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The Breda cultural explorer bucket list

    Are you planning to visit Breda? That's an excellent plan. In this historical city, culture enthusiasts can indulge themselves. You must check off this bucket list when you have been to Breda.

    1. Climb De Grote Kerk

    You are not allowed to leave Breda before admiring De Grote Kerk. The highlight of Breda is the 15th-century Grote Kerk located on the Grote Markt. Originally Catholic, it passed into Protestant hands after the iconoclastic fury. Nine Nassaus and the first Prince of Orange found their final resting place there. Climb up for a piece of tangible history and a fantastic view.

    De Grote Kerk of Breda, lit in red

    2. Stay at Hotel Nassau

    Do you want to enjoy two or more days in Breda? One of the most beautiful hotels in Breda is Hotel Nassau, located in the city centre. In one of the characteristic rooms of Hotel Nassau, you can relax. Hotel Nassau is originally an extensive complex of various national monuments in one of the oldest streets in Breda. Discover the history of this special location.

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    Bed in Hotel Nassau with a view of the Grote Kerk Breda.

    3. Blind Walls Gallery

    Breda is a large open-air museum. Here you can not only discover beautiful historical buildings, but also find artistic murals throughout the city. Blind Walls Gallery is the museum on the streets. It features a growing collection of 100 murals created by international artists. Each painting is based on a Breda story that fits the location. Cycle or walk along the street art and be surprised.

    Colourful Blind Wall at car park Achter de Lange Stallen

    4. Walking through Catharinastraat

    One of the most photographed streets is Catharinastraat. And we understand why! From this street, you have a view of the Great Church, but you can also find the Beguinage and one of the entrances to Valkenberg Park here. Not to mention the beautiful buildings located in this street! Catharinastraat still houses a large number of very grand, stately residences, the so-called 'courtyard houses' once inhabited by the city's elite.

    Explain nightlife street with De Grote Kerk in the background

    5. The Begijnhof

    If you are in Catharinastraat, don't forget to take a stroll through the Begijnhof. An idyllic, peaceful place in the vibrant centre of Breda, where you can momentarily travel back in time. Until the 1990s, this is where the beguines lived - pious, single women who carried out 'good works' in education and healthcare in the city. Read more about the Begijnhof here.

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    The green Beguinage, with a statue of two beguines, the vegetable garden, beguinage houses, and the St. Catharina chapel.

    6. Bouvigne Castle

    The estate of Bouvigne Castle dates back to the fifteenth century and consists of a fairytale castle surrounded by three special gardens. The orchard has been restored to its former glory and there are several artworks on the estate. This beautiful estate is well worth a visit. The castle itself is only sporadically open to the public. However, the beautifully landscaped gardens in English, French and German styles can be visited on all working days.  

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    Castle Bouvigne surrounded by water and green nature

    7. Breda City Museum

    Stedelijk Museum Breda is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to experience and discover the history and art of Breda and its surroundings.
    Two permanent exhibitions 'De Nassaus van Breda - Kasteel, stad en land' and 'Ambitie & Verlangen - Breda in the 19th century' offer a fresh and current perspective on the history of the city and region. Thanks to the interactive Family Trails, these presentations are really worth it for young and old alike. Additionally, the museum showcases changing exhibitions focusing on contemporary artists and current themes.

    Read more about Stedelijk Museum Breda.

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    Front view of the Stedelijk Museum Breda

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