Breda is not called the pearl of the south for nothing. This burgundian Nassau city is the perfect destination for a day out if you ask me. Breda is known for its historic centre, the beautiful surrounding nature and of course for its Brabant conviviality. Being born and raised in Breda myself, I am proud to share my favourite spots with you.
Special overnight stays - Sleeping in the backyard of a local from Breda
A successful city trip naturally requires an original stay. Bed & Breakfast Het Huisje Breda is perfect if you prefer to stay in a small-scale hidden pearl. Just under two kilometres from the city centre, this adorable chalet is located in the backyard of Jolande and her daughter Guusje, in the burgundy district of Het Ginneken.
Food and drink - Unique places in Breda
Breda’s creative hotspot – Brandpunt
Few combinations work better than delicious coffee, original gifts and creativity. You can discover all of this at once at Brandpunt: Breda’s creative hotspot. Most of the gifts in the shop are handmade in-house in the laser lab.
Reading tip: Honeyguide Laura already wrote about the best restaurants in Breda.
See and do - Discover the pearl of the south
Not the ‘9 Straatjes’, but certainly the prettiest streets – Breda’s streets
Breda has streets just as lovely as those in Amsterdam. My absolute favourite of Breda’s streets is Sint Annastraat. Other streets where there’s plenty to see include Nieuwe Ginnekenstraat, Sint Janstraat, Ginnekenweg, Veemarktstraat, Boschstraat and Haagdijk. Don’t forget to pop into my local shops, such as Souk Breda and Casa Maria, or grab a table at my favourite restaurants, KAMU and Tante Betsie.
A stroll through the city centre – The hidden Willem Merkxtuin
Breda is steeped in history! Stroll past Breda Castle, pop into the Beguinage or explore the boutiques in ‘t Sas. Fancy a break? Personally, I like to head to Valkenberg Park to feed the geese or visit the ‘hidden’ Willem Merkxtuin. This green oasis right in the heart of Breda is unknown to many people. From the garden, you have a stunning view of the Lieve Vrouwe Church and you’ll be completely oblivious to the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The entrance to this garden is on Sint Annastraat, but keep a sharp eye out as it’s easy to walk straight past it.
Discover the canals from the water – boating in Breda
What could be more fun than getting to know Breda from the water? At Bootje Varen Breda, you can hire your own boat to explore the city. A trip around the canals is definitely worth it, but do venture off the beaten track towards the Markdal. In this nature reserve, you’ll sail through a gateway of willows and alders growing on either side of the River Mark. Do also pop into BAAI for a few drinks by the water’s edge. At BAAI, you really feel as though you’re at a festival, thanks to the homemade décor and the unique location on the Markkade.
A hub for creative entrepreneurs – STEK
STEK is definitely my favourite spot in Breda. A creative hub in the industrial Belcrum district. At STEK, local entrepreneurs have, over the past few years, developed a business park with inspiring infrastructure by reusing building materials. When I’m at STEK, I love nothing more than eating homemade pancakes at Radio Pannenkoek, before kicking off the summer evening with live music at Houtje Touwtje Stro Gebouwtje.
Honeyguide Laura wrote a blog about Leeuwarden, Honeyguide Simone about the cosy Hanseatic city Zutphen and Honeyguide Eliane about Deventer. Immerse yourself completely in these unique cities.
Love,
Anne-Floor