In Breda, the city’s history can be found not only in churches and museums, but also in murals, gardens and parks. Forests, nature reserves and paths along the River Mark add to these cultural discoveries. This gives you the chance to explore different sides of the city without focusing on just one theme.

History in churches, museums and murals

The Grote Kerk Breda is a 15th-century church. Nine members of the House of Nassau and the first Prince of Orange are buried there. Stedelijk Museum Breda is housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings. Its permanent exhibitions include “De Nassaus van Breda – Kasteel, stad en land” and “Ambitie & Verlangen – Breda in de 19de eeuw”. Their titles offer different perspectives: one on the castle, city and countryside, the other on Breda in the 19th century.

The Blind Walls Gallery offers another way to discover stories from Breda. This open-air museum has a growing collection of more than 140 murals by international artists. Each mural is based on a story from Breda that fits its location. This connection to place is central to the gallery’s concept: the city’s history and the location of each work are linked.

Gardens and green spaces

The Bredase Begijnhof has a well-kept herb garden with 300 different types of herbs. The Begijnhof Museum is located in one of the Begijnhof’s houses, while the Miniature and Dollhouse Museum is housed in the Poortgebouw. Access details may vary, so check them before your visit. Valkenberg Park is a green oasis in the city centre. Until 1812, it served as the Kasteeltuin for the Lords of Breda, so its history as a garden goes back a long way.

Kasteel Bouvigne is located on the edge of the Mastbos. Bouvigne’s three castle gardens are laid out in French, English and German styles. If you would like to visit the gardens, check the latest access information beforehand.

Forest, water and routes

The Mastbos was established more than 500 years ago by Hendrik III van Nassau. Today, people walk, cycle, exercise and relax there. The forest combines a long history with different ways to spend time in the great outdoors.

The Markdal is a nature reserve between the Belgian border and the south of Breda, in the catchment area of the River Mark. You can walk and cycle along scenic paths beside the river. North of Breda, in the Haagse Beemden, Asterdplas is a recreational lake for swimming, surfing, sailing and relaxing. A wet transitional area next to the lake provides a habitat for many bird species. If you are planning water-based activities, check the conditions before your visit.

Routes also vary by theme and mode of transport. Explore Royal Breda is a 3.9 km historic walking route through Breda. The 33 km Van Gogh cycling route leads to Van Gogh highlights in and around Breda. Explore Breda’s collection of routes also includes nature, creative and accessible routes. Route options may change, so check the latest information when making your selection. For planning purposes, it is helpful to compare them directly: a 3.9 km historic walking route and a 33 km Van Gogh cycling route have different distances and focus.

Getting around the city

You can walk across Breda’s city centre from one side to the other in about 15 minutes. Trains stop at Breda Station. The station also has a bus station for local and regional buses, secure bicycle parking and an OV-fiets bicycle rental service. Check the latest connections and operating information before travelling. You can also explore Breda’s Singels by boat. If you would like to include this in your plans, check the current options in advance.

When choosing accommodation, you can start by thinking about which aspect of Breda interests you most: the city’s historic sites, a walking or cycling route, or its nature and waterways. This lets you choose a theme for your stay without having to follow a fixed itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Breda, Ulvenhout, Zundert, Roosendaal, Cranendonck, Sint Anthonis, Bergeijk, Woudrichem.

Back to the regional travel overview: North Brabant.