Venlo is a medium-sized city with over 100,000 inhabitants located in the eastern part of the Netherlands, in the province of Limburg. Just a stone’s throw away from the German-Dutch border, the city is particularly popular among Germans living in the bordering regions. With its lively city center, charming landmark, and beautiful nature, Venlo is a great destination for a day trip.
I lived in Venlo until recently and will share my tips for visiting the city and the surrounding areas, from shopping to sightseeing.
Contents
Is Venlo Worth Visiting?
Venlo is definitely worth visiting, especially if you live or travel in the surrounding area. While I wouldn’t typically include Venlo on a list of must-see destinations for foreign visitors spending only a week in the Netherlands, I believe it’s a great place for those living in the bordering regions (Germany) or expats in the Netherlands.
In fact, most international visitors to Venlo are Germans living in nearby areas. The city is the closest large urban center for people coming from Duisburg, Mönchengladbach, or Düsseldorf. For travelers from Cologne or Aachen, Maastricht is a perfect alternative. Meanwhile, Arnhem and Nijmegen serve those visiting from the German Münsterland region.
If you enjoy sightseeing, nature and shopping, Venlo is a destination you’ll love.
Shopping in Venlo
Venlo is a popular shopping destination, particularly for people from the Limburg province and Germany.
Clothes Shopping
What’s great about Venlo is the wide range of shops you’ll find here. There are large fashion chains, such as Only and Van Haren, which offer products and prices similar to other branches you’d see in other Dutch cities or even in other countries.
In addition to these, there are many small boutiques and independent shops, like THE STING and Fashion Hair & More. If you’re looking for a bargain, Venlo also has the popular Primark.
You’ll find the most popular brands along Vleesstraat and Maasboulevard, while many of the charming boutiques are tucked away in the smaller streets between the main shopping areas.
Tip: Many shops in Venlo are open on Sundays, which is a great perk! While most stores in the Netherlands (including Venlo) close as early as 6 p.m. during weekdays and weekends, Thursday is “koopavond” in Venlo, when most shops stay open until 9 p.m.
Food
In addition to shopping for clothes, food is a major highlight of a day trip to Venlo. Whether you’re craving something typically Dutch, like stroopwafels (thin waffles filled with caramel), or you’d like to try vlaai (a traditional Limburgian cake), Venlo has excellent bakeries specializing in delicious pastries and cakes.
When it comes to grocery shopping, 2 Brüder (literally translated as “two brothers”) is a popular destination for many visitors. This multi-story supermarket offers a wide range of food products that any foodie will love: bread, cookies, drinks, tea, fish, cheese, candy and coffee. In addition to Dutch brands, you’ll find products here that are hard to come by in regular stores, such as Eastern European specialties and special editions of popular brands at discounted prices. Some items, like coffee and certain cheeses, are also cheaper in the Netherlands than abroad (e.g., Germany).
On Saturdays, the Monseigneur Nolensplein square, right next to 2 Brüder, hosts a large market featuring over 100 stands. Here, you can buy a variety of local produce, including cheese, nuts, sweets and meat.
Plants (Garden Centers)
Garden centers in the Netherlands, and especially in Venlo, are well-known for offering a diverse range of products that attract customers from beyond the country’s borders. What sets these garden centers apart is the variety of plants and gardening supplies they offer, and the fact that flowers and plants are relatively affordable.
Regardless of the season, garden centers sell both indoor and outdoor plants, as well as everything you need to create the perfect garden. From pottery and fences to pond accessories, you’ll find it all. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful plant or simply some inspiration for your garden, a visit to a garden center is the way to go.
One thing I particularly enjoy about Dutch garden centers is how they adapt their layouts and product ranges to match the season. For example, before Christmas, many garden centers transform into a “winter wonderland” filled with seasonal decorations.
In Venlo, Leurs stands out as the leading garden center. Located at the Trefcenter, just a few hundred meters from both the highway and the city center, it offers a vast selection of products at moderate prices. What makes Leurs particularly special is the themed decorations, which create a delightful atmosphere.
Tip: If you’re looking for plants or gardening products, garden centers are often your best bet. In comparison, hardware stores or DIY shops tend to be more expensive for gardening supplies.
Sightseeing in Venlo
In addition to shopping, Venlo has some beautiful sights and landmarks that are definitely worth exploring.
Historical City Center
What we love most about Venlo is its charming cityscape. The city center is cozy, scenic, and full of character! Among the historic monuments, you’ll find some true eye-catchers. Take some time to stroll through the narrow streets and explore the hidden gems of the city center.
Old Town Hall
In the heart of Venlo’s historic city center stands the old town hall, a monument you should definitely not miss. If I had to pick just one sight in Venlo, it would be this iconic building. The square in front of the town hall is lined with cozy little restaurants, perfect for enjoying a drink while soaking in the atmosphere.
New Town Hall
Years ago, the city’s administration moved from the historic town hall in the city center to a modern building located on the outskirts. The new town hall is remarkable for its striking green wall that covers the outer walls of the building. These plant-covered walls not only benefit the environment but also serve as a true visual standout, adding a refreshing touch to the modern architecture.
Maas (River)
Another highlight of Venlo is the river Maas, which originates in France and flows through Belgium and the Netherlands, passing through cities like Maastricht, Venlo, and Rotterdam. The Maas divides the city into two parts, with the right-hand side being the more interesting area, as that’s where the city center is located.
In recent years, Venlo has made significant improvements along the riverbank. Cozy cafés now line the Maashaven (behind Maasboulevard), offering a wonderful view of the river. A few hundred meters further, new walking paths and benches have been added, near places like Primark. Grab a bag of Dutch fries from the city center, stroll down to the Maas, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings!
For a short walk, stay on the right side of the river and head north. If you’re in the mood for a longer walk, cross the large railway bridge near the new town hall, and continue walking south along the river. By the way, the photo below was taken from the bridge crossing the river at the new town hall.
St. Martinus Church
St. Martinus Church (St. Martinuskerk) is another iconic landmark of Venlo, located on the edge of the city center, near the 2 Brüder store. This stunning Gothic-style church was built in the 16th century and features a square-shaped tower with 53 bells.
The church is open to visitors daily. On Saturdays, visitors can enjoy a carillon performance in the afternoon. Once a month, guests have the opportunity to climb the 207 stairs to reach the church tower. While it’s not particularly tall, the view of Venlo’s city center from the top is absolutely worth the climb.
Limburgs Museum
Limburgs Museum (Museum of Limburg) is an excellent destination for families. The museum features interactive exhibitions that allow visitors to explore the region’s history, from the time of the Neanderthals to the present day. In addition, the museum offers a variety of activities for children, including treasure hunts and birthday party options. Conveniently located just outside the city center, near the train station, it’s easy to combine a visit to the museum with exploring the rest of Venlo.
Parking in Venlo
In Venlo, most car parks are paid, as is common in many larger cities in the Netherlands. If you’re planning on doing some significant shopping, especially groceries, the best option is to park at Q-Park Nolensplein located just a few meters from the market and the 2 Brüder store.
Alternatively, you can use Q-Park Maasboulevard on the other side of the city, near the Maasboulevard and the new town hall. This car park is conveniently located for sightseeing or shopping in the city center.
Free parking in Venlo? Yes, it’s possible, but you’ll need to walk a little further. To find free parking, you can head towards Antoniuslaan. The first part of the street offers paid parking, but you’ll find free parking further along, about a 10-15 minute walk to the city center.
Another option is parking in the Groenveld area located behind the street Groenveldsingel. It’s a quiet residential area with plenty of free parking spaces, though it’s about a 15-minute walk to the station, where the city center begins.
In the Area
- Roermond: The closest large city to Venlo, known for its Designer Outlet offering a variety of designer brand stores. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Venlo.
- Toverland Sevenum: A popular theme park with several attractions, including five rollercoasters—ideal for families. Located about a 20-minute drive from Venlo.
- Arcen: A charming village along the Maas River, featuring shops for groceries and the impressive Kasteeltuinen (castle gardens). It’s about a 20-minute drive from Venlo.
- Maasduinen National Park: A vast park with forests, heathlands, dunes, and lakes—perfect for long walks and nature lovers. Situated about a 20-30 minute drive from Venlo.
- De Grote Heide: A scenic heathland just on the outskirts of Venlo, perfect for a short walk (1-1.5 hours) with family or dogs. It’s only about a 5-minute drive from the city center.
Share Your Feedback & Questions
Have you ever been to Venlo or are you planning to visit soon? Share your experience and questions in the comments section down the page. We’d love to hear from you!
Note: The brands and shops mentioned in this post are not advertisements but rather our personal recommendations based on our own experiences and opinions.
