The city of Breda in The Netherlands is fast becoming a cherished destination for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Dutch culture in more of a genteel fashion. While not in the same vein as can be found in the nation’s most recognizable city of Amsterdam, Breda’s nightlife has a charm all its own thanks to a compelling mix of the traditional and the modern. Here are some evening activities that will give visitors a highly enjoyable look at Breda in all of its splendor.
1. Café de Beyerd
The city of Breda has had a storied history when it comes to food and drink, having once been home to the country’s largest brewery known as Oranjeboom until it closed in 2004. That fine tradition thrives in The Beyerd, a café and brewery that is a block from the Valkenberg park and a short distance from the Mark river. Opening in 1838, Café de Beyerd has prided itself on providing quality beer, and has taken that dedication to new lengths by creating their own in-house brewery in 2004 where patrons can admire the gleaming copper kettles that bring to mind the bygone days of beer-making. One popular tour includes dinner in their restaurant, which features a menu of Belgian and Dutch dishes crafted with beer. And in terms of that hearty beverage, there are over 120 different brews to choose from, featuring nine of their own in-house drafts, including the Drie Hoefijers Klassiek. This listing also has beers from the US and other small craft breweries across Europe.
Café de Beyerd
Address: Boschstraat 26, 4811 GH Breda, Netherlands
Price: from 10 USD
Opening Hours: 10am - 1am, until 2am on Friday and Saturday. Closed on Wednesdays.
Duration: patrons usually spend 2 hours here.
Access: 10 minutes from Begjinhof Museum
Contact: +31 76 521 4265
Website: Café de Beyerd
2. See an evening football match at Rat Verlegh Stadion
Football is the sport dear to everyone’s heart in The Netherlands, and Breda natives are ardent supporters of NAC Breda, their home team since 1912. The stadium, located a little over a mile outside of the city center, is named after the team’s most popular player, Antoon ‘Rat’ Verlegh. The team has made it a point to play their home matches on Saturday evenings in the season, which adds to the excitement for diehard and casual fans of the game alike. Once there, visitors can take some time and visit the NAC museum which displays the rich history of the club and is maintained through a partnership with the fans. Another attraction is Café Beatrix, where many congregate before and during the matches. If you really want to feel at one with the crowd, grab a jersey or dress in the team colors of yellow and black to add some extra thrill seeing European soccer.
Rat Verlegh Stadion
Address: Stadionstraat 23, 4815 NC Breda, Netherlands
Price: from 13.95 to 29.50 USD
Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm, until 11pm on match days
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: 15 minute bus ride from Breda Centrum to Breda, Stadion NAC then walk 5 minutes
Contact: +31 76 521 4500
Near by Food: Cafe Beatrix, inside the stadium
Website: Rat Verlegh Stadion
3. Enjoy a show at The Chassé Theater
The Chassé Theater is the largest film theater in the south of the Netherlands and receives more than 350,000 visitors every year. They offer a range of national and international theater shows and movie screenings.
The eye-catching building in Breda’s city center features three different theater halls, a cinema and different restaurants (for example, Vensters’). In addition to the diverse and unique cultural offer, the Chassé Theater is a popular location for many events and conferences. Freelancers and companies can also make use of the working space.
The Chassé Theater
Address: Claudius Prinsenlaan 8, 4811 DK Breda, Netherlands
Website: The Chassé Theater
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4. Visit the Holland Casino Breda
If you’re feeling your palms beginning to itch for some gambling action, take a jaunt over to the Holland Casino. This is part of the national chain, and stands out thanks to both its optimal location next to the Chasse’ Theatre and its unique structure. The building was once a monastery dating back to the 19th century, and the casino made sure to utilize the space to create an elegant environment with a luxurious bar at the center of the action. There is an entrance fee, and the casino does have a dress code with an emphasis on evening style. Patrons can spend a rousing evening of fun here gaming and also dining. The restaurant on site offers standard Continental fare, with a slight nod to the region found in their wiener schnitzel entrée. Visitors can try their luck at the slot machines, table games and even the national bingo drawing.
The Holland Casino Breda
Address: Kloosterplein 20, 4811 GP Breda, Netherlands
Price: 5 USD admission
Opening Hours: 12pm - 3am. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: around 1.5 - 4 hours required.
Access: 8 minute walk via Oude Vert
Contact: +31 76 525 1100
Website: The Holland Casino Breda
5. Take a long walk through the Old Town
An evening walk through the center of Breda will open your eyes to all the city has to offer, thanks to the numerous historical sights that together make up the Old Town. On your walk, you can catch the final flurry of activity in the Grote Markt (Large Market), which closes around 5pm. The open-air market is ringed with cafes and pubs where you can pause for a bit of refreshment before stepping out once again. From there, it’s a short distance to view Grote Kerk (Large Church) which is also known as Onze-Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady). First erected in 1410, its spire bearing a Latin Cross can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. There’s also various events held at Grote Kerk that are open to the public. If you’re feeling romantic, head on over to Valkenburg park which is located halfway between the Grote Markt and the railway station. Take the path along the park’s northern edge to see both the canal that runs along it as well as a lighthouse designed by famed Italian architect Aldo Rossi. Valkenburg is a gentle rolling plateau of green, and was formerly the main garden for the Castle of Breda. It takes its name from the area where the lords and guests engaged in falconry.
Old Town Breda
Price: free
Duration: walking around can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours
A perfect evening for any visitor!
If you believe in gaining a better appreciation of a city that may not be on everyone’s radar by fully enveloping yourself in what that town has to offer, taking the time to explore Breda will be worth your while. The city is a genteel collage of warmth, picturesque architecture, natural wonder and modern European style. Whether you’re a sports, theatre, gambling or architecture enthusiast, or foodie, Breda has something fun for you! Visit Breda and add your own memories to the mix.
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