Groningen
Groningen is one of the most popular and vibrant student cities in the Netherlands, if you ask me. There is just always something going on there. The city centre is a great place to shop: you will find all the well-known stores in the Herestraat, while the Folkingestraat and Zwanestraat are streets you should go to for unique shops and little boutiques. Visit the Vismarkt for some tasty treats, or chill at a terrace on the Grote Markt.
Still have energy left? Then climb the Martinitoren or the Forum for a great view of the city. Afterwards, recharge in the Noorderplantsoen park, where you can relax among the students of Groningen. Groningen is also the place to be for a night out: the pubs and bars are packed every single day and have no closing times. You can easily hop from one to the other, and you don't even have to pay an entrance fee!
Utrecht
Another lively (student) city is Utrecht! Stroll along the canals to explore the city and check out some nice shops along the way. Speaking of shopping, the Hoog Catharijne shopping mall is your go-to place. Next to the canals, right by the water, you will find lots of terraces and restaurants where you can have some drinks or dinner. A visit to the Dom Tower is also a must: after climbing up 465 steps, you will have the most beautiful view of Utrecht! Or go underground with DOMunder and discover more about the history of the city. Other recommendations are the Botanical Gardens, art maze Doloris, the Centraal Museum and Museum Speelklok, where you will find a huge collection of mechanical musical instruments.
Den Bosch
Den Bosch is a charming and historic city that’s always full of life. One of its most famous sights is St. John's Cathedral, which you can climb or admire from the inside. In Den Bosch, you can also enjoy the “Burgundian lifestyle”: a way of life that revolves around good food, drinks and company. This means that throughout the city, you will find many restaurants, terraces and pubs. For a nice dinner, the Korte Putstraat is the place to be: Japanese, fish, Italian or even a full-on cheese fondue restaurant – there is something for everyone.
And of course, you can't leave without trying a Bossche Bol: a local pastry filled with whipped cream and covered in chocolate. The ones from Jan de Groot bakery are the most famous and really worth a try!
For a unique perspective of the city, book a boat trip on the Binnendieze: a network of waterways that runs through and under the city. Besides, Den Bosch is also known as Oeteldonk during the Dutch carnival! Want to get a taste of it? Visit Hoofs, a huge store with 3000 m² of party attire.
Nijmegen
Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, has a rich history: the Romans founded the city over two thousand years ago. That’s why in the city centre, you will find centuries-old streets, historic buildings and sights such as the Valkhof Castle ruins and the Stevenskerk church. In some places, you can still spot remnants of the old Roman walls. Besides, Nijmegen is known for the Waal River. Stroll along the riverside, enjoy the view from a terrace or even take a boat trip. Are you interested in Nijmegen's nature and history? Then the Bastei museum is highly recommended.
Nijmegen may be old and historic, but it is anything but boring and dusty ;). It is also a modern, lively student city. You will find plenty of nice shops and restaurants. And in July, you can party for seven days during the Vierdaagsefeesten, which takes place during the Vierdaagse, or the Four Days Marches: the world’s largest multi-day walking event.
Maastricht
In Maastricht, it feels like you are in another country: no surprise, since Belgium is just around the corner. In the city centre, you will find the Vrijthof, Maastricht's largest square, surrounded by nice terraces and architecture like the Sint-Servaasbasiliek. Planning to hit the terrace? Then don't forget to order Limburgse vlaai: a traditional, regional fruit pie. In Maastricht, you can also visit various caves, some up to 30 metres underground, where a guide will tell you all about their history and mysteries! Combine this with lunch or a drink at Buitengoed Slavante, the meeting point for the tour, with a beautiful view over the Meuse River. From there, you can also go on some scenic walks.
The Hague
Looking for a place that has it all: culture, beach and city? Then The Hague is the place for you! The Mauritshuis is a must-see, with its collection of Dutch paintings from the Golden Age, including works from Rembrandt. The Peace Palace, Binnenhof (Dutch Parliament), and Noordeinde Palace, where the king works, are also worth a visit. For movie lovers, the Omniversum, where a huge film screen surrounds you like a hemisphere, is a must-see too. And within 20 minutes by tram, you’ll be at Scheveningen Beach, where you can enjoy the sea breeze, eat on the boulevard or even take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel!
Eindhoven
If you’re into design, technology, and innovation (aka, the average UT student 😉), Eindhoven is definitely worth a visit. You will find the Philips Museum, for example, where you can learn about the history of this world-famous company, in the exact location where Gerard Philips made his first light bulbs. Strijp-S, the industrial estate where Philips was located, is also a must-see. Today, it is the creative heart of the city, with various studios, exhibitions, concept stores and nice restaurants. Eindhoven also hosts the annual Dutch Design Week: an event for all kinds of designers, from fashion to games. Looking for a place to eat? Then head to Down Town Gourmet Market: a food hall with no fewer than 20 different cuisines.
Leeuwarden
It's no coincidence that Leeuwarden was the European Capital of Culture in 2018. The city’s pride is De Oldehove, a 39-metre-high leaning tower that started tilting during construction in 1529 and was never completed. The cultural highlight of the city is the Fries Museum, where you can admire all kinds of interesting exhibitions, including one about Mata Hari. A fun way to explore the city is by renting a silent electric boat to take a trip past the city's hotspots. Be sure to try the local delicacies too. My favourites: oranjekoek (a pink-glazed cake made of candied pieces of orange peel) and Fryske Sûkerbôle (sugar bread)!
