At the TextielLab, you can watch designers, artists and architects at work on new creations. This experience reflects a city where textiles are not just part of its heritage, but also a field for design, art, fashion and innovation. Exploring Tilburg, you can combine these insights into culture and creativity with public spaces, water and paths through green areas.

Textile Design and Discoveries Around the City

The TextielMuseum brings together design, art, fashion, heritage and innovation in textiles. Its collection includes more than 26,000 objects from art, design and industrial heritage. A tour of the TextielLab introduces techniques such as weaving, knitting, laser cutting, embroidery and tufting. In the museum, different aspects of textile work come together: collected objects and new creations taking shape before visitors’ eyes.

Another place to explore nature is Natuurmuseum Brabant. It is opposite Tilburg railway station and the Centraal Station bus station; from there, it is a 200-metre walk to the museum. The “IJstijd!” exhibition takes you back 12,000 years to the last Ice Age. The playful nature activity “Expedition Discover” leads visitors through different museum galleries. The museum offers two distinct ways to explore: an exhibition about the Ice Age and a discovery tour through the galleries.

LocHal is directly behind Tilburg railway station. As a public space, it brings together learning, research, creative work, innovation, exhibitions and presentations. It can be reached by public transport, car and bicycle. The city’s history can also be explored through individual events and people: Vincent van Gogh received his first drawing lessons from Master Huijsmans in Tilburg in 1866. The Tilburgse Kermis takes over the city for ten days each year; dates and programme vary. Roze Maandag was first held as part of the Kermis in 1990.

Water, Parks and Landscapes

At Piushaven, visitors can rent boats, join boat trips and book packages with food and drinks. The harbour is directly connected to the greenery of Moerenburg and the water of the Wilhelminakanaal, and is a pleasant place for walking and cycling. The harbour offers different ways to spend time: out on the water or exploring the green surroundings.

Spoorpark is free to enter during opening hours and is about a five-minute walk from Tilburg railway station and nearby bus stops. Its public urban sports area includes a bowl, a pump track and bouldering features, as well as a basketball court, chess tables and jeu de boules courts. Water is also a feature of the park: the system consists of a pond, a water plaza with fountains and a stream where children can play and adults can wade.

For a different perspective on the landscape, visit Stadsbos013, an extensive nature area on the outskirts of Tilburg that can be reached by bicycle from the centre. Landschapspark Moerenburg lies on the city’s south-eastern edge, has an agricultural character and plays an important role for nature and the landscape. Huize Moerenburg offers a glimpse into a different part of history: around 1310, it was one of Tilburg’s first stone houses.

Walks, a Cycling Route and Local Cuisine

For a walk, the Kloosterrondwandeling offers a clearly defined route: it starts and ends at Abdij Koningshoeven and is 11.5 kilometres long. The Van Gogh NP walking route in Tilburg is 17.3 kilometres long and takes about four hours. These two walks can be compared by their stated distances; an approximate duration is also provided for the longer route.

One cycling route also passes through several places: the La Trappe Blue Cycling Route is 51 kilometres long and runs through Tilburg, Hilvarenbeek and Esbeek. It begins with a visit to Abdij Onze Lieve Vrouw van Koningshoeven in Berkel-Enschot. In collaboration with the Trappists, all La Trappe beers are developed and brewed at the abbey. Route details may change; check them before setting out.

On the outskirts of Tilburg, Proeflokaal La Trappe welcomes visitors to its green surroundings for lunch or dinner. It uses organic products wherever possible, and its own abbey contributes to the kitchen. If you are planning a visit, check the current opening hours in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Tilburg, Berkel, Udenhout, Valkenswaard, Alphen-Chaam, Geldrop-Mierlo, Maasdonk, Laarbeek.

Go to the main travel overview: North Brabant.