19 outstanding things to do in Tilburg in 2023

Tilburg is a creative city with lots of heart and character. Thanks to its mix of traditional and modern architecture, walking through its streets is a unique adventure in the Netherlands, and you never know what you’ll find behind the next corner. 🧐

Fear not, before you wander into the city blind, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of things to do in Tilburg; from day trips to weekend getaways, Tilburg has so much to offer to keep you entertained during your visit. 

1. Quench your curiosity at the Natuurmuseum Brabant

The Natuurmuseum in Brabant, Tilburg, has a host of epic exhibitions to enjoy. Keep your eye out (though it won’t be hard to find!) for the huge sperm whale skeleton — or even wander all the way to the Ice Age and take a peek at the reconstructed mammoths on display. 

READ MORE | 5 top museums in Tilburg to excite and ignite your curiosity 

Plus, with ongoing events at the museum and even the OO – ZONE exhibit where kids can practice their archaeology skills and learn a little history, this museum is a top choice when looking for things to do in Tilburg! 

2. Explore the renovated Spoorpark

The Spoorpark in Tilburg is one of a kind. Why? Because it was once a barren area near the train tracks but has now been converted into a meeting point and play area for families and people alike. ♻

The citizens of Tilburg worked together to come up with an initiative to renovate the land into an amazing park for people to enjoy, and with the help of the municipality, the Spoorpark was born! 

At the park, you can check out some of the expert artwork, such as The Zipper, a statue at the entrance to the park which has become a landmark. Or, you can pack your tents and warm clothes, and camp on the grounds for a night or two! 🏕

3. Dine in a renovated train

Peckish on your day out in Tilburg? A great option for an epic dining experience in the city is De Wagon, where you can eat lunch in a renovated train carriage and take a seat at an old booth. 

One of the most unique restaurants in Tilburg, you can choose to either have your meal inside the train wagon, just like a passenger, or you can eat outside on the terrace when the weather is nice and sunny. 

The food is delicious, but you don’t need to be peckish to enjoy this place, you can also sit at the bar if you feel like just having a biertje.

4. Absorb the art at De Pont Museum 

A contemporary art museum in Tilburg, an afternoon at De Pont is one of the best things you can do on a day out in the city! 🎨

With mind-boggling exhibits that change during the year, the museum is built into an old wool-spinning mill; so not only is it showcasing art of the modern age but it is set in the context of Tilburg’s long history. 

5. Enjoy a delicious meal in vintage style

Another place where you can have a great meal in Tilburg is RAW. 

This unique spot has a very interesting vintage-themed interior. From old filming cameras to old radios, this place has the best antiques. 

READ MORE | A local’s Guide to Tilburg

The vintage atmosphere, in combination with some pretty delicious food and drinks, makes it the perfect place for a meal during your trip to Tilburg. Plus, with vegan and vegetarian options there will be something for your whole group to enjoy. 😍

6. Experience Tilburg’s epic street art 

The municipality in Tilburg decided to embrace art in all its forms, and invited graffiti artists to do their best on the old buildings and walls of Tilburg. 

The result? Some incredible art. Now, you can take an urban street art tour, and wander through Tilburg while ticking off every one of the 18 murals around the city. Grab tickets and rent a bike (or an electric scooter 🛴) at the Mercure Hotel in Tilburg, and then; scoot off and observe the art! 

The tour can take up to seven hours, so make sure you have filling snacks and an umbrella for that typical Dutch weather. No food? No problem. An added plus to the tour is that you will be provided will some additional yummy snacks and stomach-warming drinks while you take in the art.

Included in the package is also a Borrel to Go bag and two free drinks from Grand Café Puur in Tilburg, as well as a sweet box for two people and two more free drinks at Smeer in Tilburg. 🥂

7. Take a stroll in the Oude Warande

Tilburg is not only the home to some amazing museums and street art; but it also boasts many wonderful parks. Step into the outdoors, or cycle along on your bike, and enjoy the views of the Oude Warande. 

An 18th-century baroque-style park with huge trees is one of only a few forest parks in the Netherlands, which makes it all the more special. 

Pack a picnic, or choose this park for a jog, because we recommend Oude Warande as one of the best things to do in Tilburg. 

8. (Don’t) pet the lions at the safari

Yes, you heard us right; Tilburg has a safari! 🦁

At Beekse Bergen, you can watch the rhinos in their natural (recreated) habit, and map your own route through the park — or take one of the pre-mapped routes! 

Don’t have a car? No problem! You can enjoy the safari by foot, take a seat in the safari bus, or even experience the wildlife from the comfort of a boat. 

Or, you want to stay overnight? Geen probleem,  the safari offers multiple overnight accommodations. Stay in the hotel, take a trip to the resort, or rent out a whole house in the middle of the man-made savannah.

9. Learn about fabric history at the Textile Museum 

Not only can you catch a peek into the history of textile making in the Textile Museum, but you can also visit the TextielLab, where designers and artists can be found working on their projects! 

READ MORE | Why you can’t miss Tilburg’s TextielMuseum when in the Netherlands

A working museum, it demonstrates Tilburg’s past as the wool capital of the Netherlands. While you’re there, be sure to stay up-to-date with their latest exciting exhibits.  

10. Indulge those shopaholic tendencies

With the recent reopening of De Heuvelstraat, and the new building of the Emmapassage, the shopping streets in Tilburg have undergone a massive transformation, making it easier for shoppers to meander from store to store. 🛍

With connections from all the main shopping streets and enough food spots to shake your stick at (or your frikandel), shopping in the centre of Tilburg is another one of the best things to do in the city. 🛍

11. Get in your steps at the Wandelbos

In the Wandelbos, you’ll have a spectacular choice of hiking trails to pick from. Not the type to enjoy a long trek? Pack your lunch, and you can have a vibey autumnal picnic on one of the many benches.

Got kids? They’ll love this park for its petting zoo! There are so many animals native to the park; swans, donkey, sheep, goats, and even llamas. 🦙

12. Sing your heart out at karaoke 

Are you an aspiring pop singer? You’ll love playing a night of drunken karoake at Dolfijn, where you can rent a private room for you and your loved ones to belt out ‘Toxic’ like your life depends on it. 

Follow it up by a round of bowling, or grab a cocktail at the bar to celebrate (nearly) hitting those high notes. 🎶

13. Unite with your fellow redheads at the Redhead festival 

Attending the Redhead Days!August 25-27 2023 🧡#ThingsIWillPursueIn2023 #DontWannaMiss #WhileImWaitingfor @TheRedheadDays pic.twitter.com/Ajd3Z38eTV

— 📍Redhead Days Festival (@TheRedheadDays) November 19, 2022

Join the unique 4% of Dutch people lucky enough to have red hair at the Redhead Festival in Tilburg. Those with epic melanin and hair that will avoid dreaded greys can meet in the city and create a memory to never forget. 

Not a redhead? You can also marvel with envy at the thousands of bright-coloured heads while you wonder if auburn would suit you too. 

14. Get lost in Doloris maze

This interactive maze is just one of many incredible things to do in Tilburg. Immerse yourself in the art, and get lost amongst the almost out-of-body pieces, all designed to bring you on an amazing journey of art and discovery. 

Feeling a bit wrecked after that? Climb upstairs, and grab a meal in the restaurant — or enjoy the rooftop bar and marvel at the views of Tilburg. 

15. Read a new book at the world’s 2nd-best library

Awarded the Building of the Year in 2019, and voted the 2nd Best Library in the World, the LocHal in Tilburg is certainly worth a visit. 

READ MORE | The LocHal in Tilburg: how an old building is transformed into a spectacular new library

What was once an old factory has been converted into a hub of literature and community, continuing the tradition of free-to-attend libraries; this is one of the only public spaces in which you’re not expected to spend any precious moolah. 💰

16. Enjoy an evening concert at Concert Hall Tilburg

Music lovers will enjoy this thing to do in Tilburg — attending a concert at the wonderful venue of Schouwburg Concert Hall. Classical music, here we come, and we’ve got our fancy bifocals in hand! 🧐

With events taking place the whole year long, make sure you grab tickets ahead of your visit to Tilburg; or you might be left empty-handed and musicless! 

17. Get a taste of classic Dutch beer at a classic brewery

Zelf bier brouwen bij de stadsbrouwerij Tilburg is echt een goed idee! Wij maakten een triple vlgs. Westmalle receptuur. En die is me toch lekker!!! #Westmolle #DoorEnVoorMollen pic.twitter.com/jFf1OwGrcI

— Liesbeth Mol 👩‍🏫 (@Liesmol65) September 4, 2022

Concert halls, safaris, and contemporary art not your thing? Well, you’re in luck schat, because you can still get a glass of delicious Dutch beer in Tilburg. 

Go to a scrumptious beer tasting or bring your wedding party along to the main bar at City Brewer 013. Or, just sip the night away, questioning the meaning of it all. 🍺

18. Take a trip to the past in a 16th-century chapel

Grote opkomst bij korenmiddag. De tien #koren uit #Tilburg en #Goirle trokken veel bekijks. Deze middag werd georganiseerd ter gelegenheid van het 50-jarig #jubileum van de restauratie van de Hasseltse Kapel. pic.twitter.com/Y8d2RkcBGX

— John Boeren | Antecedentia (@johnboeren_nl) October 15, 2022

Yes, Tilburg has so much to offer for those history nerds. Visit the Hasseltse Kapell, not only a space for religious worship, but also a cultural centre in Tilburg. 

At the church, you can attend the Classical Concert Series, an initiative that hosts budding and renowned musicians for shows in the church — check out their newsletter to keep track of upcoming concerts!

19. Take a romantic walk through the…. sand dunes!?

One thing about Tilburg; there’s more to do in the city than you might think. Visit the National Park Loonse en Drunense Duien, but pack your good shoes, because we’re going wandering through the dunes. 🏖

At this epic national park in Tilburg, you can pick your way through the many trails, and go for a relaxing walk, taking in the wonderful views. 

Phew! This city sure knows how to surprise you; sand dunes, musical concerts, monkeys, and even rooftop bars… there’s just so many things to do in Tilburg. 

So, if you’re thinking of heading to this beautiful Dutch city perhaps extend that day trip, because there’s enough to do to fill a whole weekend — or y’know, lifetime. 

Are you going to visit Tilburg? Have you been? Tell us in a comment below! 👇