Situated in the North Brabant province in the southern region of The Netherlands, Breda has earned a notoriety of being a cozy city that teems with culture and friendliness to all who have visited. From unique architectural creations to tranquil natural areas, to just walking the streets that have been mostly undisturbed for centuries, Breda possesses a variety of things that keep its citizens and travelers captivated.
1. Reptile House De Aarde
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Posted by Reptielenhuis De Aarde on Thursday, 2 July 2015
For those who are intrigued by the wonders of the reptilian representatives of the animal kingdom, the Reptile House De Aarde will satisfy that curiosity. Located in the northern area of Breda, this zoo is owned and run by the Maas family. The zoo facility was designed and then constructed over a span of two years. The Reptile House is not only home to various species of snakes and lizards, there’s also exhibits featuring a number of crocodiles, turtles and frogs. There’s even a section featuring live insects which includes scorpions. If you’re not shy, you can even help the handlers feed some of the reptiles on site.
Reptile House de Aarde
Address: Aardenhoek 26, 4817 NE
Price: 7.00 USD (6.45 EUR)
Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm Wednesday to Sunday.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: 25 minutes via transit from Breda Centrum.
Contact: +31 765879165
Website: Reptile House de Aarde
2. Old Town Breda
Breda offers a great deal of enjoyment to all of those who like to gain more information about the city they’re visiting. The Old Town is considered to be composed of a number of different edifices and areas dating back to the 1400s, located mostly within the center of the city. Travelers can gain a quick insight through the Historiche Kilometer, a city walk that ties together some of the main sights around Breda, some of which include preserved gardens and statues. Another aspect of the Old Town to take in would be the Nassau-Baroniemonument, a structure that honors the history of the alliance between the House of Orange and the House of Nassau that took place 500 years ago which helped to give Breda its national stature. The best place to begin this sojourn is at the Tourist Center that is located at the train station.
Old Town Breda
Duration: visitors can spend up to 3 hours.
Contact: +31 0765228924 (for Tourist Center)
Website: Old Town Breda
3. The Mastbos
The horticultural wonders that Holland has to offer is well represented in The Mastbos. Located just south of the city, The Mastbos is a massive pine forest which is well known across the country. It got its name due to the fact that the pine trees here served as the masts for the ships that made up the Dutch East India Company centuries ago. The forest’s current boundaries date back to 1515. Many come to The Mastbos to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and cross-country running. The forest has a number of well-kept lanes and in one public area, visitors can see Kasteel Bouvigne, which has sat on those grounds since the late 1400s and was restored in the 1970s by the Dutch government.
The Mastbos
Price: free
Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: visitors can spend up to 4 hours here.
Access: 18 minutes via car from Breda Centrum
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4. Spanjaardsgat
Spanjaardsgat, or “Spaniard’s Hole” is a popular historical sight in Breda. Restored completely in 2008, this landmark is a water gate that is connected to Castle Breda and was part of the entrance to the castle via an offshoot of the Mark River. The intriguing part of the monument is the hole that lies at the bottom of the gate. There are those that state that when the Spanish invaded the city in the Eighty Years War, they managed to get into the castle through this hole that was created since the gate was then part of the fortifications, hence its name. For now, visitors can view it from the ancient port and there are a few celebrations that are held in its vicinity on the bridge.
Spanjaardsgat
Address: Kasteelplein, Breda, The Netherlands
Price: free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Duration: visitors usually spend 15 to 30 minutes here.
Access: 5 minute walk from Breda Centrum
5. Begijnhof
The Begijnhof in Breda lies at the center of the city. It is a former beguine, or convent that dates back to the 13th Century. These laywomen that lived here were in service to the church and the community, but weren’t nuns. As the 20th Century came along, the Begijnhof underwent several restorations in order to become a museum complex and private courtyard. Visitors here will find a pristine courtyard and a few people that still reside in the complex maintaining herb gardens in addition to other duties. There is also a museum for antique dollhouses and thimbles on site, and the garden walk is a favorite activity for all.
Begijnhof
Address: Catharinastraat 29, 4811 XE
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm daily.
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: 4 minute walk via Cathariastraat from Breda Centrum
Contact: +31 765222609
Website: Begijnhof (in Dutch)
6. Ginnekenmarkt
For those visiting Breda, heading over to Ginnekenmarkt is one thing that is a must. The surrounding village that holds the Ginnekenmarkt was once separate. It began its existence in 1877, but it was annexed to the city in 1942. The town square and market are mostly preserved from that time period, and give visitors a real feeling of warmth as they move about the older buildings and the cobblestone streets, all with homages to French influences. The square is ringed with a diverse array of restaurants, cafes and boutiques and many come to hang out there after eating. There are also other historical points here such as a stone water pump that served the entire town and the town’s church dating back to the 1500s.
Ginnekenmarkt
Address: Ginnekenmarkt | hoek Ginnekenweg Duivelsbruglaan, 4835 JC,
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: 30 minutes from city center of Breda
Near by Food: several restaurants within the town square.
Website: Ginnekenmarkt (in Dutch)
7. Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk
The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk is Breda’s most cherished landmark and ranks high among the sights to see in the city. Commonly known as Grote Kerk, the church dates back to 1410 when the initial chapel was first refurbished and it began to take larger shape, although there is some speculation that it may have been present since the century prior. Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk sits right in the city center, and can be seen from pretty much any vantage point in the city. Once closed for extensive repairs, it is now open to the public and hosts various events from weddings to local conferences. Visitors can keenly observe the majestic sweeping Gothic ceilings and the delicate artistry of the windows inside. Visiting Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk will cap off your visit to Breda in fine fashion.
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk
Address: Kerkplein 2, 4811 XT Breda
Price: from 6.00 USD (5.56 EUR)
Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm Monday to Saturday. 1pm - 5pm Sundays.
Duration: visitors spend up to 2 hours here
Access: 3 minute walk from Breda Centrum.
Contact: +31 765218267
Website Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk
Some last words about Breda
The Netherlands is a rich and multi-faceted country that owns an important place within the European continent, and it is bolstered by its larger cities and cities like Breda. Breda offers visitors a potent glimpse into Dutch culture and history and at the same time, manages to make these visitors feel as if Breda is their home. Travel to Breda and steep yourself in its warmth and grace.
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