Last Updated on 15.03.2024 by Iliyan
With its cobblestone streets, beautiful historic city center, charming canals, green parks, cozy cafes, and restaurants, Breda is one of the most vibrant cities you could ever visit. It is located in the southern part of the Netherlands in the province of North Brabant and it is known as the “Pearl of the South”. The city’s main tourist attractions are located within historic centre with a fabulous Gothic Cathedral and the Breda Castle. In addition to that, Breda is where the Dutch royal family was founded 600 years ago and many monuments remind of this period. However, we’re going to visit all of the best places in one day in Breda itinerary.
Contents
How to get to Breda?
The Netherlands has a highly developed road network, and getting to Breda is easy and fast. Although the closest airports to Breda are in Rotterdam and Eindhoven, there many buses and trains that you can take to Breda. In addition to that, there is a direct train connection from Brussels and Antwerp in Belgium to Breda. Tickets can be purchased from the SNCB website.
What to do in one day in Breda?
Whether you’re visiting Breda as a couple, with kids, friends or on a solo trip, there are many places to visit. This guide to one day in Breda is designed to take you to Breda’s most famous landmarks.
The Breda Old Town
One of the best things to do in one day in Breda is to stroll through the historic city center of the Old Town. It is surrounded by the Mark river, the Breda Castle, Valkenberg Park, and the streets of Oude Vest and Vlaszak. The Old Town of Breda hosts the most popular attractions and landmarks in Breda, including the picturesque Grote Markt and the impressive Grote Kerk. In the very very heart of the main town square is located the Breda Town Hall (Stadhuis). It consist of four houses hidden behind one façade. Now it is only used for council meetings, official receptions and weddings.
The Castle of Breda (Kasteel van Breda)
The Castle of Breda is very important landmark, located north of Breda city center. Once it was an ancestral seat of the Nassau family, predecessors of the Dutch Royal Family. The earliest origins of the Castle of Breda date back to the 12th century, when a fortress stood here. Over the centuries the castle has been demolished and rebuilt several times. During the Renaissance, Henry III of Nassau-Breda renovated the old fortified military castle into a modern palace. In 1826, the Oranje-Nassau family placed it at the disposal of the Royal Military Academy. Unfortunately, during the renovation between 1826-1828 many of the original Renaissance ornaments disappeared. In 1828 the Royal Military Academy opened its doors at the castle.
Nowadays the Castle of Breda is used as a Dutch Defense Academy. Because of that it is with limited access, but sometimes the KMA opens its doors during public event.
Valkenberg Park
Valkenberg Park is a picturesque oasis in the lively city of Breda. It is located in the city center and connects Breda Central Station and Breda Castle. Originally, the park used to be the private garden of the castle. It was exclusively only for castle residents and their guests. The park takes its name from a falcon house that once stood at its periphery. Falcons (valken in Dutch) were utilised by nobles and their guests who practiced falconry.
From the beginning of 19th century, the park has been open to the public. Nowadays, it is a lovely place to relax. There are a couple of statues, fountain, and a pond with ducks.
Great Church (Grote Kerk)
The Grote Kerk (also known as Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk) is the most important monument and the symbol of Breda, located in the heart of the city. It was completed in 16th-century in Brabantine Gothic style. The Grote Kerk was originally Catholic church, but in 1637 it became a Protestant church. During the Iconoclasm of 1566 many objects indicating Catholic worship were removed or destroyed.
One of the best things to do when in Breda is climbing the tower of the Grote Kerk. The magnificent 97-metre tower dominates the whole city. You can climb the 287 steps with a guide via a spiral staircase. The guide will explain you everything about the tower. Once at the top you will get a spectacular view over Breda. Admission fee for the tower is €7,50.
Beguinage Breda (Begijnhof)
I have already visited the great Beguinage of Leuven and the large Beguinage of Mechelen in Belgium, but the concept is the same in Breda too. These historic places were typically built to house single women who formed a community within the church, but had not taken any vows. The Beguinage of Breda is one of the oldest in the Netherlands, founded in 1267. It was originally located closer to Breda Castle, but in 1535 it was moved to its current location by Count Henry III of Nassau who wanted to expand his garden. Because of it, the Beguinage of Breda was under the personal protection of the Nassau family and so could continue to exist. Nowadays, the beguines no longer exist, but the houses are still inhabited by single women or widows, thereby preserving the tradition.
The Beguinage of Breda is definitely worth a visit. It’s a lovely quiet and peaceful place with well-maintained garden.
Great Market (Grote Markt)
Visiting Grote Markt is one of the best things to in your one day in Breda itinerary. It is the beating heart of Breda that connects many of the surrounding shopping streets. Once it was the main market in the city, where mainly traded grain.
Today, Grote Markt is a great place to take a break and have some traditional Dutch beer. It is surrounded by beautiful architecture, the stunning Grote Kerk (Church of Our Lady), the historic Town Hall (Stadhuis), and plenty of cafés and restaurants.
Spaniard’s Hole (Spanjaardsgat)
The Spanjaardsgat is a water gate located between the two defense towers of Breda Castle, originally built by Count Henry III. The left tower is called Grenade Tower (The Granaattoren), while the right one is the Pigeon tower (The Duiventoren). The Spanjaardsgat was built in 1610 or 20 years after the peat boat with hidden soldiers of Prince Maurice entered inside the castle walls and liberated it from the Spaniards.
Actually, this is not the real “Spanjaardsgat”. Some drawings indicate that the peat boat had entered the moat from the northern side.
Stedelijk Museum Breda
The Stedelijk Museum is a museum for visual culture in Breda. It has a collection of more than 75,000 items, focused mainly on modern art along with the history of Breda and surroundings. However, the museum is a great place to find out more about Breda.
Is Breda Worth Visiting?
Yes, Breda is worth visiting! The city boasts beautiful canals and parks, impressive historical buildings, charming cobblestone streets, lively restaurants and cafés, and fascinating Beguinage. The Breda Old Town is absolutely worth a visit, but there is much more to Breda than that.
How many days in Breda?
I would recommend spending one full day in Breda. It is absolutely enough to visit all of the best attractions.
