Venlo Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, delicious food and drinks to try, where to stay, and more in Venlo, Netherlands.


Introduction to Venlo

Located in Limburg, in Southern Netherlands, Venlo is a charming city with a rich history and culture. With a population of over 100,000 people, it is a thriving commercial center, with lots of shopping, dining, and cultural offerings. Its location near the German border makes it a convenient base for exploring Germany as well.

List of Places to Visit in Venlo

Visitors to Venlo will find plenty of things to see and do in the city. Here is a list of some of the must-visit attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Limburgs Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Limburg, with exhibits on archaeology, art, and regional traditions. The museum also has a children’s section and a cafe.
  • Museum van Bommel van Dam: This contemporary art museum features works by Dutch and international artists. It also offers workshops, events, and temporary exhibitions.
  • St. Martinuskerk: This historic church dates back to the 15th century and is known for its Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

Natural Attractions of Venlo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Maasduinen National Park: This beautiful park is located just outside of Venlo and is popular for hiking, biking, and nature photography. It has winding sand dunes, forests, and wetlands to explore.
  • De Groote Heide: This nature reserve is perfect for hiking and birdwatching with a variety of trails to choose from.
  • Venlo City Park: This sprawling park has plenty of walking paths, a playground, and a miniature golf course. It also hosts events and performances throughout the year.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Venlo

For those looking for outdoor adventures, Venlo has plenty of hiking and biking routes to explore. Here are some of the best:

  • Maasduinen National Park Trail: This 11-kilometer trail takes hikers through the park’s sand dunes, forests, and grasslands.
  • Venlo City to Arcen: This 19-kilometer bike trail takes riders through the beautiful countryside, passing by quaint towns and farms along the way.
  • Groote Heide Trail: This 8-kilometer hike takes you through the stunning natural landscape of De Groote Heide reserve.

Best Things to Do in Venlo: Activities and Tours

Venlo has plenty of fun activities and tours available for visitors. Here are some of the best:

  • Tasting Tour of Venlo: This tour takes visitors to some of the city’s best restaurants, food stalls, and cafes, where they can try local specialties like Limburgse vlaai and asparagus.
  • Museum Hop: Visitors can purchase a Museumschatz Pass, which allows them to visit three of the city’s museums for a discounted price.
  • Shopping Spree: Venlo is known for its excellent shopping, with plenty of independent boutiques and high-end retailers scattered throughout the city center.

Week-Long Itinerary for Venlo

To make the most of your time in Venlo, consider this week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Venlo

Spend your first day exploring the city center, taking in the markets, cafes, and historic buildings.

Day 2: Museums and Art

Visit Limburgs Museum, Museum van Bommel van Dam, and St. Martinuskerk.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure

Explore Maasduinen National Park or De Groote Heide reserve.

Day 4: Shopping and Dining

Spend a day shopping and dining in the city center, trying local foods and picking up souvenirs to take home.

Day 5: Biking Tour

Take a bike tour of the surrounding countryside, passing by quaint towns and farms.

Day 6: Local Attractions

Visit the city park, botanical gardens, or one of the many historic buildings.

Day 7: Day Trip to Germany

Take a day trip across the border to explore nearby German cities like Düsseldorf or Cologne.

Food and Drink Scene of Venlo

Venlo is known for its delicious food and drink scene. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Asparagus: This vegetable is a regional specialty and is often served with ham and boiled potatoes.
  • Limburgse vlaai: This sweet treat is a type of pie made with fruit and cream.
  • Bitterballen: These deep-fried meatballs are a popular snack in Venlo.

Local Beverages

  • Venlo Beer: This locally-brewed beer is made with hops and grains from the surrounding area.
  • Schelberger Wijn: This local wine is made with grape varieties that thrive in Limburg’s unique climate.

Where to Stay in Venlo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Venlo has plenty of accommodation options to choose from, whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly hostel. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Bilderberg Hotel De Bovenste Molen: This luxurious hotel is located on the edge of the city center and offers stunning views of the surrounding forests.
  • Hotel Puur: This boutique hotel is located in the heart of the city center and offers stylish rooms and a relaxing vibe.
  • Stayokay Venlo: This budget-friendly hostel is perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

What to Buy in Venlo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Venlo will find plenty of unique souvenirs and local products to take home with them. Here are some of the best:

  • Limburgse vlaai: This sweet treat makes a delicious snack or gift.
  • Venlo Beer: Bring home a bottle of locally-brewed beer to share with friends and family.
  • Delft Blue Pottery: This traditional Dutch pottery makes a beautiful and unique gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Venlo

Venlo has a rich cultural heritage, with many regional traditions still alive today. Visitors should be aware of the following customs:

  • The use of “gezelligheid”: This word encompasses a feeling of warmth, coziness, and good company - a key part of Dutch culture.
  • Bicycling: The Netherlands is known for its bike-friendly culture, and Venlo is no exception. Visitors should be prepared to see bikes everywhere and should consider renting one to explore the city.
  • Language: While many people in Venlo speak English, it’s always polite to learn a few basic Dutch phrases before your visit.

Best Time to Visit Venlo

The best time to visit Venlo is during the spring or summer when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are at their best. Visitors should be aware that the city can be busy during peak travel times and should book well in advance to secure their preferred accommodation.

Do’s and Don’ts of Venlo

Do:

  • Try local foods and beverages.
  • Rent a bike and explore the city center and surrounding countryside.
  • Visit nearby German cities like Düsseldorf or Cologne.

Don’t:

  • Forget to bring an umbrella - the weather in the Netherlands can be unpredictable.
  • Smoke in public areas - it’s prohibited in most places in Venlo.
  • Ignore traffic signals - bikes and cars share the road in Venlo, and it’s important to follow traffic rules to stay safe.

Safety and Health

Safety in Venlo

Venlo is a safe city, with a low crime rate. Visitors should exercise normal precautions, such as keeping an eye on their belongings and avoiding dimly-lit areas at night.

Health in Venlo

The Netherlands has a high standard of healthcare, and visitors to Venlo can expect to receive excellent medical treatment if needed. It is recommended that visitors carry an EHIC card to access free or reduced-cost medical care if needed.

Getting to Venlo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors to Venlo have several transportation options to choose from. Here are some of the most convenient:

Airports Near Venlo

  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: This is the largest airport in the Netherlands and offers international flights to most major destinations.
  • Düsseldorf Airport: This airport is located just across the border in Germany and offers both domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Venlo

  • Venlo Bus Station: This station has connections to many nearby cities and towns in the Netherlands and Germany.
  • Roermond Bus Station: This station is located just 20 minutes from Venlo and offers connections to other cities in Limburg.

Other Options

  • Train: Venlo has a train station with connections to many other Dutch and German cities.
  • Car: Visitors can also rent a car to explore Venlo and the surrounding area at their leisure.

How to Get Around in Venlo

Venlo is a pedestrian-friendly city, with most attractions located within walking distance of the city center. Visitors can also rent bikes or take public transportation to get around the city.

Where to Go Next from Venlo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Venlo is a convenient base for exploring other cities and attractions in the Netherlands and Germany. Here are some nearby destinations to consider:

  • Düsseldorf, Germany: This vibrant city is just 45 minutes away by car and has a lively arts and culture scene, as well as great shopping and dining.
  • Maastricht, Netherlands: This historic city is just an hour’s drive from Venlo and boasts beautiful architecture, picturesque streets, and excellent shopping and dining.
  • Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands: This beautiful garden is located just over two hours away by car and is home to more than 7 million flowers.

Conclusion

Venlo is a wonderful destination for anyone interested in history, culture, food, and outdoor adventures. With plenty of museums, natural attractions, and unique local customs, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable experience in this charming city.

The town hall The town hall