Do As The Romans Did In The Oldest City Of The Netherlands: Nijmegen

It is the 1st Century B.C. Along the river Waal Roman soldiers have found a perfect spot to establish their military camp.The location is strategic as it is surrounded by hills giving the Romans a good view over the river and Rhine valley; the enemy's territory. Soon traders find their way to the camp to fulfill the needs of the soldiers and officers. As more people begin to settle here the military camp grows into a flourishing centre of trade named Novio Magus (New Market). Several centuries later German emperors Charlemagne, Otto II, and Frederick Barbarossa have their castles build on the former Roman settlement (Valkhof). The city no longer goes by the name of Novio Magus, but is called 'Numaga.' Later on the city would change its name twice to 'Nieumeghen' and ‘Nimmegen’. Today the city is known as Nijmegen.

Nijmegen, home to the Four Days Marches, Mariken van Nimwegen, the oldest shopping street of the Netherlands, and many students.The city centre is a mixture between old and new as it was heavily damaged during the Second World War. However,not everything was lost. Historical buildings and sites that stood the test of time are interspersed with modern architecture. Right in the middle of the city centre, at the Grote Markt (Market Square), you'll find buildings like the beautiful Waaggebouw (Weigh House), the Town Hall, the Commandery of St. Jan, and late Gothic St. Steven's Church that remind us of the city's rich history. Traces of the Romans and German emperors can be found in and near the Valkhof (Falcon) park. Moreover, the park offers a great view over the river and Waalbridge. Fun fact: During the summer it hosts a music festival. Find out more about the city's history in Museum Valkhof which houses an immense collection of Roman artefacts.

Skip the main shopping streets Molenstraat, Broerstraat, and Ziekerstraat if you're bored of H&M and Primark, and head to these streets if you want to buy something out of the ordinary: Lange Hezelstraat, Stikke Hezelstraat, and Van Welderenstraat. Here you'll find lovely specialists shops and cute cafes often located in quaint historical buildings. End your day in one of Nijmegen's many cafes or restaurants usually filled with students.

Nijmegen is an hour and a half train ride away from Amsterdam and is very close to two airports: Eindhoven Airport and Weeze (Dusseldorf ) Airport.

Hotspots:

Sid & Liv (Van Welderenstraat 95): Cute lunchroom and shop in one. Its cosy interior is a mixture of classic and modern. Try one of their delicious homemade cakes.

Cafe In De Blaauwe Hand (Achter de Hoofdweg 3): Get the best chocolate milk in town in the oldest cafe of Nijmegen.

De Firma (Lage Markt 47): Food to share concept restaurant. Enjoy good and fresh dishes in a stylish setting with a nod to the building's history. This restaurant has a great terrace offering a fantastic view over the river.

Cafe Samson (Houtstraat 4): This is the place to be for beer lovers. They serve a large range of bottled and draught beers.

De Blonde Pater (Houtstraat 62): Popular lunch place where your coffee is served by award winning baristas.

Bairro Alto (Kannenmarkt 6): Hidden behind the Grote Markt, this small, cosy, vintage/eclectic decorated coffeebar has one of the best (glutenfree) sandwiches, pastries, and coffee in town. All made by the owner herself.

Subba (Lange Hezelstraat 70): You'll find fabulous little trinkets and a beautiful selection of home decor in this store.

Concept 512 (Lange Hezelstraat 73): Fashion and design lovers can shop here to their heart's content. Most items are handmade, but still affordable.

Make My Day (Stikke Hezelstraat 65): Wonderful concept store. Not only can you shop hip and edgy clothes at Make My Day, but you can get a haircut and a cup of coffee at the same time.

Do's:

Kronenburgerpark: Lovely tranquil city park where you can escape the hustle and bustle of Nijmegen.

Muzieum (Keizer Karelplein 32h): Learn how the blind experience the world around them. The tour takes place entirely in the dark and is guided by blind or visually impaired guides. You need to book ahead to ensure a guide who speaks English.

LUX or music venue Doornroosje: Catch one of the many arthouse movies at LUX, the biggest art-house of the Netherlands or go to a concert at Doornroosje.

Climb the St. Steven's church tower and have an amazing view over the city.

Hop on a bike and cycle to the German border. For cycle routes go to the tourist information centre (VVV Nijmegen, Keizer Karelplein 32h).

Cycle or walk one of the many routes in the Ooijpolder along the river or if you're up for a challenge go up and down the hills surrounding Nijmegen.

Go out of the city centre and explore the city's lovely neighborhoods Bottendaal or Nijmegen Oost in which many historical buildings are preserved. End your day in the Goffertpark which is often used for concerts of international artists like Bruce Springsteen and Coldplay.

Four Days Marches/Four Days Festivals: One of the largest walking events in the world in July. Every year, around 40,000 people from around the world walk 30, 40, or 50 km a day in the Nijmegen area. There is the Four Days Festival for the non-walkers which lasts for 10 days offering music and food stands around the city.