This eastern Dutch city has a large student population from the University of Twente. Its restored historic center includes the Grote Kerk and borders the TwentseWoud nature reserve.
Enschede, the largest city in the eastern Netherlands' Overijssel province, has transformed from a textile industry center into a modern technology hub. Walk through the Old Market Square to find sidewalk cafes serving local beer, or explore the Roombeek district where architects like Bjarne Mastenbroek and SeARCH have created bold geometric buildings. Visit the 1928 synagogue with its three copper domes, watch students develop new startups at the University of Twente, or take a tour of the original Grolsch brewery to learn about the city's brewing traditions.
Getting to Enschede
Trains run from Amsterdam to Enschede every 30 minutes, with a journey time of two hours. You can catch regular trains from other major Dutch cities as well. At the central station, you'll find buses going to all city districts and nearby towns. If you're driving, follow the A35 highway or N18 road into the city. The Van Heekgarage has 2,000 parking spaces directly under the market square.
Exploring Roombeek District
After the 2000 fireworks disaster, architects and urban planners rebuilt Roombeek with wide pedestrian zones and green corridors connecting its streets. You can see both modern buildings and restored 19th-century textile mills throughout the area. Visit the Museumfabriek to learn about the connections between nature, culture, science, and technology. Local architects incorporated industrial elements like brick facades and steel frames into their new designs.
Cultural Venues and Museums
The Rijksmuseum Twenthe displays 8,000 artworks, ranging from 18th-century paintings to contemporary installations. The 1928 synagogue stands out with its three copper domes and restored interior details. You can attend weekly performances by the Netherlands Symphony Orchestra at the Muziekkwartier, while Concordia's art deco bonbonnière hall hosts theater shows and concerts throughout the year.
Technology and Innovation Hub
Each year, 50-60 new companies start at the University of Twente's incubator programs. Success stories include food delivery service Thuisbezorgd and Booking.com. The GOGBOT Festival brings 20,000 visitors each September to experience digital art installations and electronic music. In the Business & Science Park next to the university, 400 companies work on technological research and development.
Shopping and Urban Life
Every Tuesday and Thursday, 200 vendors set up their stalls at Van Heekplein's farmers' market, selling local cheese, vegetables, and flowers. You can browse through 300 shops in the surrounding streets, including independent boutiques and major retailers. Follow the second-hand shopping route to discover 15 vintage stores and sustainable fashion shops. The Old Market Square's 30 cafes and restaurants serve food and drinks from early morning until midnight.
Parks and Recreation
Walk through any of Enschede's ten city parks connected by 40 kilometers of bike lanes. The 15-hectare Volkspark, opened in 1872, is the oldest public park in the Netherlands, with century-old trees and a central pond. The former military airbase now spans 130 hectares of meadows and forests, where you can spot local wildlife from designated observation points. Dedicated cycling paths connect all these green spaces throughout the city.
