Den Bosch / ’s-Hertogenbosch – full of history, culture and the Burgundian lifestyle

What to do in Den Bosch

The name of the city ‘s-Hertogenbosch can be translated to English as ‘The Dukes Forest’, as this city is no forest anymore, there is still a lot of nature to be found in and around the city.

Nature in and around 's-Hertogenbosch

Het Bossche Broek - vast nature reserve with water streams

Enjoy nature at Het Bossche Broek, you can see the cathedral while walking through the nature. Unquestionably a great place to get a breath of fresh air or go for a run. If you come from the city, you enter Het Bossche Broek from the Pettelaarseweg at de Sterrebosweg.

De Moerputten - swamp area and a stunning former train bridge

Another place to find nature is De Moerputten with a stunning bridge and lower wooden bridges through swamp area. To get there, navigate to Deutersestraat 2 (address of the parking place), you can enter from there, and there is also a map with the walking routes (or click here if you rather look for it online 🛤).

History in 's-Hertogenbosch

Birthplace of Jheronimus Bosch

In case you know more about painters, you likewise know that the famous 15th-century painter Jheronimus Bosch is born in the city of Den Bosch. Given that, houses that he depicts in his paintings can still be found at ‘de Markt’ (‘Market’, central place in the city). Also his birth house is still there (Markt 29). In case you want to know more about this famous painter, then without a doubt visit the Jheronimus Bosch Art Center (Jeroen Boschplein 2) to learn more about Jeroen Bosch in Den Bosch.

The Cathedral Church of St. John

A city that embodies this much history cannot go without an immense cathedral. The Cathedral Church of St. John (Sint-Janskathedraal) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in all its glory. The architectural style is mostly gothic and the tower is 73 meters high.

Nativity scene around Christmas

Around Christmas there is a beautiful and unquestionably big Nativity scene inside the cathedral in Den Bosch. The Christmas story is brought to life with life-size animals! Including camels and tigers! A must see when you visit Den Bosch at this time of year. To point out, the Nativity Scene at The Cathedral Church of St. John habitually starts at the 12th of December till the 28th of January. It is free, but then again it’s customary to give money to the angels to support the builders of the scene.

De Markt: central square

De Markt is undeniably the central square of ‘s-Hertogenbosch. As a matter of fact, you will find the statue of Jeroen Bosch (Jheronimus Bosch) at this square. Along the edge of the square you find restaurants, terraces and shops. De Markt embodies the Dutch ‘gezelligheid’, conviviality.

Weekly outdoor market at De Markt

At Saturday you will find the weekly outdoor market at De Markt in Den Bosch from 9am to 5pm. You will experience the real Den Bosch and you can buy the best cheeses and bread here.

City Townhall of Den Bosch

The city townhall (Dutch: Stadhuis) is located at Markt 1, originating from 1366 and built in a classicist barok style, with wall tapestries from the 17th century.

Centuries-old canals in the hearth of the city

Den Bosch is famous for its waterways that are partly under the ground, called de Binnendieze. The canal tour is open from April to October. Since forever, the Kring Vrienden van ‘s-Hertogenbosch organise the boat tours. The Kring Vrienden van ‘s-Hertogenbosch is an association with numerous volunteers that embraces the cultural heritage of the city. In brief, you can buy tickets at Parade 12, Bolwerk Sint Janssingel 25, or online 💻. You will get on the boat at Molenstraat 15A. Kring Vrienden has a website with other activities to do in Den Bosch, please take look if you are interested in activities regarding cultural heritage.

Culture in 's-Hertogenbosch

Carnival (carnaval) in the south of the Netherlands is a big festivity, mostly celebrated in the southern provinces Noord Brabant and Limburg. Because Den Bosch is the capital of Noord Brabant, you can imagine that Den Bosch is the place to be during carnival. In short, it starts 40 days before Easter, so the dates vary every year (February or March). Most important is to dress up! You should get changed into your favorite carnival clothing which can be anything! The people of Den Bosch have their own traditional clothing: mainly a blue keel and a red-white-yellow hand knitted scarf. Want to know more about the carnival? Visit the museum dedicated to carnival: the Oeteldonks Gemintemuzejum (Zusters van Orthenpoort 27).

Shopping in Den Bosch

The most important shopping streets are the Hooge Steenweg, Vughterstraat, Kerkstraat, Markt and the Hinthamerstraat. But in particular you should also check out the Snellestraat, Ridderstraat and Kolperstraat. Visit the little boutique shops like a local :-) Eventhough it can get really cold in summer, there are no inside shopping malls.

Modern Architecture

The ‘New’ Den Bosch is called Het Paleiskwartier and is situated at the west side of the Central Station. You will find all modern architecture, new restaurants and a (2018-brand new) cinema. Explore Het Paleiskwartier by exiting the Central Train Station at the back (west) at Leeghwaterlaan. After that go left on the Statenlaan or Het Rechte Pad and walk alongside the water next to the sail-shaped buildings (water at your left hand) . You will reach the big tower (Jheronimustoren) and you can find some restaurants here. Grab a coffee at the Bagels & Beans and walk back to the city centre via the Paleisbrug. Or watch a movie at the cinema Kinepolis Den Bosch.

Remarkable architecture outside the city centre

Really into new and remarkable architecture? Visit de Bolwoningen and the modern castles of Haverleij.