what to do in Enschede

tips for visiting my home city

Tomorrow I am having lunch with a stranger, who I suspect won’t feel like a stranger at all. My blog was a resource for her when planning her family’s move from California to The Netherlands last year. How surreal that my story as shared through my Expat Chronicles series is becoming part of other immigration stories in this way! And, in fact, later this March I will be having coffee with another family who is traveling through The Netherlands in search of a future home base.

Well, if new and prospective Dutch residents are going to be traveling to Enschede on my behalf, I suppose the least that I can do is provide some tips for fun things to do in and around the city. Maybe this will even tempt some of my dear American friends and family to schedule a trip someday.

Where to Eat

Van Doorn en Doorn - fancy drinks, coffee, high tea, healthy lunch. Situated in a park atmosphere, surrounded by a modern Dutch neighborhood. Kid-friendly: Eat on the terrace while the kids play on surrounding playgrounds in good weather. Steenbeltweg 48.

Bardot - French cuisine and cocktails. Located in the old city center. The inner garden courtyard has a gorgeous view of the old church. Kid-friendly: indoor play area. Langestraat 47c.

La Stans Chocolaterie - amazingly beautiful and delicious handmade chocolates. Made on sight and you can watch! Near the old city center. Marktstraat 5.

de Broodbode - fresh-pressed juices and yummy sandwiches on fresh-baked bread. Situated in the city center, near the shopping district. Haverstraatpassage 70.

Bistro Hanninkshof - artistic, high-quality cuisine in a lovely atmosphere. Liam used to work in the kitchen, and we’ve been exclaiming over his cooking ever since! Usselerhofweg 5.

Van der Poel - the best ice cream in the whole world. I’m not even joking. Don’t miss this! Willem Wilminkplein 21.

Get Outside

Stroink Park - explore quiet nature trails, ponds, an old manor house, traditional Dutch barns. This is where locals fish and ice skate in cold weather. I love this park especially in autumn! Stroinksweg 90.

Abraham Ledeboerpark - a picturesque environment with walking trails both long and short. Featuring a large pond, farm animals, a small playground, bee house and the largest giant sequoia tree in The Netherlands (imported from America, of course). Van Heeksbleeklaan 64.

GJ van Heekpark - situated closer to the city center, this park is suited for shorter walks or walks with strollers. A cafe and playground are on site. Most Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm, there is a friendly falconer that exercises his birds in the park. It is beautiful to watch! Minister de Savornin Lohmanlaan 15.

Where to Shop

Appel en Ei - stylish second hand clothing, well-presented.

Sissy Boy - women/men/children clothing and home furnishings, in a beautifully-restored old building. Langestraat 27.

Dille & Camille - kitchen goods and children’s toys. Langestraat 47b.

Wonder & Melon - boutique featuring jewelry, children and home goods. Zuiderhagen 37.

Mevrouw Janne - boutique women’s clothing and colorful home goods. Haverstraatpassage 38.

Cultural Experiences

Rijksmuseum Twente - enjoy modern and traditional exhibits in this historic building and garden. The inner garden courtyard is a lovely place to enjoy lunch or dessert from the museum cafe. Lasondersingel 129.

Lasonderkerk - just across from the museum is a beautiful church built in 1926 in the art deco style, which you can tour April through September on the first Saturday of each month, 11 am to 3 pm. I recommend the free guided tour going up into the bell tower! Lasondersingel 102.

Architecture & Art Tour - a free guided tour on foot on Saturdays and Sundays. Begins near the train station. See here for more info.

Fun with Kids

Petting Zoo at Wooldrikpark - many Dutch parks have petting zoos, which are free entry. This one is my favorite in Enschede. The park also has a fun playground and a tea house. Gronausestraat 12.

Boswinkel playground - Enschede has lots of playgrounds, but this one is our favorite. It’s quite large and diverse with things for older kids as well. Beneluxelaan 50.

Erve Brooks - spend a whole afternoon at this classic Dutch family restaurant and destination. Active kids will love the adventure trail. Plus the indoor and outdoor playgrounds are quite a lot of fun! It’s a drive out of town, but sure to be a win in good weather. Broekhuisdijk 5 in Gelselaar.

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So, that should give you some ideas of what we do here in Enschede. This weekend is going to be lovely weather, and gosh I have plenty of ideas! Here’s wishing you good weather and even better company, when you make your way to this part of The Netherlands, friends.

Big thanks to all the dear Enschede-ers who have welcomed me and taught me how to love our new home.