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What to do in Tilburg? All activities at a glance

In the heart of Brabant lies Tilburg, where modern culture and historical charm go hand in hand. Art lover, nature lover or a gourmet? Tilburg has it all! In this blog we take you to the highlights of this vibrant city.

What was once the domain of trains and factories is now a vibrant city district full of life, art and adventure. In the Spoorzone, the industrial heritage comes to life and Tilburg shows how proud they are of their past. Where people once worked on the trains that ran throughout the Netherlands, the old factory halls have now been transformed into hip places full of creativity and innovation. Each building tells its own story.

Photo: Spoorzone Tilburg

LocHal

LocHal is the radiant centre of the Spoorzone. This gigantic former locomotive workshop has been transformed into an impressive library and meeting place. There is always something to experience in LocHal. From art exhibitions to workshops and lectures. Find a nice spot, dive into your book while enjoying the view of the railway.

The Spoorzone is also bursting with great eateries. Restaurant EVE is located in an old workshop where you can enjoy culinary delights in a cool, industrial setting. Fancy a bite to eat in an old train carriage? It's possible at restaurant De Wagon! While you enjoy your meal, you can see the past and future of the railways merge.

For the creatives among us, the Spoorzone is a true paradise. Bank15 is the place for talents to show their skills, from music and theater to street art. Who knows, you might spontaneously stumble upon a live performance or art installation.

Photo: Eetbar de Wagon

 

Tilburg is bursting with creativity and culture! The city is also known for its flourishing art and culture scene. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries and cultural institutions. Whether you are an art lover, interested in history or enjoy discovering how old crafts come together with modern techniques.

Museum De Pont

What used to be a wool spinning mill, an industrial space, has now been transformed into a temple of modern and contemporary art. Museum De Pont has an impressive collection of both Dutch and international artists, from large-scale installations to intimate paintings. What makes De Pont extra fun? The museum is always in motion. The exhibitions change regularly, so there is always something new to discover. Step into the world of modern art and don't forget to relax in the beautiful courtyard, filled with sculptures where you can enjoy a moment of peace.

Natural History Museum Brabant

During a visit to Natuurmuseum Brabant you will learn everything about nature and the animal world in a playful way. From prehistoric fossils to lifelike dioramas of animals in their natural habitat. The Natuurmuseum brings nature to life! Take a dive into the Dutch waters during the interactive exhibition “Underwater Safari”. Swim and meet special creatures that live under the water surface and discover how they adapt to their environment.

Tilburg is a city with a rich textile history. The TextielMuseum is the place where fashion and craft merge, the place where the boundaries between past, present and future blur. Discover everything about the textile industry, from old looms to ultramodern textile machines that produce the latest fabrics. In the TextielLab you can see how designers and artists are at work while experimenting with new materials and techniques. Want to create something unique yourself? Take part in one of the workshops and take your own piece of Tilburg's textile tradition home with you!

Photo: Visit Brabant

Doloris Meta Maze

For a truly unique experience, step inside Doloris Meta Maze, a surreal labyrinth of art installations that will challenge your senses. This is not a traditional museum, it is an immersive experience that will make you leave reality behind. At Doloris Meta Maze, you will wander through a labyrinth full of mystery, art and unexpected twists. Each of the 40 rooms is designed by artists from all over the world. You will feel, see, hear and experience things that you would never encounter otherwise. The only way to truly understand Doloris is to experience it yourself. Doloris also has a rooftop bar. Ideal to relax after your adventurous journey and enjoy the beautiful view of Tilburg.

 

Tilburg is a real Burgundian city, whether you are looking for a cozy café or a trendy food spot. This vibrant Brabant city has something for everyone! From the restaurants in the Dwaalgebied to countless bars and cafés in the beating heart of the nightlife at De Heuvel.

Schrobbelèr: the taste of Tilburg

A visit to Tilburg is not complete without a glass of Schrobbelèr. This spicy liqueur is a proud Tilburg product, which you can taste in almost every café in the city. With its soft and sweet taste, Schrobbelèr is perfect to end your meal with. Curious about how this drink is made? Take a tour of the Schrobbelèr factory and discover the secrets of this iconic drink!

Photo: Schrobbelèr

Fancy a locally brewed beer? At the popular Stadsbrouwerij 013 you can taste the passion of Tilburg brewers in every sip. Whether you go for a strong stout or a fresh IPA, there is always something to suit you. For true beer lovers, a visit to Brouwerij La Trappe at the Koningshoeven is an absolute must. In the serene surroundings of an authentic Trappist monastery, the world-famous La Trappe beers have been brewed since 1884. Enjoy a tasting in the monastery garden on a sunny day or take a tour to learn more about the brewing process and the rich history of this unique brewery.

Photo: 013 Streets

The atmospheric Dwaalgebied

The Dwaalgebied consists of the streets around the Oude Markt where you will find many trendy eateries and cafés. From cozy lunch spots to chic restaurants. For example, visit Locals, a popular coffee house where you can enjoy delicious coffee and homemade delicacies. You will immediately feel at home in this cozy coffee bar where the smell of freshly ground beans welcomes you as soon as you enter.

The Heuvel

De Heuvel is the central square of Tilburg and the beating heart of the nightlife. Here you will find bars, cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite to eat and a drink even until the wee hours. From tapas at De Beren to cocktails at Café Brandpunt, the offer is versatile and tasty.

In addition to art and culture, Tilburg and its surroundings are also bursting with beautiful green spaces where you can relax and enjoy nature. From the Brabant Sahara to beautiful views along the water.

Piushaven

The Piushaven is more than just a harbour; it is a vibrant hotspot where you can enjoy yourself all day long. Enjoy a walk along the harbour or sit down on one of the cosy terraces with a view of the marina. Taste a craft beer or sip a refreshing cocktail. Nice weather? Rent a boat for a trip on the water! Or hop into a canoe, try stand-up paddling or dare to take a tour on a pedal boat.

Spoorpark

In the middle of the city you will find a green oasis of peace; the Spoorpark! The place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There is plenty to do in the Spoorpark, both for active people and for those seeking peace and quiet. Take a walk on the Tilly Walk, the path that takes you past the most beautiful spots in the park, or climb to the top of the Kempentoren and be surprised by a breathtaking view of the city. Fancy a game of beach volleyball? You can show off your sand skills on the beach of the Spoorpark. The Urban Sports Area attracts skaters and freerunners, while the pond offers a place of rest for those who prefer to do nothing for a while.

The Leijpark is the largest city park in Tilburg and the perfect place to fully enjoy nature! Fancy an active day? Then you can indulge yourself with a game of football on the vast lawns, a run on the winding paths or a fun game of frisbee with friends. For the little ones, the Leijpark has a playground with swings, climbing frames and slides. Here children can get rid of their energy while the parents can relax on a bench.

Throughout the year, Leijpark also hosts fun events and festivals, such as Festival Mundial and Het Leijparkconcert. During these festivals, the park transforms into a place full of music, dance and party.

The Loonse and Drunense Dunes

The largest drifting sand area in Western Europe can be found right in the heart of Brabant! The Loonse and Drunense Dunes are also called the Sahara of Brabant, and not without reason. Here you will find endless sandy plains mixed with a variety of sand dunes, heathlands and forests. The forests make it a perfect place for hikers or mountain bikers to make a beautiful route over the many paths that meander through the surrounding forest. Maybe you will encounter a few Scottish highlanders along the way...

A fun day out with friends, family or with the family? In the area of Tilburg you can choose between fairytale adventures, wild safaris and exotic animals.

Step inside Efteling, where the boundaries between fantasy and reality blur and fairytales truly come to life. Be welcomed upon entering by the smell of freshly baked mini pancakes and the cheerful sounds of Efteling music. Come face to face with famous fairytale characters in the Fairytale Forest or take a dizzying ride in the Baron 1898!

Safari Park Beekse Bergen

Want to go on an African safari without leaving the continent? It's possible, really! At Safaripark Beekse Bergen you can meander between the wild animals on foot, by boat or by bus. Drive calmly across the savannah, spot a herd of grazing zebras and admire the animals up close, as if you were really in their natural habitat.

Zoo De Oliemeulen

Dierenpark de Oliemeulen is the strangest zoo in the Netherlands. Why…? Here you will meet exotic animals that you would normally only encounter on distant journeys! From curious monkeys to impressive reptiles and from exotic birds to slippery snakes. For the brave among us there are even animals that you can touch. During demonstrations you can admire these fascinating animals up close and learn all about their habits and behaviour.

 

Whether you are visiting Tilburg for the first time or are a seasoned visitor, it is a city that will continue to surprise you. Not enough time to discover everything in the city? Make it a cozy night away! Bastion Hotel Tilburg is the perfect base for exploring the city and its surroundings. The center of Tilburg is about a 5-minute drive from the hotel. By public transport you can be in the center within 20 minutes.

Bastion Hotel Tilburg

The hotel in Tilburg has 105 spacious Deluxe and Deluxe King rooms where you can stay for a reasonable price. With a location near the A58, the hotel is easily accessible by both car and public transport. Enjoy free parking, free WiFi and a restaurant where you can go for breakfast and/or dinner.

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