Tilburg

The creative heart of Noord-Brabant, where contemporary art
meets the warm, friendly atmosphere of Brabant

Quick Facts

220,000+
Residents
18%
Students (highest in NL!)
1.5M+
Kermis Visitors
Kruikenstad
Carnival Name

Did You Know?

Oldest Funfair in the Netherlands

The first Tilburgse Kermis was organized way back in 1570! Today, it's the largest funfair in the Benelux with 250+ attractions across 4.5 kilometers.

King Willem II's Favorite City

King Willem II loved Tilburg so much he built a palace here to escape court life. He died in Tilburg in 1849, and his palace still stands today!

The Wool Capital

Tilburg was once known as the "wool capital of the Netherlands" with 145 wool mills in 1881. The TextielMuseum keeps this rich industrial heritage alive.

Must-Visit Attractions

Doloris' Meta Maze

A mind-bending surrealist art installation. Walk through a three-dimensional painting that challenges your perception and stimulates all your senses.

📍 Spoorzone

De Pont Museum

One of the best contemporary art museums in the Netherlands. Housed in a former wool spinning mill with 800+ works from 80 different artists.

📍 Wilhelminapark

LocHal Library

Award-winning library in a converted locomotive hall. Winner of "Best Building of the Year 2019" and multiple international architecture prizes.

📍 Spoorzone

Spoorpark

A citizen-initiated urban park built on former industrial grounds. Perfect for picnics, camping, sports, and relaxing in the heart of the city.

📍 Central Tilburg

TextielMuseum

Experience Tilburg's textile heritage with working looms and modern design lab. Watch artisans create and design your own textile products.

📍 Goirkestraat

Koningshoeven Abbey

Visit one of the few Trappist monasteries in the world. The monks have been brewing La Trappe beer here since 1884. Tours and tastings available!

📍 Berkel-Enschot

Things To Do

City Walking Tour

Explore Tilburg's monuments and history on foot. See King Willem II's statue, the Kruikezeiker (carnival symbol), and historic textile buildings.

  • Start at Willem II monument (Heuvel)
  • Visit the Kermis monument at NS-Plein
  • Walk through the historic Dwaalgebied
  • End at Piushaven waterfront

Cycling Route

Bike through Tilburg's green spaces and surrounding nature. The city has excellent cycling infrastructure with dedicated red bike lanes everywhere.

  • Cycle to Loonse & Drunense Dunes (Brabant Sahara)
  • Explore Oisterwijk Fens nature reserve
  • Visit nearby Efteling theme park (15 min)
  • Rent bikes at central station

Nightlife & Culture

Tilburg's student population ensures a lively cultural scene with concerts, theater, and vibrant bars.

  • 013 - Brabant's premier music venue
  • Schouwburg & Concertzaal - classical concerts
  • Heuvel & Piusplein - terrace hopping
  • CINECITTA - cultural cinema since 1983

Annual Events

Time your visit with Tilburg's world-famous festivals for an unforgettable experience.

  • Tilburgse Kermis (July) - Biggest funfair in Benelux
  • Roze Maandag - Pink Monday LGBT celebration
  • Carnaval (February/March) - Kruikenstad festivities
  • Festival Mundial - World music festival

Getting to Tilburg

🚂

By Train

Tilburg Centraal is well-connected to major Dutch cities. From Amsterdam: 1.5 hours with a change at Utrecht. From Rotterdam: 1 hour. From Eindhoven: 20 minutes.

✈️

By Plane

Nearest airports are Eindhoven Airport (30 min) and Amsterdam Schiphol (1.5 hours). Brussels Airport is also nearby (1.5 hours).

🚌

Local Transport

City buses connect all neighborhoods. The center is walkable and bike-friendly. Bike rentals available at the station.

Want to explore more?