Nijmegen is situated on the banks of the River Waal, which is a branch of the Rhine in the region of the ‘Great Rivers’, and a mere 10 kilometres from the German border. It is Roman in origin (its name derives from 'Noviomagus' meaning 'new market') and celebrated its 2,000th anniversary in 2005, this makes it the oldest city in the Netherlands. It was also the imperial residence during the Carolingian period. The Carolingian Empire (800–888) was a large Frankish-dominated empire in western and central Europe during the early Middle Ages. The 'Valkhof' (Falcon’s Court’) - is the highest point of the city overlooking the river. It was once the site of Charlemagne’s castle. From this vantage point, which is now a scenic park, the typically Dutch polder landscape and rolling hills provide a beautiful panorama. The Great Rivers marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, and no doubt the Romans settled here because of the splendid strategic view of enemy territory across the river. For similarly strategic reasons, subsequent kings and other rulers chose Nijmegen as their place of residence. Until a century ago, Nijmegen was a fortified town, its surroundings were the scene of many fierce battles. However, in 1879 the old city defences were torn down, as they posed an increasing obstacle to the city's prosperity. A period of spectacular growth followed, and within a few decades the railway bridge across the Waal was constructed, and gas, electricity and water mains were installed in the city. The Second World War is a blot in the history of Nijmegen. On February 22, 1944 the city was mistakenly bombed by allied forces bombed, killing 800 people. A few months later, Nijmegen was liberated following the U.S. airborne landings of ‘Operation Market Garden’, which freed the southern part of the Netherlands on September 17, 1944. Badly damaged in the war, much was done to rebuild the city in the post-war period and a new city centre arose in which the remaining monuments of Nijmegen’s rich history occupy a special position.
As of Sept 2025 there are 15 breweries in the city.
Brouwerij Florijn, Mariënburg 67
Amazing local beer, served in a super nice pub/brewery/diner on the Mariënberg in the centre of Nijmegen. The building once belonged to the Dutch bank, today they have made a nice link with this piece of history, through the name, and by offering locally produced Nijmegen Florijn beers. The visibility of the brewery in the basement of the business is also very nice and enhances the atmosphere. In addition to the design, the student atmosphere and the smooth service make it a nice and attractive place. The staff are friendly and nice, the atmosphere and music there are cool.
Brouwerscafé de Hemel, Franseplaats 1
Experience all the venue has to offer in a unique setting, underneath the heavily beamed ceiling, or on the terrace. Taste, enjoy and experience the delights of home-brewed beers, home-distilled spirits and their own roasted coffee! A unique place where people laugh and enjoy life!
Nevel Wild Ales | Wilde bieren uit Gelderland, Waalbandijk 8d
Located in a nice industrial area, formerly the Honig complex, just outside the city centre. Free parking nearby. It is about a 25 minutes walk from the Nijmegen CS train station. There is enough seating space inside and outside. A lot of Nevel beers of course, including their specials, on tap and bottles. Also, a good selection from other breweries us available. Prices are ok. Staff are ok. The place to go if you're into wild/sour ales.
Brouwtoren, Waldeck Pyrmontsingel 12
A wonderful place located far from touristic paths. Go there to taste handmade tasty beers of various styles. A great local atmosphere. Overall a great bar with very knowledgeable and enthusiasts staff behind the bar. Excellent venue.
Guilty Monkey Brewery 🍷, Arksteestraat 2
Yah GUILTY! Very special beer, brewed with passion and skill, definitely recommended. Located in a cool old building with a sun terrace at the front. Inside is modern with a cool vibe they usually have 6 beers on tap. Service is also top notch. Also a cool logo 🐵
Oersoep Microbrewery, Waalplein 7, 6541 AX Nijmegen
This place is very cool. With a lovely setting and location, awesome beers from Oersoep micro brewery and fantastic burgers and other dishes. This is very cool for a cosy great time. Tips: try going for beer tastings; know in advance that there is no waiting service, you order at the bar and pick up the food from the kitchen (cool concept but better to know in advance before you sit at top floor away from kitchen) All in all, very cool place to come back to. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Efficient service. Lots of seating inside and out. Brewery can just about be seen through 2 glass doors, and you can arrange to take a tasting session and tour. Worth the walk to get there.
Brouwerij Mannenpap, Biezenstraat 79
This is much more than just a brewery. Here people with disabilities in the labour market brew the tastiest beers in Nijmegen every day. With the owner's help, they work not only on a fantastic product, but also, and more importantly, on themselves... Brouwerij Mannenpap is by far the coolest social workplace in the Netherlands! Located on Biezenstraat, near Nijmegen's city centre. At first glance, you're standing in front of a rather unassuming building; no advertising or other signs of the successful brewery are visible. Inside its a very cosy atmosphere. Here they brew the finest American-style beers.
Kronenburger Brouwers, Swanfield 3521
Founded in 2020 by two friends in the heart of Nijmegen, the brewery's name refers to Kronenburger Park, located in Nijmegen. By creating classic, easy-drinking beers with a unique character, Kronenburger Brouwers pays tribute to typical Nijmegen icons such as the Waal Bridge, Kruittoren and St. Stevenskerk.
Café Piet Huisman, Sint Jacobslaan 30
A very cute little pub, with good music and they also stream live sports matches. They have their own self brewed beer which is great and you definitely need to try the bitter ballen here. A great place to spend your evening with your friends/family/partner. There are 2 pool tables plus dart boards and also slot machines. The place is separated in two parts. Firstly you will find the lounge area with the bar and later on the game area. It has a good variety of beers and snacks.
Café Jos Meesterschenkerij, Daalseweg 309
Well established cosy speciality beer café, with over 30 beers on tap and 200+ bottles. An amazing combination of a traditional brown bar and a neighbourhood dive which has a dark wooden interior with lots of beer memorabilia on the walls. Low wooden ceilings and lots of seating, both inside and out. Knowledgeable bar staff providing a great service. May be a little on the expensive side!
Café van Ouds Nijmegen, Augustijnenstraat 33
As standard they serve Kornuit, Van Ouds Blonde and Triple and Triple Karmeliet. There are no few than 16 taps, with regularly changing beers. A menu of 180 beers and regularly changing specials from both tap and bottle giving plenty of choice for everyone. A long brown bar, with a dark interior, but with plenty of space. Does get quite busy, but staff are friendly and helpful.
Café Samson, Houtstraat 4
Large and spacious but also cosy Dutch brown café, divided in 2 rooms with each their own bar. Heated and sheltered patio in front. Main area has the largest bar, some stools and tables, second area looks a bit more modern. In addition to the 14 regular draft beers, you can choose from over 100 different bottled beers with the focus on Belgian and well-known Dutch beers. It is one of the older Nijmegen bars with knowledgeable staff, and good service. Recommended place when in Nijmegen.
In de Blaauwe Hand, Achter de Hoofdwacht 3
The oldest café in Nijmegen, dating back to medieval times, located in the main square. You can enjoy an extensive beer selection in this beautifully restored historic café, which is small and cosy with friendly service and pleasant atmosphere.
Freddy's, Koningstraat 26
A nice place with an American vibe. The decoration and ambience are excellent plus the American 50-60s music give it a very nice touch, played on vinyl records on an old record player. They have six beers on tap with four of these from Dutch micros, also great food. Service is good and fast.
Café De Opera, Konningstraat 34
Located on a square with more beery places. Relatively small, pleasant bar with some tables and stools at the bar and an outside patio. Inviting with a brown café ambiance. There are about 20 taps and a large bottled/canned beer list. Mix of local, foreign, classic and modern beers. Quick and knowledgeable service. The beer menu is sorted by styles and is really helpful, but there is a section for beers from local breweries as well. Prices are decent by Dutch standards, staff is friendly.
Cafe de Deut, Speciaalbier Cafe, Konningstraat 36
Next door to Café De Opera. Cosy, dark vintage interior, surrounded by baroque lighting, “holy” relics and vague trinkets. De Deut has an extensive speciality beer list, both on tap and in bottle, which is complemented by the expertise and friendliness of its staff. Like its neighbourhood De Opera it also boasts an outside patio.
Arsenaal 1824 Grand Café en Restaurant, Arsenaalpoort 1
A fantastic place to eat. There are two distinct areas, one for dining and one for just having a drink. They take the gastronomy serious. The food has flavour, and you will really enjoy it. Top Tip make early reservations. A lot of locals eat here this is a good sign. Plus a wide selection of specialty beers, including 8 on tap. You can also enjoy refreshing cocktails, sparkling wines, and a fine selection of non-alcoholic beverages. The service is impeccable and the food is really just Amazing.
De kluizenaar, Burghardt v.d. Berghstraat 96
Located in a nice part of town, between the touristy centre and the railway station, this is a traditional café with a large, but cosy bar area. Broad pavements serve as an outside seating area. They have an extensive beer selection of both Dutch and Belgian beers.
In de Blaauwe Hand, Achter de Hoofdwacht 3
"In de Blaauwe Hand" enchants with its cosy, rustic charm and a warm, inviting ambiance. An historic café dating back to 1542 has been beautifully restored, Their selection of Belgian ales, complements the delicious, well-crafted menu. The attentive service rounds out a delightful dining experience. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of Dutch hospitality.
Café Van Ouds, Augustijnenstraat 33
This place is an absolute go-to bar? From the outside it looks quite unassuming. Inside, you find a neat classic bar , with quick, relaxed and personal service. It has the perfect balance of cosy and lively, somewhere you can actually enjoy a conversation but still feel the weekend energy. You will love the wide selection of craft beers, here’s always something great to try. Plus, they have open mic comedy and pub quizzes.
Funkenstein, Lange Hezelstraat 80
This is one the best relaxed place to be for a great beer choice, and affordable prices for the meals from a unique but delicious menu. The kaasfondue for two people is recommended and you will be positively surprised with the great variety of food that comes with it. Great atmosphere and such a cosy and place to sit. Great friendly staff!
Café Jos Meesterschenkerij, Daalseweg 309
A great spot to hang out with friends over drinks and snacks, though it’s the beer selection that really steals the show, plenty of variety to keep any beer lover happy. Pair it with their cheese platter; it’s almost a crime not to. The staff are friendly enough to make you stay for “just one more.”
Cafe de Deut, Speciaalbier Cafe🍺, Koningstraat 36
A very good selection of beer for the promenade type pub, nice décor indoors must be really cosy in winter. A huge list of very good beers, super atmosphere and super service. I recommend to visit this wonderful place.
Onze Bierwinkel, Lange Hezelstraat 51
A lovely small-scale beer shop in the centre of Nijmegen, with a great selection and friendly staff. Along side the awesome range of craft beer available here there is also a big selection of ciders and gluten free beer. The owner is an enthusiastic, customer-friendly man who is happy to speak to you and provide advice if desired. He can also tell you a lot about the beers he has in stock 5*
Wijnhandel In De Blauwe Druif, Steenbokstraat 30
A nice liquor store with a very wide range of beers (other drinks too) For the true beer geek who know what he drinks, enjoys it and has product knowledge. This is the ‘place to be! Very friendly employees
