Best for friends in Arnhem

Nestled within Arnhem’s vibrant landscape, Royal Burgers' Zoo unfolds as a sprawling sanctuary where nature’s most captivating ecosystems come alive. Spanning 45 hectares, this acclaimed zoo invites visitors into meticulously recreated worlds—desert, ocean, mangrove, and safari—each crafted to mirror their wild counterparts with astonishing realism. As you wander through lush, immersive environments, the sights, sounds, and scents of distant lands envelop you, transforming a typical zoo visit into an expedition through Earth's diverse habitats. Originally founded by Johan Burgers in 1913, this dynamic habitat is now a celebrated gem, drawing millions eager to experience the raw beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Step back in time at the Netherlands Open Air Museum, a sprawling outdoor showcase of Dutch heritage and tradition. Wander through authentic windmills, historic houses, farmsteads, and artisan workshops that paint a vivid picture of Dutch rural life across the centuries. With traditional shops selling local goods and vintage tram rides connecting different parts of the park, it’s a lively celebration of the Netherlands’ cultural roots, perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike.

Sonsbeek Park, the crown jewel of Arnhem’s green spaces, stretches over 67 hectares of rolling lawns, artful gardens, and historic architecture. Named after Anna van Sonsbeeck, a prominent figure in 17th-century Arnhem, the park’s origins date back to the estate of the same name, founded by her family from Sonsbeck. Its iconic mansion, fountains, and watermill create a picturesque landscape that has welcomed artists, families, and explorers for centuries. Today, it remains a vibrant hub of outdoor activity and cultural expression, seamlessly blending history with lively recreation.

Dominating Arnhem’s Jansplein, the Koepelkerk is a striking octagonal neo-classical church built in 1837-1838. Today, it continues to serve as a place of worship for the Reformed Church, standing as a proud monument in the city center. While the main hall is currently undergoing renovations until 2019, visitors can still explore its impressive exterior and architectural details—an enduring symbol of Arnhem’s history.

The John Frost Bridge, immortalized in film and history, is a symbolic symbol of Arnhem’s wartime past. Opened in 1935 and named after Major-General John Frost, the bridge played a pivotal role during the Battle of Arnhem in 1944. Featured in the movie 'A Bridge Too Far,' it remains a powerful reminder of bravery and resilience, attracting veterans, history buffs, and visitors eager to connect with the city’s WWII legacy.

Perched alongside the mighty Rhine, the Airborne at the Bridge center offers a poignant window into the Battle of Arnhem. Its walls are adorned with vivid displays, engaging audio-visual presentations, and haunting photographs that bring to life the fierce struggles that once erupted here. Overlooking the historic John Frost Bridge through expansive windows, visitors can absorb the echoes of history while staff stand ready to share stories and answer questions—an essential stop for those seeking to understand the epic clash of 1944.

Step into Museum Arnhem, a distinguished institution dedicated to 20th-century modern and contemporary art, housed in a historic 1856 building designed by Cornelis Outshoorn. After a meticulous renovation spanning over four years, it reopened in May 2022, inviting visitors to explore its vibrant collections and innovative design showcases.

The Dutch Water Museum in Arnhem offers an immersive experience into the world of water management, from drinking water to sanitation. Located in the historic Sonsbeek park at the site of a 16th-century watermill, it provides insight into water’s vital role, with engaging exhibits suitable for all ages. The museum opened its doors in 2004, with new leadership appointed in 2025.

Dive into the world of wine at Arnhem’s Wine Museum, where the art and science of winemaking are showcased through engaging exhibits. Perfect for oenophiles and curious visitors, this museum offers a comprehensive look at the process of turning grapes into the world’s favorite beverage, blending tradition with modern techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just tasting your first glass, it’s a flavorful stop in the heart of Arnhem’s vibrant cultural scene.

The Arnhem Dome Prison, constructed between 1882 and 1886 by Johan Metzelaar, is a historic Panopticon-style structure that once served as a detention facility. Now a Rijksmonument, it has transitioned from a prison to a refuge for asylum seekers and hosts various cultural activities, including guided tours, escape rooms, and GPS games, breathing new life into its storied walls.

Explore the heritage of Dutch milling at Arnhem’s Poldermolen, a classic windmill originally from Noordlaren, Groningen, built in 1862. Reassembled at the Dutch Open-Air Museum in 1960 after being dismantled in 1953, this working mill offers insight into traditional grain processing. Visitors can observe the mill in action and learn about the vital role of wind-powered technology in Dutch history.

Climb into history at Arnhem’s open-air museum with the charming Arnhem post mill, a restored wooden windmill originally from Gouda. Dismantled in 1946 and carefully reassembled at the museum, this working mill offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch milling craftsmanship. Visitors can watch the millers in action, learn about the old techniques, and enjoy the picturesque setting that brings rural Dutch life to life in a modern urban space.

Het Fortuyn is a classic Dutch tower mill, originally built in Delft in 1696 and relocated to Arnhem’s Dutch Open-Air Museum in 1921. Fully operational today, this mill showcases traditional grain grinding techniques and offers visitors a chance to see a working example of Dutch milling craftsmanship. Its historic machinery and picturesque setting make it a fascinating stop for those interested in Dutch industrial heritage.

Luxor Live stands as Arnhem’s premier venue for live music and cultural expression. Located near the Korenmarkt, this historic building, formerly a theater and cinema, has been revitalized into a vibrant concert hall that hosts a diverse lineup of performances, accommodating up to 750 guests in its grand space.

Stroll through Klarendal, a neighborhood that exudes local character and vibrant street life. It’s a perfect place to soak in Arnhem’s authentic community atmosphere.

Nestled north of Sonsbeek, Zypendaal Park is a picturesque landscape estate featuring rolling hills, lush woodlands, and the historic Huis Zypendaal. Designed in the English landscape style by Eduard Petzold in 1864, it is home to ten Rijksmonumenten, including entrance gates and the estate itself. The park offers a peaceful retreat with walking paths, ponds, and scenic views.

Standing proudly in the center of Jansplein, the Koepelkerk is a distinctive octagonal church built in 1837-1838. Its elegant neo-classical design and domed roof make it a visual highlight in Arnhem’s cityscape, and it remains active today as a Reformed Church, hosting services and community events.

Standing proudly within Arnhem’s Open-Air Museum, Huizermolen is a historic post mill that dates back to 1919. This meticulously restored windmill, originally from Huizen, offers visitors a rare glimpse into traditional Dutch milling craftsmanship. Its wooden blades turn gracefully in the wind, and the interior reveals centuries-old mechanisms still in working order. As one of the museum’s earliest acquisitions, Huizermolen embodies the enduring legacy of Dutch rural life, inviting visitors to admire its timeless beauty.

Step into Arnhem’s oldest surviving church, the Sint-Walburgiskerk, with its distinctive twin-towered façade on the west side. Built atop the historic Grafelijke Hof and Reinald I’s former residence, this building whispers stories of centuries past—though today, it no longer functions as a place of worship, it remains a captivating historic landmark.

Flowing gracefully through Arnhem, the Sint-Jansbeek is a historic stream that begins in the Zypendaal estate and meanders through Sonsbeek park and the city center before joining the Rhine. Once an open waterway, it now flows beneath the city streets in parts, preserving its timeless charm and natural beauty.

Visit the Wasserij-Blekerij Gehrels in Overveen, a charming heritage site that once served as a laundry and linen bleaching factory. Originally constructed in 1938, this fascinating piece of industrial history has been carefully restored and now finds a new life at the Dutch Open Air Museum in Arnhem, offering a glimpse into traditional laundry practices.

Step into the Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem to see Mijn Genoegen, a beautifully restored paltrok mill that still operates today. This traditional wind-powered sawmill offers a hands-on glimpse into Dutch industrial heritage—perfect for those curious about historic craftsmanship and rural life.

Mariëndaal, a storied estate nestled between Oosterbeek and Arnhem, offers a tranquil escape into history. Its sprawling grounds, partly within Arnhem and partly in Renkum, were once part of the land belonging to the Augustinian monastery Mariënborn. Today, it is a protected heritage site, with fields, woodlands, and the historic main building inviting visitors to stroll through a landscape that has witnessed centuries of pastoral life and spiritual reflection.

Nestled on Arnhem’s northern edge, Gulden Bodem—also known as the Grave Women’s Forest—unfolds as a serene refuge where history and nature intertwine. This park, designated a national monument since 2006, whispers stories through its tranquil groves and lush grounds, serving as the historic garden of the nearby Zypendaal estate. Here, the air is filled with the scent of age-old trees and the quiet dignity of a place that has witnessed centuries of change.