Tilburg

Tilburg is a dynamic industrial-turned-cultural city with excellent museums including the renowned TextielMuseum, reflecting its textile heritage. The city offers modern art spaces, vibrant neighborhoods, and serves as a gateway to the Kempenland region.

Things to do

• TextielMuseum — Explore the world's largest collection of historical textiles and contemporary textile art in this converted factory that celebrates Tilburg's industrial heritage.
• Spoorpark — Wander through this creative open-air space featuring street art, vintage train cars, and pop-up venues in a repurposed railway yard.
• Natuurmuseum Brabant — Discover the natural history and biodiversity of North Brabant through interactive exhibits and extensive collections of flora and fauna.
• Kempenland cycling routes — Rent a bike and pedal through the picturesque heathlands and forests of the surrounding Kempenland region with well-marked trails.
• Tilburg's street art district — Stroll through neighborhoods like Zellak to admire vibrant murals and graffiti art that reflect the city's contemporary creative scene.
• Avans University campus walk — Take a casual walk through the modern campus architecture and surrounding student-friendly neighborhoods filled with cafes and galleries.

Food to try

• Brabants Worstenbrood — A regional specialty of spiced pork sausage wrapped in crispy pastry, best enjoyed warm from local bakeries.
• Oliebollen — Round, deep-fried dough pastries dusted with powdered sugar, traditionally eaten during winter months and New Year celebrations.
• Rode Vrucht — A local cherry-based syrup drink or jam that appears in regional desserts and is part of Tilburg's culinary tradition.
• Paling (Eel) — Smoked or jellied eel is a traditional Dutch delicacy still enjoyed in local restaurants, reflecting the region's water heritage.

Local customs & good to know

• Embrace cycling culture — Tilburg is highly bike-friendly with extensive paths; locals cycle for daily commuting, so rent a bike to experience the city like residents do.
• Visit during design events — The city hosts regular design markets and creative festivals; check local calendars for contemporary art fairs and textile-related exhibitions.
• Shop at local markets — Weekend markets like the Sunday farmers market on Pieter Zeemanplein offer fresh regional produce and artisanal goods from local producers.