1. Lunchcafé STOET
Chances are you already know Lunchcafé STOET; it’s a popular hotspot among students in Enschede. And yes, you will also find one in Hengelo, on the ground floor of the library. This location makes it a great place to study, but also to get lunch or meet up for a coffee with friends. Plus, it’s close to the city centre, where you will find plenty of other cosy cafés and restaurants. Perfect if you want to continue the evening with food and drinks after a long study session! We’d recommend The Bombay Spice and Lab26 for dinner.
2. Lunsjkafé Røllesmølle
Near the Thiemsbrug shopping centre, you will find Røllesmølle, a small café in the city centre. They are known for their freshly made sandwiches, salads, wraps and delicious iced coffee. A great place to relax with friends, with something for everyone.
3. Nacht van Hengelo
Nacht van Hengelo is a popular annual event. During this city festival, various bars and restaurants in the city centre join forces, hosting six festival areas across Hengelo. Each stage features different artists and music styles, ranging from well-known names to local talent. This year, Nacht van Hengelo takes place on 5 June, so be sure to mark your calendar. Entrance is free!
4. Café de Twee Wezen
De Twee Wezen has the largest and probably most popular terrace in Hengelo, and for good reason. With its welcoming atmosphere and extensive menu, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed evening with friends or family. Even in winter, you can sit outside thanks to the heated terrace and plenty of blankets to keep you warm. And a great bonus: De Twee Wezen offers a student discount.
5. Schouwburg Hengelo
With three theatres and a wide range of music, theatre and cabaret performances, Schouwburg Hengelo is a great place for a night out. The location is especially convenient: it is right next to the train station, so you can easily head back to Enschede after the show. Do note: most of the theatre performances are in Dutch. That doesn’t stop you from attending one of the music or dance shows, though! Or check out Metropool, on the other side of the station. Just like in Enschede, they organise a variety of concerts and parties every week.
6. De Tapperij
On the edge of the city centre, you will find De Tapperij, a small and cosy bar where you can play pool and go laser gaming. So, are you looking for a fun activity with your group of friends or your student association, and do you want something different from the usual spots in Enschede? Then De Tapperij is definitely worth a visit.
7. Poolcentrum Hengelo
If you enjoy playing pool and are looking for a budget-friendly option, Poolcentrum Hengelo is the place to be. Every Wednesday, you can play pool for free during the first hour, and get 50 per cent off during the second hour. They also host a weekly craft beer night. A fun and affordable activity with friends that fits perfectly within a (usually tight) student budget!
8. Bam! Festival
The two-day Bam! Festival is an annual event, just like Nacht van Hengelo. With five different stages, there is something for everyone, from well-known (Dutch) artists to cover bands and local up-and-coming acts. The festival also features various art and theatre performances. And, best of all, the entrance is completely free, so it’s very student-friendly. Unfortunately, the festival will not take place this year due to renovations at the festival site, but the dates for 2027 are already set; the next edition kicks off on 21 and 22 May.
9. De Dondersteen
De Dondersteen is a household name among game enthusiasts in Twente. With a vast collection of (board) games, books, and other hobby supplies, you can get lost in this game shop all afternoon. But that's not all: in the evening, the shop turns into a games café, where you can play one of the hundreds of games in the assortment until 22:00. The perfect opportunity to challenge your housemates or friends to an old-fashioned evening of fun!
Of course, there is plenty to do for students in Enschede. But now and then, it’s fun to explore somewhere new – like Hengelo, for example. Hopefully, these tips have given you some inspiration. Have fun!
