back to the 9th to 11th centuries and is made up of Arke Noachstraat, Bentinckstraat, Eiland, Kerkstraat, Pastoorstraat, Wielakkerstraat, and Zwanenstraat. If you love vintage and second-hand shopping, it's also a great area for finding gems. Nearby, you can also stop at a really local spot; Orange Koffiehuis is the oldest coffee bar in Arnhem and a local favourite with beautiful and historical Art Deco vibes.
10. Explore the Modekwartier (Fashion District)
Arnhem has a huge reputation for fashion and design thanks to the renowned ArtEZ fashion academy. The Modekwartier is packed with designer studios, artisan shops, sustainable fashion brands and creative cafés forming one of the most unique neighbourhoods in the Netherlands.
With more than 60 designers and creatives settling here, it is the place to shop for handmade clothing, jewellery, shoes, and bags, unique ceramics, artisanal soap produced locally, tattoo artists, and (vintage) design for your home. Many of these designers craft their products using traditional methods and take a sustainable approach to fashion and design which aligns beautifully with your sustainable city break in Arnhem and the values of the city.
11. Take a day trip from Arnhem
Some excellent day trips from Arnhem include:
- National Park De Hoge Veluwe
- Kröller-Müller Museum
- Nijmegen
- Utrecht
- Veluwezoom National Park
3-Day Arnhem Weekend Itinerary
If you're struggling to plan your weekend itinerary for Arnhem and want to make the most of your visit, steal my exact itinerary:
Day 1
- Arrive via train from the UK
- Check into Hotel Haarhuis
- Guided street art mural walk
- Dinner at The Green Rose
Day 2
- Visit Museum Arnhem
- Explore Eusebius Church
- Shopping in the 7straatjes
- Visit the Modekwartier
- Michelin dinner at LOCALS
- Rooftop wellness evening
Day 3
- Slow morning in Sonsbeek Park
- Coffee and boutique browsing
- Train back via Rotterdam & Eurostar
