A Dutch city near the German border with a 16th-century town hall and Europe's second-largest flower auction. Known for its medieval market square and local beer brewing.
Venlo, a city of 100,000 people in southeastern Netherlands, sits along the Maas River near the German border. Walk through the 16th-century town hall with its decorated facade, browse Dutch cheese stalls at the weekly market, or examine archaeological finds at the Limburg Museum. Join the street parades during February's Carnival or dance at the Zomerparkfeest music festival in August.
Getting to Venlo
You can reach Venlo through several nearby airports. From Düsseldorf Airport, take the monorail to the central station and catch a direct train to Venlo (45 minutes, €15). From Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, take a two-hour train journey (€25). The city's railway station connects to Eindhoven (1 hour), Roermond (30 minutes), and German cities like Düsseldorf and Hamm.
Moving Around the City Center
You can walk across the central area of Venlo in about 20 minutes. Local buses run throughout the city, with routes connecting through the central station every 15-30 minutes. Rent a bicycle from shops near the station (€12 per day) to use the city's network of dedicated bike lanes and storage facilities. Find taxis at the train station and designated stands around the center, with typical fares starting at €7.
Museums and Culture
The Limburg Museum (€8 entry) displays regional artifacts, including Roman pottery, medieval weapons, and traditional clothing. At the Museum of Wax Cylinder to DVD, you can see and hear working examples of sound recording devices from the 1890s to present day - call +31 77-38 21 223 to book your visit.
Food and Drink Scene
At Cafe Restaurant Central in the city center, try Dutch classics like stamppot or modern seasonal dishes. The three-course fixed-price menu costs €25 and changes monthly. Cafe De Locomotief stocks over 100 beers, including local craft brews. Find fresh Limburg cheese and traditional Dutch pastries at the weekly market (Saturdays, 8:00-16:00).
Annual Events
During Carnival ("Vastelaovend"), join parades through the city center and street parties that run from Thursday to Tuesday before Lent. The Zomerparkfeest in August fills the city park with four days of concerts across five stages, outdoor film screenings, dance shows, and art installations. Entry is free.
St. Martin's Church
The 15th-century St. Martin's Church stands on the site of a wooden church from around 1000 CE. After significant damage in World War II, workers rebuilt much of the structure in the 1950s, maintaining the original Gothic design. Climb the tower for views across the Maas River (€3, weekends only).
